Cleaning device for a spreader roll

Abstract

The cleaning device (1) of the present invention, which cleans the surface (26A) of the extension roller (26) of the raw material extension device (2), includes a cleaning device main body (11) attached to the raw material extension device and a cleaning member (13) attached to the cleaning device main body, which is belt-shaped and flexible. The cleaning member includes an end portion (13A) and a cleaning portion (13B) having a cleaning surface (13C). The cleaning member is configured such that the end portion on one side or both sides is fixed to the cleaning device main body, the cleaning portion is hanging, and the cleaning surface of the cleaning portion is in contact with the surface of the extension roller of the raw material extension device and deforms as the surface of the extension roller flexes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cleaning apparatus and a cleaning method for the surface of an extension roller in a food ingredient spreading device, and more specifically, to a cleaning apparatus and a cleaning method for cleaning the surface of the extension roller by removing deposits attached to the surface of the extension roller. Background Technology

[0002] Various solutions have been proposed to date for cleaning devices on the surface of the stretching rollers in food material stretching devices. Patent Document 1 discloses a device comprising: an adhering material removal unit for removing adhering material from the outer circumferential surface of the calendering roller used for dough sheeting in a dough-making machine; and a camera unit for photographing the outer circumferential surface of the calendering roller. Patent Document 2 discloses a device in a material stretching device comprising: a roller rotatably mounted on a shaft that moves along an oblong track; and a conveyor belt disposed opposite to the oblong track and for conveying the material.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-050229

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 52-025083 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] In the apparatus of Patent Document 1, the position of the rotation axis of the calender roll using the attachment removal unit is fixed, and the calender roll is concentric with respect to the rotation axis. Therefore, the following problems exist: this attachment removal unit cannot remove attachments from the outer peripheral surface of a calender roll that moves along a predetermined track, a calender roll that is eccentric relative to the rotation axis, a calender roll whose radius from the center of the rotation axis is not fixed, or, for example, a calender roll that is not circular but polygonal or elliptical. Furthermore, in the stretching apparatus described in Patent Document 2, a cleaning unit is used to clean the surface of a roll by pressing a brush against the surface of a roll that moves (revolves) along an oval track. However, this method cannot efficiently remove attachments from the surface of the roll, and it requires considerable effort in disassembling and assembling the brush and cleaning the brush itself.

[0009] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a cleaning device capable of efficiently removing deposits from the surface of the stretching roller in a food processing apparatus. Furthermore, a preferred objective is to provide a cleaning device that allows for easy disassembly and cleaning of the cleaning components.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] This invention is a cleaning device for cleaning the surface of the stretching roller of a raw material stretching device. The cleaning device comprises a main body and a strip-shaped cleaning component, with one or both ends of the cleaning component being detachably fixed to the main body. The cleaning portion of the cleaning component hangs down, and its cleaning surface abuts against the surface of the stretching roller, thereby cleaning the surface of the stretching roller.

[0012] Furthermore, the cleaning device is characterized in that the cleaning member is flexible and forms irregularities on the cleaning surface.

[0013] Furthermore, the cleaning device is characterized in that it includes a force-applying member that applies force to the cleaning member from the back side of the cleaning surface and presses the cleaning surface onto the surface of the extension roller.

[0014] Furthermore, the cleaning device is characterized in that the extending roller has a structure that rotates around an oval track.

[0015] Furthermore, the cleaning device is characterized in that the extending roller has a structure that rotates around a circular track.

[0016] Furthermore, the cleaning device is characterized in that the extension roller has a structure that reciprocates on a predetermined track.

[0017] Furthermore, the cleaning device is characterized in that it includes an extension roller rotating device that rotates the extension roller in at least a portion of the range in which the extension roller moves on the track in a state of contact with the cleaning member.

[0018] Furthermore, the cleaning device is characterized in that the extending roller is an eccentric roller.

[0019] Furthermore, the cleaning device is characterized in that the extending roller is a polygonal roller.

[0020] In addition, a cleaning method for cleaning the surface of the stretching roller of a raw material stretching device is characterized in that one end or both ends of a strip-shaped cleaning member are fixed to the main body of the cleaning device, so that the cleaning part of the cleaning member hangs down, and the cleaning surface of the cleaning part abuts against the surface of the stretching roller to clean the surface of the stretching roller.

[0021] Furthermore, the feature is that the flexible cleaning member with its irregularly shaped cleaning surface comes into contact with and cleans the surface of the extension roller.

[0022] Furthermore, the cleaning member, which has an irregular and flexible surface on the cleaning surface, flexes and deforms along the surface of the extension roller to make surface contact, thereby cleaning the surface of the extension roller.

[0023] Furthermore, the feature is that, using the force-applying member of the cleaning device, force is applied to the cleaning member from the back side of the cleaning surface and the cleaning surface is pressed against the surface of the extension roller.

[0024] The effects of the invention

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently remove deposits from the surface of the stretching roller in the stretching device for food raw materials. Moreover, since the cleaning component is detachable, it is easy to disassemble and clean, thus shortening the cleaning time of the stretching device (equipment) and the cleaning component, and reducing the burden on the operator. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic front sectional view of the material spreading device of the cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic top view of the raw material stretching device.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic enlarged front sectional view of the cleaning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic front sectional view of the material spreading device of the cleaning apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view obtained from the upstream side of the raw material conveying direction, when viewing the raw material extending device including the cleaning device of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6A This is a schematic front sectional view of the material spreading device of the cleaning apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6B This is a schematic front sectional view of the material spreading device of the cleaning apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7A This is a schematic front sectional view of a material spreading device, which is a modified example of the cleaning device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 7B This is a schematic front sectional view of a material spreading device, which is a modified example of the cleaning device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic front view of a material spreading device, which is a modified example of the cleaning device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Reference Figures 1 to 3 This description will explain the cleaning device 1 and the raw material spreading device 2 including the cleaning device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Detailed descriptions of known structures will be omitted in the following description. The cleaning device 1 is a device for cleaning the deposits W adhering to the surface 26A of the spreading roller 26 in the raw material spreading device 2 for spreading food raw material D. In this specification, the food raw material D will be described as bread raw material, and the deposits W will be described as bread raw material crumbs or powder dispersed on the surface of the raw material.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the raw material stretching device 2 is a device for stretching the food raw material D fed from the upstream conveyor belt JC and sending it out to the downstream conveyor belt KC. It includes a frame 2A, a conveying device 21 installed on the frame 2A, and a stretching device 22 disposed above the conveying device 21.

[0038] The conveying device 21 includes: a first conveyor belt 23 having an annular conveyor belt 23A; a second conveyor belt 24 disposed adjacent to the first conveyor belt 23 on its downstream side and having an annular conveyor belt 24A; and a third conveyor belt 25 disposed adjacent to the second conveyor belt 24 on its downstream side and having an annular conveyor belt 25A. The three conveyor belts 23, 24, and 25 each have a facing surface opposite to the extending device 22, and the angles of the facing surfaces of the first conveyor belt 23 and the second conveyor belt 24 can be adjusted. The conveying device 21 is configured to face... Figure 1 The conveying direction R shown indicates that raw material D is being conveyed.

[0039] The stretching device 22 includes a plurality of stretching rollers 26 and a mechanism for guiding the plurality of stretching rollers 26 along an annular oval track. Figure 1 The extension roller drive device 27 rotates (moves) in the direction of arrow S shown. The extension roller drive device 27 includes a pair of frames 27A, a pair of drive sprockets 27B, a pair of driven sprockets 27C, a pair of chains 27D, multiple extension roller shafts 27E, a pair of guide rails 27F for the extension roller 26, and a drive motor M1.

[0040] A pair of frames 27A are positioned above the platform 2A and on the left and right sides of the conveyor 21. Each frame 27A contains a drive sprocket 27B, a driven sprocket 27C, and a guide rail 27F. A chain 27D is wound around the drive sprocket 27B and driven sprocket 27C to form the oval track of the extension roller 26. The two ends of the extension roller shaft 27E are fixed to the left and right chains 27D, respectively. Multiple extension roller shafts 27E are fixed to the chains 27D at predetermined intervals. The pair of drive sprockets 27B and the pair of driven sprockets 27C are respectively mounted on (embedded in) the drive shaft and driven shaft, and the left and right chains 27D rotate (move) as a single unit via a drive motor M1 connected to the drive shaft.

[0041] Multiple stretching rollers 26 are configured to be rotatably supported (shaft-supported) on stretching roller shaft 27E, and extend along the oval track of chain 27D. Figure 1 The direction of arrow S shown is rotated (moved). The stretching roller 26 is configured such that when it moves in the straight section (stretching area SA) on the lower side of the oblong track, the raw material D is stretched between the opposing surfaces of the stretching roller 26 and the conveying device 21, and when it moves in the straight section (cleaning area CA) on the upper side of the oblong track, the cleaning device 1 cleans the adhering material W on the surface 26A of the stretching roller 26.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the cleaning device 1 is positioned above the raw material stretching device 2 and includes a cleaning device body 11, a cleaning component 13, a force-applying component 15, and a stretching roller rotating device 17.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the main body 11 of the cleaning device includes a base 11A and a pair of side plates 11B and 11C. The base 11A is a plate-shaped member extending (erected) between a pair of frames 27A of the extension device 22 and disposed on its upper end, having a rectangular hole 11D in its center. The side plates 11B and 11C are plate-shaped members, disposed parallel to each other on the upper surface of the base 11A, outside the rectangular hole 11D, and along the conveying direction R. That is, the cleaning device 1 is disposed (in a corresponding manner) along the straight portion above the oval track around which the extension roller 26 rotates.

[0044] like Figure 3As shown, the cleaning member 13 is a strip-shaped (sheet-shaped) member, including an end 13A on one side along its length and a cleaning portion 13B excluding the end 13A. Ideally, it should be made of flexible or elastic polyurethane. However, the material of the cleaning member 13 is not limited to this and can be appropriately selected. The cleaning portion 13B has a cleaning surface 13C that abuts against the surface 26A of the stretching roller 26. Ideally, the cleaning surface 13C should have a concave-convex shape. Ideally, the concave-convex shape of the cleaning surface 13C should be a grid-like shape with recesses (grooves), but it is not limited to this. For example, it could also be a shape where the recesses are formed (etched) in parallel, and the convex parts are truncated pyramids or frustums of cones. The shape, depth, and width of the recesses, and the shape and height of the convex parts, should be appropriately selected according to the properties of the stretched raw material.

[0045] One end 13A of the cleaning member 13 is fixed to the plate 13D. The plate 13D is configured such that after one end is inserted into the mounting hole 11F of the side plate 11B and the other end is inserted into the mounting groove 11G of the side plate 11C, it is fixed to the side plate 11C by a knob bolt 11E. By installing or removing the knob bolt 11E relative to the side plate 11C, the cleaning member 13 and the plate 13D can be integrally and easily installed on the side plates 11B and 11C. That is, the cleaning member 13 is configured such that one end 13A of the strip (sheet) cleaning member 13 is detachably fixed to the cleaning device body 11 by means of the plate 13D, the cleaning part 13B hangs down through the rectangular hole 11D of the base 11A, and the cleaning surface 13C abuts against the surface 26A of the extension roller 26, thereby cleaning the surface 26A of the extension roller 26. Figure 3 The image shows an example of the cleaning section 13B contacting three consecutive extension rollers 26.

[0046] The force-applying member 15 is configured to apply force to the cleaning portion 13B of the cleaning member 13 from the opposite side of the cleaning surface 13C, thereby pressing it against the surface 26A of the extension roller 26. The force-applying member 15 is strip-shaped (sheet-shaped), including an end 15A on one side in the length direction and a force-applying portion 15B other than the end 15A. Ideally, it is made of flexible or elastic polyurethane. However, the material of the force-applying member 15 is not limited to this, and can be appropriately selected.

[0047] One end 15A of the force-applying member 15 is fixed to the plate 15D. The plate 15D is configured such that after one end is inserted into the mounting hole 11F of the side plate 11B and the other end is inserted into the mounting groove 11G of the side plate 11C, it is fixed to the side plate 11C by a knob bolt 11E. By installing or removing the knob bolt 11E relative to the side plate 11C, the force-applying member 15 and the plate 15D can be integrally installed on the side plates 11B and 11C and can be easily installed and removed. In addition, the force-applying part 15B has a force-applying surface 15C that abuts against the surface (back side) opposite to the cleaning surface 13C, and is configured to press the cleaning part 13B against the surface 26A of the extension roller 26. In other words, the end 15A of one side of the strip (sheet) force-applying member 15 is detachably fixed to the main body 11 of the cleaning device by means of the plate 15D. The force-applying part 15B hangs down through the rectangular hole 11D of the base 11A and applies force to the cleaning part 13B from the opposite (back) side of the cleaning surface 13C. Thus, the cleaning surface 13C is configured to be pressed against the surface 26A of the extension roller 26.

[0048] The method of assembling and disassembling the cleaning component 13 and the force-applying component 15 is not limited to the structure described above. For example, it can also be a fixing method using a hinged clip, allowing the operator to appropriately select a structure that is easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0049] The flexibility of the cleaning member 13 can be varied by selecting its material and thickness, thereby changing the amount of deflection of the cleaning member 13 along the surface 26A of the extension roller 26 and the strength of the contact between the cleaning member 13 and the extension roller 26. Furthermore, it is desirable that the plate 13D (i.e., the end 13A of one side of the cleaning member 13) is fixed to the cleaning device body 11 in the vertical direction. However, it is also possible to change the strength of the contact between the cleaning member 13 and the extension roller 26 by changing and fixing the direction (angle) of the plate 13D. An example with two force-applying members 15 arranged along the conveying direction is shown, but this is not a limitation, and the number of force-applying members 15 can be appropriately varied.

[0050] Furthermore, the flexibility of the force-applying member 15 can be changed by selecting its material and thickness, thereby changing the intensity at which the cleaning surface 13C of the cleaning part 13B is pressed against the extension roller 26. Alternatively, the cleaning member 13 can be subjected to force by the weight of the force-applying part 15B itself.

[0051] The stretching roller rotation device 17 is a device that rotates (spins) the stretching roller 26 as it moves through the cleaning area CA where the cleaning member 13 contacts the stretching roller 26 and cleans its surface 26A. It includes a pair of friction plates 17A. The friction plates 17A are generally rectangular in shape, with inclined surfaces formed at both ends along their length. The pair of friction plates 17A are positioned on the upper surfaces of a pair of guide rails 27F, in contact with both ends of the stretching roller 26, and are arranged parallel to the conveying direction R. When... Figure 3 During the movement (revolution) of the extension roller 26 in the area where the friction plate 17A is disposed, as shown by arrow S, both ends of the extension roller 26 contact the friction plate 17A, thereby enabling the extension roller 26 to move relative to the extension roller axis 27E. Figure 3 The direction of arrow T shown rotates (spins). In order to reliably generate this spin, that is, to make the friction between the extension roller 26 and the friction plate 17A greater than the friction between the extension roller 26 and the cleaning member 13, it is desirable that the friction plate 17A is formed of a material such as rubber with a relatively high coefficient of friction.

[0052] The extension roller rotation device 17 is not limited to the structure of this embodiment. It can also be configured such that a rack is provided instead of a rubber friction plate 17A, and gears are provided at both ends of the extension roller 26. The extension roller 26, which moves in the cleaning area CA, is rotated (rotated) by meshing the rack and gears.

[0053] Furthermore, it is desirable that the range by which the extension roller 26 rotates (self-rotates) by the extension roller rotation device 17 is approximately the same as or longer than the cleaning area CA, but is not limited thereto, and may also be a part of the cleaning area CA.

[0054] Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. A continuous food ingredient D is conveyed from a raw material supply device (not shown) located on the upstream side to the raw material stretching device 2. In the straight section (stretching area) SA below the oblong track, the food ingredient D is stretched between the opposing surfaces of the stretching roller 26 and the conveying device 21, and then fed downstream to the forming device (not shown). Then, as the stretching roller 26 rotates while moving in the straight section (cleaning area) CA above the oblong track, the cleaning device 1 cleans the deposits W adhering to the surface 26A of the stretching roller 26. At this time, the cleaning member 13 deforms in a manner that flexes along the surface 26A of the stretching roller 26, and the cleaning surface 13C contacts the upper portion of the surface 26A of the stretching roller 26.

[0055] While using the stretching roller drive device 27 to move the stretching roller 26 in the direction of arrow S, it also contacts the upper surface of the friction plate 17A of the stretching roller rotation device 17, thereby causing the stretching roller 26 to... Figure 3The direction of arrow T is indicated by rotation. That is, since the moving (revolutionary) and rotating (self-rotating) surface 26A slides in contact with the cleaning surface 13C, the cleaning surface 13C can clean the surface 26A throughout its entire circumference. Moreover, the cleaning surface 13C of the cleaning member 13 is pressed strongly against the surface 26A by the force-applying member 15 from its back side toward the extension roller 26, thereby efficiently cleaning the deposited material W throughout the entire circumference of the surface 26A. Furthermore, since the friction plate 17A has inclined surfaces on the upstream and downstream sides of the moving direction of the extension roller 26 (direction of arrow S), the impact of the extension roller 26 when moving from the guide rail 27F to the friction plate 17A and when moving from the friction plate 17A to the guide rail 27F can be mitigated, suppressing noise generation.

[0056] Conventional fixed plate-shaped scrapers struggle to clean the entire circumference of the moving extension roller 26 surface 26A. Furthermore, with brushes, the brush bristles only make point contact with the extension roller 26 surface 26A, failing to clean uncontacted areas and resulting in uneven cleaning. Additionally, the disassembly and cleaning of the brushes themselves require considerable effort, placing a heavy burden on the operator. However, according to the structure of the present invention, the cleaning surface 13C of the cleaning member 13 contacts the surface 26A of the extension roller 26, which rotates while revolving (moving) on ​​an oval track. Therefore, uneven cleaning is eliminated, and the attached material W can be cleaned efficiently. Furthermore, the disassembly and assembly of the cleaning member 13 are easier, and the cleaning of the cleaning member 13 itself is also easier, thus reducing the operator's workload.

[0057] Next, refer to Figure 4 This section describes the cleaning device 3 and the raw material spreading device 4 including the cleaning device 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Reference numerals that are the same as those used for the structures described above are omitted. The cleaning device 3 is a device for cleaning the deposits W adhering to the surface 26A of the spreading roller 26 in the raw material spreading device 4 for spreading the food raw material D. While the raw material spreading device 2 of the first embodiment is a device in which the spreading roller 26 rotates (moves) on an oblong track, the raw material spreading device 4 of this embodiment is a device in which the spreading roller 26 rotates (moves) on a circular track.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the raw material stretching device 4 includes a frame 4A, a conveying device 41 installed on the frame 4A, and a stretching device 42 disposed above the conveying device 41.

[0059] The conveying device 41 includes a first conveyor belt 43, a large-diameter roller 44 disposed adjacent to the first conveyor belt 43 on the downstream side of the first conveyor belt 43, and a second conveyor belt 45 disposed adjacent to the large-diameter roller 44 on the downstream side of the large-diameter roller 44.

[0060] The stretching device 42 includes a plurality of stretching rollers 26 and a mechanism for guiding the plurality of stretching rollers 26 along an annular circular track. Figure 4 The extension roller drive device 47 rotates (moves) in the direction of arrow S shown. The extension roller drive device 47 includes a pair of frames 47A, a drive shaft 47B, a pair of roller bases 47C and 47D, multiple extension roller shafts 27E, and a drive motor (not shown). The extension roller 26 and the extension roller shafts 27E are integrally fixed. The pair of frames 47A are positioned above the platform 4A on the left and right sides of the conveyor device 41.

[0061] A pair of frames 47A, on their opposing inner sides, support a drive shaft 47B so that it is rotatable, allowing the drive shaft 47B to be inserted (through) and fixed to a pair of roller bases 47C and 47D. Between the pair of roller bases 47C and 47D, eight extending roller shafts 27E are supported, circumferentially spaced and rotatable. Eight gears 47E are fixed (externally embedded) to the ends of the extending roller shafts 27E on the side where their respective roller bases 47D are located, and mesh with gears 47F that are concentrically mounted on and rotatably mounted to the drive shaft 47B. A first drive motor drives the drive shaft 47B, and another second drive motor drives the gears 47F, thereby enabling the extending rollers 26 to move along a circular track... Figure 4 The arrow S shown rotates (moves) around the arrow while rotating (rotates) in the direction of arrow T.

[0062] The multiple stretching rollers 26 are configured such that when they move in the lower part of the circular track (stretching area SA), the raw material is stretched between the opposite surfaces of the stretching rollers 26 and the conveying device 41, and when they move in the upper part of the circular track (cleaning area CA), the cleaning device 3 cleans the adhering material W on the surface 26A of the stretching rollers 26.

[0063] The cleaning device 3 is positioned above the raw material stretching device 4 and includes a cleaning device body 11, a cleaning component 13, a force-applying component 15, and a stretching roller rotating device 37.

[0064] The structures of the cleaning device body 11, cleaning component 13, and force-applying component 15 are the same as those of the cleaning device 1 in the first embodiment, therefore, the description of these structures is omitted. In this embodiment, the extending roller rotation device 37 is composed of the aforementioned gears 47E and 47F and a second drive motor that drives gear 47F (which can also be used as a second drive motor). By controlling the rotational speed of the first drive motor that causes the extending roller 26 to revolve around the circular track and the rotational speed of the second drive motor that causes the extending roller 26 to rotate (rotate), that is, by controlling the difference in rotational speeds of the two drive motors, the rotational speed of the extending roller 26 can be adjusted.

[0065] The operation of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, therefore, its detailed description is omitted. In addition, since the cleaning member 13 and the force-applying member 15 are flexible, they can deform with the surface 26A of the extension roller 26 that rotates (moves) on the circular track, thereby the cleaning surface 13C can clean the entire circumference of the surface 26A of the extension roller 26.

[0066] Next, refer to Figure 5 The cleaning device 5 of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Reference numerals that are the same as those used for the structures described above will be omitted from repeated descriptions. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the raw material stretching device 6 taken from the upstream side of the conveying direction. The cleaning device 5 is a device for cleaning the deposits W attached to the surface 66A of the stretching roller 66 in the raw material stretching device 6 that stretches the food raw material D. The raw material stretching device 2 of the first embodiment is a device in which the stretching roller 26 rotates on an oblong track, but the raw material stretching device 6 of this embodiment is a device in which the stretching roller 66 reciprocates (moves) on a straight track extending in the width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction.

[0067] like Figure 5As shown, the raw material stretching device 6 has a frame 6A extending in the width direction above the conveying device 61. Inside the frame 6A, the raw material stretching device 6 includes a slider 6B, a rack 6C, and a pinion 6D, configured to allow the slider 6B to reciprocate at predetermined distances via a drive transmission mechanism such as a drive motor and chain (not shown). The rack 6C is fixed to the frame 6A. The pinion 6D is fixed (inserted) to an upper shaft 6E rotatably supported on the slider 6B and meshes with the rack 6C. Furthermore, a freewheeling gear 6F is fixed (externally embedded) to the upper shaft 6E. An stretching roller 66, located on the lower part of the slider 6B, is fixed (inserted) to a lower shaft 6G rotatably supported on the slider 6B, and a gear 6H fixed (externally embedded) to the lower shaft 6G meshes with the freewheeling gear 6F. Thus, the stretching roller 66 is configured such that while the sliding member 6B reciprocates in the width direction via the drive motor, it reciprocates integrally with the sliding member 6B, and alternately rotates to the left and to the right.

[0068] The cleaning device 5 is configured in the raw material stretching device 6 and includes the cleaning device body 11, the cleaning component 53, three force-applying components 55 and the stretching roller rotation device 57.

[0069] The base 11A of the main body 11 of the cleaning device is a plate-shaped component disposed on the lower surface of the frame 6A, and has a rectangular hole 11D in its center (through-hole provided). The side plates 11B and 11C are plate-shaped components that extend along the width direction on the upper surface of the base 11A and are arranged parallel to each other.

[0070] The cleaning member 53 is a strip-shaped (sheet-shaped) member, the same as the cleaning member 13 in the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the ends 53A on both sides of the cleaning member 53 are fixed to the plate 53D. The plate 53D has the same structure as the plate 13D in the first embodiment and is easily detached and fixed to a pair of side plates 11B and 11C. That is, the ends 53A on both sides of the strip-shaped cleaning member 53 are detachably and easily fixed to the main body 11 of the cleaning device by means of the plate 53D. The cleaning portion 53B between the ends 53A on both sides hangs down through the rectangular hole 11D of the base 11A. The cleaning surface 53C of the cleaning portion 53B abuts against the upper part of the surface 66A of the extension roller 66, thereby cleaning the surface 66A of the extension roller 66.

[0071] Three force-applying members 55 are arranged along the width direction inside the drooping cleaning member 53. The force-applying members 55 are the same as the force-applying member 15 in the first embodiment, but in this embodiment, the ends 55A on both sides of the force-applying member 55 are fixed to the plate 55D respectively, and are easily detached and fixed to a pair of side plates 11B, 11C by means of the same structure as the cleaning member 53. Therefore, in this embodiment, the force-applying part 55B of the force-applying member 55 is bent downward and drooping, and the force-applying surface 55C of the force-applying part 55B abuts against the surface (back side) opposite to the cleaning surface 53C, thereby pressing the cleaning part 53B against the surface 66A of the extension roller 66. In other words, the ends 55A on both sides of the force-applying member 55 are detachably fixed to the main body 11 of the cleaning device by means of the plate 55D, and the force-applying part 55B hangs down and applies force to the cleaning part 53B from the back side, thereby the cleaning surface 53C is configured to be pressed against the surface 66A of the extension roller 66. In this embodiment, the extension roller rotating device 57 is composed of the rack 6C, the pinion 6D and the drive motor that drives them (used in combination).

[0072] Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described. A continuous food ingredient D is conveyed from a raw material supply device (not shown) located on the upstream side to the raw material stretching device 6. The food ingredient D is stretched between the opposing surfaces of the stretching roller 66 and the conveying device 61, and then fed towards the forming device (not shown) on the downstream side. The stretching roller 66 reciprocates in the width direction. Then, the cleaning device 5 cleans the deposits W adhering to the surface 66A of the stretching roller 66, which rotates while reciprocating on a linear track. Both ends 53A of the cleaning member 53 are fixed to the main body 11 of the cleaning device, so that the cleaning member 53 will not detach and deform along the surface 66A of the stretching roller 66, regardless of which direction the stretching roller 66 moves. The cleaning surface 53C contacts the surface 66A. The stretching roller 66 moves towards... Figure 5 The direction of arrow T is shown, while the surface moves in the width direction (direction of arrow S). That is, since the rotating and moving surface 66A slides in contact with the cleaning surface 53C, the cleaning surface 53C can clean the surface 66A throughout its entire circumference. Moreover, the cleaning member 53 is pressed firmly against the surface 66A by the force-applying member 55 from its back side toward the extension roller 66, thereby efficiently cleaning the deposits throughout the entire circumference of the surface 66A.

[0073] Next, refer to Figure 6A and Figure 6BThis section describes the cleaning device 7 and the raw material spreading device 8 including the cleaning device 7 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are used for structures described above, and repeated descriptions are omitted. The cleaning device 7 is a device for cleaning the deposits W adhering to the surface 86A of the spreading roller 86 in the raw material spreading device 8 for spreading food raw material D.

[0074] like Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the raw material stretching device 8 is a device for stretching the food raw material D flowing down from the hopper 8B and conveying it downstream using the conveying device 81 arranged below. It includes a platform 8A, a conveying device 81, and a stretching device 82.

[0075] The stretching device 82 includes a pair of stretching rollers 86, which are eccentric rollers eccentric relative to the rotation axis. The pair of stretching rollers 86 are arranged parallel to each other at a predetermined interval and with their eccentric directions differing by 180 degrees, configured to be linked together and rotate in opposite directions by a drive motor (not shown). Therefore, when the stretching rollers 86 are rotated, the gap between the pair of stretching rollers 86 repeatedly increases and decreases.

[0076] The cleaning device 7 is positioned obliquely above the extending roller 86 and includes a cleaning device body 11, a cleaning member 53, and a force-applying member 55. The cleaning device body 11 includes a base 11A and a pair of side plates 11B and 11C. The base 11A holds the plate-shaped side plates 11B and 11C so that they are arranged parallel to each other. The structures of the cleaning member 53 and the force-applying member 55 are the same as those in the third embodiment, therefore, a description of their structures is omitted.

[0077] Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described. Food ingredient D is supplied from hopper 8B to stretching device 82, stretching it between a pair of stretching rollers 86, and then conveyed downstream to forming device (not shown) via conveying device 81. Because the stretching rollers 86 are eccentric relative to the rotation axis, the radius of the surface 86A of the stretching rollers 86 in contact with the food ingredient D from the rotation axis constantly changes. The cleaning portion 53B of the cleaning member 53 deforms with the change in the surface 86A of the stretching rollers 86, thereby maintaining surface contact between the cleaning surface 53C and the surface 86A, and cleaning the deposits W adhering to the surface 86A of the stretching rollers 86. Furthermore, the cleaning member 53 is pressed against the surface 86A of the stretching rollers 86 from its back side by the force-applying member 55, thus enabling thorough cleaning of the entire circumference of the surface 86A of the stretching rollers 86, and efficient cleaning of the deposits.

[0078] As a variation of this embodiment, it can also be, for example, Figure 7A and Figure 7BAs shown, an extension roller 96 with a polygonal surface, arranged concentrically with the rotation axis, is used instead of the extension roller 86. Even in this case, the cleaning portion 53B of the cleaning member 53 deforms with the change of the surface 96A of the extension roller 96, thereby maintaining surface contact between the cleaning surface 53C and the surface 96A, and cleaning the deposits W attached to the surface 96A of the extension roller 96. Furthermore, even if the extension roller is an elliptical roller or a roller with corrugations on its surface, surface contact between the cleaning surface and the surface of the extension roller can be maintained by appropriately selecting the material of the cleaning member, and the deposits on the surface of the extension roller can be cleaned.

[0079] The forming apparatus of the present invention has been described in a general sense, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications can be made according to the claims, and such modifications are of course included within the scope of the present invention.

[0080] In the above embodiments, an example is shown where the rotation path of the stretching roller is an oval or circular path, but the rotation path of the stretching roller can also be, for example, a triangular or elliptical path. Even in this case, the cleaning member makes surface contact along the surface of the stretching roller, enabling the surface of the stretching roller to be cleaned.

[0081] Furthermore, as a variation of the cleaning device in the second embodiment, it could also be, for example... Figure 8 As shown, a structure is adopted in which the two ends 53A of the cleaning member 53 are detachably and detachably fixed to the main body 11 of the cleaning device. According to this structure, regardless of the direction of rotation (movement) and / or the direction of rotation (spinning) of the extension roller 26, the adhering substances on the surface 26A of the extension roller 26 can be cleaned.

[0082] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0083] 1, 3, 5, 7, Cleaning device; 2, 4, 6, 8, Raw material spreading device; 11, Main body of cleaning device; 13, 53, Cleaning components; 13A, 53A, End; 13B, 53B, Cleaning section; 13C, 53C, Cleaning surface; 15, 55, Force-applying components; 17, 37, 57, Spreading roller rotation device; 26, 66, 86, 96, Spreading roller; 26A, 66A, 86A, 96A, Surface; D, Food raw material.

Claims

1. A raw material extending apparatus, wherein the raw material extending apparatus comprises: an extending roller configured to rotate along a prescribed rotation track or to reciprocate along a prescribed track; and a cleaning device that cleans a surface of the extending roller, the cleaning device comprises: a cleaning device main body; and a cleaning member that is sheet-shaped, mounted to the cleaning device main body, the cleaning member comprises an end portion and a cleaning portion having a cleaning surface that comes into surface contact with the surface of the extending roller in a cleaning region that is a part of the rotation track or the prescribed track, the cleaning member is configured such that an end portion on one side or end portions on both sides are fixed to the cleaning device main body, the cleaning portion is sagging, and the cleaning surface of the cleaning portion is deformed by being flexed in conformity with the surface of the extending roller when coming into surface contact with the surface of the extending roller, and the raw material extending apparatus comprises an extending roller rotation device that causes the extending roller to rotate in the cleaning region, the surface of the extending roller sliding on the cleaning surface.

2. The raw material extending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning device further comprises a force applying member that applies a force to the cleaning member from an opposite side of the cleaning surface in order to press the cleaning surface against the surface of the extending roller.

3. The raw material extending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member is detachably fixed to the cleaning device main body.

4. The raw material extending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning surface has a concave-convex shape.

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