The blade assembly of a slicer, the method of clamping and releasing the blade therefrom, and the slicer equipped with it.

Abstract

A blade assembly for securing a blade to a slicer, a slicer equipped with the blade assembly, and a method for operating the blade assembly to secure the blade to and release it from the slicer. The blade assembly includes a blade holder with a blade support surface, a blade supported on the blade support surface, and a clamp having a base portion adjacent to the rear edge of the clamp and a blade engagement portion adjacent to the front edge of the clamp. The blade assembly applies a clamping force to the clamp to secure the blade to the blade holder. The clamp is prevented from translating relative to the forming blade in the forward direction of the blade assembly when the clamping force is applied, and / or allows the clamp to be removed by translation in the forward direction.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 176,977, filed April 20, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to methods and machines for cutting products (including but not limited to slicing food products). In particular, this invention relates to a blade assembly for securing a blade to a slicer, a slicer equipped with the blade assembly, and a method for operating the blade assembly to secure the blade to and release the blade from the slicer. Background Technology

[0004] Various types of equipment are known for slicing, chopping, and granulating food products (vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and meat products, as non-limiting examples). Widely used machines for this purpose are commercially available from Urschel Laboratories, Inc., including those named Model The machine. Model The machine is a centrifugal slicer, capable of slicing various products with high production capacity. Model This series of machines is particularly suitable for producing uniform slices, strips, fragments, and granules. Certain configurations and aspects of the machine are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,139,128, 3,139,129, 5,694,824, 6,968,765, 7,658,133, 8,161,856, 9,193,086, 10,456,943, and 10,632,639, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] Figure 1 Schematic representation of Model A cross-sectional view of machine 10. Machine 10 includes a generally annular cutting head 12 and an impeller 14 coaxially mounted within the cutting head 12. The impeller 14 has a rotational axis 17 coinciding with the central axis of the cutting head 12 and is rotatably driven about its axis 17 by a shaft (not shown) enclosed within a housing 18 and connected to a gearbox 16. The cutting head 12 is mounted on a support ring 15 above the gearbox 16 and remains stationary as the impeller 14 rotates. Product is fed to the cutting head 12 and impeller 14 via a feed hopper 11 located above the impeller 14. In operation, as the hopper 11 feeds product to the impeller 14, centrifugal force causes the product to move outward to engage with a cutting blade (not shown) mounted along the circumference of the cutting head 12. The impeller 14 includes generally radially oriented blades 13, each blade 13 having a face that engages the product and guides it radially outward toward and against the blade of the cutting head 12 as the impeller 14 rotates. (Compared to Model) Other aspects relating to the construction and operation of the machine, including its various implementations, can be understood from the aforementioned prior art documents incorporated herein by reference.

[0006] Figure 2A and Figure 2B These are separate and partial bottom views of a specific, but not limiting, embodiment of the cutting head 12, which is related to the Model. slicer (including) Figure 1 The machine 10 shown schematically is used together. Reference will be made below. Figure 1 Machine 10 (equipped with reference) Figure 1 The impeller 14 described is used to describe Figure 2A and Figure 2B The cutting head 12. Based on the coaxial arrangement of the cutting head 12 and the impeller 14, related terms and their forms, including but not limited to "axial," "circumferential," and "radial," can be used below to describe... Figure 2A and Figure 2B The cutting head 12 is shown, as well as other representations of the cutting head herein. Furthermore, as used herein, "forward" (and its related forms) refers to a position on the cutting head (or a component thereof) preceding or leading another position in the direction of rotation of the impeller, which is assembled to and rotates within the cutting head, while "backward" (and its related forms) refers to a position on the cutting head (or a component thereof) following or after another position relative to the direction of rotation of the impeller.

[0007] exist Figure 2A In this design, the cutting head 12 can be considered as generally annular, with the cutting blades 20 mounted along its perimeter and spaced circumferentially apart. Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe cutting blades 20 are represented as each having a straight cutting edge and being substantially flat between their opposing cutting edges and trailing edges, and are therefore referred to herein as "flat" blades, which are typically used to produce flat slices; however, the cutting head 12 may use blades with other shapes. As an example, a "shaped" blade herein refers to a blade that does not have a straight cutting edge and is substantially uneven between its cutting edge and trailing edge. Shaped blades include, but are not limited to, blades which may be referred to herein as "wavy" blades, characterized by a periodic pattern of alternating peaks and valleys when viewed from the side, and are typically used to produce wavy, strip-cut, shredded, or granular products. Each blade 20 projects radially inward in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of rotation of the impeller 14 within the cutting head 12, and defines a cutting edge at its innermost radial end. The cutting head 12 also includes a lower support member and an upper support member (which in... Figure 2A As shown in the diagram (rings 22 and 24), circumferentially spaced support segments (referred to herein as brake shoes 26) are secured to the lower support member and the upper support member and between them using fasteners 34.

[0008] The blade 20 can be associated with each brake shoe 26, in which case the brake shoe 26 can be referred to as the cutting station of the cutting head 12. The blade 20 of the cutting head 12... Figure 2A and Figure 2B The diagram illustrates individual attachment of blade assemblies 28 to their respective brake shoes 26. Each blade assembly 28 is shown as comprising a blade holder 30 mounted to the brake shoe 26 and located between support rings 22 and 24, and a clamp 32 positioned radially outward on the blade holder 30 to secure a blade 20 thereon. Each blade 20 is supported at the leading edge of the blade holder 30 by a radially outer surface of one of the blade holders 30. The radially outer surface of the blade holder 30 that contacts and supports the blade 20 is referred herein as a blade support surface 30A, and each is shown to have a shape complementary to the shape (e.g., flat or shaped) of the blade 20 it supports. A corresponding clamp 32 covers the blade holder 30 such that the blade 20 is located between the blade support surface 30A of the blade holder 30 and the radially inner surface of the clamp 32, which faces the blade holder 30 and is positioned adjacent to the leading edge of the clamp 32. The radially inner surface of the clamp 32 that contacts and covers the blade 20 is referred to herein as the blade clamping surface 32A, and may have a shape complementary to the shape of the blade 20 it contacts (e.g., flat or shaped). By pushing the clamp 32 against the blade support surface 30A of the blade holder 30, for example using bolts 36, the clamp 32 applies a clamping force to the blade 20 adjacent to its cutting edge. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The door 38, fixed to each gate shoe 26, is further shown. Food products pass through the door 38 before encountering the knife 20 installed to the next gate shoe 26; the cutting edge of the knife 20 and the rear edge of the preceding door 38 together define the door opening 40. Figure 2B The opening 40 of the gate determines the thickness of the slice produced by the blade 20.

[0009] Figure 2B It has been demonstrated that when bolt 36 is tightened to secure clamp 32 and blade 20 to tool holder 30, and thereafter, bolt 36 advantageously prevents clamp 32 from being positioned relative to blade 20 and tool holder 30 in the forward direction of cutting head 12 (by...). Figure 2B The horizontal arrow in the diagram indicates the movement, which ensures that the leading edge of the clamp 32 is correctly positioned relative to the leading edge of the tool holder 30 to ensure ideal clamping of the tool 20. Only after the bolt 36 is completely removed can the clamp 32 and the tool 20 be moved by placing them in (…). Figure 2B The cutting head 12 (indicated by the vertical arrow in the image) can be lifted individually or together in the radial direction to remove it from the tool holder 30. The tool 20 and the clamp 32 can also be (… Figure 2B The horizontal arrows indicate the forward direction and axial direction of the cutting head 12 (perpendicular to the direction indicated by the arrows). Figure 2B They can translate freely, individually or together, in the directions of the vertical and horizontal arrows. These movements are even possible while the tool 20 and the clamp 32 remain engaged with the tool holder 30.

[0010] Figure 3 The blade assembly 28 is shown, which utilizes a corrugated blade 20 of the type capable of producing corrugated, strip-shaped, shredded, or granular products. Figure 3 This is a circumferential view of the tool assembly 28 in the rearward direction, making the leading edges of the tool 20, tool holder 30, and fixture 32 visible. From Figure 3 It can be clearly seen that, due to the complementary shapes of the blade clamping surface 32A of the blade 20 and the blade support surface 30A of the blade holder 30, the blade 20 and the blade clamping surface 32A of the clamp 32 and the blade support surface 30A of the blade holder 30 are prevented from being in contact with each other and with respect to the blade holder 30 in the axial direction of the cutting blade 12 while the blade 20 and the clamp 32 are still engaged with the blade support surface 30A of the blade holder 30. Figure 3 The vertical arrow in the diagram indicates translation. Therefore, in order to remove the clamp 32 and the tool 20 from the tool holder 30, the tool 20 and the clamp 32 must first be translated in the radial direction (by the vertical arrow in the diagram). Figure 3 (indicated by the horizontal arrow in the image) or in the forward direction of the cutting blade 12 (perpendicular to) Figure 3 The vertical and horizontal arrows in the text are translated to disengage the knife 20 and the clamp 32 from the knife support surface 30A of the knife holder 30.

[0011] Although Model It performs very well in terms of its intended use, but for Model For slicers of this type, there is a constant need and a desire for further improvements. As an example, in some cases, it might be desirable to be able to use bolts 36 to secure the forming blade (e.g., Figure 3 The corrugated blade 20 is used to prevent the clamp 32 from moving circumferentially relative to the blade 20 and the tool holder 30 when the bolt 36 is tightened and after the bolt 36 is tightened, thereby ensuring that the leading edge of the clamp 32 is correctly positioned relative to the leading edge of the tool holder 30, but without having to completely remove the bolt 36 to remove the clamp 32 and the blade 20 from the cutting head 12. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention provides a blade assembly for securing a blade to a slicer, a slicer equipped with the blade assembly, and a method for operating the blade assembly for securing the blade to and releasing the blade from the slicer.

[0013] According to a non-limiting aspect of the invention, a knife assembly includes a knife holder having a knife support surface, a knife, and a clamp, the knife being supported on the knife support surface of the knife holder to project from the leading edge of the knife holder, the clamp having a base portion adjacent to the trailing edge of the clamp and a knife engagement portion adjacent to the leading edge of the clamp. The base portion has at least one slot formed therein, and at least a portion of the knife engagement portion has a shape complementary to the knife. The knife assembly further includes means for applying a clamping force to the clamp to secure the knife to the knife holder, wherein the applying means includes a fastener received in the slot in the base portion of the clamp. The knife assembly further includes means for preventing translation of the clamp relative to the knife in the forward direction of the knife assembly when the clamping force is applied to the clamp via the applying means.

[0014] According to another non-limiting aspect of the invention, a method is provided for removing a clamp from a blade assembly that holds the blade to a cutting head of a slicer. The cutting head has a forward direction, a backward direction opposite to the forward direction, an axial direction perpendicular to the forward and backward directions, and a radial direction perpendicular to the forward, backward, and radial directions. The clamp has a blade engagement portion forming a leading edge of the clamp, the clamp has a shape complementary to the blade, and physically contacts the blade when the clamp is in a clamped position. The method includes removing the clamping force holding the clamp in the clamped position from the clamp, translating the clamp in the forward direction of the cutting head such that the clamp reaches a release position and the blade engagement portion no longer contacts the blade in the release position, and then removing the clamp from the blade assembly.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, a slicer is provided, the slicer being equipped with one or more blade assemblies having the elements described above.

[0016] The technical effects of the present invention include the ability to remove the clamp from the blade assembly by translating the clamp in the forward direction of the blade assembly, and in some cases, to prevent the clamp from translating relative to the blade, particularly in the forward direction of the blade assembly, when a clamping force is applied to the clamp.

[0017] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be understood from the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic side view of a partial cross-section of a centrifugal slicer known in the art is shown.

[0019] Figure 2A and Figure 2B They respectively indicate that they are already in Figure 1 Individual bottom views and partial bottom views showing details of the cutting head used in the slicer of the type shown.

[0020] Figure 3 It is able to Figure 2A and Figure 2B A circumferential view of the knife component used with the cutting head.

[0021] Figures 4A to 9D The diagram schematically illustrates a cutting head suitable for mounting to a slicer (e.g., but not limited to...). Figure 2A The cutting head and Figure 1 The blade assembly of a slicer is shown, along with an alternative method for removing the clamp from the blade assembly.

[0022] Figure 10 It is a slicer (e.g., but not limited to) Figure 1 A partial side view of the blade assembly of a slicer, and the blade assembly is shown as including a blade holder and a fixture that holds the forming blade on the blade holder.

[0023] Figure 11 schematically shown Figure 10 The image shows an end view of the fixture, and schematically illustrates how the fixture is fixed to... Figure 10 The force acting on the clamp is shown when the tool holder is in place.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a partial side view of a blade assembly for a slicer according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, and the blade assembly is shown as including a blade holder, a clamp for holding a forming blade on the blade holder, and a support rod for securing the clamp to the blade holder.

[0025] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A separate view of the support rod.

[0026] Figure 14 yes Figure 12A partial side view of the blade assembly, showing the support rod that is in rotational disengagement from the clamp according to a non-limiting aspect of the invention.

[0027] Figure 15 schematic representation Figure 12 The end view of the clamp and support rod, and schematically showing when used as... Figure 12 The force exerted on the clamp by the support rod shown when it secures the clamp to the tool holder.

[0028] Figure 16 Is with Figure 12 and Figure 14 A partial side view of different blade assemblies, with the clamp attached to a support rod according to another non-limiting embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Figure 17 schematic representation Figure 16 The end view of the clamp and support rod, and schematically showing when used as... Figure 16 The force exerted on the clamp by the support rod shown when it secures the clamp to the tool holder.

[0030] Figure 18 This is a partial side view of a blade assembly for a slicer according to another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, and the blade assembly is shown as including a blade holder and a clamp for holding the forming blade on the blade holder.

[0031] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A detailed side view of the knife component. Figure 20 yes Figure 18 A partial cross-sectional view of the blade assembly.

[0032] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of a blade assembly for a slicer according to another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, and the blade assembly is shown as including a blade holder, a clamp for holding a forming blade on the blade holder, and a wedge-shaped assembly for fixing the clamp to the blade holder.

[0033] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 A perspective view of the blade assembly, in which the upper component of the wedge assembly has been removed.

[0034] Figure 23 , Figure 24 and Figure 25 yes Figure 21 Three different perspective views of the upper component of the wedge-shaped assembly, each showing the upper component separately.

[0035] Figure 26 and Figure 27 yes Figure 21 and Figure 22 A cross-sectional view of the knife component, indicating that it is in the unlocked state. Figure 26 Construction and locking Figure 27 The knife assembly is constructed from the following.

[0036] Figure 28 schematic representation Figure 21 , Figure 26 and Figure 27 The end view of the knife component, and schematically illustrates when using, as Figure 21 and Figure 27 The wedge assembly shown represents the force acting on the clamp when it secures the clamp to the tool holder.

[0037] Figure 29 This is a side view of a blade assembly for a slicer according to another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, and the blade assembly is shown as including a blade holder, a clamp for holding a forming blade on the blade holder, and a cam rod that generates a clamping force applied to the blade by the clamp.

[0038] Figure 30 It shows Figure 29 The tool assembly, and the cam rod is represented as having been rotated to release the clamping force applied to the tool by the clamp.

[0039] Figure 31 schematic representation Figure 29 and Figure 30 The end view of the blade assembly is shown, and it schematically illustrates the use of... Figure 29 The force exerted on the clamp by the cam rod shown when it secures the clamp to the tool holder. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The intended purpose of the following detailed description of the invention, and the wording and terminology used therein, is to describe what is shown in the accompanying drawings in relation to one or more non-limiting embodiments of the invention, and to describe some, but not all, aspects depicted in the drawings. The following detailed description also identifies some, but not all, alternatives to the embodiments depicted in the drawings. Therefore, the appended claims (rather than the detailed description) are intended to specifically point to the subject matter considered to be part of the invention, including some, but not all, aspects and alternatives described in the detailed description.

[0041] Figures 4A to 31 The illustrations depict non-limiting embodiments of blade assemblies and their components that can be used with a variety of cutting machines, including... Figure 1 The centrifugal slicer 10 shown and Figure 2A The cutting head, and in some cases, may be a replacement or improvement of the blade assembly and parts used in such machines. For convenience, reference will be made below. Figure 1 The equipment is as referenced Figure 1 and Figure 2AThe slicer 10 with the described annular cutting head 12 shows and describes the blade assembly; therefore, the following discussion will focus primarily on certain aspects of the blade assembly described with reference to the slicer 10 and the cutting head 12, while other aspects not discussed in detail below may be substantially the same as those described with reference to the annular cutting head 12 in terms of structure, function, materials, etc. Figure 1 and Figure 2A As described herein. However, it should be understood that the teachings of this invention are generally applicable to other types of cutting machines as well. Furthermore, while this machine is particularly well-suited for slicing food products, cutting machines with impellers described herein that can be used to cut a variety of other types of materials are also within the scope of this invention.

[0042] For ease of description of the blade assembly shown in the accompanying drawings provided below, please refer to reference as follows. Figure 1 and Figure 2A The orientation of the blade assembly within the annular cutting head, as shown and described, is used using relative terms. Figure 1 The coaxial arrangement of the cutting head 12 and the impeller 14, including but not limited to terms such as "axial," "circumferential," and "radial," and their related forms, may also be used below to describe the non-limiting embodiments shown in the drawings. All these relative terms can be used to describe... Figures 4A to 31 The blade assembly shown is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, as used herein, “forward” (and related forms) refers to a position on the cutting head 12 (or a component thereof) that circumferentially leads or precedes another position in the direction of rotation of the impeller 14 when the impeller 14 is assembled with and rotates within the cutting head 12, while “rearward” (and related forms) refers to a position on the cutting head 12 (or a component thereof) that circumferentially follows or succeeds another position relative to the direction of rotation of the impeller 14. Thus, the cutting head 12 may be characterized by having a forward direction, a rearward direction opposite to the forward direction, an axial direction perpendicular to both the forward and rearward directions, and a radial direction perpendicular to the forward, rearward, and radial directions.

[0043] For convenience, Figures 4A to 31 Consistent reference numerals are used to identify the same or functionally related / equivalent elements in various embodiments of the knife assembly shown in the figures.

[0044] Figures 4A to 9D This schematically illustrates the mounting of a fixture to a slicer (e.g., but not limited to...). Figure 1 Different methods for removing the blade assembly of the cutting head of a slicer. Although shown as being secured with threaded fasteners (bolts), Figures 4A to 9D The clamp shown can be secured by other means (as a non-limiting example, various types of fasteners, levers and / or cams).

[0045] Figure 4A , 4B Views 4C and 4C are a series of partial side views of a non-limiting embodiment of a blade assembly 50, shown as including a blade holder 52 and a clamp 54 securing a flat blade 56 to a blade support surface 52A of the blade holder 52. As previously stated, a "flat" blade refers to a blade 56 having a straight cutting edge and being substantially flat between its opposing cutting edge and trailing edge, while a "shaped" blade refers to a blade 56 not having a straight cutting edge and not being substantially flat between its cutting edge and trailing edge. At least the blade support surface 52A is located at... Figures 4A to 4C The portion below the blade 56 preferably has a shape complementary to the blade 56. While other mounting arrangements are foreseeable and within the scope of the invention, it should be understood that... Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C The cutter holder 52 shown is configured to be mounted to the brake shoe 26 and located between the support rings 22 and 24 of the cutting head 12, generally as follows: Figure 2A As shown. The clamp 54 is shown as including a blade engagement portion 54A, which forms the leading edge of the clamp 54, physically contacts the blade 56, and thus has a shape complementary to the blade 56. The clamp 54 further includes a base portion 54B, which forms the trailing edge 76 of the clamp 54 and is configured to be able to pass through when the clamp 54 is located Figure 4A The clamping position shown engages the means for securing the clamp 54 to the tool holder 52 and applying clamping force to the clamp 54. Figure 4A , 4B In 4C, this device is represented as a threaded fastener 60 (a bolt in this particular example) that passes through the clamp 54 and is screwed into the tool holder 52. The tool engagement portion 54A and the base portion 54B of the clamp 54 are not coplanar, so that the tool engagement portion 54A can be more closely aligned with the orientation of the tool 56 on the tool support surface 52A of the tool holder 52.

[0046] Loosening fastener 60 eliminates the need to hold clamp 54 in place. Figure 4A The clamping force at the clamping position. The shaft (not visible) of the fastener 60 is received in a keyway slot 74, which is narrower than the head of the fastener 60, such that a clamping force can be applied by tightening the fastener 60, causing the head of the fastener 60 to engage the base portion 54B along the edge of the slot 74. The slot 74 is configured such that the clamp 54 can be removed from the tool holder 52 by loosening the fastener 60 without completely removing the fastener 60 from the tool holder 52. The keyway slot 74 is formed in the base portion 54B of the clamp 54 to abut against the trailing edge 76 of the clamp 54 and extends toward (but is shown terminating at a length shorter than) the tool engagement portion 54A of the clamp 54 to form an inner distal edge 74A within each slot 74. Figure 4Band 4C Each slot 74 is represented as having a constant width along its entire length, but it is conceivable that any one of the slots 74 can be defined as having both wider and narrower portions. Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C It can be clearly seen that the distal edge 74A of the slot 74 serves as a stop, preventing the clamp 54 from passing through the circumferential rearward direction of the cutting head 12. Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C It is removed from the blade assembly 50 by translating upwards (from center to left). However, the slot 74 is configured to move upwards (as in the forward direction of the cutting head 12) Figure 4B and 4C The arrow in the middle indicates that the clamp 54 is translated to the right, so that the fastener 60 is no longer located in the slot 74 and the clamp 54 is released from the tool holder 52. Figure 4B This allows the clamp 54 to be removed from the tool assembly 50. Specifically, translating the clamp 54 in the forward direction causes the tool engagement portion 54A to no longer contact the tool 56 in the release position. Figure 4B The blade engagement portion 54A forms the leading edge of the clamp 54, has a shape complementary to the blade 56, and is in the clamping position. Figure 4A When the clamp 54 physically contacts the tool 56, it can continue to translate in the forward direction from the released position (e.g., ...). Figure 4C (As shown), or the clamp 54 can be lifted from the blade assembly 50 in the radial direction of the cutting head 12. Once the clamp 54 is completely removed ( Figure 4C Released, the lower blade 56 is exposed and can be removed. To reinstall the clamp 54 onto the tool holder 52, before tightening the fastener 60 to secure the clamp 54 to the tool holder 52 (and in doing so, exposing the cutting edge of the blade 56), the clamp 54 can be positioned in the circumferential rearward direction (…). Figure 4A , 4B The fasteners 60 are shifted to the left (in 4C) to insert them into their respective slots 74 until the fasteners 60 abut against the distal edge 74A of the slots 74. This configuration facilitates the removal of the blade and the cleaning of the blade assembly 50 and its components.

[0047] Figure 5A and 5B The removal of, as shown Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C The method of clamp 54 shown is also applicable to clamps with Figure 4A , 4BThe blade assembly 50, different from component 50 of 4C, utilizes a forming blade 56 and is equipped with a clamp 54 (or at least a blade clamping surface 54C on the blade engagement portion 54A of the clamp 54) and a blade holder 52 (or at least a blade support surface 52A of the blade holder 52) having a shape complementary to the forming blade 56. In this example, the blade 56 is a corrugated blade 56 capable of producing corrugated, strip-cut, shredded, or granular products. Figure 5A The clamping position is shown, in which the tool 56 is clamped to the tool support surface 52A of the tool holder 52 because the clamp 54 is secured to the tool holder 52 by the fastener 60. Figure 5B The release position is shown, in which the fastener 60 has been fully loosened so that the clamp 54 can be in the forward direction (e.g.) Figure 5B (Shift to the right as indicated by the horizontal arrow in the image.) Figure 5B It can be clearly seen that the tool engagement portion 54A of the fixture 54 no longer contacts the tool 56 in the release position. Figure 5B The blade engagement portion 54A of the clamp 54 forms the leading edge of the clamp 54 and has a blade clamping surface 54C, the shape of which is complementary to that of the blade 56 and is in the clamping position ( Figure 5A When the cutting head 12 is in the cutting position, the clamp 54 physically contacts the blade 56. From the released position, the clamp 54 can further translate in the forward direction around the cutting head 12 to engage with the blade. Figure 4C The same manner as shown continues, or the clamp 54 can be positioned in the radial direction of the cutting head 12 (by...). Figure 5B The vertical arrow in the diagram indicates that the blade assembly 50 is lifted, or in the axial direction of the cutting head 12 (perpendicular to the vertical arrow). Figure 5B (Translate in the direction of the vertical and horizontal arrows in the image).

[0048] Figure 6 It is observed in the backward direction. Figure 5A and Figure 5B A circumferential view of the tool assembly 50, making the leading edge of the tool 56, the tool holder 52, and the clamp 54 visible. Figure 6 Corresponding to Figure 5B The state of the blade assembly 50 is shown, and thus the released position is shown, in which the fastener 60 (not shown) has been fully released to allow the clamp 54 to translate in the forward direction. Figure 6 As shown, translating the clamp 54 in the forward direction causes its clamping surface 54C to disengage from the complementary shape of the blade 56, and thus the clamp 54 can be positioned relative to the blade 56 and the tool holder 52 in the axial direction of the cutting head 12 (by...). Figure 6 (As shown by the vertical arrow) it can translate freely. Therefore, clamp 54 is as follows: Figure 5B and Figure 6 After being translated in the forward direction, it can be completely removed from the blade assembly 50.

[0049] Considering Figures 4A to 6 and Figures 7A to 9D The similarities between the implementation methods are discussed below. Figures 7A to 9D The discussion will focus primarily on how their respective implementation methods differ in some significant or important way from each other. Figures 4A to 6 The different aspects of the implementation methods. Figures 7A to 9D Other aspects of the implementation method not discussed in detail can be substantially the same as those for the implementation method in terms of structure, function, and materials. Figures 4A to 6 The implementation methods described herein.

[0050] Figure 7A and Figure 7B These are a series of partial side views of another non-limiting embodiment of the blade assembly 50. Figure 7C This is a top view of the same blade component 50. Figure 7A The clamping position is shown, in which the clamp 54 is secured by a fastener 60, the shaft of which (not visible) is received in a slot 74 having a wider portion and a narrower portion. The wider portion of the slot 74 extends toward but does not abut against the trailing edge 76 of the clamp 54, and the narrower portion of the slot 74 extends toward (but terminates shorter than) the blade engagement portion 54A of the clamp 54, forming an inner distal edge 74A within each slot 74. Figure 7B The inner distal edge 74A serves as a stop to prevent the clamp 54 from passing through the circumferential rearward direction of the cutting head 12. Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C The slot 74 is moved horizontally (from center to left) and removed from the tool assembly 50. The narrower portion of the slot 74 is narrower than the head of the fastener 60, allowing the fastener 60 to secure the clamp 54 to the tool holder 52 in the clamped position. The wider portion of the slot 74 is larger than the head of the fastener 60. Figure 7B This allows by loosening the fastener 60 and in the forward direction (in Figure 7A and Figure 7B From center to right, such as Figure 7B The clamp 54 is moved upwards (as indicated by the arrow in the diagram) to remove the clamp 54 from the tool holder 52 without removing the fastener 60 from the tool holder 52. The release position is shown in the diagram. Figure 7B In the middle, the head of the fastener 60 is aligned with the wider portion of the slot 74, and when the clamp 54 is along the radial direction of the cutting head 12 (by... Figure 7C (As indicated by the arrow in the image) can pass through the slot 74 when lifted from the knife assembly 50.

[0051] based on Figure 5A and Figure 5B It is understandable that, such as Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7CThe method of removing the clamp 54 shown is also applicable to the forming blade 56 and the clamp 54 and the blade assembly 50 of the blade holder 52, which have complementary shapes, because translating the clamp 54 in the forward direction causes the blade clamping surface 54C of the clamp 54 to disengage from the complementary shape of the blade 56.

[0052] Figures 8A to 8C Similar to Figures 7A to 7C It indicates that the blade assembly 50 and Figures 7A to 7C Another non-limiting embodiment, differing from the previous one, is described as follows: the wider portion of its slot 74 extends toward, and is adjacent to, the rear edge 76 of the clamp 54. Figures 7A to 7C Similar to the implementation method, the narrower portion of the slot 74 is narrower than the head of the fastener 60, allowing the fastener 60 to secure the clamp 54 to the tool holder 52 in the clamped position. This can be achieved by loosening the fastener 60 and moving it in the forward direction ( Figures 8A to 8C From center to right, such as Figure 8B (As indicated by the arrow in the image) The clamp 54 is translated to remove the clamp 54 from the tool holder 52 without removing the fastener 60 from the tool holder 52. Subsequently, Figure 8B It has been demonstrated that, in the released position, the head of the fastener 60 aligns with the wider portion of the slot 74 and is able to pass through the slot 74, enabling movement along the radial direction of the cutting head 12 (by...). Figure 8C (As indicated by the arrow in the image) the clamp 54 is lifted from the tool assembly 50. Alternatively, since the wider portion of the slot 74 leads to and is adjacent to the trailing edge 76 of the clamp 54, from... Figure 8B The release position, clamp 54 can be as follows Figure 4C As shown and referenced Figure 5B The same method discussed is further translated along the forward direction.

[0053] It is understandable that, such as Figures 8A to 8C The method of removing the clamp 54 shown is also applicable to the tool assembly 50 using the forming tool 56 and the clamp 54 and tool holder 52 equipped with a support surface 52A and a clamping surface 54C having complementary shapes, because translating the clamp 54 in the forward direction will disengage the tool clamping surface 54C of the clamp 54 from the complementary shape of the tool 56.

[0054] Figures 9A to 9D Similar to Figures 7A to 7C This illustrates another non-limiting embodiment of the blade assembly 50, which differs from others due to the L-shaped slot 74. Figures 7A to 7C The implementation method. Therefore, from Figure 9A The clamping position is reached by loosening the fastener 60 and moving along the forward direction of the cutting head 12 (in the...). Figure 9B(As indicated by the arrow) Move the clamp 54 to the right, and then move it along the axial direction of the cutting head 12 (in the direction indicated by the arrow). Figure 9C (As indicated by the downward arrow) Move the clamp 54 downwards to reach the release position. Figure 9C The clamp 54 can be removed from the tool holder 52. Then, it can be moved along the radial direction of the cutting head 12 (e.g., ...). Figure 9D (As indicated by the arrow in the image) the clamp 54 is lifted from the tool assembly 50.

[0055] Furthermore, it should be understood that, such as Figures 9A to 9D The method for removing the clamp 54 shown is also applicable to the tool assembly 50 that utilizes a forming blade 56 and is equipped with a clamp 54 and a tool holder 52 having complementary shapes, including a support surface 52A and a clamping surface 54C. Specifically, the clamp 54 is translated in the forward direction to... Figure 9B The release position causes the blade clamping surface 54C of the clamp 54 to disengage from the complementary-shaped blade 56, allowing the clamp 54 to move along the axial direction of the cutting head 12. Figure 9C (As shown by the arrow, move downwards)

[0056] Figure 10 It is similar to Figures 8A to 8C A partial side view of an embodiment of the blade assembly 50. The blade assembly 50 is shown as being mounted to a slicer (e.g., but not limited to...). Figure 1 The blade assembly 50 is a slicer with a cutting head 12, mounted on and between a pair of bases 72 to a support ring (not shown) attached to the cutting head 12. The blade assembly 50 is also shown as being configured to utilize a forming blade (concealed by a clamp 54), which is clamped by the clamp 54 to a blade support surface of the blade holder 52 (also concealed by the clamp 54), such that at least a portion of the blade support surface of the blade holder 52 and the blade clamping surface of the clamp 54 have a shape complementary to the forming blade. Other aspects of the blade assembly 50 are generally as described above. Figures 8A to 8C The implementation method is described. Thus, and with Figures 4A to 9D The implementation is consistent with that of the previous method, wherein the distal edge 74A of the slot 74 in the clamp 54 serves as a stop, which prevents the clamp 54 from moving in the circumferential rearward direction of the cutting head 12. Figure 10 The clamp 54 can be removed from the blade assembly 50 by translating upwards (from center to left), but the clamp 54 can be removed by moving forward in the direction of the cutting head 12 (from center to left). Figure 10 It is moved upwards and to the right (in the middle) and removed from the blade assembly 50. Figure 10 The description in (and with) Figures 8A to 8CIn a non-limiting embodiment (consistent with the implementation method), the clamp 54 is translated in the forward direction such that the fastener 60 is no longer aligned with the narrower portion of the slot 74, but with the wider portion of the slot 74, allowing the fastener 60 to pass through the slot 74 as the clamp 54 is lifted from the blade assembly 50 in the radial direction along the cutting head 12. Once released by removing the clamp 54, the underlying blade 56 can also be removed. Alternatively, to secure the clamp 54 to the blade holder 52, the clamp 54 can be translated to the left (e.g., before tightening the fastener 60 to secure the clamp 54 to the blade holder 52, and exposing the cutting edge of the blade in doing so). Figure 10 (As shown) to insert the fastener 60 into the narrow portion of each slot 74 until the fastener 60 abuts against the distal edge 74A of the slot 74.

[0057] Figure 11 schematic representation Figure 10 An end view of the clamp 54 is shown, and the diagram illustrates the situation when the clamp 54 is in the position of the clamp. Figure 10 The force acting on the clamp 54 when fixed to the tool holder 52 is shown (the tool is omitted for clarity). Figure 11 The force acting on clamp 54 in the figure also shows the force acting on it. Figures 4A to 9D The force on the clamp 54 shown in each embodiment. From Figure 11 It can be seen that the fastener 60 applies a force F to the base portion 54B of the clamp 54 that coincides with the axis of the fastener 60. B The resultant force F, including the contact surface 78 along the surface representing the contact between the tool holder 52 and the tool clamp 54. R1 and F R2 Because the tool engagement portion 54A and the base portion 54B of the fixture 54 are not coplanar, the bolt force F B The portion 54B is not perpendicular to the base, resulting in a bolt force F. B It has x and y components (parallel to and perpendicular to the outer surface of fixture 54, respectively), which are denoted as F. x and F y .from Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is obvious that F y It is primarily responsible for the clamping force applied to the tool by the fixture 54, while F x In the forward direction of the cutting head 12 (e.g.) Figure 10 and Figure 11 The clamp 54 is pushed upwards to the right (as observed in the image). If F... x If the frictional force between the clamp 54 and the tool holder 52 is greater than the frictional force between them, then when the fastener 60 is tightened to secure the clamp 54 and thereafter, F xThis allows the clamp 54 to translate to the right. If the torque reaction force is greater than the friction between the clamp 54 and the tool holder 52, the torque reaction force can also cause the clamp 54 to rotate out of position. Any resulting translation or displacement may result in undesirable movement of the tool relative to the tool holder 52.

[0058] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A partial side view of the blade assembly 50, showing the addition of a support rod 58. Therefore, the blade assembly 50 is represented as including a blade holder 52 and a clamp 54 that secures the forming blade 56 to a blade support surface 52A of the blade holder 52. Figure 12 In this context, the entire blade support surface 52A preferably has a shape complementary to that of the forming blade 56 (in... Figure 12 In this configuration, the tool support surface 52A is almost entirely hidden beneath the tool 56. The support rod 58 engages with the fastener 60 to secure the clamp 54 to the tool holder 52. The head of the fastener 60 is received in a recess 62 within the outer surface 58A of the support rod 58. Figure 13 As can be more readily seen in a separate view of the support rod 58, each recess 62 defines a recessed surface 64, wherein the keyhole groove 66 is defined as having a wider portion and a narrower portion, with the narrower portion adjacent to the leading edge 68 of the support rod 58. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the groove 66 does not abut against the leading edge 68 of the support rod 58, nor against any other peripheral edge of the support rod 58. The head of the fastener 60 is sized to pass through the wider portion of the groove 66, but cannot pass through the narrower portion of the groove 66 because its diameter is larger than the width of the narrower portion. Therefore, by fully screwing the fastener 60 into the tool holder 52 while aligning it with the narrower portion of the groove 66, the head of the fastener 60 applies a clamping force directly to the recessed surface 64 of the support rod 58, which is transmitted to the tool 56 via the clamp 54, clamping the tool 56 to the tool holder 52. Also as Figure 10 As shown, the blade engagement portion 54A of the clamp 54 is at least adjacent to the leading edge of the clamp 54, and in the illustrated embodiment, it is located at and defines the leading edge of the clamp 54. At least a portion of the blade engagement portion 54A has a shape complementary to the forming blade 56 and transmits clamping force to the blade 56 near the leading edge of the blade holder 52. Figure 12 As shown, the blade 56 protrudes from the tool holder 52. With this arrangement, the clamp 54 is not physically attached to the support rod 58. Figure 14 Instead, the tool 56 is clamped to the tool holder 52 by the support rod 58, which in turn causes the clamp 54 to clamp the tool 56 to the tool holder 52.

[0059] Support rod 58 has a pair of pivot recesses 70 (one of which is in Figure 13As can be seen in the image, the support rod 58 is pivotally coupled via a pivot recess 70 to a pair of bases 72 mounted to the support rings 22 and 24 of the cutting head 12. For example, each base 72 may be equipped with a pin (not shown) received in a corresponding pivot recess 70 of the support rod 58. Figure 13 As can be seen, the pivot recess 70 is elliptical, allowing the support rod 58 to translate relative to the base 72 (typically in the circumferential direction of the cutting head 12) and to pivot about the pivot axis (typically parallel to the central axis of the cutting head 12). Therefore, the support rod 58 is also configured to translate and pivot relative to other components of the blade assembly 50, including the blade holder 52, the clamp 54, and the blade 56.

[0060] Figure 14 This indicates that the fastener 60 has been loosened to allow the support rod 58 to translate and pivot relative to the base 72. Specifically, Figure 14 The diagram depicts a support rod 58 that has been translated relative to the base 72, such that the fastener 60 is no longer aligned with the narrower portion of the slot 66 in the support rod 58, but rather with the wider portion of the slot 66, allowing the fastener 60 to pass through the slot 66. The support rod 58 then pivots about its pivot axis to expose the lower base portion 54B of the clamp 54, which is at least adjacent to the trailing edge 76 of the clamp 54, and in the illustrated embodiment, is located at and defines the trailing edge 76 of the clamp 54. Figure 14 In the middle, the support rod 58 has been fully pivoted to completely disengage from the clamp 54, exposing the lower surface 58B of the support rod 58, which is in Figure 12 The clamping position depicted has contacted clamp 54. See also [reference needed]. Figure 10 As shown and / or discussed, it can be seen that the clamp 54 has keyway slots 74 formed in the base portion 54B of the clamp 54 to abut the trailing edge 76 of the clamp 54 formed by the base portion 54B, and extends toward the blade engagement portion 54A of the clamp 54 but terminates shorter than the blade engagement portion 54A, forming an inner distal edge 74A within each slot 74. Similar to the slot 66 of the support rod 58, each slot 74 is defined as having a wider portion and a narrower portion, and in this respect, the slot 66 of the support rod 58 may be complementary to the slot 74 of the clamp 54 in size and shape. The wider portion of the slot 74 abuts the trailing edge 76 of the clamp 54, and the narrower portion of the slot 74 forms the distal edge 74A of the slot 74. Thus, as... Figure 14 As shown, the distal edge 74A of the slot 74 serves as a stop, preventing the clamp 54 from moving in the rearward direction of the cutting head 12. Figure 14 The clamp 54 can be removed from the cutter assembly 50 by translating upwards (to the left) in the forward direction of the cutting head 12. Figure 14The fastener 60 is shifted to the right, so that it is no longer aligned with the narrower portion of the slot 74, but with the wider portion of the slot 74, allowing the fastener 60 to pass through the slot 74 as the clamp 54 is lifted from the blade assembly 50 in the radial direction of the cutting head 12. Once released by removing the clamp 54, the blade 56 below can also be removed.

[0061] from Figure 14 It can be seen (and is similar to a reference) Figure 10 (Regarding the discussion of fixture 54), the tool engagement portion 54A and the base portion 54B of fixture 54 are not coplanar, allowing the tool engagement portion 54A to more closely align with the direction of the tool 56. For illustrative purposes, this relationship is... Figure 15 The extent of the claim is exaggerated. Figure 15 An end view of the clamp 54 is schematically shown, and the following is illustrated: when... Figure 12 The force acting on the clamp 54 when it is fixed to the tool holder 52 is shown. Figure 15 The support rod 58 and one of its recessed surfaces 64 are also schematically shown, one of which is connected to the clamp 54 and the knife 56. Figure 15 (Not shown in the image) and support rod 58 are connected to tool holder 52 ( Figure 15 One of the fasteners 60 (not shown in the image) Figure 15 (Illustrated schematically) Direct engagement. From Figure 15 It can be seen that each fastener 60 applies a force F to the base portion 54B of the clamp 54 that coincides with the axis of the fastener 60. B This includes the resultant force F along the contact surface 78 (representing the surfaces where the tool holder 52 and the tool 56 are in contact with the clamp 54). R1 and F R2 Because the tool engagement portion 54A and the base portion 54B of the fixture 54 are not coplanar, the bolt force F B 54B, which is not perpendicular to the base.

[0062] like Figure 15 As schematically shown, the concave surface 64 is intentionally tapered relative to the lower surface 58B of the support rod 58, such that its thickness increases towards the rear edge of the clamp 54. The function of the tapered concave surface 64 is to reduce the thickness of the clamp due to the bolt force F. B Above the surface of the base portion 54B of the clamp 54, the support rod 58 is placed downwards and towards... Figure 15 Pushing from the left side, bolt force F B Causes surface friction force F Bs However, this is prevented by a pivot pin that engages with the pivot recess 70 of the support rod 58. The surface friction force F Bs The force F applied by the support rod 58 to the clamp 54 and resisted by the fastener 60 transmitted to the clamp 54 is... Bc Otherwise, the force F BcThis will cause clamp 54 to... Figure 15 Sliding to the right (towards the cutting edge of the blade 56) is possible because the slot 74 formed in the base portion 54B of the clamp 54 is adjacent to the trailing edge of the clamp 54. Because the clamp 54 is effectively secured by the support rod 58, the position of the clamp 54 relative to the blade 56 does not change as the fastener 60 is tightened.

[0063] Given the similarities between the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the following discussion will focus primarily on... Figures 16 to 31 The implementation method is in a significant or important way related to Figures 10 to 15 The different aspects of the implementation methods. Figures 16 to 31 Other aspects of the implementation method not discussed in detail can be substantially the same as those for the implementation method in terms of structure, function, materials, etc. Figures 10 to 15 The implementation methods described herein.

[0064] Figure 16 It is different Figure 12 and Figure 14 A partial side view of a second embodiment of the blade assembly 80, the difference being that the clamp 54 is physically attached to the support rod 58 such that the clamp 54, together with the support rod 58, translates and pivots relative to the blade holder 52, the clamp 54, and the forming blade 56. The means for attaching the clamp 54 to the lower surface 58B of the support rod 58 is shown as a screw 82, but any suitable attachment means capable of mounting the clamp 54 to the support rod 58 is also within the scope of the invention. Figure 17 schematic representation Figure 16 The end view of the clamp 54 and the support rod 58 is shown, and the situation is illustrated as follows: Figure 16 The force F shown is the force acting on the clamp 54 when it is fixed to the tool holder 52 together with the support rod 58. Because the clamp 54 is attached to the support rod 58, thus preventing the clamp 54 from moving relative to the support rod 58, the force F Bs and F Bc It is no longer a factor, because the support rod 58 ensures that the position of the clamp 54 relative to the knife 56 does not change as the fastener 60 is tightened.

[0065] Figure 18 This is a partial side view of the cutting head 12, showing a third embodiment of the blade assembly 90. Figures 10 to 17 The same implementation method is used, the blade assembly 90 in Figure 18The diagram shows a tool holder 52 and a clamp 54 that secures a forming blade 56 (hidden by a clamp 54) to a blade support surface 52A of the tool holder 52 (also hidden by a clamp 54). Preferably, the entire blade support surface 52A has a shape complementary to the forming blade 56. In contrast to previous embodiments, the tool assembly 90 does not include a support rod for securing the clamp 54 to the tool holder 52. Instead, the clamp 54 is shown secured to the tool holder 52 solely by a fastener 60 that passes through the clamp 54 and screws into the tool holder 52. The head of the fastener 60 is received in a keyway slot 74 (similar to...). Figure 12 , Figure 14 and Figure 16 The slots 74 of the clamps 50 and 80 are formed in the base portion 54B of the clamp 54 to abut the rear edge 76 of the clamp 54 and extend toward the blade engagement portion 54A of the clamp 54 but terminates shorter than the blade engagement portion 54A, thereby forming an inner distal edge 74A within each slot 74. Therefore, the distal edge 74A of the slot 74 serves as a stop, preventing the clamp 54 from passing through the rearward direction of the cutting head 12 ( Figure 18 and Figure 19 The clamp 54 can be removed from the blade assembly 90 by translating upwards (to the left) in the forward direction of the cutting head 12, but the clamp 54 can be removed by translating upwards (to the left) in the forward direction of the cutting head 12. Figure 18 and Figure 19 It is moved upwards and to the right and removed from the knife assembly 90. Afterwards, knife 56 can also be removed.

[0066] from Figure 19 It is more easily seen in a separate view of a slot 74, similar to that formed in Figures 10 to 17 In the blade assemblies 50 and 80, slots 74 are defined, each slot 74 of the clamp 54 having a wider portion and a narrower portion, wherein the wider portion abuts the trailing edge 76 of the clamp 54, and the narrower portion forms the distal edge 74A of the slot 74. This is illustrated by depicting the result of loosening the fastener 60 and translating the clamp 54 to the right so that the head of the fastener 60 is aligned with the wider portion of the slot 74. Figure 19 As can be seen, the head of the fastener 60 is designed to pass through the wider portion of the slot 74, but cannot pass through the narrower portion of the slot 74 because its diameter is larger than the width of the narrower portion. Thus, by fully screwing the fastener 60 into the tool holder 52 and aligning it with the narrower portion of the slot 74, the fastener 60 applies a clamping force directly to the base portion 54B of the clamp 54. This clamping force is transmitted to the blade 56 through the blade engagement portion 54A of the clamp 54 to clamp the blade 56 to the tool holder 52. When the blade 56 is clamped to the tool holder 52 by the clamp 54, the blade 56 protrudes from the leading edge of the tool holder 52 (not shown). The shaped blade 56 is covered and engaged by a portion of the blade engagement portion 54A, which has a shape complementary to the shaped blade 56.

[0067] Figure 19 A slot 74 having a neck 92 is also shown, the neck 92 being defined at the junction of the narrower portion of the slot 74 and the wider portion of the slot 74. The neck 92 defines the narrowest width of the slot 74. Figure 19 and Figure 20 Further shown, the narrower portion of the slot 74 has a tapered wall 94 adjacent to the outer surface of the clamp 54, and extends inward into the clamp 54 to reach a second wall 96 formed within the slot 74 below the tapered wall 94. A fastener 60 located within the narrower portion of the slot 74 is shown. Figure 20 As shown, the width defined by the neck 92 and the second wall 96 is greater than that of the shank 98 of the fastener 60, allowing the shank 98 to pass through all portions of the slot 74 (the neck 92 and both the wider and narrower portions). However, the fastener 60 also has a shoulder 99 located between the shank 98 and the fastener head, which is wider / larger than the neck 92 of the slot 74, such that if the fastener 60 is fully screwed into the tool holder 52 to position the shoulder 99 in the narrower portion of the slot 74, the fastener 60 cannot pass through the neck 92, and similarly, the clamp 54 cannot be removed from the tool holder 52. Thus, when the fastener 60 is tightened, the neck 92 physically prevents the clamp 54 from sliding forward beyond the fastener 60. Although shown as tapered to complement the taper of the tapered wall 94 of the slot 74, the shoulder 99 can alternatively be non-tapered, i.e., parallel to the axis of the fastener 60. However, the advantage of the tapered shoulder 99 is that it reduces the number of rotations required to fully loosen the fastener 60 to release the clamp 54 from the fastener 60.

[0068] Figure 21 It is a cutting head for a slicer according to the fourth embodiment (such as...) Figure 1A perspective view of the blade assembly 100 of the cutting head 12 and machine 10. According to this non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the blade assembly 100 is shown as including a blade holder 52 and a clamp 54 for securing a forming blade 56 to a blade support surface 52A of the blade holder 52, the blade 56 protruding from the leading edge of the blade holder 52. At least a portion of the blade support surface 52A of the blade holder 52 has a shape complementary to that of the forming blade 56, which engages with a portion of a blade engagement portion 54A of the clamp 54, the portion of which also has a shape complementary to that of the forming blade 56. The blade assembly 100 further includes a wedge assembly 102 that cooperates with a fastener 60 passing through the clamp 54 and screwed into the blade holder 52 to secure the clamp 54 to the blade holder 52. Similar to the previous embodiments, the clamp 54 has a slot (not shown) for receiving the fastener 60. The slot is formed in the base portion 54B of the clamp 54 to abut against the trailing edge 76 of the clamp 54 and extends toward the blade engagement portion 54A of the clamp 54, but terminates shorter than the blade engagement portion 54A of the clamp 54, so that the clamp 54 can pass through in the forward direction ( Figure 26 , Figure 27 and Figure 28 It is moved upwards and to the right from the center and removed from the knife assembly 100.

[0069] Wedge assembly 102 in Figure 21 The middle part is shown as including a lower member 102A, an upper member 102B and a handle 102C with a threaded shaft 102D attached. Figure 22 yes Figure 21 A perspective view of the blade assembly 100, wherein the upper member 102B of the wedge assembly 102 is removed to expose the lower member 102A. The lower member 102A can be generally described as a beam 104, with two flanges 106 projecting from the beam 104 on one side. Figure 22 As can be seen, the head of the fastener 60 is received in a recess 108 formed in the flange 106 of the lower member 102A, resulting in the lower member 102A being directly fixed to the tool holder 52 by the fastener 60. The lower member 102A is also shown as having a shoulder 110 formed by the beam 104 near the trailing edge 76 of the clamp 54 and a tapered sliding surface 112 also formed by the beam 104 and positioned to interact with the upper member 102B, as will be discussed below. The threaded shaft 102D of the handle 102C extends through a groove 114 formed in the beam 104. Figure 26 and Figure 27 ).

[0070] Figure 23 , Figure 24 and Figure 25This is a separate perspective view of the upper member 102B of the wedge assembly 102. A slot 116 is formed in the leading edge 118 of the upper member 102B to receive the head of the fastener 60, resulting in the upper member 102B not being directly secured to the tool holder 52 by the fastener 60. Instead, a threaded shaft 102D couples the upper member 102B to the lower member 102A, which indirectly couples the upper member 102B to the tool holder 52. The upper member 102B in... Figure 23 and Figure 24 The upper member 102A is shown with a U-shaped cavity 120 on its lower side, the size and shape of which are designed to accommodate the beam 104 and flange 106 of the lower member 102A. The cavity 120 surrounds a central boss 122A, in which a threaded hole 124 is formed, receiving the end of the threaded shaft 102D of the handle 102C threadedly from a slot 114 in the beam 104 of the lower member 102A. The central boss 122A defines a support surface 126 adapted to support the tapered sliding surface 112 of the beam 104 of the lower member 102A. The upper member 102A also defines an end boss 122B at its longitudinal end. The central boss 122A and the end boss 122B define clamping surfaces 127A and 127B that are adapted to support the base portion 54B of the clamp 54, thereby pushing the clamp 54 toward the tool holder 52.

[0071] Figure 26 and Figure 27 yes Figure 21 A cross-sectional view of the knife assembly 100, showing it in the unlocked configuration. Figure 26 ) and lock configuration ( Figure 27 The blade assembly 100. Figure 26 In this configuration, fastener 60 mounts the lower member 102A onto the tool holder 52. The lower member 102A is received in the cavity 120 of the upper member 102B. A threaded shaft 102D is screwed into a threaded hole 124 formed in the central boss 122A of the upper member 102B, thereby indirectly coupling the upper member 102B to the tool holder 52. The shoulder 110 of the lower member 102A, formed by beam 104, is located near the rear edge 76 of the clamp 54. The tapered sliding surface 112 formed by beam 104 supports the support surface 126 formed by the central boss 122A of the upper member 102B. In this unlocking configuration, by moving forward ( Figure 26 and Figure 27 By translating the clamp 54 upward (to the right) so that the fastener 60 leaves the slot at the trailing edge 76 of the clamp 54, the clamp 54 can be removed from the tool assembly 100.

[0072] Figure 27This indicates that by using the handle 102C to screw the threaded shaft 102D into the threaded hole 124 formed in the central boss 122A of the upper member 102B, the upper member 102B is pulled downward to further engage with the lower member 102A. Specifically, as the handle 102C rotates to pull the upper member 102B to the lower member 102A, the support surface 126 of the upper member 102B, which contacts the tapered sliding surface 112, causes the upper member 102B to slide downward along the tapered sliding surface 112. This is because the depth d1 of the slot 114 in the lower member 102A at the bottom of the slot 114 is shorter than the depth d2 at the top of the slot 114. Therefore, the clamping surfaces 127A and 127B of the center boss 122A and end boss 122B of the upper member 102B push the clamp 54 toward the tool holder 52, thereby clamping the tool 56 therebetween.

[0073] Figure 28 schematic representation Figure 21 , Figure 26 and Figure 27 An end view of the blade assembly 100, and schematically showing when... Figure 21 and Figure 27 The force acting on the clamp 54 when the wedge assembly 102 is used to fix the clamp 54 to the tool holder 52 is shown. This is because the wedge assembly 102 applies a clamping force F in the direction shown (parallel to the tapered sliding surface 112 of the lower member 102A). w Therefore, in the backward direction ( Figure 28 Push the clamp 54 upwards (from center to left), thereby forcing the clamp 54 (or the narrower portion of its slot) against the fastener 60, ensuring that the position of the clamp 54 relative to the knife 56 does not change as the fastener 60 is tightened.

[0074] Figure 29 , Figure 30 and Figure 31 A cutting head (such as a slicing head) for a slicer according to a fifth embodiment is shown. Figure 1The cutting head 12 and the machine 10) have a blade assembly 130. According to this non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the blade assembly 130 is shown as including a blade holder 52 and a clamp 54 that holds a forming blade 56 to a blade support surface 52A of the blade holder 52, the blade 56 protruding from the leading edge of the blade holder 52. As in previous embodiments, at least a portion of the blade support surface 52A of the blade holder 52 has a shape complementary to the forming blade 56, which is engaged by a portion of the blade engagement portion 54A of the clamp 54, which has a shape complementary to the forming blade 56. The blade assembly 130 also includes a cam rod 132 located between the blade holder 52 and the base portion 54B of the clamp 54 for engaging with a fastener 60 passing through the clamp 54 and screwed into the blade holder 52 to secure the clamp 54 to the blade holder 52. As in previous embodiments, the clamp 54 has a slot 74 for receiving the fastener 60, allowing the clamp 54 to pass through in the forward direction (in... Figure 29 , Figure 30 and Figure 31 It is moved upwards and to the right from the center and removed from the blade assembly 100. Specifically, and similar to the previous embodiment, the wider portion of the slot 74 abuts the trailing edge 76 of the clamp 54, and the narrower portion of the slot 74 forms the distal edge 74A of the slot 74. Therefore, and from Figure 29 and Figure 31 It can be clearly seen that the distal edge 74A of the slot 74 serves as a stop, preventing the clamp 54 from moving in the rearward direction ( Figure 29 , Figure 30 and Figure 31 It can be removed from the tool assembly 50 by translating upwards (from center to left), but it can be removed by moving the clamp 54 in the forward direction ( Figure 29 , Figure 30 and Figure 31 The fastener 60 is moved upward (from center to right) so that it exits the slot 74 at the rear edge 76 of the clamp 54 or the fastener 60 is aligned with the wider portion of the slot 74 to allow the fastener 60 to pass through the slot 74 as the clamp 54 is lifted from the cutter assembly 50 in the radial direction of the cutting head 12, thereby removing the clamp 54 from the cutter assembly 50.

[0075] Because the clamp 54 is forcibly held in place on the tool holder 52 by means of the cam rod 132, the clamp 54 and the tool 56 are held in place on the tool holder 52. The cam rod 132 is shown as being received in a channel 136, which is formed in the surface of the tool holder 52 and located in the rearward direction from the fastener 60. Figure 29 , Figure 30 and Figure 31(From center to left). Furthermore, the longitudinal axis of the cam rod 132 is indicated as being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tool holder 52, the clamp 54, and the tool 56. The cam rod 132 is capable of rotating about its longitudinal axis within the channel 136. A control lever 134 is attached to the cam rod 132 or formed as an extension of the cam rod 132. Rotating the cam rod 132 using the control lever 134 generates a cam action. This cam action applies a force Fc to the base portion 54B of the clamp 54, which abuts against the head of the fastener 60. The head of the fastener 60 serves as the fulcrum of the clamp 54, causing the cam action to also generate a reaction force F at the point where the fastener 60 contacts the clamp 54. R1 A reaction force F is generated at the point where the tool engagement portion 54A of the fixture 54 contacts the tool 56. R2 ,like Figure 31 As shown. The cam rod 132 has a recessed surface 138 defined in another circular circumferential surface 140. When the cam rod 132 rotates such that the recessed surface 138 faces the clamp 54, the clamp 54 is released from its engagement with the cam rod 132, which in turn causes the tool engagement portion 54A of the clamp 54 to release the tool 56. In this embodiment, Figure 31 This shows rotating the control lever 134 counterclockwise (as shown). Figure 31 As shown, the clamping force is applied to the base portion 54B of the clamp 54 by utilizing the corner of the cam rod 132, defined by the intersection of the recessed surface 138 and the circumferential surface 140. However, it is foreseeable that the cam rod 132 can be further rotated counterclockwise, so that the clamping force is fully applied to the base portion 54B through the circumferential surface 140. Clockwise rotation of the control lever 134 (as shown) Figure 31 (As shown) the recessed surface 138 on the cam rod 132 is rotated to face the clamp 54, thereby releasing the clamp 54 from its engagement with the cam rod 132. In this embodiment, the cam rod 132 is configured such that the corner formed by the recessed surface 138 and the circumferential surface 140 can engage the base portion 54B of the clamp 54 with the application of a clamping force to pull the clamp 54 into the fastener 60 and along the rearward direction ( Figure 31 Pull the clamp 54 to the left until the fastener 60 abuts the distal edge 74A of the slot 74. Rotate the cam rod 132 clockwise in the forward direction ( Figure 31 Pushing the clamp 54 upwards (from center to right) pushes the edge of the slot 74 away from the fastener 60. Therefore, this configuration ensures that the position of the clamp 54 relative to the knife 56 does not change with the applied clamping force, depending on the rotation of the cam rod 132 and the relative positions of the properly mating recessed surface 138 and circumferential surface 140.

[0076] From the embodiments described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it should be apparent that each illustrated embodiment utilizes a fastener 60 (or other suitable fastener) to apply a clamping force to the forming blade 56 via a blade engagement portion 54A of a clamp 54, which preferably has a shape complementary to the blade 56. According to a preferred, but not limiting, aspect, the fastener 60 is received in a slot 74 formed in the clamp 54 and abuts against the trailing edge 76 of the clamp 54, allowing the clamp 54 to be removed from the blade assembly by translating it in the forward direction. While it is desirable to be able to remove the clamp 54 and the forming blade 56 held by the clamp 54, the open construction of the slot 74 does not prevent the clamp 54 from translating relative to the blade 54 during the clamping process. To address this problem, each embodiment described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings provides a means by which its clamp 54 is prevented from translating relative to the blade 56, particularly in the forward direction of the blade assembly, as a clamping force is applied to the clamp 54. In a non-limiting embodiment, such a means includes… Figures 12 to 17 Support rod 58 Figures 12 to 20 The narrow neck 92 and the conical wall 94, Figures 21 to 28 wedge-shaped component 102 and Figures 29 to 31 Cam rod 132.

[0077] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other forms may be employed. For example, the blade assembly, cutting head, and machine in which they may be mounted may differ in appearance and structure from those shown in the figures. Moreover, the blade assembly may be used with blades that differ from those shown in the figures (e.g., in shape (flat or shaped) and, in the case of shaped blades, in terms of amplitude (distance between troughs and crests) and / or pitch (distance between crests)). Furthermore, various materials and processes may be used in the manufacture of the blade assembly and its components. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims.

Claims

1. A blade assembly for securing a blade to a slicer, the blade assembly comprising: A knife holder, which has a knife support surface; The blade is supported on the blade support surface of the blade holder so as to protrude from the leading edge of the blade holder in the forward direction of the blade assembly; A clamp having a base portion adjacent to the rear edge of the clamp and a blade engagement portion adjacent to the front edge of the clamp, wherein the base portion has at least one slot formed therein, and at least a portion of the blade engagement portion has a shape complementary to the blade. A support rod that covers the clamp, the support rod being coupled within the cutting head to have a pivot axis, the support rod pivoting relative to the tool holder, the clamp and the tool about the pivot axis, and the support rod translating via the pivot axis in the forward direction and the rearward direction of the tool assembly; and A fastener, housed in a slot in the base portion of the clamp, applies a clamping force to the support rod, the clamping force being transmitted through the clamp to clamp the tool to the tool holder; The support rod engages the clamp to prevent the clamp from translating relative to the blade along the forward direction of the blade assembly when the fastener applies a clamping force to the clamp.

2. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the slot is adjacent to and extends toward the rear edge of the clamp, such that the clamp is removed from the blade assembly by translating the clamp in a forward direction along the blade assembly.

3. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the slot has a wider portion adjacent to the rear edge of the clamp and a narrower portion extending toward the front edge of the clamp.

4. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the pivot axis of the support rod is defined by a pair of pivot recesses located at oppositely arranged ends of the support rod.

5. The blade assembly of claim 4, wherein the pivot recess is elliptical to allow the support rod to translate in the forward and backward directions of the blade assembly.

6. The blade assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support rod (58) has a recessed surface (64) that tapers relative to the lower surface (58B) of the support rod (58) such that the thickness of the support rod (58) increases toward the rear edge (76) of the clamp (54), the support rod having a keyway in the recessed surface (64) for receiving the fastener, the fastener having a head that supports against the recessed surface (64).

7. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the clamp is attached to the support rod to translate and pivot together with the support rod relative to the blade holder and the blade.

8. The knife assembly of claim 1, wherein the slot has a wider portion adjacent to the rear edge of the clamp, a narrower portion extending toward the front edge of the clamp, and a neck defined in the narrower portion of the slot adjacent to the wider portion of the slot, the neck defining the narrowest width of the slot.

9. The knife assembly of claim 8, wherein the narrower portion of the slot has a tapered wall adjacent to the outer surface of the clamp and extends inward into the clamp to reach a second wall formed in the slot below the tapered wall, the fastener having a shoulder having a shape complementary to the tapered wall.

10. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the blade is a shaped blade, and the shape of the blade engagement portion of the clamp is complementary to that of the shaped blade.

11. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the blade is a flat blade, and the shape of the blade engagement portion of the clamp is complementary to the flat blade.

12. A slicer equipped with the blade assembly as described in claim 1.

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