Food material cutting device

Abstract

In order to realize a food material cutting device capable of maintaining the cutting accuracy of a food material through a simple structure, the food material cutting device comprises a cutting operation part (8) which is provided with a feeding device (2E) for conveying the food material and a cutting tool (15) for cutting the food material, the feeding device (2E) and the cutting tool (15) are relatively moved to cut the front end part of the food material sent out from the feeding device (2E), and the cutting tool (15) is configured to cut the front end part of the food material sent out from the feeding device (2E). The lower parts of the left and right support members (60L, 60R) arranged at intervals are connected by a plurality of first connecting members (61D), and the upper parts of the left and right support members (60L, 60R) are connected by a second connecting member (61U). A cutting operation section (8) supported by crossing between the left and right support members is provided in the vertical direction at a position between the first connection member (61D) and the second connection member (61U).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a food cutting device for cutting block food. Background Art

[0002] As a conventional food material cutting device, there is known a meat cutting device that cuts block-shaped raw meat (an example of the "food material" of the present invention) into thin slices. As an example thereof, there is a device disclosed in Prior Art Document 1.

[0003] The meat cutting device disclosed in the prior art document 1 has left and right supporting members (pillars 2) erected on the left and right sides of the machine (machine 1) to avoid the up and down swing range of the feeding device (meat box 3), and the rear part of the feeding device (meat box 3) is supported by the upper ends of the left and right supporting members by a swing fulcrum shaft (support shaft 9) so that it can swing freely up and down.

[0004] In addition, in the machine, at the positions where the left and right supporting members are provided, the bearing parts of the left and right rotating members (pulleys 17) on which the annular cutting blades (belt-shaped blades 13) are wound are supported respectively.

[0005] Furthermore, the structure is adopted in which the left rotating member or the right rotating member is moved laterally together with the bearing portion to expand the interval between the left and right rotating members, thereby tensioning the cutting blade.

[0006] [Prior art literature]

[0007] [Patent Document]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-239853 Summary of the invention

[0009] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0010] In the meat cutting device disclosed in the prior art document 1, the cutting knife (belt knife 13) needs to be tensioned to be in a state where the cutting operation can be performed. In addition, this load is further increased when the cutting operation starts, and a load is applied in a direction in which the bearings of the left and right rotating members (pulleys 17) are pulled closer to each other.

[0011] In addition, during the cutting operation, a meat block weighing about 10 kg (about 20 kg in the case of a meat cutting device that supplies two rows of meat blocks) is supplied to the feeding device (meat box 3) and is forced to swing back and forth in the up and down directions by the drive device (swing motor 12b).

[0012] The feed device may swing up and down more than 60 times in one minute, which may cause a large load on the swing fulcrum shaft (support shaft 9) and the like.

[0013] Therefore, due to the insufficient rigidity of the left and right supporting members (pillars 2), the position of the swing fulcrum shaft is unstable, and the positional relationship between the up and down swing trajectory of the front end of the feed device supported by the swing fulcrum shaft and the cutting action position where the cutting tool performs cutting is prone to change.

[0014] This may cause a problem in which the cutting accuracy is reduced, for example, the thickness of the cut meat cannot be made uniform.

[0015] However, when reinforcing members are added inside the machine (machine 1) to increase the rigidity of the supporting member, the production cost becomes high. In addition, for example, the following problems may arise: the configuration or wiring of the drive device or electrical parts built into the machine becomes complicated, resulting in reduced assembly and maintainability of the meat cutting device itself.

[0016] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art and to realize a food cutting device capable of maintaining the cutting accuracy of food such as meat by a simple structure.

[0017] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0018] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the food cutting device of the present invention includes: a cutting operation part, a feeding device for conveying food and a cutting tool for cutting the food, and is configured to make the feeding device and the cutting tool move relative to each other to cut off the front end of the food sent out from the feeding device. The food cutting device has a frame structure, and the frame structure is formed by arranging left and right supporting members at intervals, connecting the lower parts of the left and right supporting members with a plurality of first connecting members, and connecting the upper parts of the left and right supporting members with a second connecting member, supporting the cutting operation part between the left and right supporting members, and setting the cutting operation part in the upper and lower directions at a position between the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

[0019] In addition, the plurality of first connecting members are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction, and the connecting portions between the plurality of first connecting members and the supporting member and the connecting portions between the second connecting member and the supporting member are arranged on an imaginary triangle with the connecting portions as vertices when viewed from the side.

[0020] Furthermore, the left and right support members each include a support portion that supports the feed device so as to be swingable up and down, and the upper portions of the support portions of the left and right support members are connected to each other by the second connection member.

[0021] In addition, the cutting blade is formed into a ring shape, and the left and right rotating members around which the cutting blade is wound are rotatably supported on the left and right supporting members by a bearing portion, and the first connecting member is used to connect the parts below the bearing portions of the left and right supporting members.

[0022] Furthermore, the left and right support members are formed into a box shape, and the left and right ends of the first connecting member and the left and right ends of the second connecting member penetrate the inner walls of the respective support members and are fixed to the outer walls.

[0023] Moreover, a control device for controlling the operation of the cutting operation part is arranged inside the supporting member on one side of the left and right supporting members, and a first driving device and a second driving device are arranged inside the supporting member on the other side of the left and right supporting members. The first driving device drives the rotating member to rotate, and the second driving device drives the feeding device to swing it up and down.

[0024] Furthermore, a third connecting member is provided, the third connecting member connecting the inner side walls of the left and right supporting members, and the internal spaces of the left and right supporting members are communicated with each other through the third connecting member.

[0025] Furthermore, the feeding start end portion of the feeding device includes a food supply port, and the food supply port is opened at a position below the second connecting member.

[0026] Furthermore, in the existing meat cutting device, in order to ensure the safety of the operation, the cutting device needs to be covered with a cover.

[0027] However, when the cutting operation is completed, the cutting device and the like must be cleaned from a hygienic point of view.

[0028] If the cleaning operation is neglected, there is a concern that bacteria may proliferate and cause sanitary problems in the meat slices produced in the next cutting operation.

[0029] In addition, the cutting blade of the cutting device may be worn during operation or its sharpness may be reduced due to the adhesion of grease, so it is necessary to replace it after a suitable operation time has passed.

[0030] Therefore, when maintenance such as cleaning of such a cutting device or replacement of the cutting blade requires time, the following problems may arise: the commodity value of the meat slices and the commodities placed on the tray may be reduced or the production efficiency may be reduced.

[0031] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art and to realize a food cutting device which has high maintainability and can efficiently produce food pieces with high commercial value.

[0032] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the food cutting device of the present invention includes an operating part, wherein the operating part includes a cutting device having the cutting tool and a conveying device for delivering and conveying food slices cut by the cutting device. The food cutting device of the present invention is configured to have left and right side cover bodies respectively covering left and right outer sides of the cutting device, and to support each of the left and right side cover bodies so as to be openable in a direction of separation from each other by using a support part provided at the rear of each of the left and right side cover bodies, and to expose the cutting device by opening the left and right side cover bodies.

[0033] Furthermore, the first space into which a person can enter is formed between the side cover and the conveying device in a state where the side cover is opened by a predetermined amount.

[0034] Furthermore, the front portion of the feed device is configured to be maintainable from the first space by opening the left and right side cover bodies.

[0035] Furthermore, the conveying device is configured to be movable in a direction away from the cutting device, an operating panel for performing various operations associated with the operation of the working section is arranged at a position above the conveying starting end portion of the conveying device and supported on the conveying device side, and when the conveying device is moved in a direction away from the cutting device, a third space for people to enter is formed between the cutting device and the operating panel.

[0036] [Effects of the Invention]

[0037] According to the present invention, a food cutting device capable of maintaining the cutting accuracy of food can be realized with a simple structure.

[0038] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a food cutting device that has high maintainability of the cutting device and the like and can efficiently produce food pieces with high commercial value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 It is a side sectional view for explaining a meat cutting device (also called a "food cutting device").

[0040] Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram showing the transmission mechanism of the meat cutting device.

[0041] Figure 3 It is a top view developed for explaining the cutting device of the meat cutting device.

[0042] Figure 4 It is a side view for explaining the cutting part of the meat cutting device.

[0043] Figure 5This is a front view for explanation of a part of a meat cutting device.

[0044] Figure 6 This is a top view for explaining the periphery of the cutting device of the meat cutting device.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a side view for explaining the periphery of a cutting device of a meat cutting device.

[0046] Figure 8 This is a side view for explaining the meat slices cut and folded by the meat cutting device.

[0047] Fig. 9 It is a stereoscopic view of the main frame of the meat cutting device observed from the oblique front.

[0048] Fig.10 It is a front view of the main frame of the meat cutting device.

[0049] Fig.11 This is a rear view of the main frame of the meat cutting device.

[0050] Fig.12 It is a top view of the main frame of the meat cutting device.

[0051] Fig.13 It is a bottom view of the main frame of the meat cutting device.

[0052] Fig.14 This is a side view for explaining the main frame portion of the meat cutting device.

[0053] Fig.15 This is a three-dimensional diagram for explanation, showing the main parts of the meat cutting device in section.

[0054] Fig.16 It is a stereoscopic view of the meat cutting device viewed from the right front obliquely.

[0055] Fig.17 It is a stereoscopic view of the meat cutting device viewed from the left rear obliquely.

[0056] Fig.18 This is a three-dimensional view viewed from the oblique right front, showing a state in which an operating panel and a part of a cover body are installed on a main frame of the meat cutting device.

[0057] Fig.19 This is a front view showing a state in which an operating panel and a part of a cover body are installed on a main frame of the meat cutting device.

[0058] Fig. 20 This is a rear view showing a state in which an operating panel and a part of a cover body are installed on a main frame of the meat cutting device.

[0059] Fig.21This is a top view showing a state in which an operating panel and a part of a cover body are installed on a main frame of the meat cutting device.

[0060] Fig. 22 This is an explanatory side view showing a state in which an operating panel and a part of a cover body are installed on a main frame of a meat cutting device.

[0061] Fig.23 This is a three-dimensional diagram for explanation showing a meat cutting device cut apart.

[0062] Fig.24 This is a front view of the meat cutting device.

[0063] Fig.25 This is a rear view of the meat cutting device.

[0064] Fig.26 It is a top view of the meat cutting device.

[0065] Fig. 27 This is a front view showing the left and right side covers of the meat cutting device in an open state.

[0066] Fig.28 This is a rear view showing the left and right side covers of the meat cutting device in an open state.

[0067] Fig.29 This is a top view showing the left and right side covers of the meat cutting device in an open state.

[0068] Fig.30 This is a top view showing the transport conveyor of the meat cutting device in a state where it is slid forward.

[0069] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1: Meat cutting device (food cutting device)

[0071] 2: Supply Department

[0072] 2A: Frame

[0073] 2B, 42: driving roller

[0074] 2C: Driven roller

[0075] 2D: Supply belt

[0076] 2E: Supply device (feeding device)

[0077] 2F: Loading plate

[0078] 2G: Electric motor for supply

[0079] 2I: Sidewall

[0080] 2J: Divider wall

[0081] 2K: Supply Room

[0082] 2L: Press plate

[0083] 2M: Cylinder

[0084] 2S: Supply port

[0085] 3: Cutting part

[0086] 4: Handover

[0087] 5: Folding part

[0088] 6: Transport Department

[0089] 7: Control Department

[0090] 8: Cutting operation part

[0091] 9: Electric motor for swing (second drive device)

[0092] 10: Crank Arm

[0093] 11: Linkage rod

[0094] 12: Gas spring

[0095] 13L: Left side bearing (left side bearing part) (bearing)

[0096] 13R: Right side bearing (right side bearing part) (bearing)

[0097] 14R: Driving pulley (rotating member on the right) (pulley)

[0098] 14L: Driven pulley (rotating member on the left) (pulley)

[0099] 14LJ: Rotating axis (driven axis)

[0100] 14RJ: Rotating axis (drive axis)

[0101] 15: Cutting tool

[0102] 15M: Electric motor for cutting (first drive device)

[0103] 16: Cutting device

[0104] 17L, 17R: Support plate

[0105] 18: Frame-like component

[0106] 19: Abutment plate

[0107] 20: Sliding contact guide member

[0108] 21: Transfer and transport device

[0109] 22L, 22R: Rotation axis

[0110] 23L, 23R: Rotating disk

[0111] 27L, 27R: Rotation axis

[0112] 28: Thin rod

[0113] 29: Linear spring

[0114] 29AL, 29AR: Pressing member

[0115] 31: Transfer conveyor (transport device)

[0116] 32: Machine frame

[0117] 33: Sliding frame

[0118] 34: Linkage

[0119] 35: Carrying frame

[0120] 36F: Frame component

[0121] 37: Conveyor frame

[0122] 38: Roller group

[0123] 39, 40: Traveling roller

[0124] 41: Electric motor for transport

[0125] 43: Conveyor Belt

[0126] 44: Control device

[0127] 45: Display Panel

[0128] 46: Emergency stop switch

[0129] 47: Start switch

[0130] 48: Stop switch

[0131] 49: Operation box

[0132] 49F: Support frame

[0133] 60L: Left side support frame (left side support member) (support frame)

[0134] 60R: Right side support frame (right side support member) (support frame)

[0135] 60LB, 60RB: rear lower wall panel

[0136] 60LD, 60RD: Bottom wall

[0137] 60LE, 60RE: Outer wall panel

[0138] 60LF, 60RF: front lower wall panel

[0139] 60LI, 60RI: Inner wall panels

[0140] 60LS, 60RS: Front side inclined wall

[0141] 60LT, 60RT: upper wall panel

[0142] 60LU, 60RU: Front upper wall panel

[0143] 60LV, 60RV: Rear side inclined wall

[0144] 61D: Lower connecting frame (first connecting member)

[0145] 61D1, 61D4: Linking frame

[0146] 61D2, 61D3: Connecting frame (third connecting member)

[0147] 61DF: Front lower connecting frame (first connecting member)

[0148] 61DR: Rear lower connecting frame (first connecting member)

[0149] 61U: Upper connecting frame (second connecting member)

[0150] 62, 71, 75LS, 75RS: pillar

[0151] 64: Swing fulcrum axis

[0152] 65: Bearings

[0153] 66L, 66R: Boss

[0154] 67: shaft (shaft tube)

[0155] 68L: Opening on the left side

[0156] 68R: Opening on the right

[0157] 77A: Open Department

[0158] 69L: Cover on the left side

[0159] 69R: ​​Cover on the right side

[0160] 70L, 70R, 76L, 76R: Hinge

[0161] 72: Cover

[0162] 75: Cut the mouth cover

[0163] 75L: Side cover on the left side (side cover)

[0164] 75R: Right side cover (side cover)

[0165] 75LD, 75RD: Low profile

[0166] 75LD1, 75LU2, 75RD1, 75RU2: Top surface

[0167] 75LP, 75RP: Plunger pin

[0168] 75LU, 75RU: raised part

[0169] 75LD2, 75LU1, 75RD2, 75RU1: Side

[0170] 75LU3, 75RU3: Front surface

[0171] 77. KL, KR: Space

[0172] 80: Fixed cover

[0173] D: Imaginary triangle

[0174] M: Aggregate

[0175] m: meat slices

[0176] P1, P2, P3: Connection

[0177] P1C, P2C, P3C: Center point

[0178] SP1: First Space (Space)

[0179] SP3: The Third Space (Space)

[0180] T: interval DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0181] In the form for implementing the present invention, as an example of a food cutting device, a meat cutting device for cutting and processing block-shaped raw meat (also called "food"; part of pig meat, etc.) is illustrated, and its embodiment is described in detail below.

[0182] In addition, for the sake of convenience, in the conveying direction of the meat to be cut, the upstream side is defined as "rear", the downstream side is defined as "front", the left-hand side facing the upstream side is defined as "left", and the right-hand side is defined as "right" for explanation.

[0183] (Overall structure of the meat cutting device)

[0184] like Figure 1 to Figure 6 As shown, the body of the meat cutting device (also called "food cutting device") 1 includes a supply unit 2, a cutting unit 3, a transfer unit 4, a folding unit 5, a conveying unit 6 and a control unit 7 for controlling them.

[0185] Among them, the cutting operation section 8 is formed by the supply section 2 including the supply device (also called "feeding device") 2E, the cutting section 3 including the cutting device 16, and the conveying section 6 including the conveyor (also called "conveying device") 31.

[0186] (Structure of the supply unit)

[0187] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a supply device (also referred to as a "feeding device") 2E is constructed by winding an endless supply belt 2D forming the bottom surface of the supply unit 2 across a driving roller 2B and a driven roller 2C axially supported by a frame 2A.

[0188] A placing plate 2F is provided at the rear end portion of the frame 2A, and the driving roller 2B is driven by a supply electric motor 2G provided on the lower side of the placing plate 2F.

[0189] The rear portion of the frame 2A is supported by a swing fulcrum shaft in the horizontal direction so as to be swingable up and down. The structure of the support portion based on the swing fulcrum shaft will be described later.

[0190] In addition, if Figure 1 , Figure 6 As shown, the frame 2A includes a top wall and left and right side walls 2I, and forms left and right supply chambers 2K surrounded by these three walls, a detachable central partition wall 2J, and a supply belt 2D at the bottom.

[0191] The block-shaped raw meat is supplied from a supply port 2S formed at the rear portion of the supply chamber 2K.

[0192] In addition, the left and right pressing plates 2L are inserted into the supply chamber 2K from the upper surface openings of the front ends of the left and right supply chambers 2K. The left and right pressing plates 2L are provided to press the front ends of the two rows of block meats sent from the supply chamber 2K by the extension action of the cylinder 2M at a time point just before cutting, so as to correctly cut them.

[0193] As described above, the supply unit 2 is configured.

[0194] In addition, if Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Fig.14As shown, the front end of a crank arm 10 driven to rotate by a swing electric motor (also referred to as a "second drive device") 9 fixed to a support frame described later is connected to the lower part of the frame 2A via a length-adjustable linkage rod 11.

[0195] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, a connecting frame described later on the supporting frame side is connected to the lower part of the frame body 2A by a gas spring 12. The frame body 2A is urged in an upward direction by the gas spring 12, thereby reducing the load on the electric motor 9 for swinging.

[0196] (Structure of cutting section)

[0197] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, a cutting device 16 is formed by hanging a ring-shaped cutting tool 15 across a driving pulley (also called a "(right-side) rotating component") 14R that is rotatably supported on the right support frame by a bearing (also called a "bearing portion") 13R and a driven pulley (also called a "(left-side) rotating component") 14L that is rotatably supported on the left support frame by a bearing 13L.

[0198] like Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , an electric motor for cutting (also referred to as a “first drive device”) 15M for driving and rotating the driving pulley 14R is built into the right support frame.

[0199] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, a right side bearing 13R for axially supporting a rotating shaft (driving shaft) 14RJ of a driving pulley 14R and a left side bearing 13L for axially supporting a rotating shaft (driven shaft) 14LJ of a driven pulley 14L are provided.

[0200] The right bearing 13R and the left bearing 13L are fixed to right support plates 17R and left support plates 17L disposed below the driving pulley 14R and the driven pulley 14L, respectively, and are fixed to left and right support frames via the left and right support plates 17L, 17R.

[0201] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, a contact plate 19 is arranged which is positionally adjustable (space-adjustable) in the front-rear direction with respect to a frame-shaped member 18 attached to the top end (front end) of a frame body 2A of the supply unit 2 .

[0202] The abutment plate 19 is a member supported on the body side of the meat cutting device 1, disposed at a position facing the frame member 18 when the supply unit 2 reaches the lower limit position of the vertical swing, and abuts and supports the front end of the block meat delivered by the supply device 2E.

[0203] A cutting action region (cutting position) of the cutting blade 15 whose moving trajectory is restricted by a sliding contact guide member 20 on the machine body side is arranged at a distance T above the rear surface of the contact plate 19 .

[0204] Then, the cutting device 16 and the contact plate 19 form a cutting portion 3 , and the cutting portion 3 and the supply portion 2 form a cutting operation portion 8 .

[0205] (Structure of the junction)

[0206] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, a delivery portion 4 having a bilaterally symmetrical delivery and conveying device 21 is arranged on the front side of the abutment plate 19 .

[0207] The transfer and conveying device 21 is constructed as follows: a plurality of left and right rotating disks 23L, 23R having a plurality of protrusions formed on the outer periphery are arranged at intervals along the left and right directions on the rotating shafts 22L, 22R in the left and right directions, so that a portion of the outer periphery of the rotating disks 23L, 23R enters into a plurality of slits in the upper and lower directions formed on the upper part of the abutment plate 19.

[0208] (Structure of folding part)

[0209] like Figure 2 , Figure 5 to Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the folding section 5 is arranged on the rear side of the delivery and conveying device 21 .

[0210] The folding portion 5 includes a mechanism for reciprocating a plurality of thin rods 28 provided on each of the rotation shafts 27L and 27R in the left-right direction.

[0211] In addition, the following mechanism is included: the left and right pressing members 29AL and 29AR including the curved linear spring 29 are raised and lowered to press the cut meat slices m in the left and right rows against the upper surface of the conveying part 6 and release the pressing.

[0212] (Cutting operation)

[0213] In the cutting operation, two meat blocks are supplied from the supply port 2S to each of the left and right supply chambers 2K, and each piece of meat is intermittently conveyed at a predetermined interval by the supply device 2E.

[0214] Then, the front end of the meat fed from the supply device 2E is brought into contact with the contact plate 19 for positioning, and when the supply device 2E swings upward, the portion of the meat protruding from the front surface of the frame member 18 is brought into contact with the cutting blade 15 for cutting.

[0215] The cut left and right meat slices m are transferred to the left and right rotating disks 23L and 23R, and are conveyed forward by the rotation of the rotating disks 23L and 23R.

[0216] In the middle of the forward conveyance, the retracted thin rod 28 rotates forward, and the front end of the thin rod 28 is used to push the middle part of the meat slices m on the rotating disks 23L and 23R upward in the front-to-back direction.

[0217] The meat slice m pushed upward is supported in a state of hanging down to the front and rear sides of the thin rod 28 due to its own weight.

[0218] When the thin rod 28 swings downward and approaches the upper surface of the starting end portion of the conveying part 6, the meat slice m supported by the thin rod 28 and folded in half is placed on the upper surface of the starting end portion of the conveying part 6.

[0219] The placed left and right meat slices m are pressed by the left and right pressing members 29AL and 29AR, and in this state, the thin rod 28 is slid in a rearward and downward inclined direction, thereby pulling the thin rod 28 out from between the folded meat slices m.

[0220] Thereafter, while the upper surface of the meat slice m is pushed open by the linear spring 29, the left and right pressing members 29AL and 29AR are moved upward and retreated, thereby completing the placement of the folded meat slice m.

[0221] like Figure 8 As shown, by repeating the above operation, the folded plurality of meat slices m are arranged on the conveying portion 6 (the upper surface of the rear end portion of the conveyor belt 43 described later), thereby forming two rows of assemblies M.

[0222] (Conveyor unit structure)

[0223] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 7 As shown, the transport section 6 includes a transport conveyor 31 .

[0224] That is, the mounting frame 35 is supported on the slide frame 33 mounted so as to be slidable and positionable in the front and rear directions with respect to the machine frame 32 via the front and rear link mechanisms 34 , and the transport conveyor 31 is mounted on the mounting frame 35 .

[0225] That is, the frame member 36F is fixed to the front portion of the mounting frame 35 , and the rear portion of the conveyor frame 37 in the front-rear direction is fixed to the upper portion of the frame member 36F, so that the conveyor frame 37 extends forward.

[0226] A ring-shaped conveyor belt 43 is wound around a roller group 38 arranged at the rear end of the conveyor frame 37, a floating roller 39 arranged at the middle part, a floating roller 40 arranged at the front end, and a driving roller 42 driven and rotated by a conveying electric motor 41 installed on the frame member 36F.

[0227] During the cutting operation, when the thin rod 28 swings downward and approaches the upper surface of the rear end of the conveyor belt 43, the upper surface of the rear end of the conveyor belt 43 rises, and the upper surface of the rear end of the conveyor belt 43 receives the meat slice m supported by the thin rod 28 and folded in half, and transports it forward.

[0228] (Control Department)

[0229] The control unit 7 includes a control device 44 that controls the operating state of the cutting operation unit 8 .

[0230] In addition, if Fig.16 As shown, an operation box 49 including a display panel 45 , an emergency stop switch 46 , a start switch 47 , and a stop switch 48 on the front surface is arranged on the upper side of the cutting section 3 or the delivery section 4 .

[0231] (Main frame of the meat cutting device)

[0232] Therefore, based on Figures 9 to 15 The structure of the main frame of the meat cutting device 1 including the support frame will be described.

[0233] (Left and right support frames)

[0234] like Figures 9 to 13 As shown, left and right support frames (also referred to as "support members") 60L and 60R formed of a stainless steel material are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction.

[0235] The left and right support frames 60L and 60R are formed in a substantially bilaterally symmetrical shape.

[0236] That is, regarding the left and right support frames 60L, 60R, through the bottom wall panel 60LD, the bottom wall panel 60RD, the front lower wall panel 60LF continuous from the front ends of the bottom wall panel 60LD and the bottom wall panel 60RD, the front lower wall panel 60RF, the front inclined wall panel 60LS continuous from the upper ends of the front lower wall panel 60LF and the front lower wall panel 60RF, the front inclined wall panel 60RS, the front upper wall panel 60LU continuous from the upper ends of the front inclined wall panel 60LS and the front inclined wall panel 60RS, the front upper wall panel 60RU, the upper wall panel 60LU continuous from the upper ends of the front upper wall panel 60RU The wall panel 60LT, the upper wall panel 60RT, the rear inclined wall panel 60LV and the rear inclined wall panel 60RV which are continuous from the rear ends of the upper wall panel 60LT and the upper wall panel 60RT, and the rear lower wall panel 60LB and the rear lower wall panel 60RB which are continuous from the lower ends of the rear inclined wall panel 60LV and the rear inclined wall panel 60RV and the rear ends of the bottom wall panel 60LD and the bottom wall panel 60RD, respectively, connect the outer wall panel 60LE and the outer wall panel 60RE which have seven corners and are formed in a manner that narrows at the upper part with the inner wall panel 60LI and the inner wall panel 60RI, thereby forming each of the left and right supporting frames 60L and 60R into a box shape.

[0237] The bottom wall panel 60LD and the bottom wall panel 60RD are set in a roughly horizontal posture, the front lower wall panel 60LF and the front lower wall panel 60RF are erected in a roughly vertical posture, the front inclined wall panel 60LS and the front inclined wall panel 60RS are gently inclined rearward and upward, the front upper wall panel 60LU and the front upper wall panel 60RU are erected in a roughly vertical posture, the upper wall panel 60LT and the upper wall panel 60RT are set in a roughly horizontal posture, the rear inclined wall panel 60LV and the rear inclined wall panel 60RV are sharply inclined rearward and downward, and the rear lower wall panel 60LB and the rear lower wall panel 60RB are erected in a roughly vertical posture.

[0238] The space KL and the space KR are formed inside the left and right support frames 60L and 60R formed in the box shape as described above.

[0239] (First connecting member)

[0240] The left and right support frames 60L and 60R formed as described above are connected to each other by a plurality of connection frames in the left-right direction.

[0241] A part of the connecting frame is a cylindrical lower connecting frame (also referred to as a "first connecting member") 61D that connects the lower parts of the left and right support frames 60L and 60R, and is mainly composed of a front lower connecting frame 61DF and a rear lower connecting frame 61DR.

[0242] The left and right ends of the front lower connecting frame 61DF and the rear lower connecting frame 61DR are passed through holes formed on the inner wall panel 60LI of the left supporting frame 60L and the inner wall panel 60RI of the right supporting frame 60R, and are respectively abutted against the inner side surfaces of the outer wall panel 60LE and the inner side surfaces of the outer wall panel 60RE and fixed.

[0243] Furthermore, the left and right end portions of the front lower connecting frame 61DF and the rear lower connecting frame 61DR can be fixed by full-circle welding at the locations penetrating the holes formed in the inner wall panels 60LI and 60RI.

[0244] In addition, the left and right ends of the square tube-shaped connecting frame 61D1 arranged on the upper front side of the front lower connecting frame 61DF are respectively abutted against the inner wall plate 60LI of the left supporting frame 60L and the inner wall plate 60RI of the right supporting frame 60R and fixed.

[0245] According to the above structure, the lower parts of the left and right support frames 60L and 60R are firmly connected.

[0246] A stay 62 having a substantially vertical posture is fixed across both left and right side portions of the front surface of the connection frame 61D1 and the front lower connection frame 61DF.

[0247] The rear end portion of the machine frame 32 is connected to the support column 62 .

[0248] (Second connecting member)

[0249] The upper ends of the left and right support frames 60L and 60R are connected to each other by an upper connecting frame (also referred to as a “second connecting member”) 61U in the left-right direction.

[0250] That is, the left and right ends of the upper connecting frame 61U pass through the holes formed on the inner wall panel 60LI of the left support frame 60L and the inner wall panel 60RI of the right support frame 60R, and respectively abut against the inner side surface of the outer wall panel 60LE and the inner side surface of the outer wall panel 60RE and are fixed.

[0251] The upper connecting frame 61U may be fixed by full circumferential welding at the left and right ends thereof that penetrate through the holes formed in the inner wall panels 60LI and 60RI.

[0252] In addition, the upper connecting frame 61U connects the left and right support frames 60L and 60R at the corner of the inner side surface of the left support frame 60L close to the front upper wall panel 60LU and the upper wall panel 60LT, and at the corner of the inner side surface of the right support frame 60R close to the front upper wall panel 60RU and the upper wall panel 60RT.

[0253] In addition, the upper connection frame 61U may be composed of not only one connection frame but also a plurality of connection frames.

[0254] According to the above structure, the upper parts of the left and right support frames 60L and 60R are firmly connected.

[0255] Therefore, if Fig.14 As shown, when viewed from the side (left and right outer sides), the front lower connecting frame 61DF and the connecting part P1 of the supporting frame 60L and the supporting frame 60R, the rear lower connecting frame 61DR and the connecting part P2 of the supporting frame 60L and the supporting frame 60R, and the upper connecting frame 61U and the connecting part P3 of the supporting frame 60L and the supporting frame 60R are arranged on an imaginary triangle D with the connecting parts P1, P2, and P3 as vertices.

[0256] Specifically, each center point P1C, P2C, P3C of each connecting portion P1, P2, P3 which is circular in side view is arranged on the virtual triangle D.

[0257] Furthermore, each of the central points P1C, P2C, and P3C may be arranged on an isosceles triangle or an imaginary triangle D that is similar thereto.

[0258] As a result, the rigidity of the entire frame mainly composed of the left and right support frames 60L and 60R is improved.

[0259] That is, based on the situation in which a surface is determined by three points in three-dimensional coordinates, the left and right support frames 60L and 60R are connected at three locations (three connecting parts P1, P2, and P3) or three points (center point P1C, center point P2C, and center point P3C) through the front lower connecting frame 61DF, the rear lower connecting frame 61DR, and the upper connecting frame 61U having equal lengths in the left and right directions.

[0260] Thus, the inner wall plate 60LI of the left support frame 60L and the inner wall plate 60RI of the right support frame 60R are defined on two planes parallel to each other, and the positional relationship is stabilized.

[0261] As a result, the rigidity of the entire frame mainly composed of the left and right support frames 60L and 60R is improved.

[0262] (Third connecting member)

[0263] In addition, the left and right ends of a cylindrical connecting frame (also called a "third connecting member") 61D2 arranged on the upper side of the connecting frame 61D1 and the left and right ends of a cylindrical connecting frame (also called a "third connecting member") 61D3 arranged on the upper side of the lower connecting frame 61DR on the rear side are fixed in a state so as to penetrate the inner wall plate 60LI of the left support frame 60L and the inner wall plate 60RI of the right support frame 60R.

[0264] The space KL and the space KR in the left and right support frames 60L and 60R are connected through the internal spaces of the connection frames 61D2 and 61D3, so that wiring of a harness or the like spanning across the two spaces KL and KR can be realized.

[0265] In addition, the left and right ends of the rectangular tube-shaped connecting frame 61D4 disposed above the connecting frame 61D3 are respectively abutted against the inner wall plate 60LI of the left supporting frame 60L and the inner wall plate 60RI of the right supporting frame 60R and fixed.

[0266] The above-described structure also contributes to improving the rigidity of the entire frame mainly composed of the left and right support frames 60L and 60R.

[0267] (Support of the swing fulcrum shaft)

[0268] At the rear of the frame 2A of the supply unit 2, a swing fulcrum shaft 64 is provided to support the frame 2A in the left and right directions so as to swing freely up and down. Bearings 65 supporting the left and right ends of the swing fulcrum shaft 64 are supported by left and right support frames 60L and 60R, respectively.

[0269] That is, left and right bosses (also called "supporting parts") 66L, 66R are respectively provided to protrude inward from the inner side surfaces of the inner wall plate 60LI of the left support frame 60L and the inner wall plate 60RI of the right support frame 60R, and bearings 65 are embedded in the left and right bosses 66L, 66R.

[0270] Then, both left and right end portions of the swing fulcrum shaft 64 are fitted into the inner races of the left and right bearings 65 .

[0271] Or, if Fig.17 , Fig.18 As shown, the outer ring of the bearing 65 may be fixed on both the left and right sides of the frame 2A, and the shaft (or shaft cylinder) 67 embedded and fixed in the left and right bosses 66L, 66R may be fitted into the inner ring of the bearing 65.

[0272] By using any supporting structure, the supply device 2E can be supported in a space between the left and right supporting frames 60L and 60R so as to be swingable up and down.

[0273] Furthermore, the left and right bosses 66L and 66R are arranged at the rear lower side of the upper connecting frame 61U in side view.

[0274] That is, the upper front portions of the left and right bosses 66L and 66R of the left and right support frames 60L and 60R are connected by the upper connection frame 61U.

[0275] In addition, the left and right support frames 60L and 60R are connected to each other at locations below the left and right bearings 13L and 13R by a lower connection frame 61D.

[0276] In addition, if Fig.17 As shown, in a state where the supply device 2E is supported in a vertically swingable manner in the space between the left and right support frames 60L and 60R, the supply port 2S at the rear of the supply device 2E opens at a position below the upper connecting frame 61U.

[0277] Thus, when the operator supplies meat from the supply port 2S onto the placement plate 2F, it is difficult for the operator to reach over the upper connection frame 61U toward the cutting portion 3, and the safety of the operation is also improved.

[0278] (Support for cutting part)

[0279] The left and right support plates 17L and 17R to which the left and right bearings 13L and 13R of the cutting device 16 are fixed are overlapped and fixed on the front inclined wall plates 60LS and 60RS of the left and right support frames 60L and 60R.

[0280] Thus, the left and right bearings 13L and 13R enter the space KL and the space KR formed inside the left and right support frames 60L and 60R from the rectangular openings formed in the front inclined wall plate 60LS and the front inclined wall plate 60RS.

[0281] As described above, the cutting operation unit 8 including the supply unit 2 having the supply device 2E and the cutting unit 3 having the cutting blade 15 is disposed between the lower connecting frame 61D and the upper connecting frame 61U in the vertical direction.

[0282] During the cutting operation, the tension of the cutting blade 15 in the cutting section 3 acts greatly between the bearing 13R of the driving pulley 14R and the bearing 13L of the driven pulley 14L, and a large load is applied to the swing fulcrum shaft 64 and the like due to the up and down swing of the supply device 2E.

[0283] However, since the cutting operation part 8 is supported by the left and right support frames 60L and 60R whose rigidity is improved by the structure as described above, the position of the swing fulcrum shaft 64 is stable, and the positional relationship between the up and down swing trajectory of the front end of the supply device 2E supported by the swing fulcrum shaft 64 and the cutting action position where the cutting tool 15 performs cutting is not easy to change.

[0284] As a result, the cutting accuracy is improved and the thickness of the cut meat slices m is made uniform.

[0285] (Configuration of each electric motor)

[0286] like Fig.14 As shown, the electric motor 15M for cutting that drives and rotates the driving pulley 14R of the cutting device 16 is fixed along the lower surface of the front inclined wall plate 60RS in the space KR formed inside the right support frame 60R.

[0287] Thus, the cutting electric motor 15M is accommodated in the space KR inside the right support frame 60R.

[0288] The swing electric motor 9 for swinging the supply unit 2 up and down is arranged in the space KR inside the right support frame 60R and fixed to the outer side surface of the inner wall plate 60RI of the right support frame 60R.

[0289] (Configuration of control device)

[0290] The control device 44 is disposed in a space KL inside the left support frame 60L, and is fixed to the inner wall plate 60LI of the support frame 60L.

[0291] (Opening of the support frame)

[0292] like Fig.14 As shown, the outer wall plate 60LE of the left support frame 60L and the outer wall plate 60RE of the right support frame 60R are cut out along the shapes of the respective support frames to form left and right opening portions 68L and 68R.

[0293] like Fig.16 , Fig.17 As shown, left and right covers 69L, 69R covering the left and right openings 68L, 68R are installed to be freely opened and closed by hinges (also referred to as "supports") 70L, 70R provided on the longitudinal axis at the rear end.

[0294] like Fig.14 As shown, the swing electric motor 9 is exposed when the right cover 69R is opened, so that the swing electric motor 9 and its surroundings can be easily maintained.

[0295] In addition, maintenance of equipment and the like supported by the support columns 71 provided in the space KR can be easily performed.

[0296] Furthermore, a cover plate 72 for reducing the influence of washing water and the like on the electric motor 15M for cutting is detachably mounted at a position covering the outer side of the electric motor 15M for cutting in the right opening portion 68R.

[0297] from Fig.14 In the illustrated installation state, the cover plate 72 is removed, thereby exposing the lower half of the cutting electric motor 15M, thereby enabling maintenance of the cutting electric motor 15M.

[0298] Although not shown in the figure, when the left cover 69L is opened, the control device 44 accommodated in the space KL inside the left support frame 60L is exposed, and the control device 44 and its surroundings can be maintained.

[0299] (Cut the mouth cover)

[0300] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , a cutout cover 75 is provided to cover the transport start end portion of the transport conveyor 31 from above.

[0301] The cutout cover 75 has a front wall inclined forward and downward, left and right side walls, and a substantially horizontal upper wall, and is installed in a manner of being hooked from above into a hook-shaped groove formed on the front upper end portion of the support frame 49F used to support the operation box 49.

[0302] Thus, the cutout cover 75 can be attached or detached while the operation box 49 is left on the machine body side.

[0303] (Side cover)

[0304] like Figure 16 to Figure 21 , Figure 24 to Figure 29 As shown, the left and right side covers 75L and 75R are installed so as to be freely opened to the left and right outer sides by hinges 76L and 76R provided on the longitudinal axis between the rear end outer sides and the front end outer sides of the left and right support frames 60L and 60R.

[0305] like Fig.18 As shown, the left and right side covers 75L and 75R are integrally formed by low surface parts 75LD and 75RD formed on the left and right outer sides, and raised parts 75LU and 75RU formed on the left and right inner sides, respectively.

[0306] like Fig.18 , Fig. 22As shown, the left and right lower surface portions 75LD and 75RD have: upper surface portions 75LD1 and 75RD1, which cover the upper sides of the left driven pulley 14L and the right driving pulley 14R and are inclined forward and downward; and side portions 75LD2 and 75RD2, which hang down from the outer end edges of the upper surface portions.

[0307] In addition, the left and right raised portions 75LU and 75RU include: side portions 75LU1 and 75RU1, which stand up from the inner end portions of the upper surface portions 75LD1 and 75RD1; upper surface portions 75LU2 and 75RU2, which extend from the upper end edges of the side portions 75LU1 and 75RU1 in the left-right direction with a prescribed width; and front surface portions 75LU3 and 75RU3, which tilt forward and downward from the front end edges of the upper surface portions 75LU2 and 75RU2 and then hang down.

[0308] In addition, if Fig.16 , Fig. 27 As shown, plunger pins 75LP and 75RP are respectively attached to the front lower portions of the left and right side cover bodies 75L and 75R via support pillars 75LS and 75RS.

[0309] On the other hand, engagement holes (not shown) into which the plunger pins 75LP and 75RP are engaged are respectively formed on the outer sides of the front lower wall plates 60LF and 60RF of the left and right support frames 60L and 60R.

[0310] With such a structure, when the left and right side cover bodies 75L and 75R are rotated inwardly to be closed, the front end portions of the left and right plunger pins 75LP and 75RP engage with the engaging holes formed on the outer sides of the front lower wall panels 60LF and the front lower wall panels 60RF of the left and right support frames 60L and 60R, and the left and right side cover bodies 75L and 75R are respectively fixed in the closed position.

[0311] Figure 24 to Figure 26 The state where the left and right side covers 75L and 75R are closed is shown.

[0312] (Configuration of the operation box relative to the side cover)

[0313] like Fig.16 , Fig.17 , Figure 24 to Figure 26 As shown, when the left and right side covers 75L and 75R are closed, the lower portion of the operation box 49 enters the space 77 in the left-right direction remaining between the inner end of the left raised portion 75LU and the inner end of the right raised portion 75RU of the left and right side covers 75L and 75R.

[0314] In addition, the supply device 2E is arranged so that the front portion faces the lower portion of the space 77 .

[0315] In addition, if Fig.26 As shown, the front portion of the space 77 in the left-right direction includes an opening portion 77A that opens the upper portion of the supply device 2E at a position immediately behind the operation box 49.

[0316] Thus, when the supply device 2E is lifted and swung, the upper end portions of the left and right air cylinders 2M can protrude upward from the opening portion 77A.

[0317] Therefore, compared with a structure in which the entire space 77 in the left-right direction is covered with a cover, it can be configured at a low cost.

[0318] Furthermore, maintenance of the supply device 2E can be performed through the opening portion 77A.

[0319] The rear side of the open portion 77A of the space 77 in the left-right direction is covered by a fixed cover 80 .

[0320] In addition, the open portion 77A is surrounded by the upper connecting frame 61U, the operation box 49, and the left and right side cover bodies 75L and 75R in a plan view.

[0321] Thus, when the meat cutting device 1 is in operation, it is less likely that a hand will be accidentally put in through the opening 77A, thereby improving safety.

[0322] When opening the left and right side cover bodies 75L and 75R, the left and right plunger pins 75LP and 75RP are pulled to remove the front end portions from the engagement holes to release the fixation, thereby manually opening the left and right side cover bodies 75L and 75R.

[0323] Figure 27 to Figure 29 The state where the left and right side cover bodies 75L and 75R are opened is shown.

[0324] When the left and right side covers 75L and 75R are opened in this manner, the cutting device 16 is in an exposed state or a substantially exposed state.

[0325] In addition, an operator standing near the front side of the driving pulley 14R or the driven pulley 14L can access the cutting device 16 or the supply device 2E.

[0326] In addition, if Fig.29As shown, in the midway state before the left and right side cover bodies 75L and 75R are opened to the maximum opening position (also called the "state opened to a specified amount"), a space (also called the "first space") SP1 that can be entered by an operator (also called a "person") is formed between the left side cover body 75L and the left end portion of the conveyor 31, and between the right side cover body 75R and the right end portion of the conveyor 31.

[0327] That is, even if the left and right side covers 75L and 75R are not opened to the maximum open position in a narrow factory, for example, the space SP1 can be entered to perform maintenance on the front of the cutting device 16 or the supply device 2E.

[0328] If the left and right side covers 75L and 75R are further opened from the above state, the raised portions 75LU and 75RU of the left and right side covers 75L and 75R retreat outward from above the driving pulley 14R and the driven pulley 14L, and the substantially entire cutting device 16 including the driving pulley 14R and the driven pulley 14L is exposed.

[0329] This makes it possible to efficiently perform maintenance such as replacement of the cutting blades 15 for the two pulleys 14L and 14R and cleaning of the entire cutting device 16 .

[0330] In addition, if Fig.30 As shown, the left and right side covers 75L and 75R are opened, and the conveyor 31 is slid forward (in a direction away from the cutting device 16), whereby the operation box 49 moves forward integrally with the conveyor 31.

[0331] Thus, a space (also referred to as a "third space") SP3 for people to enter is formed between the cutting device 16 and the operation box 49, so that people can enter the space SP3 and easily clean and maintain the front part of the cutting device 16 or the supply device 2E.

[0332] It is obvious that the best state for performing maintenance on the cutting device 16 and the like is when the left and right side covers 75L and 75R are opened to the maximum opening position and the transport conveyor 31 is slid forward to the sliding limit position.

[0333] Through the above, it is possible to realize a meat cutting device 1 that has high maintainability of the cutting device 16 and the like and can efficiently produce meat slices with high commercial value.

[0334] Furthermore, the present invention can be used not only as a cutting device for edible meat, but also as a cutting device for processing all kinds of food materials such as meat, vegetables, or fish.

Claims

1. A food cutting device, comprising: The cutting operation unit includes a feeding device for conveying food and a cutting knife for cutting the food, and is configured to cut the front end of the food delivered from the feeding device by moving the feeding device and the cutting knife relative to each other. The food cutting device is characterized in that: The frame structure is formed by arranging left and right supporting members at intervals, connecting the lower parts of the left and right supporting members by a plurality of first connecting members, and connecting the upper parts of the left and right supporting members by a second connecting member. The cutting operation unit is supported between the left and right support members, and is disposed at a position between the first coupling member and the second coupling member in the up-down direction.

2. The food cutting device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of first connecting members are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction, The connection portions between the plurality of first connection members and the support member and the connection portions between the second connection member and the support member are arranged on an imaginary triangle having the connection portions as vertices when viewed from the side.

3. The food cutting device according to claim 2, wherein: The left and right support members each include a support portion that supports the feeding device to swing freely up and down. The second connecting member connects the upper portions of the support parts of the left and right support members.

4. The food cutting device according to claim 3, wherein: The cutting blade is formed into a ring shape, The left and right rotating members around which the cutting blade is wound are rotatably supported by the bearings on the left and right supporting members. The first connection member connects the left and right support members at locations below the bearing portions.

5. The food cutting device according to claim 4, wherein: The left and right support members are formed into a box shape, The left and right ends of the first connecting member and the left and right ends of the second connecting member are made to penetrate the inner walls of the respective supporting members and be fixed to the outer walls.

6. The food cutting device according to claim 5, wherein: A control device for controlling the operation of the cutting operation unit is provided inside one of the left and right support members. A first drive device and a second drive device are provided inside the other of the left and right support members. The first drive device drives the rotating member to rotate, and the second drive device drives the feeding device to swing it up and down.

7. The food cutting device according to claim 6, wherein: A third connecting member is provided, wherein the third connecting member connects the inner side walls of the left and right supporting members. The inner spaces of the left and right support members are connected to each other through the third connecting member.

8. The food cutting device according to claim 7, wherein: The feeding start end of the feeding device includes a food supply port, The supply port is opened at a position below the second connecting member.

9. The food cutting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The working part includes a cutting device having the cutting blade and a conveying device for delivering and conveying the food pieces cut by the cutting device. The food cutting device is configured to include left and right side covers for covering left and right outer sides of the cutting device, respectively. The left and right side covers are supported by support portions provided at the rear of the left and right side covers so as to be openable in directions away from each other. The cutting device is exposed by opening the left and right side covers.

10. The food cutting device according to claim 9, wherein: The first space into which a person can enter is formed between the side cover and the conveying device when the side cover is opened by a predetermined amount.

11. The food cutting device according to claim 10, wherein: The structure is such that maintenance of the front portion of the feed device can be performed from the first space by opening the left and right side cover bodies.

12. The food cutting device according to claim 9, wherein: The conveying device is configured to be movable in a direction away from the cutting device. An operation panel for performing various operations related to the operation of the working unit is arranged above the conveying start end of the conveying device and supported on the conveying device side. When the transport device is moved in a direction away from the cutting device, a third space for a person to enter is formed between the cutting device and the operation panel.

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