Anti-skewering food skewering device

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of food skewering machinery, and particularly provides a skewering-preventing food skewering device. The device aims to solve the problem that skewers are skewered or missed due to the fact that existing skewering equipment is difficult to adapt to the size difference of food materials due to the fact that a mold groove is fixed. According to the core technical scheme, the device comprises a first mold part and a second mold part which can be opened and closed. The key point is that a first pressing element and a second pressing element which are connected through an elastic element and can move independently are respectively arranged on the two die parts. According to the design, during mold closing, the pressing element can independently move and press according to the actual size of the corresponding food material block, so that the center heights of the food material blocks with different sizes are adaptively adjusted to be consistent with the height of a stick passing path limited by the guide mechanism (such as a stick guide groove). According to the invention, the stability and consistency of the stringing process are optimized, and the missed stringing rate and the missed stringing rate are effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food skewering machinery, specifically a high-efficiency, convenient, and anti-misalignment and anti-leakage skewering device. Background Technology

[0002] In the food processing industry, it is often necessary to skewer block or sheet-shaped ingredients (such as meat chunks, meatballs, tofu, etc.). In existing technologies, the equipment or molds used to assist in skewering mostly adopt an upper and lower mold structure. The ingredients are accommodated and fixed by creating straight grooves in the mold, and then the skewers are guided to pass through all the ingredients in sequence along the direction of the grooves, thereby completing the skewering process.

[0003] However, such devices have significant limitations: for example, the skewering device disclosed in patent CN223503664U has a fixed-size straight groove on its mold, making it difficult to accommodate the inherent size differences of the ingredients. In actual processing, even with the same type of ingredient, it is difficult to guarantee that each piece is completely uniform in size, shape, and firmness. When ingredients of varying sizes or firmness are clamped in a fixed-size groove, the centerline of each ingredient piece is difficult to align with the predetermined path of the skewer, easily leading to skewer deviation (off-center skewering) or even complete failure to pierce a piece of ingredient (missed skewering). This not only reduces the product qualification rate but also affects production efficiency.

[0004] For example, the skewering mold for small, hand-held foods disclosed in CN220068706U, although it adds springs to the fixed mold to make the small, hand-held foods more secure, lacks adaptability to different sizes of ingredients and cannot adaptively adjust the center position of the ingredients to the predetermined path of the skewer, which may still result in misalignment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a skewering device that can adapt to ingredients of different sizes, shapes, and textures, effectively guide the skewers, and significantly reduce misalignment and missed skewering rates. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a food skewer device to prevent misalignment, aiming to solve the problem of misalignment or missed skewers caused by the fixed mold grooves in existing skewering equipment, which are difficult to adapt to differences in food size. This device achieves adaptive clamping and position adjustment for food of different sizes, shapes, and textures through a dual mechanism of adaptive clamping and precise positioning. Each clamping element moves independently and is positioned vertically relative to the other. Since the clamping force (F) on the food is equal to the stiffness coefficient (k) of the elastic element multiplied by the compression amount (x), the compression amount x varies for food pieces of different sizes, but the upper and lower clamping forces automatically reach a balance, allowing the center of the food to naturally align with the mold center surface (i.e., the predetermined skewering path), significantly improving the accuracy and success rate of skewering.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: Adaptive clamping unit: The device includes a first mold part (1) and a second mold part (2) that can be opened and closed relative to each other. The first mold part (1) is provided with at least one first clamping element (3) that is movably connected by a first elastic element (4), and the second mold part (2) is provided with at least one second clamping element (5) that is movably connected by a second elastic element (6). When the mold is closed, the first clamping element (3) and the second clamping element (5) can move independently according to the actual size of the food block, and adaptively clamp the food block by the restoring force of the elastic element (such as a spring, a spring sheet, a silicone column, etc.), so that the center height of the food block is aligned with the guide path.

[0007] Guide mechanism: The guide mechanism is a guide groove (13) formed on the first mold part (1) and / or the second mold part (2), or a separate guide member (14). The cross-sectional shape of the guide groove (13) matches the shape of the stick (7), constrains its radial displacement, and ensures that the stick travels along a predetermined path.

[0008] Furthermore, a positioning auxiliary unit is added: the first mold part (1) and / or the second mold part (2) are provided with a first positioning element (8) and a second positioning element (9), which are thin sheet-like components with a certain rigidity (such as stainless steel blades, plastic sheets, etc.). When the mold is closed, the positioning element is partially embedded in the surface of the food, which helps to limit the path of the skewer (7) and can also fix the food to prevent the food from sliding or shifting.

[0009] Furthermore, an adjustment function is added: the first mold part (1) and the second mold part (2) are respectively provided with a first adjustment element (10) and a second adjustment element (11) to adjust the preload of the first elastic element (4) and the second elastic element (6) to adapt to ingredients with different degrees of softness and hardness. A depth adjustment element (12) can be added to adjust the embedding depth of the positioning elements (8, 9) to further optimize the fixing effect on the ingredients.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following significant advantages: 1. High adaptability and accuracy: Through the cooperation of independently moving clamping elements and elastic elements, the center of food of different sizes and shapes is adaptively aligned with the center surface of the mold, which fundamentally solves the problems of misalignment and missing food due to differences in food size, and greatly improves the success rate and consistency of skewering.

[0011] 2. Ingenious structure and high reliability: The adaptive mechanism has a simple structure, requires no complex sensors or control systems, achieves accurate positioning using basic physical principles, is reliable in operation, and has relatively controllable manufacturing costs.

[0012] 3. Easy to operate and improve efficiency: Operators only need to put the ingredients in and close the mold. The device automatically completes the centering and positioning, which reduces the difficulty of operation and the requirements for proficiency, and helps to improve the overall production efficiency.

[0013] 4. High expandability: By adding adjustable pre-tightening force adjustment elements and adjustable embedding depth positioning elements, it can be further adapted to a wider range of ingredients (such as ingredients with large differences in softness and hardness) and different process requirements, thus enhancing the versatility of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a structural cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention (the independent guide component 14 consists of two parts, which are respectively installed on the first mold part 1 and the second mold part 2); Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention (the independent guide component is installed on the first mold part 1, and the guide groove 13 is an arch-shaped groove); Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention (the independent guide label component is installed on the second mold part 2, and the guide label groove 13 is a rectangular groove); Figure 7 This is a structural cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the structure of the third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the structure of the fourth embodiment of the present invention (the first limiting structure 15 is a groove, and the second limiting structure 16 is a protrusion); Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the structure of the fourth embodiment of the present invention (the first limiting structure 15 is a protrusion, and the second limiting structure 16 is a groove); Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the structure of the fourth embodiment of the present invention (both the first limiting structure 15 and the second limiting structure 16 are edge bosses); Figure 12 This is an exploded view of the structure of the fourth embodiment of the present invention (the first limiting structure 15 is a cylindrical rod, and the second limiting structure 16 is an elongated through hole); Figure 13This is an exploded view of the structure of the fifth embodiment of the present invention (with added adjusting elements 10 and 11); Figure 14 This is an exploded view of the structure of the fifth embodiment of the present invention (positioning elements 8 and 9 are fixed on the adjusting element); Figure 15 This is an exploded view of the structure of the fifth embodiment of the present invention (with the addition of depth adjustment element 12); Figure 16 This is an exploded view of the structure of the sixth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 17 This is an exploded view of the structure of the sixth embodiment of the present invention (with added positioning elements 8 and 9); Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of a variation of the second elastic element 6 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] In the above figures: 1: First mold part, 2: Second mold part, 3: First pressing element, 4: First elastic element, 5: Second pressing element, 6: Second elastic element, 7: Tag, 8: First positioning element, 9: Second positioning element, 10: First adjusting element, 11: Second adjusting element, 12: Depth adjusting element, 13: Guide groove, 14: Guide component, 15: First limiting structure, 16: Second limiting structure. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of the present invention easier to understand, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0018] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0019] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this invention is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features.

[0020] In the description of the embodiments, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "connect," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or a connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances. Example 1

[0021] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment mainly includes a first mold part 1, a second mold part 2, a first pressing element 3, a first elastic element 4, a second pressing element 5, a second elastic element 6, and a guiding mechanism.

[0022] The first mold part 1 and the second mold part 2 are connected by a hinge and can open and close relative to each other around the hinge axis. In another optional embodiment, the first mold part 1 and the second mold part 2 can also be designed as upper and lower mold structures connected by a slide rail or completely separable. A first pressing element 3 that can move independently up and down is provided in the first mold part 1. The first pressing element 3 is connected to the top inner wall of the first mold part 1 by a helical spring that serves as a first elastic element 4. Similarly, a second pressing element 5 that can move independently up and down is also provided in the second mold part 2. The second pressing element 5 is connected to the bottom inner wall of the second mold part 2 by a helical spring that serves as a second elastic element 6. The upper surface of the second pressing element 5 (i.e., the side facing the first pressing element 3) is machined with a food groove for holding block-shaped food, such as meat chunks or vegetable chunks, to be skewered.

[0023] The guiding mechanism is a guide groove 13 formed on the first mold part 1 and the second mold part 2. The center height of the guide groove 13 is precisely calculated so that it is aligned with the center height of the gap between the first clamping element 3 and the second clamping element 5 after the mold is closed.

[0024] Working principle: During operation, the food pieces are placed in the food groove of the second pressing element 5. Then, the first mold part 1 is snapped onto the second mold part 2. During the mold closing process, due to the difference in size of the food pieces, each of the first pressing element 3 and the second pressing element 5 will independently compress the springs (i.e., the first elastic element 4 and the second elastic element 6) behind them under the reaction force of the food, resulting in different displacements. According to the principles of mechanics, ignoring the weight of the food and assuming that the elastic coefficients of each spring are the same, the upper and lower pressures on the food pieces are equal, and their center height will automatically adjust and stabilize on the predetermined skewering path that is consistent with the center height of the guide groove 13. Finally, the skewer 7 is pushed horizontally along the guide groove 13, allowing all the food pieces to be easily and accurately skewered in one go, completing the skewering operation. This structure effectively solves the problems of misalignment and missed skewering caused by uneven food size. Example 2: Variation of the guiding mechanism

[0025] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in the design of the guiding mechanism. In this embodiment, the guiding mechanism is not necessarily a guide groove 13 integrated with the mold section, but can be a separate guide member 14 with a guide groove 13. This separate guide member 14 is detachably mounted on the first mold section 1 and / or the second mold section 2. Figure 4 The structure shown has an independent guide label component 14 consisting of two parts, which are respectively installed on the first mold part 1 and the second mold part 2. The guide label groove 13 is a semi-circular groove. Figure 5 In the structure shown, the independent guide label component is mounted on the first mold part 1, and the guide label groove 13 is an arch-shaped groove; as shown Figure 6 The structure shown has an independent guide skewer component mounted on the second mold section 2, and the guide skewer groove 13 is a rectangular groove. This design facilitates cleaning and replacement, and is suitable for skewers of different shapes (e.g., round skewers, flat skewers) and thicknesses 7. Example 3: Implementation method with positioning element

[0026] like Figures 7 to 8 As shown, this embodiment adds a positioning element based on embodiment 2, further improving the threading accuracy. Figure 1As shown, a first positioning element 8 is fixedly installed on the first mold part 1. In this embodiment, the first positioning element 8 is a stainless steel blade, which is rigidly connected to the first mold part 1. Its blade is located in the gap between the left and right adjacent first pressing elements 3, and the height of its cutting edge (i.e., the embedded part) is located in the gap between the first pressing element 3 and the skewer 7, closely abutting the skewer 7. Correspondingly, on the second mold part 2, a second positioning element 9 (also a stainless steel blade) is rigidly connected to the second mold part 2. Its blade is located in the gap between the left and right adjacent second pressing elements 5, and the height of its cutting edge is located in the gap between the second pressing element 5 and the skewer 7, closely abutting the skewer 7. Example 4: Implementation method with limit structure

[0027] like Figures 9 to 12 As shown, to ensure the stability of the clamping element's movement and prevent it from dislodging or over-compressing the spring, this embodiment provides a first limiting structure 15 on the inner wall of the first mold part 1 and the second mold part 2, and provides a second limiting structure 16 on both sides of each first clamping element 3 and the second clamping element 5 to cooperate with the first limiting structure 15, thereby limiting its maximum stroke. (See attached diagram) Figure 9 To be continued Figure 11 The text lists four different limiting structures between the second clamping element 5 and the second mold part 2, and the limiting structure between the first clamping element 3 and the first mold part 1 is similar: Figure 9 The first limiting structure 15 is a groove, and the second limiting structure 16 is a protrusion; Figure 10 The first limiting structure 15 is a protrusion, and the second limiting structure 16 is a groove; Figure 11 The first limiting structure 15 is an edge protrusion, and the second limiting structure 16 is also an edge protrusion; Figure 12 The first limiting structure 15 is a cylindrical rod, and the second limiting structure 16 is an elongated through hole. The limiting structures shown in this embodiment include four forms: groove, protrusion, edge boss, and elongated through hole. However, those skilled in the art will understand that any limiting structure that can limit the range of motion of the pressing element should fall within the protection scope of this invention. Example 5: Adjustable Example with Adjustment Function

[0028] like Figure 13As shown, to enhance the adaptability of the device to ingredients of varying softness and hardness, this embodiment adds a preload adjustment function based on the previous embodiment. Referring to the attached drawings, this embodiment adds a first adjustment element 10 to the first mold section 1. The first adjustment element 10 is a flat plate with a spring-loaded protrusion and a gap allowing the positioning element to pass through. By turning the screw on the top of this flat plate, the initial compression of the first elastic element 4 (coil spring) can be changed, thereby adjusting the preload applied to the first clamping element 3. Similarly, a similar second adjustment element 11 is also provided at the bottom of the second mold section 2 to adjust the preload of the second elastic element 6. For example, when skewering softer ingredients (such as tofu or cooked meat), the preload can be appropriately reduced to avoid crushing the ingredients; while when skewering harder or more resilient ingredients (such as chicken gizzards or squid), the preload can be appropriately increased to ensure sufficient clamping and fixing effect. This design greatly expands the applicability of this device.

[0029] Furthermore, such as Figure 14 As shown, the positioning element 8 can also be fixed on the first adjusting element 10 and the positioning element 9 can be fixed on the second adjusting element 11. This design can adjust the initial compression of the elastic elements 4 and 6, as well as the height of the protruding edge of the positioning elements 8 and 9.

[0030] Furthermore, such as Figure 15 As shown, a depth adjustment element 12 can also be added to the positioning elements 8 and 9, and a hollow area is set in the middle of the adjustment elements 10 and 11 to leave room for the depth adjustment element 12 to move. In this embodiment, the depth adjustment element 12 is a fixed frame with a threaded rod. There is a gap for fixing the positioning elements 8 and 9 on the opposite side of the threaded rod. By adjusting the nut on the threaded rod, the height of the protruding edge of the positioning element can be precisely controlled, thereby controlling the depth of its embedding into the food and avoiding excessive damage to some fragile food. At the same time, the distance between the first positioning element 8 and the second positioning element 9 can be dynamically adjusted for skewers 7 of different shapes, widening or narrowing the skewer passage. Example 6: Variation in the number of clamping elements

[0031] like Figure 16 As shown, based on Embodiment 2, this embodiment modifies the number of the first pressing element 3 and the second pressing element 5. The number of the first pressing element 3 can be one, and the number of the second pressing element 5 can be one.

[0032] Furthermore, such as Figure 17As shown, adding positioning elements 8 and 9 can further improve the threading accuracy. A first positioning element 8 is fixedly installed on the first mold part 1. In this embodiment, the first positioning element 8 is a stainless steel sheet, rigidly connected to the first mold part 1, and positioned within a pre-reserved gap inside the first pressing element 3, with its lower edge located in the gap between the first pressing element 3 and the skewer 7. Correspondingly, on the second mold part 2, a second positioning element 9 (also a stainless steel sheet) is rigidly connected to the second mold part 2, positioned within a pre-reserved gap inside the second pressing element 5, with its upper edge located in the gap between the second pressing element 5 and the skewer 7. Example 7: Variation of the positioning element

[0033] Based on Embodiment 3, this embodiment modifies the positioning elements 8 and 9. The positioning elements 8 and 9 do not necessarily have to be sharp blades; they can be replaced with thin, sheet-like components with a certain rigidity and strength, such as thin iron sheets, alloy sheets, plastic sheets, or ceramic sheets. The core function of the positioning elements 8 and 9 is "embedded positioning." As long as the thin sheet component has sufficient rigidity to embed into the surface of the food or squeeze into the gaps between the food during mold closing, it can fix the food block and / or assist in guiding the path of the skewer 7, thus achieving the purpose of this invention. Example 8: Variation of the elastic element

[0034] This embodiment modifies the elastic element. The first elastic element 4 and the second elastic element 6 are not limited to a helical spring. They can be replaced with a sheet spring, tension spring, torsion spring, or a silicone pillar or elastomer made of food-grade elastic materials such as silicone or elastic polyurethane, etc. Figure 18 As shown, it can also be replaced by an elastic structure integrally formed from the first pressing element (3) and / or the second pressing element (5), as long as it can provide a recoverable elastic restoring force for the corresponding pressing element (i.e., the first pressing element 3 and the second pressing element 5) to ensure that the pressing element can adapt to the size of the food.

[0035] The above embodiments are merely several specific implementations of the present invention, described in detail, but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. For example, technical features in multiple embodiments can be substituted for or combined to form new implementation methods. For instance, the mounting position of the positioning element in Embodiment 6 can be used in the mounting position of the positioning element in Embodiment 3; similarly, the depth adjustment element 12 in Embodiment 5 can be directly combined with Embodiment 3 to form a simplified threading device that, while not allowing adjustment of the pre-tightening force of the clamping element, can dynamically adjust the embedding depth of the positioning element. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A food skewer device to prevent misalignment, characterized in that, include: A first mold part (1) and a second mold part (2), the first mold part (1) and the second mold part (2) being openable and closed relative to each other; at least one first pressing element (3), the first pressing element (3) being movably connected to the first mold part (1) via a first elastic element (4); at least one second pressing element (5), the second pressing element (5) being movably connected to the second mold part (2) via a second elastic element (6); a guide mechanism, provided on the first mold part (1) and / or the second mold part (2), for constraining the signature. The radial displacement of the skewer (7) guides the insertion path of the skewer (7); wherein the first pressing element (3) and the second pressing element (5) are arranged opposite to each other, so that when the first mold part (1) and the second mold part (2) are closed, they can move independently based on the size of the food block, and through the elastic action of the first elastic element (4) and the second elastic element (6), the food is adaptively clamped to form a stable clamping state, and the center height of the food can be adaptively adjusted to be consistent with the height of the skewer (7) insertion path defined by the guiding mechanism.

2. The food skewering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first adjusting element (10) and a second adjusting element (11). The first adjusting element (10) is connected to the first mold part (1) and is used to adjust the preload of the first elastic element (4). The second adjusting element (11) is connected to the second mold part (2) and is used to adjust the preload of the second elastic element (6).

3. The food skewering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes at least one first positioning element (8), which is connected to the first mold part (1). The first positioning element (8) can at least partially embed the food when the mold is closed, in order to help limit the passage path of the skewer (7) and / or fix the food; and at least one second positioning element (9), which is connected to the second mold part (2). The second positioning element (9) can at least partially embed the food when the mold is closed, in order to help limit the passage path of the skewer (7) and / or fix the food.

4. The food skewering device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes at least one first positioning element (8), which is connected to the first adjusting element (10) or to the first mold part (1). The first positioning element (8) can partially embed the food when the mold is closed, in order to help limit the passage path of the skewer (7) and / or fix the food; and at least one second positioning element (9), which is connected to the second adjusting element (11) or to the second mold part (2). The second positioning element (9) can partially embed the food when the mold is closed, in order to help limit the passage path of the skewer (7) and / or fix the food.

5. The food skewering device according to any one of claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that, The first positioning element (8) and the second positioning element (9) are thin sheet-like components with a certain rigidity, which are rigid enough to partially embed the food without plastic deformation when the mold is closed, and are used to at least partially embed the food when the first mold part (1) and the second mold part (2) are closed.

6. The food skewering device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, It also includes at least one depth adjustment element (12), which is connected to the first positioning element (8) or the second positioning element (9). It can adjust the depth of the first positioning element (8) or the second positioning element (9) embedded in the food, and can dynamically adjust the distance between the first positioning element (8) and the second positioning element (9) for skewers (7) of different shapes, widening or narrowing the skewer channel.

7. The food skewering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The guiding mechanism is a guide groove (13) formed on the first mold part (1) and / or the second mold part (2), or an independent guide member (14) with a guide groove (13), the guide member (14) being connected to the first mold part (1) and / or the second mold part (2); the cross-sectional shape of the guide groove (13) matches the shape of the stick (7) to constrain the radial displacement of the stick (7).

8. The food skewering device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first elastic element (4) and the second elastic element (6) provide a recoverable elastic restoring force for the corresponding pressing element. They can be selected from springs, tension springs, torsion springs, sheet springs, silicone pillars or elastic rubber bodies, or they can be selected from the elastic structure integrally formed by the first pressing element (3) or the second pressing element (5).

9. The food skewering device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first mold part (1) and the second mold part (2) can be connected to each other by hinges, connecting rods or slide rails, or they can be designed to be detachable.

10. The food skewering device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first mold part (1) is provided with a first limiting structure (15), and the first pressing element (3) is provided with a second limiting structure (16) that cooperates with the first limiting structure (15). The cooperation between the first limiting structure (15) and the second limiting structure (16) is used to limit the range of motion of the first pressing element (3) relative to the first mold part (1). The second mold part (2) is provided with a first limiting structure (15), and the second pressing element (5) is provided with a second limiting structure (16) that cooperates with the first limiting structure (15). The cooperation between the first limiting structure (15) and the second limiting structure (16) is used to limit the range of motion of the second pressing element (5) relative to the second mold part (2).

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