Cutting apparatus and cutting method for edible products

Abstract

A cutting apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a cutting roller including a cutting body having a cylindrical shape and configured to rotate about an axis defined in a leftward / rightward direction, and a cutting blade protruding more outward than a surface of the cutting body in a radial direction of the cutting body to cut an edible food product provided in a forward / backward direction, and a cutting base member disposed at a position facing the cutting roller based on the edible food product to support the edible food product to be cut by the cutting roller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a cutting device for edible food products and a cutting method using the device. Background Technology

[0002] Food ingredients require fine processing to manufacture sheet-like edible foods by processing them into thin sheets. Without fine processing, food ingredients are torn, wrinkled, or deformed, and subsequent processes cannot proceed properly, potentially leading to process interruptions and reduced productivity. With skilled operators handling food ingredients, edible foods can be produced while minimizing material loss and production time. However, when unskilled operators perform the operation or when using improperly designed machinery, food ingredients cannot be finely processed, potentially resulting in food ingredient damage and reduced productivity.

[0003] Typically, in order to manufacture edible foods using thin food ingredients, a method of receiving food ingredients in a stacked manner can be used. This involves stacking multiple food ingredients, separating the food ingredient sheets from the stack, and then performing a predetermined process to produce the edible food. In this process, the food ingredients require particularly fine handling.

[0004] Meanwhile, seaweed snacks can be processed by cutting them into small units of appropriate size, making them easy for consumers to eat. However, due to the nature of seaweed, particles such as debris generated during the cutting process and accumulating or becoming trapped in the cutting equipment during repeated processes can hinder smooth operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] This disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a cutting device and a cutting method using the cutting device, which can smoothly remove particles that occur during the process of cutting edible food products such as seaweed snacks into small pieces, thereby reducing defects and increasing productivity.

[0007] Technical solution

[0008] A cutting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a cutting roller including a cutting body and a cutting blade, the cutting body having a cylindrical shape and configured to rotate about an axis defined in a left / right direction, the cutting blade protruding further outward in a radial direction than the surface of the cutting body to cut an edible food product provided in a forward / backward direction; and a cutting base component disposed at a position facing the cutting roller based on the edible food product to support the edible food product to be cut by the cutting roller.

[0009] A cutting method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes: receiving an edible food product; cutting the edible food product by rotating a cutting roller, the cutting roller including a cutting body and a cutting blade, the cutting body having a cylindrical shape and configured to rotate about an axis defined in a left / right direction, the cutting blade protruding further outward in the radial direction of the cutting body than the surface of the cutting body, to cut the edible food product provided in a forward / backward direction; and injecting gas through a jet hole disposed in the cutting body and adjacent to the cutting blade to remove particles at the periphery of the cutting blade.

[0010] Technical effect

[0011] Therefore, it can smoothly remove particles that appear during the process of cutting edible food products into small pieces, thereby reducing defects and increasing productivity. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of a system for manufacturing edible food according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a system for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a right view of a system for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a left view of a system for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing some components of a cutting device for a system for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure exposed to the outside.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing some components of a cutting device for a system for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure exposed to the outside when viewed from another direction.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a right view showing some components of a cutting device for a system for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure exposed to the outside.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a view showing the internal structure of a cutting device for a system for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 9 It is shown in detail Figure 8 Detailed images of certain parts.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a view showing the internal structure of a cutting device for a system for manufacturing edible food, according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 11 It is shown in detail Figure 10 Detailed images of certain parts.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing edible food according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a method for cutting edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] In the following description, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the illustrative accompanying drawings. When providing reference numerals for the constituent elements in the corresponding drawings, it should be noted that, where possible, the same constituent elements will be represented by the same reference numerals even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of related well-known configurations or functions will be omitted when it is determined that a detailed description would obscure the understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Additionally, the terms first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) are used to describe the constituent elements of embodiments of this disclosure. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from another, and the nature, order, or sequence of the constituent elements is not limited by these terms. When a constituent element is described as being “connected,” “linked,” or “attached” to another constituent element, it should be understood that one constituent element may be directly connected or directly attached to another constituent element, and intermediate constituent elements may also be “connected,” “linked,” or “attached” to constituent elements.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of a system 1 for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a system 1 for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a right view of a system 1 for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a left view of a system 1 for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a system 1 for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first food ingredient supply device 20, a second food ingredient supply device 30, and a pressing device 50. The system 1 for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a system frame 10, a bonding agent spraying device 41, an auxiliary bonding agent spraying device 42, an intermediate conveyor 61, an unloading conveyor 62, a cutting device 70, and a processor 80.

[0029] In this specification, the forward / backward, left / right, and up / down directions are defined for ease of description and may be orthogonal to each other. However, these directions are defined relative to the orientation in which the system 1 for manufacturing edible food is arranged. The up / down direction does not necessarily mean the vertical direction.

[0030] The edible food produced by the system 1 for manufacturing edible food according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be seaweed snack SN. Food ingredients used to produce the edible food may include a first food ingredient and a second food ingredient. The first food ingredient may be seaweed SW, and the second food ingredient may be rice paper RP. A unit product produced by cutting the edible food may be a unit snack SU. Therefore, in the following description, the configuration and operation of the system 1 for manufacturing edible food will be described by using seaweed snack SN instead of edible food, a single piece of seaweed SW instead of a single piece of the first food ingredient, a seaweed pile WS instead of a pile of the first food ingredient, a seaweed box WC instead of a box of the first food ingredient, a single piece of rice paper RP instead of a single piece of the second food ingredient, a paper pile PS instead of a pile of the second food ingredient, a paper box PC instead of a box of the second food ingredient, and a unit snack SU instead of a unit product. However, the edible food, the first food ingredient, and the second food ingredient are not limited thereto.

[0031] The first food ingredient supply device 20 and the second food ingredient supply device 30 can be located at the rear end of the system 1 for manufacturing edible food. The first food ingredient supply device 20 and the second food ingredient supply device 30 can respectively supply seaweed and rice paper forward, thereby producing a semi-finished product HG in which the seaweed is placed on the rice paper. The semi-finished product HG can be pressed by a pressing device 50 located in front of the first food ingredient supply device 20 and the second food ingredient supply device 30 to manufacture seaweed snack SN. The first food ingredient supply device 20 can be located above the second food ingredient supply device 30, so that the supplied seaweed can be easily placed on the rice paper.

[0032] A system 1 for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a system frame 10. The system frame 10 is a component element serving as a frame, configured to fix the relative positions of the components included in the system 1 for manufacturing edible food. The system frame 10 may be configured via connecting beams extending in the left / right, forward / backward, and upward / downward directions.

[0033] First food ingredient supply equipment 20

[0034] The first food ingredient supply device 20 is configured to separate individual seaweed sheets SW from a seaweed pile WS comprising multiple stacked seaweed sheets and supply the individual seaweed sheets SW. The seaweed pile WS can be placed on a seaweed box WC and supplied.

[0035] The first food ingredient supply device 20 may include a first food ingredient box moving component 25. The first food ingredient box moving component 25 is configured to selectively position the seaweed box WC at a first raised position and at a second raised position located behind the first raised position. The first food ingredient box moving component 25 may include a first food ingredient box track 251 extending in a forward / reverse direction and a first food ingredient box mounting component 252 coupled to the first food ingredient box track 251 for sliding in the forward / reverse direction. The seaweed box WC may be placed on the first food ingredient box mounting component 252 and disposed along the first food ingredient box track 251.

[0036] The first food ingredient supply device 20 may include a first food ingredient lifting component 21. The first food ingredient lifting component 21 is configured to separate upward from the seaweed box WC and move the seaweed pile WS, which includes multiple stacked seaweed sheets, onto the seaweed box WC.

[0037] The first food ingredient supply device 20 may include a first food ingredient separating component 22. The first food ingredient separating component 22 is configured to grip and move individual seaweed sheets SW from the seaweed pile WS. The first food ingredient separating component 22 may move upward or downward. The first food ingredient separating component 22 may draw in individual seaweed sheets SW at the upper end of the seaweed pile WS and move the individual seaweed sheets SW upward.

[0038] While the first food ingredient separation component 22 moves upward or downward, repeatedly providing or cutting off negative pressure, the first food ingredient lifting blower 26 can continuously maintain its operating state.

[0039] The first food ingredient supply device 20 may include a horizontal moving member 24. The horizontal moving member 24 is configured to forwardly transfer a single sheet of seaweed SW that has been moved upward by the suction block 221 of the first food ingredient separating member 22. The horizontal moving member 24 may be a suction conveyor. The horizontal moving member 24 is configured such that its lower surface contacts the upper surface of the single sheet of seaweed SW that has been moved upward by the first food ingredient separating member 22. The horizontal moving member 24 is configured to forwardly transfer the single sheet of seaweed SW that is in contact with the horizontal moving member 24.

[0040] The first food ingredient supply device 20 may include a first food ingredient transfer component 23. The first food ingredient transfer component 23 may be configured to transfer a single piece of seaweed SW to a pressing device 50, the single piece of seaweed SW having been separated by a first food ingredient separating component 22 and conveyed forward by a horizontal moving component 24. The first food ingredient transfer component 23 may include a plurality of first food ingredient transfer conveyors 231. The first food ingredient transfer component 23 may include a first food ingredient transfer housing 232, the first food ingredient transfer housing 232 being configured to surround its interior, thereby separating the interior from the exterior space.

[0041] Second food ingredient supply equipment 30

[0042] The second food ingredient supply device 30 is configured to separate individual rice paper sheets RP from a paper stack PS comprising multiple stacked rice paper sheets and supply the individual rice paper sheets RP. The paper stack PS can be placed on a paper box PC and supplied.

[0043] The second food ingredient supply device 30 may include a second food ingredient box moving component 35 and a second food ingredient lifting component 31. Since the descriptions of the second food ingredient box moving component 35 and the second food ingredient lifting component 31 are the same as those of the first food ingredient box moving component 25 and the first food ingredient lifting component 21, except that seaweed is replaced with rice paper, the descriptions of the second food ingredient box moving component 35 and the second food ingredient lifting component 31 are replaced with the descriptions of the first food ingredient box moving component 25 and the first food ingredient lifting component 21.

[0044] The second food ingredient supply device 30 may include a second food ingredient separating component 32. The second food ingredient separating component 32 is configured to hold and move a single sheet of rice paper RP forward from the paper stack PS. The second food ingredient separating component 32 may include: a second food ingredient holding member 322 configured to hold the single sheet of rice paper RP; and a rocker arm 321 configured to move the single sheet of rice paper RP drawn by the second food ingredient holding member 322.

[0045] The second food ingredient holding member 322 is configured to hold a single piece of rice paper RP positioned at the uppermost side of a plurality of rice paper sheets included in a stack of paper PS by suction.

[0046] The second food ingredient holding member 322 may include a plurality of second food ingredient suction heads 3221 and 3222. The second food ingredient suction heads 3221 and 3222 are slidably and fixedly connected to the second food ingredient holding frame 3223, such that the spacing between the second food ingredient suction heads 3221 and 3222 is adjustable.

[0047] The second food ingredient supply device 30 may include a second food ingredient transfer component 33. The second food ingredient transfer component 33 is configured to transfer a single sheet of rice paper RP, which has been conveyed by the second food ingredient separation component 32, to the pressing device 50.

[0048] The second food ingredient transfer component 33 may include a second food ingredient holding roller 34. The second food ingredient holding roller 34 is a roller that can be stopped or rotated to convey rice paper to the second food ingredient conveyor described below at the appropriate time, without immediately conveying and transferring the individual rice paper RP to the second food ingredient conveyor while the individual rice paper RP is being conveyed by the second food ingredient separating component 32.

[0049] The second food ingredient conveyor may include a second food ingredient belt 331 and a second food ingredient roller 332 configured to rotate the second food ingredient belt 331. The second food ingredient transfer component 33 may include second food ingredient positioning rods 333. A plurality of second food ingredient positioning rods 333 may be disposed on the second food ingredient conveyor and spaced apart from each other in a forward / backward direction. The plurality of second food ingredient positioning rods 333 may project outward from the second food ingredient conveyor in a forward / backward or upward / downward direction.

[0050] Adhesive spraying device 41

[0051] A system 1 for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a binder spraying device 41. The binder spraying device 41 may include a spray nozzle 411. The spray nozzle 411 may be connected to a binder supply component and sprays binder onto the upper surface of rice paper transferred by a second food ingredient conveyor.

[0052] The adhesive spraying device 41 may include a spray cap 412. The spray cap 412 allows the adhesive sprayed from the spray nozzle 411 to be sprayed onto the rice paper only in the area within the spray cap 412 without spreading to the outside.

[0053] Pressing device 50

[0054] The pressing device 50 is configured to manufacture seaweed snack SN by pressing a semi-finished product HG, which is made by placing a supplied single sheet of seaweed SW on a supplied single sheet of rice paper RP. The pressing device 50 can press the seaweed and rice paper together.

[0055] The pressing device 50 may include a pressing base component 51. The pressing base component 51 is configured such that the semi-finished product HG moves forward along its upper surface. The pressing base component 51 is used to support the semi-finished product HG when the pressing roller component 52, which will be described below, presses the semi-finished product HG.

[0056] The pressing device 50 may include a pressing lifting member 53. The pressing lifting member 53 may be coupled to a pressing frame 56 coupled to a pressing base member 51, and may move upward or downward.

[0057] The pressing device 50 may include a pressing roller component 52. The pressing roller component 52 is coupled to the pressing lifting component 53 and configured to rotate about an axis defined in a left / right direction in order to press down the semi-finished product HG passing under the pressing roller component 52.

[0058] The pressing device 50 may include a guide roller component 55. The guide roller component 55 is rotatably disposed at a position spaced upward from the pressing base component 51 to guide the semi-finished product HG between the pressing roller component 52 and the pressing base component 51. The guide roller component 55 may contact the upper surface of the semi-finished product HG or seaweed snack SN and forward transfer the semi-finished product HG or seaweed snack SN.

[0059] In embodiments of this disclosure, the guide roller component 55 is shown as including a front guide roller component 55b positioned in front of the press roller component 52 and a rear guide roller component 55a positioned behind the press roller component 52, but the arrangement is not limited thereto.

[0060] Intermediate conveyor 61 and auxiliary bonding agent spraying device 42

[0061] A system 1 for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an intermediate conveyor 61. The intermediate conveyor 61 may be disposed between a pressing device 50 and a cutting device 70, and configured to convey seaweed snacks SN. The intermediate conveyor 61 may be configured such that seaweed snacks SN unloaded from the pressing device 50 are placed on the upper surface of the intermediate conveyor 61. The intermediate conveyor 61 may rotate to forward transfer the seaweed snacks SN placed on the upper surface of the intermediate conveyor 61. The intermediate conveyor 61 may be rotated by receiving a driving force to enable the above operation.

[0062] The seaweed snack SN unloaded from the pressing device 50 can be dried for a predetermined time. During the predetermined time, the seaweed snack SN is transferred to the cutting device 70 via the intermediate conveyor 61, making it easier for the seaweed snack SN to be cut by the cutting device 70.

[0063] A system 1 for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an auxiliary binder spraying device 42. The auxiliary binder spraying device 42 is arranged adjacent to an intermediate conveyor 61 to spray an auxiliary binder onto the upper surface of the seaweed snack SN transferred by the intermediate conveyor 61. The auxiliary binder spraying device 42 may pass through the intermediate conveyor 61 or be arranged to cover the intermediate conveyor 61. Since the description of the auxiliary binder spraying device 42 is the same as that of the binder spraying device 41, except that rice paper is replaced with seaweed snack SN and the binder is replaced with an auxiliary binder, the description of the auxiliary binder spraying device 42 is replaced with that of the binder spraying device 41.

[0064] Cutting equipment 70

[0065] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing some of the components of a cutting device 70 of a system 1 for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure exposed to the outside. Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing some components of the cutting device 70 of the system 1 for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure exposed to the outside when viewed from another direction. Figure 7 This is a right view showing some of the components of a cutting device 70 of a system 1 for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure exposed to the outside. Figure 8 This is a view showing the internal structure of a cutting device 70 of a system 1 for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 It is shown in detail Figure 8 Detailed images of certain parts.

[0066] A system 1 for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cutting device 70. The cutting device 70 is configured to cut seaweed snack SN unloaded from a pressing device 50 into multiple small pieces of unit snack SU. To receive the seaweed snack SN being unloaded forward from the pressing device 50, the cutting device 70 may be positioned in front of the pressing device 50 and in front of an intermediate conveyor 61. The cutting device 70 may include a cutting roller 72 and a cutting base component 71. The cutting roller 72 may be positioned above the cutting base component 71. The seaweed snack SN may be transferred forward along the upper surface of the cutting base component 71 and cut into small pieces of unit snack SU by rotating the cutting roller 72, and then the unit snack SU may be unloaded forward.

[0067] A cutting base component 71 is positioned facing the cutting roller 72, based on the seaweed snack SN, to support the seaweed snack SN to be cut by the cutting roller 72. In embodiments of this disclosure, the cutting base component 71 may be positioned on the lower side based on the seaweed snack SN, and the cutting roller 72 may be positioned on the upper side based on the seaweed snack SN. Therefore, the seaweed snack SN can be transferred forward along the upper surface of the cutting base component 71. An auxiliary opening 711 may be formed in the cutting base component 71. The auxiliary opening 711 may extend in a left / right direction and open in an upward / downward direction.

[0068] The cutting roller 72 may include a cutting body 721 and a cutting blade 722. The cutting body 721 may have a cylindrical shape and be coupled to a cutting frame 75, which will be described below, so as to be able to rotate about an axis defined in a left / right direction. The cutting body 721 may be configured to be spaced upward from the cutting base component 71. The cutting blade 722 protrudes significantly outward in the radial direction of the cutting body 721 than the surface of the cutting body 721, so as to cut seaweed snacks SN positioned in a forward / backward direction. The cutting blade 722 is coupled to the cutting body 721, and the distal end of the cutting blade 722 protrudes significantly outward from the outer surface of the cutting body 721, so that the cutting blade 722 can contact the seaweed snacks SN and cut the seaweed snacks SN as the cutting body 721 rotates. The cutting blade 722 may be inserted into an auxiliary opening 711 when cutting the seaweed snacks SN.

[0069] The cutting blade 722 may include a forward / backward cutting blade 7221 and a left / right cutting blade 7222. The forward / backward cutting blade 7221 is a cutting blade 722 extending in the circumferential direction of the cutting body 721. The forward / backward cutting blade 7221 can contact the seaweed snack SN and form a cutting surface on the seaweed snack SN, which extends in the forward / backward direction. Therefore, the forward / backward cutting blade 7221 can cut the seaweed snack SN in the left / right direction. The left / right cutting blade 7222 is a cutting blade 722 extending in the left / right direction. The left / right cutting blade 7222 can contact the seaweed snack SN and form a cutting surface on the seaweed snack SN, which extends in the left / right direction. Therefore, the left / right cutting blade 7222 can cut the seaweed snack SN in the forward / backward direction. When the cutting body 721 is viewed in the left / right direction, the cutting blade 722 may be formed over the entire circumference of the cutting body 721, or only on a portion of the circumference of the cutting body 721.

[0070] The lines formed by the forward / backward cutting blade 7221 and the lines formed by the left / right cutting blade 7222 can intersect each other. Therefore, the seaweed snack SN can be cut by the cutting blade 722 in both the left / right and forward / backward directions and divided into multiple unit snacks SU. In this embodiment, the left / right cutting blade 7222 and the forward / backward cutting blade 7221 can intersect each other. The forward / backward cutting blade 7221 can be continuously connected at the intersection point between the forward / backward cutting blade 7221 and the left / right cutting blade 7222. However, the left / right cutting blade 7222 can be divided by the forward / backward cutting blade 7221.

[0071] The cutting roller 72 may also include a cutting groove 725 recessed inward from the surface of the cutting body 721 in the radial direction. The base portion of the cutting blade 722 is inserted into the cutting groove 725. The cutting edge of the cutting blade 722 performing the cutting may protrude significantly outward from the surface of the cutting body 721 in the radial direction.

[0072] The base portion of the cutting blade 722 can be connected to the cutting body 721 in the cutting groove 725. The cutting roller 72 may include a blade connecting bolt 724 configured to connect the cutting blade 722 to the cutting body 721 in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the cutting blade 722 extends. The direction in which the blade connecting bolt 724 connects the cutting blade 722 to the connecting body may be tangential to the cutting body 721, and this tangential direction may be limited to the location where the blade connecting bolt 724 is positioned when the cutting body 721 is viewed in a left / right direction. To ensure space for connecting bolts, the cutting groove 725 may be formed with a width greater than the thickness of the cutting blade 722.

[0073] The cutting body 721 may have a guide groove 727. The guide groove 727 is formed to be recessed inward from the surface of the cutting body 721 in the radial direction. The cutting groove 725 and the guide groove 727 may be alternately arranged in the left / right direction. The cutting guide rail 74, which will be described below, can be inserted into the guide groove 727. Because of the presence of the guide groove 727, the lower side of the seaweed snack SN can be supported by the cutting guide rail 74, and the forward movement of the seaweed snack SN or the operation of cutting the seaweed snack SN by the cutting blade 722 can be unimpeded by the cutting roller 72.

[0074] The cutting roller 72 may include injection holes 723. Multiple injection holes 723 may be provided. An injection hole 723 is a hole formed radially outward from the center of the cutting body 721 to inject gas outward in the radial direction at the periphery of the cutting blade 722. Because of the injection holes 723, particles such as seaweed debris that may remain on the cutting blade 722 when cutting seaweed snacks SN can be blown away, separating the particles from the cutting blade 722, thereby allowing the cutting roller 72 to perform the cutting function consistently and easily.

[0075] The injection port 723 allows a cutting center hole, formed at the innermost part of the cutting body 721 in a left / right direction, to communicate with the outside. The cutting center hole can be connected to a cutting blower configured to draw in compressed gas, allowing the cutting center hole to receive compressed gas and discharge it through the injection port 723. The compressed gas can be compressed air.

[0076] The injection hole 723 can be formed on the bottom surface of the cutting groove 725 provided inside the blade connecting bolt 724, based on the radial direction of the cutting body 721. Therefore, because the gas discharged through the injection hole 723 flows around the blade connecting bolt 724 and the cutting blade 722, the gas can flow while rotating around the axis of the blade connecting bolt 724. Therefore, the gas can easily separate the particles present around the blade connecting bolt 724 and the cutting blade 722 from the blade connecting bolt 724 and the cutting blade 722.

[0077] The cutting device 70 may include a cutting frame 75. The cutting frame 75 may be a frame to which components (such as components of the cutting device 70 are attached) are connected, such that the relative positions between the components are fixed. A cutting base component 71 may be attached to the cutting frame 75, and a cutting roller 72 may be rotatably attached to the cutting frame 75.

[0078] The cutting frame 75 may include a main cutting frame 751 to which the cutting base component 71 is connected, and a first cutting cover 752 to which the main cutting frame 751 is connected. The first cutting cover 752 covers the cutting roller 72. The first cutting cover 752 covers the cutting roller 72 such that the cutting roller 72 is positioned in the space formed between the first cutting cover 752 and the cutting base component 71. Therefore, the first cutting cover 752 may be disposed above the cutting base component 71.

[0079] The cutting frame 75 may include a second cutting cover 753 connected to the main cutting frame 751. The second cutting cover 753 may cover the auxiliary roller 73 such that the auxiliary roller 73 is positioned in the space formed between the second cutting cover 753 and the cutting base component 71. Therefore, the second cutting cover 753 may be disposed below the cutting base component 71.

[0080] The cutting apparatus 70 may include a cutting suction component. A first cutting suction component may be connected to a first cover air inlet 7521 formed in a first cutting cover 752. The first cutting suction component provides negative pressure to the first cover air inlet 7521, such that debris discharged from the periphery of the cutting roller 72 positioned in the first cutting cover 752 may be sucked through the first cover air inlet 7521. The first cover air inlet 7521 may be located in front of the cutting body 721 and opens in an upwardly inclined direction in the forward direction.

[0081] The cutting device 70 may include a second cutting suction component. The second cutting suction component may be connected to a second cover air inlet 7531 formed in a second cutting cover 753. The second cutting suction component provides negative pressure to the second cover air inlet 7531, such that debris discharged at the periphery of the auxiliary roller 73 positioned in the second cutting cover 753 may be drawn into the second cover air inlet 7531. The second cover air inlet 7531 may be located below the auxiliary body 731 and open downwards. The first and second cutting suction components may be a single common cutting suction blower 77.

[0082] The cutting device 70 may include an auxiliary roller 73. The auxiliary roller 73 is positioned facing the cutting roller 72, based on the seaweed snack SN, to move the seaweed snack SN forward and support it as the cutting roller 72 cuts it. Like the cutting roller 72, the auxiliary roller 73 may be coupled to the cutting frame 75 to be rotatable about an axis defined in a left / right direction. The cutting roller 72 and the auxiliary roller 73 may be rotatably coupled to the main cutting frame 751. The cutting roller 72 and the auxiliary roller 73 may receive driving force from the same drive component. The cutting roller 72 and the auxiliary roller 73 may be geared together and operate in conjunction with each other. The auxiliary roller 73 and the cutting roller 72 may be positioned on opposite sides of each other based on an auxiliary opening 711.

[0083] The auxiliary roller 73 may include: an auxiliary body 731 having a cylindrical shape and rotatably coupled to the cutting frame 75; and an auxiliary groove 732. The outer surface of the auxiliary body 731 may contact the lower surface of the seaweed snack SN and support the seaweed snack SN upward while pushing it forward. The auxiliary groove 732 is a groove recessed inward from the auxiliary body 731 in the radial direction, such that a cutting blade 722, which protrudes much outward from the surface of the cutting body 721 in the radial direction, can be inserted into the auxiliary groove 732. When the cutting process is performed, the cutting blade 722 can be inserted into the auxiliary groove 732. Because the cutting blade 722 is inserted into the auxiliary groove 732, the auxiliary roller 73 can support the seaweed snack SN without colliding with the cutting blade 722.

[0084] The cutting device 70 may include an air knife 76. The air knife 76 may be configured to face the cutting blade 722 to inject air onto the cutting blade 722. The air knife 76 may have a slit extending in a left / right direction, and compressed air may be injected through the slit. The air knife 76 may be configured to pass through a first cutting cover 752 disposed behind the cutting roller 72. The direction in which the air knife injects air may not be parallel to the direction of a tangent formed at a point, wherein a straight line extending in the direction of the air knife's air injection reaches the cutting body 721 at that point.

[0085] The cutting device 70 may include a cutting guide rail 74. The cutting guide rail 74 is configured to prevent seaweed snack SN from tangling with the cutting roller 72. The cutting guide rail 74 may extend in a forward / backward direction. Multiple cutting guide rails 74 may be provided. The cutting guide rail 74 may be located below the surface of the cutting body 721. However, the lower end of the cutting guide rail 74 may be positioned above the lower end of the cutting blade 722. Therefore, the upward movement of the unit snack SU, which is cut by the cutting roller 72 and unloaded forward, is restricted by the cutting guide rail 74, so that even if the cutting roller 72 rotates, the unit snack SU will not tangle with the cutting roller 72. Furthermore, because the cutting guide rail 74 is positioned above the cutting blade 722, the cutting guide rail 74 does not obstruct the cutting operation of the cutting blade 722.

[0086] In order to achieve the height relationship between the cutting guide rail 74 and the cutting blade 722, the cutting guide rail 74 can contact the cutting body 721 or be inserted into the guide groove 727 formed in the cutting body 721.

[0087] The cutting guide rail 74 can be configured as a plurality of cutting guide rails 74. The plurality of cutting guide rails 74 can be configured to be spaced apart from each other in the left / right direction. The distance between the cutting guide rails 74 and each other in the left / right direction can be a distance corresponding to the distance between the guide grooves 727 and each other in the left / right direction.

[0088] The front and rear ends of the cutting guide rail 74 may have a shape that is inclined upward relative to the outside in a forward / backward direction. When the seaweed snack SN enters the underside of the cutting roller 72, the seaweed snack SN can be easily guided to the underside of the cutting guide rail 74. When the unit snack SU leaves the cutting device 70, the unit snack SU can be slowly separated from the upper surface of the unit snack SU in one direction.

[0089] Figure 10 This is a view showing the internal structure of a cutting device 70b for a system for manufacturing edible food, according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 It is shown in detail Figure 10 Detailed images of certain parts.

[0090] The cutting device 70b of the modified example according to the embodiments of this disclosure differs in shape from the cutting blade 722b. Therefore, only the differences will be further described. Since the description of the rest of the cutting device 70b is the same as the description of the cutting device 70 according to the embodiment, the description of the rest of the cutting device 70b is replaced with the description of the cutting device 70 according to the embodiment.

[0091] The cutting blade 722b according to a modified example of an embodiment of this disclosure may include a left / right cutting blade 7222b, a forward / backward cutting blade 7221b, and a connecting cutting blade 7223b. The connecting cutting blade 7223b may be positioned where the forward / backward cutting blade 7221b and the left / right cutting blade 7222b meet. The connecting cutting blade 7223b connects the forward / backward cutting blade 7221b and the left / right cutting blade 7222b. Therefore, the forward / backward cutting blade 7221b and the left / right cutting blade 7222b do not meet together, but can be connected to each other via the connecting cutting blade 7223b.

[0092] The connecting cutting blade 7223b may have a curved surface connecting the forward / backward cutting blade 7221b and the left / right cutting blade 7222b. That is, the connecting cutting blade 7223b can be used to produce a unit snack SU with rounded corners by chamfering the corners of the unit snack SU, which can be cut into a rectangular shape by the left / right cutting blade 7222b and the forward / backward cutting blade 7221b. When viewed in the radial direction of the cutting body 721b, the connecting cutting blade 7223b may have a shape such as a rectangular shape with inwardly recessed edges. The cutting edges of the connecting cutting blade 7223b may have an inwardly recessed shape in the radial direction between the vertices of the cutting body 721b.

[0093] The cutting roller 72b of the modified embodiment according to this disclosure may not include the cutting groove 725. However, although not shown, an embodiment including both the cutting groove 725 and the connecting cutting blade 7223b may be implemented. Additionally, as shown, the cutting roller 72b may include guide grooves 727b. Because the cutting roller 72b may not include the cutting groove 725, a plurality of guide grooves 727b may be arranged in a left / right direction at locations where the cutting blade 722b is not formed.

[0094] According to a modified example of an embodiment of this disclosure, the injection hole 723b may be provided around the periphery of the connecting cutting blade 7223b. In the drawings, a total of four injection holes 723b are shown, but the number of injection holes 723b is not limited to this.

[0095] The cutting roller 72b according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a connecting injection hole 726b. The connecting injection hole 726b is a hole formed outward in the radial direction of the cutting body 721b by connecting the cutting blade 7223b and the cutting body 721b, so as to inject gas outward in the radial direction of the cutting body 721b. Residues and debris of the seaweed snack SN that may be generated when the connecting cutting blade 7223b cuts the seaweed snack SN can be removed through the injection hole 723b and the connecting injection hole 726b.

[0096] The connecting injection hole 726b can be connected to the injection hole 723b in the cutting body 721b. The injection hole 723b and the connecting injection hole 726b can be formed as the same hole extending outward from the center of the cutting body 721b in the radial direction, and are separated from each other before the injection hole 723b and the connecting injection hole 726b reach the surface of the cutting body 721b.

[0097] According to a modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cutting body 721b of the cutting roller 72b may include an outer cutting body 7212b and an inner cutting body 7211b. The inner cutting body 7211b may be disposed at the central portion of the cutting body 721b in the radial direction. The outer cutting body 7212b may be coupled to the outer surface of the inner cutting body 7211b and defines a cutting body 721 having a cylindrical shape. The outer cutting body 7212b may be coupled to the outer surface of the inner cutting body 7211b in a dovetail joint manner. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the feature of the cutting body 721b being divided into an internal structure and an external structure may also be applied to the cutting body 721.

[0098] Unloading Conveyor 62

[0099] A system 1 for manufacturing edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an unloading conveyor 62. The unloading conveyor 62 may be located at the front end of a cutting device 70 and configured to transport unit snack SUs to subsequent processes. Subsequent processes may include packaging processes, post-processing processes, etc. The unloading conveyor 62 may be configured such that unit snack SUs unloaded from the cutting device 70 are placed on the upper surface of the unloading conveyor 62. The unloading conveyor 62 may forward transfer the unit snack SUs placed on the upper surface while rotating. The unloading conveyor 62 may rotate by receiving a driving force, making the above operation possible.

[0100] Processor 80

[0101] A processor 80 is provided to control a system 1 for manufacturing edible food. The processor 80 is a component including elements capable of performing logical operations that execute control instructions. The processor 80 may include a central processing unit (CPU), etc. The processor 80 can be connected to various types of components and performs control by sending signals to the corresponding components according to control instructions. The processor 80 can be connected to various types of sensors or acquisition components and receives acquired information in the form of signals. Therefore, in embodiments of this disclosure, the processor 80 can be electrically connected to various types of components including a system for manufacturing seaweed snacks SN. Because the processor 80 can be electrically connected to the corresponding components, the processor 80 can be connected to the components via wires. Optionally, the processor 80 may have a communication module capable of performing wireless communication and communicating with the components.

[0102] The system 1 for manufacturing edible food according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a storage medium, and control instructions to be executed by the processor 80 may be stored in and used in the storage medium. The storage medium may be a device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), a server, a volatile medium, or a non-volatile medium, but the type of storage medium is not limited thereto. In addition, the storage medium may also store data required by the processor 80 for performing tasks.

[0103] The system 1 for manufacturing edible food according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include an operating component 81. The operating component 81 may include mechanical structures such as switches or buttons operable by a user, and a display device configured to display the status of the system 1 for manufacturing edible food. The operating component 81 may be electrically connected to the processor 80. As shown, the operating component 81 may be disposed on the outer surface of the housing in which the processor 80 is embedded, but the arrangement of the operating component 81 is not limited thereto.

[0104] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing edible food according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a method for cutting edible food according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] The process by which the processor 80 manufactures seaweed snacks SN by controlling the various components of the system 1 used for manufacturing edible food will be described below. Figure 13 The flowchart in can be compared with Figure 12 This corresponds to step S80 in the text.

[0106] The processor 80 can control the first food ingredient box moving part 25 and the second food ingredient box moving part 35 to allow the seaweed box WC containing the seaweed pile WS and the paper box PC containing the paper pile PS to move forward. That is, the seaweed pile WS and the paper pile PS can be supplied to the positions where the seaweed pile WS and the paper pile PS can be processed (S10 and S30), and individual seaweed sheets and individual rice paper sheets can be separated (S20 and S40).

[0107] The processor 80 can control the first food ingredient transfer component 23 and the second food ingredient transfer component 33 to move the single sheet of seaweed SW and the single sheet of rice paper forward. In this case, the processor 80 can control the first food ingredient transfer component 23, the second food ingredient transfer component 33, and the second food ingredient holding roller 34 so that the single sheet of seaweed SW is positioned between the seaweed positioning rods, and the single sheet of rice paper RP is positioned between the second food ingredient positioning rods 333. In addition, the processor 80 can control the adhesive spraying device 41 to spray adhesive onto the upper surface of the rice paper (S50).

[0108] The processor 80 controls the first food ingredient transfer component 23 and the second food ingredient transfer component 33, so that the separated individual seaweed sheets SW are placed on the separated individual rice paper sheets RP to form a semi-finished product HG (S60). The processor 80 controls the first food ingredient transfer component 23 and the second food ingredient transfer component 33, so that the individual seaweed sheets SW and the individual rice paper sheets RP move forward at the same speed, and the individual seaweed sheets SW are placed on the individual rice paper sheets RP.

[0109] The processor 80 controls the pressing device 50 to press the semi-finished product HG that has been moved forward and conveyed to the pressing device 50 to form seaweed snack SN (S70). Subsequently, the processor 80 controls the intermediate conveyor 61 to move the seaweed snack SN unloaded from the pressing device 50 forward (S81). Unit snack SU can be produced by cutting the seaweed snack SN (S80). The processor 80 controls the cutting device 70 to cut the seaweed snack SN that has been conveyed to the cutting device 70 via the intermediate conveyor 61 to form unit snack SU.

[0110] After recognizing that the seaweed snack SN has reached a position where it can be cut, the processor 80 controls the cutting device 70 to rotate the cutting roller 72 and cut the seaweed snack SN (S82), and the processor 80 controls the blower to spray gas, thereby removing particles present around the cutting blade 722. Specifically, the processor 80 allows the gas to be sprayed through the injection holes 723 around the cutting blade 722 (S83), and the processor 80 can use the air knife 76 to spray air toward the cutting blade 722 (S84). After performing the spraying process, the processor 80 controls the first cutting suction component and the second cutting suction component to suction the particles (S85). The processor 80 controls the unloading conveyor 62 to move the unit snack SU unloaded from the cutting device 70 to a subsequent process.

[0111] All components constituting embodiments of this disclosure may be combined or operated integrally, but this disclosure is not necessarily limited to this embodiment. That is, one or more of the components may be selectively combined and operated within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the words “comprise,” “include,” or “have,” and variations such as “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” or “having” should be understood to imply inclusion of the stated elements but not to exclude any other elements. Unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms (such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries) may be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be construed as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless explicitly defined in this disclosure.

[0112] The above brief description is provided to exemplify the technical spirit of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of this disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical spirit of this disclosure. The scope of the technical spirit of this disclosure is not limited thereto. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical spirit within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as falling within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A cutting device, comprising: A cutting roller includes a cutting body and a cutting blade. The cutting body has a cylindrical shape and is configured to rotate about an axis defined in a left / right direction. The cutting blade protrudes further outward in the radial direction of the cutting body than the surface of the cutting body to cut edible food products provided in a forward / backward direction. as well as A cutting base component, based on the edible food product, is positioned facing the cutting roller to support the edible food product to be cut by the cutting roller. The cutting blade includes: Forward / backward cutting blades extending in the circumferential direction of the cutting body; and A left / right cutting blade, extending in the left / right direction, and The lines formed by extending the forward / backward cutting blades intersect with the lines formed by extending the left / right cutting blades, causing the edible food product to be cut into multiple unit products by the cutting blades. The cutting blade further includes a connecting cutting blade, which is disposed at the intersection of the forward / reverse cutting blade and the left / right cutting blade. The connecting cutting blade has a curved surface that connects the forward / reverse cutting blade and the left / right cutting blade. The cutting roller further includes a connecting injection hole, which is a hole formed outward in the connecting cutting blade in the radial direction of the cutting body, so as to inject gas outward in the radial direction of the cutting body.

2. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein, The cutting roller also includes a jetting hole formed outward in the radial direction from the center of the cutting body to jet gas outward in the radial direction of the cutting body at the periphery of the cutting blade.

3. The cutting device according to claim 2, wherein, The cutting roller also includes a blade connecting bolt, which is configured to connect the cutting blade to the cutting body in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the cutting blade extends. The injection hole is located inside the blade connecting bolt based on the radial direction of the cutting body.

4. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein, The injection hole is located on the periphery of the connecting cutting blade.

5. The cutting device according to claim 1, further comprising: A cutting frame includes a first cutting cover configured to cover the cutting roller such that the cutting roller is positioned in a space formed between the first cutting cover and the cutting base component, the cutting frame being configured such that the cutting base component is coupled to the cutting frame and the cutting roller is rotatably coupled to the cutting frame. as well as A first cutting suction component is connected to a first cover air inlet formed in the first cutting cover to suction particles at the periphery of the cutting roller.

6. The cutting device according to claim 1, further comprising: A cutting frame, wherein the cutting base component is connected to the cutting frame, and the cutting roller is rotatably connected to the cutting frame; as well as An auxiliary roller, based on the edible food product, is positioned facing the cutting roller to forward transfer the edible food product and support the edible food product to be cut by the cutting roller. The auxiliary roller includes an auxiliary body coupled to the cutting frame so as to be able to rotate about an axis defined in the left / right direction.

7. The cutting device according to claim 6, wherein, The cutting frame includes a second cutting cover configured to cover the auxiliary roller, such that the auxiliary roller is positioned in a space formed between the second cutting cover and the cutting base component. The cutting device further includes a second cutting suction component, which is connected to a second cover air inlet formed in the second cutting cover to suction particles from the periphery of the auxiliary roller.

8. The cutting device according to claim 6, wherein, An auxiliary opening is formed in the cutting base component and extends in the left / right direction. The auxiliary opening is located in the upward / downward direction, and The auxiliary roller and the cutting roller are positioned on opposite sides of each other based on the auxiliary opening.

9. The cutting device according to claim 8, wherein, The auxiliary roller also includes an auxiliary groove that is recessed inward from the auxiliary body in the radial direction of the auxiliary body, such that the cutting blade is inserted into the auxiliary groove, and the cutting blade protrudes outward more than the surface of the cutting body in the radial direction of the cutting blade.

10. The cutting device according to claim 1, further comprising: An air knife is configured to face the cutting blade to spray air onto the cutting blade.

11. The cutting device according to claim 1, further comprising: A cutting guide rail extends in the forward / backward direction and is positioned below the surface of the cutting body to prevent the edible food product from tangling around the cutting roller.

12. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein, The cutting roller is positioned above the cutting base component.

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