Food cutting device

Abstract

A food cutting device is provided which is easy to clean and sanitize. The food cutting device (1) has: a main body (10); a food placement table (30) on which food is placed; a drive mechanism which moves the food placement table and is provided to the main body; a cutting knife (42) which cuts the food into a round shape; a discharge portion (12) which discharges the cut food; a front cover (21) which is connected to the main body; and a safety cover (22) which is rotatably connected to the front cover and opens and closes the discharge portion, the drive mechanism has: a drive portion (63); a table connecting portion (62) which raises the food placement table in conjunction with the drive of the drive portion; and a first cam (B) which rotates in conjunction with the drive of the drive portion, the first cam has a cover supporting portion (B3) which supports the lower portion of the safety cover at one end, the cover supporting portion descends in conjunction with the rotation of the first cam, and the safety cover rotates relative to the front cover in conjunction with the descent of the cover supporting portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a food cutting device. Background Technology

[0002] Supermarkets, convenience stores, conveyor belt sushi restaurants, etc., offer sushi rolls that are shaped into sticks and cut into round pieces of a specified width.

[0003] Previously, for example, cutting devices for seaweed sushi rolls have been disclosed, which are configured such that a front surface cover member is fixed in front of the cutting blade, and an upper cover member is provided at the upper part of the outlet for the cut product, which opens and closes synchronously with the up and down movement of the placement table for placing the cut product (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] In the food cutting device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a safety cover is provided at the upper opening through which the seaweed sushi rolls to be cut are discharged. Additionally, a front surface cover component is fixed to the front of the device. Since both the safety cover and the front surface cover component cannot be removed for cleaning, they are unhygienic.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-103283 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a food cutting device that is easy to clean and sweep.

[0009] The food cutting apparatus of the present invention comprises: a main body; a food placement platform for placing food; a drive mechanism for moving the food placement platform and disposed on the main body; a cutting blade for cutting the food into circular slices by means of a cutting blade fixed within a movement trajectory of the food that moves together with the food placement platform according to the drive mechanism; a discharge section for discharging the cut food; a front cover connected to the main body; and a safety cover rotatably connected to the front cover and for opening and closing the discharge section. The drive mechanism comprises: a drive unit; a placement platform connecting part connected to the food placement platform and for raising the food placement platform with the drive unit; and a first cam that rotates with the drive unit, the first cam having a cover support part at one end supporting the lower part of the safety cover, the cover support part descending with the rotation of the first cam, and the safety cover rotating relative to the front cover with the descent of the cover support part.

[0010] Invention Effects

[0011] According to the present invention, a food cutting device that is easy to clean and sweep can be obtained. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a first embodiment of the food cutting apparatus of the present invention, and is a schematic perspective view showing the state in which the food placement platform is located at the lower part of the food cutting apparatus.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of the aforementioned food cutting device, showing the state in which the aforementioned food placement platform has moved to the top of the food cutting device.

[0014] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the aforementioned food cutting device.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a rough partial perspective view seen from the bottom side of the aforementioned food cutting device.

[0016] Figure 5 In the above, (a) is a perspective view of the cutting unit of the food cutting device, (b) is a perspective view of the cutting unit from other angles, and (c) is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the appearance of the cutting unit and the food placement table in the assembled state.

[0017] Figure 6 In the diagram, (a) is the top view of the cutting unit, (b) is the right side view, (c) is the front view, (d) is the left side view, (e) is the bottom view, and (f) is the rear view.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a schematic perspective view of the aforementioned food cutting device, showing a portion of its internal structure after omitting the side plates.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective view of the aforementioned food cutting device, showing a portion of its internal structure after omitting the side plates.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a partially enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the aforementioned food cutting device, showing the safety cover in the closed state.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a partially enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the aforementioned food cutting device, showing the cover support portion of cam B moving away from the aforementioned safety cover, and the protrusion of cam B abutting against the aforementioned safety cover.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a partially enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the aforementioned food cutting device, showing the safety cover in the open position.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing other embodiments of the above-described cutting unit and the above-described food placement platform.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the above-described cutting unit and the above-described food placement platform. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the food cutting apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following description, the width direction of the food cutting apparatus 1 will be referred to as the x-direction, the depth direction as the y-direction, and the vertical direction as the z-direction. Additionally, the +z-direction will be referred to as the upper side, and the -z-direction as the lower side.

[0026] ● Overview of food cutting equipment

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the food cutting device 1, the opening 11 at the lower part of the front surface serves as a supply section for the product to be cut (hereinafter referred to as "food"), and the upper part serves as a discharge section 12 for the food. Apart from the supply section and the discharge section 12, the front surface of the food cutting device 1 is covered by a cover member 20. The cover member 20 has a front cover 21 and a safety cover 22 that can be opened and closed and is connected to the upper part of the front cover 21. The left and right sides of the food cutting device 1 are each covered by a side cover 23.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, before the food cutting device 1 begins operation, the food placement platform 30 is in the opening 11. Food, such as a cylindrical seaweed roll made by rolling sushi rice in seaweed, is placed horizontally on the food placement platform 30. By pressing the start switch 24, the food placement platform 30 moves upward toward the device via the drive mechanism, which will be described in detail later. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the start switches 24 are arranged in pairs on the left and right front surfaces of the food cutting device 1. If a pair of start switches 24 are pressed simultaneously, the food placement platform 30 begins to rise.

[0029] During the movement of the food placed on the food placement table 30, the food is cut by a cutting blade 42 fixed within the movement trajectory (see reference). Figure 3 It is cut into round pieces and discharged into the discharge section 12. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the safety cover 22 opens as the food placement platform 30 rises, exposing the food placement platform 30 and the cut food at the discharge section 12. Conversely, the safety cover 22 closes as the food placement platform 30 moves downward toward the opening 11.

[0030] ● Exploded perspective view of a food cutting device

[0031] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the food cutting device 1 has a main body 10, a food placement platform 30, a cutting unit 40, and a cover component 20.

[0032] The main body 10 is a component that forms the skeleton of the food cutting device 1. The main body 10 has a base 13, a pair of left and right side plates 14, a back plate 15, and a tray 16.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the base 13 is a plate forming the bottom surface of the main body 10, supporting the side plates 14. A pair of side plates 14 are joined parallel to each other at their left and right ends to the base 13, standing upright in a generally vertical direction. Furthermore, a rod-shaped member 17 is disposed between the pair of side plates 14 within the width direction of the opening 11. The two ends of the rod-shaped member 17 are respectively located on the inner surfaces of the pair of side plates 14 and connected to the lower front side.

[0034] The back plate 15 connects the lower ends and front of each side plate 14. Furthermore, the back plate 15 extends to the bottom surface of the food cutting device 1. Figure 4 As shown, a protrusion 15a extending toward the front side of the food cutting device 1 is formed at the lower end of the back plate 15.

[0035] The tray 16 is a plate-shaped component forming the bottom surface of the opening 11. The tray 16 is supported by the protrusion 15a and the rod-shaped component 17. The tray 16 can be removed for cleaning. This configuration allows for the maintenance of hygiene in the opening 11.

[0036] In this embodiment, the inner surfaces of the side panels 14 and the back panel 15 are exposed by removing the cover component 20, the food placement platform 30, and the cutting unit 40. Furthermore, the drive mechanism is located on the outer surface of the side panel 14 and housed inside the side cover 23. Therefore, the main body 10 is easy to clean, such as by wiping.

[0037] The food placement table 30 is a table for placing food before cutting. The food placement table 30 is a roughly L-shaped component when viewed from the side. The food before cutting is placed in the corner of the L-shaped portion 31, formed by the portions corresponding to the horizontal and vertical sides. Furthermore, in the food placement table 30, the upper end 31a of the L-shaped portion 31 folds downwards. Additionally, the lower end 31b of the L-shaped portion 31 folds back obliquely in the +y and -z directions. On the back side of the food placement table 30, a fitting portion 32 is provided that engages with the table support portion 51 of the main body 10. The fitting portion 32 is a recess with depths in the z and -y directions. Furthermore, a groove is formed in the table support portion 51. This groove connects to the fitting portion 32, restricting the movement of the food placement table 30 in the x-direction. In this embodiment, two fitting portions 32 are arranged side-by-side along the width direction (x-direction). The fitting part 32 fixes the food placement table 30 inside the main body 10 by holding the table support part 51.

[0038] A plurality of slits 33 are formed in the L-shaped portion 31 of the food placement table 30. The plurality of slits 33 are arranged at approximately equal intervals between each other in the width direction of the L-shaped portion 31. The plurality of slits 33 correspond to the positions of the cutting blades 42 disposed in the cutting unit 40. That is, the cutting blades 42 pass through the slits 33 as the food placement table 30 rises inside the main body 10, and cut the food at the positions of the slits 33.

[0039] like Figure 5 (a) and Figure 6 As shown, the cutting unit 40 is a component for cutting food. The cutting unit 40 mainly includes a cutting frame 41 and multiple cutting blades 42.

[0040] The cutting frame 41 is a generally rectangular frame. The cutting frame 41 holds the two ends of the cutting blade 42 at its upper and lower ends, so that the cutting blade 42 is mounted on the opening 41a of the cutting frame 41. The cutting blade 42 is a long, thin, flat plate. The cutting portion of the cutting blade 42 is fixed facing the bottom surface (+y, -z side) of the cutting frame 41. In the same figure, there are seven cutting blades 42. Furthermore, the number of slits 33 in the food placement table 30 is also seven, the same as the number of cutting blades 42. Therefore, the food is cut into eight pieces by this cutting unit 40.

[0041] The cutting frame 41 has an annular grip 43 on its front side when installed. The grips 43 are arranged in pairs on the left and right end edges of the cutting frame 41. The grips 43 are provided for the operator to hold during the assembly and disassembly of the cutting unit 40.

[0042] like Figure 5 (a) to (c) Figure 6 As shown in (a) and (e), a plurality of protrusions 44 are provided on the lower end edge of the cutting frame 41, which protrude toward the rear side when mounted with the main body 10. In this embodiment, the protrusions 44 are generally triangular, but can be other polygons, rectangles, or shapes that are straight lines cut from circles or oblongs. The plurality of protrusions 44 are spaced apart from each other.

[0043] like Figure 5 As shown in (c), the protrusion 44 extends toward the movement path of the food placement table 30. The protrusion 44 is positioned corresponding to the slit 33 of the food placement table 30. In other words, the protrusion 44 is positioned on an imaginary straight line that extends any one of the plurality of cutting blades 42 in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the protrusion 44 passes through the slit 33 of the food placement table 30.

[0044] One of the protrusions 44 is located approximately at the center of the cutting frame 41 in the width direction. With this configuration, if the installation position of the food placement platform 30 deviates from the width direction of the main body 10, the protrusion 44 cannot pass through the slit 33 and will contact and stop with the food placement platform 30. Since the protrusion 44 is located below the cutting blade 42, it can stop the food placement platform 30 before the cutting blade 42 contacts it. That is, with this configuration, damage to the cutting blade 42 due to installation errors of the food placement platform 30 can be prevented.

[0045] Here, use Figure 12 and Figure 13 This section describes other embodiments of the cutting unit and food placement platform that can be assembled into the food cutting apparatus 1 of the present invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same configurations as previously described. Figure 12 The cutting unit 140 has five cutting blades 42. Additionally, the food placement table 130 in this figure has the same number of slits 33 as the cutting blades 42, i.e., five slits. Figure 13 The cutting unit 240 has nine cutting blades 42 and nine slits 33 on the food placement table 230. Furthermore, the shapes of the cutting units 140 and 240, except for the number of cutting blades 42 and the position of the protrusions 44, are similar to... Figure 5 The same applies to the cutting unit 40 shown.

[0046] The slit 33 and the cutting blade 42 are the same number of cutting units 40 and food placement platform 30 connected to the main body 10, so that the cutting blade 42 is inserted through the slit 33 to cut the food. Figure 12 The cutting unit 40 cuts the food into six pieces. Figure 13 The cutting unit 40 cuts the food into ten pieces. The food cutting device 1 can cut the food into various numbers by replacing the cutting unit 40 and the food placement table 30.

[0047] Cutting unit 40 has multiple protrusions 44. Cutting unit 140 has multiple protrusions 144. Cutting unit 240 has multiple protrusions 244. The multiple protrusions 44, 144, and 244 are located at the same position in the width direction as any one of the cutting blades 42 mounted on the cutting units 40, 140, and 240. The multiple protrusions 44, 144, and 244 are located at different positions relative to each cutting bracket 41, 141, and 241. As a result, when a food placement platform 30 with a different number of slits 33 than the cutting blades 42 is assembled to the main body 10, the protrusions 44, 144, and 244 of the cutting units 40, 140, and 240 will contact the food placement platform 30. The motor driver controlling the motor driving the drive pulley 63 prevents the food placement platform 30 from rising, thereby suppressing rotation. This suppression is detected and the drive is stopped.

[0048] In the configuration assuming no protrusion 44, there is a risk that the cutting blade 42 may come into contact with the food placement platform 30 and break if the positions of the cutting blade 42 and the slit 33 are misaligned. In contrast, in this embodiment, the protrusion 44 located below the cutting blade 42 stops the rising of the food placement platform 30 before the cutting blade 42 contacts the food placement platform 30. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to assemble cutting units 40 with various cutting quantities and food placement platforms 30, and even if assembled in an incorrect configuration, it is possible to prevent breakage of the cutting blade 42 and safely stop the movement.

[0049] The cutting frame 41 has a pair of connecting portions 41b and a pair of recesses 41c for connection with the main body 10. The pair of connecting portions 41b are protrusions that protrude from the side wall of the cutting frame 41 in the +x and -x directions, respectively. The connecting portions 41b engage with the notches 54b of the locking members 54 provided on the side plate 14 of the main body 10. The recesses 41c engage with the upper support portion 52 of the cutting unit that protrudes from the side plate 14.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the cover component 20 covers the front and upper surfaces of the main body 10. The cover component 20 has a front cover 21 and a safety cover 22. The front cover 21 is connected to the front of the main body 10. The safety cover 22 is a cover that opens and closes as the food placement tray 30 moves up and down. The front cover 21 and the safety cover 22 are connected by a hinge 25. Thus, the cover component 20 does not have an electrically driven component. Therefore, with this configuration, the cover component 20 can be easily removed from the main body 10 for cleaning.

[0051] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, the cover member 20 has a locking member abutment portion 21a protruding towards the rear side (+y direction). The locking member abutment portion 21a is an elongated flat plate-shaped member disposed at the left and right ends of the rear side of the front cover 21. When the cover member 20 is mounted on the main body 10, the locking member abutment portion 21a extends into the space to the side of the cutting unit 40. When the cover member 20 is mounted on the main body 10, the top end of the locking member abutment portion 21a abuts against the locking member 54, which will be described later.

[0052] ●Connection mechanism between the main body and each component

[0053] The main body 10 is detachably connected to the cover component 20, the food placement table 30, and the cutting unit 40. The main body 10 is connected to the cover component 20, the food placement table 30, and the cutting unit 40 by fitting together, allowing the operator to easily assemble and disassemble them by hand without the need for tools.

[0054] As part of the structure relating to the connection with each component, the main body 10 includes a platform support 51, an upper support 52 for the cutting unit, a lower support 53 for the cutting unit, a locking member 54, and a cam B. Cam B is an example of the first cam.

[0055] The table support 51 is a component that supports the food placement table 30. The table support 51 is a rod-shaped component. In this embodiment, the table support 51 is composed of two rod-shaped components 51a and 51b, which have a length along the width direction and are spaced apart and arranged side-by-side along the height direction. Both ends of the table support 51 are connected to the inner surfaces of a pair of left and right side plates 14, respectively. The table support 51 engages with the fitting portion 32 of the food placement table 30. Furthermore, a magnet 51c is disposed approximately at the center of the rod-shaped component 51b. The magnet 51c attracts the back of the food placement table 30 by magnetic force, thus fixing the position of the food placement table 30.

[0056] The upper support portion 52 and the lower support portion 53 of the cutting unit are components that support the cutting unit 40. A pair of upper support portions 52 of the cutting unit face each other and protrude from the side plate 14 toward the inside of the main body 10. The upper support portions 52 of the cutting unit are respectively fitted into a pair of recesses 41c disposed on the upper side of the cutting unit 40.

[0057] The lower support portion 53 of the cutting unit is a rod-shaped component. Both ends of the lower support portion 53 are connected to the inner surfaces of a pair of left and right side plates 14, respectively. The lower support portion 53 is connected to the recess 41d (see reference) located at the lower end of the cutting unit 40. Figure 5 (a) Fitting. Additionally, the lower support portion 53 of the cutting unit engages with a pair of first recesses 21c formed on the front cover 21, supporting the cover member 20. The first recesses 21c are recesses whose shape corresponds to that of the lower support portion 53 of the cutting unit. The lower support portion 53 of the cutting unit is an example of a cover retaining portion.

[0058] like Figure 3 and Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the locking member 54 is a component connected to the connecting portion 41b of the cutting unit 40. The locking member 54, when viewed from above, is generally flat. The locking member 54 has a rotating shaft 54a at its lower part. The end of the rotating shaft 54a is rotatably connected to the inner surface of the side plate 14. The rotating shaft 54a engages with a pair of second recesses 21b formed on the front cover 21, supporting the cover component 20. The second recesses 21b are recesses whose shape corresponds to that of the rotating shaft 54a. The rotating shaft 54a is another example of a cover retaining portion.

[0059] The locking member 54 has a notch 54b for engaging with the connecting portion 41b of the cutting unit 40. When the notch 54b is open to the obliquely upward side, the cutting unit 40 is in a state where it can be detached from the locking member 54, i.e., in an unlocked state. If the lower end 54c of the locking member 54 is rotated to the depth direction (+y direction), the locking member 54 and the cutting unit 40 are locked.

[0060] In the unlocked state described above, the lower end portion 54c protrudes forward (in the -y direction). Therefore, if the front cover 21 is approached from the front in this state, the locking member abutment portion 21a of the front cover 21 contacts the lower end portion 54c, causing the lower end portion 54c to rotate in the depth direction. That is, when the locking member abutment portion 21a is installed on the main body 10, it pushes the locking member 54 to rotate, reliably locking the cutting unit 40 and the locking member 54. In other words, the front cover 21 cannot be installed in the food cutting apparatus 1 of the present invention when the cutting unit 40 and the locking member 54 are in the unlocked state. Therefore, according to this configuration, the main body 10 can reliably hold the cutting unit 40.

[0061] Cam B is a roughly L-shaped flat plate. Cam B is connected at approximately its center by shaft B1. Shaft B1 passes through side plate 14 and is connected to shaft A1 of cam A (see reference). Figure 7 (Connection). Additionally, a notch B2 with an opening on the front side is formed approximately at the center of the cam B and above the outer periphery of the shaft B1. The notch B2 is formed along the rotational direction of the cam B. In other words, the centerline of the notch B2 is in the shape of an imaginary arc centered on the shaft B1. This notch B2 engages with the hinge 25 of the cover member 20, particularly when the safety cover 22 is in the open state.

[0062] ●Internal structure of food cutting equipment

[0063] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the food cutting device 1, as an internal mechanism, mainly includes a timing belt 61, a placement table connecting part 62, multiple pulleys 63, cams A, B, and C, a motor and motor driver (omitted in the figure) that rotates the drive pulleys 63, an upper sensor 64a, and a lower sensor 64b (see figure). Figure 7 ) and cover component sensor 64 (refer to Figure 8 Cam C is an example of the second cam. The timing belt 61, the placement platform connection part 62, multiple pulleys 63, cams A, B, and C, and the motor constitute the drive mechanism of the food placement platform 30. In addition, apart from the upper sensor 64a, the lower sensor 64b, the cover component sensor 64, the motor, and the motor driver, the above components are symmetrically arranged on the left and right side plates 14.

[0064] The timing belt 61 is a loop belt mounted on a plurality of pulleys 63. The timing belt 61 is mounted substantially linearly on the side plate 14 in the +y+z direction, connecting at least the opening 11 and the discharge section 12. The plurality of pulleys 63 are connected to the side plate 14. At least one of the pulleys 63 is connected to a drive unit and rotates by an electrically driven force. In this embodiment, there are four pulleys 63, but there may be three or fewer, or five or more. The timing belt 61 rotates due to the driving force of the pulleys 63, thereby causing the food placement table 30 to move back and forth substantially linearly between the opening 11 and the discharge section 12.

[0065] The platform connecting portion 62 is a flat plate-shaped component formed at both ends of the food platform 30. The platform connecting portion 62 can be integral with the food platform 30 or connected to other components. The end of the platform connecting portion 62 passes through an elongated hole 14a through the side plate 14 and is connected to the timing belt 61. The elongated hole 14a passes along the timing belt 61. When the platform connecting portion 62 moves along with the rotation of the timing belt 61, the food platform 30 moves together with the platform connecting portion 62. More specifically, as the timing belt 61 rotates within a predetermined range, the platform connecting portion 62 moves up and down inside the elongated hole 14a. Upper sensor 64a and lower sensor 64b (see reference) Figure 8 The arrival of the upper part of the elongated hole 14a and the lower part of the elongated hole 14a of the placement platform connection part 62 are detected respectively.

[0066] Cam C is a flat, elongated component extending approximately vertically. The lower end of cam C is connected to side plate 14 via shaft C1. Cam C is connected to side plate 14 on its upper front side via spring 65. Spring 65 applies a force to cam C backward (in the +y direction). Cam C appears on the elongated hole 14a as it moves upward. As the platform connecting part 62 rises, it abuts against cam C, causing cam C to rotate forward (in the -y direction) as shown in the figure. The shape of the contact surface between cam C and platform connecting part 62 affects the opening and closing speed and acceleration / deceleration of safety cover 22. That is, by appropriately adjusting the contact curve between cam C and platform connecting part 62, safety cover 22 can open and close smoothly and quietly.

[0067] The rotating end of cam C extending upward from shaft C1 has a protrusion C2 that projects laterally in the width direction (+x direction). The protrusion C2 passes through the elongated hole A2 of cam A. That is, cam A and cam C are rotatably connected.

[0068] Cam A is an elongated flat plate connected to cam C at one end. At the other end of cam A is a shaft A1 rotatably connected to side plate 14. Furthermore, shaft A1 passes through the inner surface of side plate 14 and is coaxially connected to shaft B1 of cam B. That is, rotation of the rotating end of cam C is transmitted to cam B via cam A.

[0069] The cover sensor 64 is a component that detects the removal of the front cover 21 from the main body 10. The cover sensor 64 is, for example, a proximity sensor utilizing magnetism. A metal plate is provided in the portion of the front cover 21 that is close to the cover sensor 64. As a result, the cover sensor 64 detects the change in magnetic force caused by the removal of the metal plate. If the cover sensor 64 detects the removal of the front cover 21, the drive mechanism stops the operation. With this configuration, the mechanism will not operate while the cover 20 is removed, thus ensuring safety.

[0070] Furthermore, when the safety cover 22 is closed, the front cover 21 is only loosely engaged with the rotation axis 54a of the lower support 53 of the cutting unit and the locking member 54, and is not fixed. Therefore, the front cover 21 is easily dislodged by unintentional resistance such as forces from below. For example, if an obstacle such as a hand is caught between the rising food placement platform 30 and the front cover 21, the front cover 21 will dislodge from the main body 10 and lift upwards. If the cover member sensor 64 detects the lifting of the front cover 21, the drive mechanism stops. That is, according to this configuration, the drive mechanism stops when unintentional resistance is exerted on the front cover 21, thus ensuring safety.

[0071] ●The movement of a food cutting device

[0072] use Figures 7 to 11 This explains the actions of each component when the food cutting device 1 is in operation.

[0073] like Figure 7 As shown, the placement platform connecting part 62 is disposed together with the food placement platform 30 at the lower part of the food cutting device 1. When the timing belt 61 is rotated clockwise (+y direction) in the figure by the drive pulley 63, the placement platform connecting part 62 rises along the elongated hole 14a.

[0074] Figure 9 This indicates that the food placement platform 30 is located in the center of the food cutting device 1. In this state, the lower part of the safety cover 22 is supported by the cover support portion B3 provided on the cam B. The cover support portion B3 is, for example, a bearing.

[0075] If the timing belt 61 continues to rotate, then Figure 7 The stage connecting part 62 shown rises further. As a result, cam C is pushed forward by the stage connecting part 62 and rotates. Accompanying the rotation of cam C, cam A moves towards... Figure 7 The cam rotates counterclockwise (in the -y direction). Furthermore, cam B, which is coaxially linked with cam A, rotates counterclockwise (in the -y direction) together with cam A as shown in the diagram.

[0076] Figure 10This indicates that the food placement platform 30 has risen further and the cam B has rotated to some extent. As shown in the figure, the cover support B3 of the cam B descends along with the rotation of the cam B. The safety cover 22, supported by the cover support B3 at its lower part, rotates around the hinge 25 according to its own weight as the cover support B3 descends, thus opening the discharge section 12. Furthermore, Figure 10 This indicates that the safety cover 22 is fixed by friction or other means and does not follow the descent of the cover support portion B3. In this case, the protrusion B4 of the cam B abuts against the recess 22a of the safety cover 22, and the cam B opens the safety cover 22 as it rotates.

[0077] Thus, based on the configuration where the cam C is arranged within the vertical direction along the movement trajectory of the food placement platform 30, the rotation of the cam C begins when the food placement platform 30 is located near the lower end of the main body 10. Therefore, the opening of the safety cover 22 begins from this point. That is, according to this configuration, even if the food placement platform 30 rises at a high speed, the opening of the safety cover 22 can be achieved in accordance with the rising speed.

[0078] in addition, Figure 10 In the middle, the hinge 25 of the cover component 20 is located at the opening portion of the notch B2 of the cam B.

[0079] Figure 11 Indicates and Figure 10 Compared to the food placement platform 30 rising to the upper end of the drive range and protruding from the discharge section 12, the cam B rotates in the -y direction in conjunction with the rising of the food placement platform 30. This rotation guides the hinge 25 into the depth of the notch B2. As a result, the cam B and the cover component 20 are connected.

[0080] The convex portion B4 of cam B abuts against the recess 22a of safety cover 22. As a result, cam B pushes safety cover 22 open as it rotates. When the food placement table 30 rises, the notch portion B2 of cam B connects to hinge 25 before the convex portion B4 of cam B contacts safety cover 22. With this configuration, even if a forward pushing force is applied to safety cover 22 by the convex portion B4, it is possible to prevent the cover component 20 from falling off the main body 10.

[0081] Thus, the mechanism related to the opening and closing of the safety cover 22 is located in the main body 10. That is, the cover component 20 removed from the main body 10 does not have a drive mechanism, thereby making it easy to clean.

[0082] When the food placement platform 30 descends, cam C rotates in the -y direction due to the force applied by spring 65. The cover support portion B3 of cam B rises along with the rotation of cam C. Due to the configuration where the notch portion B2 of cam B engages with the hinge 25, even if a forward pushing force is applied to the safety cover 22 by the cover support portion B3, the cover component 20 can be prevented from falling off the main body 10.

[0083] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, when the safety cover 22 is in contact with the protrusion B4, a gap D is provided between the upper ends of the safety cover 22 and the front cover 21. According to this configuration, compared to a configuration where the safety cover 22 and the front cover 21 are pushed open without gap by the protrusion B4 of the cam B, fingers or the like will not be trapped between the safety cover 22 and the front cover 21, thus ensuring safety.

[0084] Thus, the food cutting device according to the present invention is easier to clean and maintain than conventional types that fix the lid component, while ensuring a safe operating condition.

[0085] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0086] 1 Food cutting device

[0087] 10 main bodies

[0088] 11 openings

[0089] 12 Discharge Section

[0090] 20 cover components

[0091] 21 front cover

[0092] 22 Safety Cover

[0093] 30 food storage tables

[0094] 40 cutting units

[0095] 42 cutting blade

[0096] 62 Placement Platform Connector

[0097] Cam A

[0098] Cam B (Cam 1)

[0099] B3 Cover Support

[0100] Cam C (Cam 2).

Claims

1. A food cutting device, comprising: main body; A food stand for placing food; A drive mechanism that moves the food placement platform and is mounted on the main body; A cutting blade that cuts the food into round slices is fixed within the movement trajectory of the food, which moves together with the food placement platform according to the drive mechanism. A discharge section that discharges the cut food; The front cover connected to the main body; and A safety cover that is rotatably connected to the front cover and opens and closes the discharge section. The drive mechanism has: Drive unit; A food placement platform connecting part that is connected to the food placement platform and raises the food placement platform in conjunction with the drive unit; and The first cam rotates in tandem with the drive unit. The first cam has a cover support portion at one end that supports the lower part of the safety cover. The cover support portion descends as the first cam rotates, and the safety cover rotates relative to the front cover as the cover support portion descends.

2. The food cutting device according to claim 1, wherein, The main body has a cover retaining portion that engages with the front cover and the safety cover. The cover retaining part is disposed on the inner side of the main body. The front cover and the safety cover have recesses whose shapes correspond to the cover retaining portion.

3. The food cutting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The drive mechanism also has a second cam that is connected to the body at its lower end and transmits the rotation of the upwardly extending rotating end to the first cam. The second cam is a component disposed within the movement trajectory of the placement platform connecting part, and the second cam is pushed and rotated by the rising placement platform connecting part.

4. The food cutting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first cam has a notch that engages with the rotating shaft that connects the front cover and the safety cover. The notch is formed along the rotation direction of the first cam. The rotating shaft is guided deeper into the notch as the first cam rotates.

5. The food cutting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first cam has a protrusion at the other end, which, as the first cam rotates, pushes the end of the safety cover in the direction of opening the safety cover.

6. The food cutting device according to claim 5, wherein, With the safety cover abutting against the protrusion, a gap is provided between the safety cover and the upper end of the front cover.

7. The food cutting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, It also has a sensor that detects the front cover leaving the body, and when the sensor detects the departure of the front cover, the drive mechanism stops the operation.

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