A hot dog processing tray arranging machine

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of food processing machines, and discloses a hot dog processing tray arranging machine, which comprises a base fixed at a proper position between a hot dog conveying belt and a placing area, a rotating lifting piece fixed at the end of the base and vertically downward, a driving assembly vertically fixed at the bottom end of the rotating lifting piece, and a clamping assembly arranged at the output end of the driving assembly and used for clamping the surface of a hot dog. The driving assembly drives the clamping assembly to clamp the hot dog, and the rotating lifting piece rotates and lifts to the position of the placing area. The application realizes automatic grabbing and tray arranging of the hot dog, the clamping force is adjustable, the hot dog surface is not damaged, and the automatic tray arranging operation is suitable for soft foods such as hot dogs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food processing machinery technology, specifically to a hot dog plating machine. Background Technology

[0002] In the processing of hot dogs and other food products, after baking or steaming, the hot dogs need to be removed from the conveyor belt and neatly arranged on baking trays or packaging trays for subsequent packaging or further processing. Traditionally, this is done manually, with workers removing the hot dogs one by one from the conveyor belt and placing them on the trays. This method is not only labor-intensive and inefficient, but also prone to worker fatigue due to prolonged repetitive work, which can compromise food hygiene and safety.

[0003] Although some automated food gripping equipment has appeared on the market, such equipment usually adopts a rigid clamping structure, and the clamping force is difficult to control precisely. This can easily cause squeezing and deformation or damage to the skin of soft foods such as hot dogs, affecting the appearance and quality of the product.

[0004] It can also grab food by suction cups, but for grilled sausages with oil or moisture on the surface, the suction cups are not effective and the food is easy to fall off. In addition, the suction cup structure is difficult to adapt to hot dogs of different diameters.

[0005] In addition, existing equipment needs to be moved to the tray position after grabbing the hot dog, usually by translation or flipping. The equipment structure is complex, occupies a lot of space, and it is difficult to simultaneously ensure clamping stability and food surface protection. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a hot dog plating machine, comprising: The base is fixed in a suitable position between the hot dog conveyor belt and the placement area; Rotate the lifting component, which is fixed at the end of the base and vertically downward; The drive assembly is vertically fixed to the bottom end of the rotating lifting component; A clamping component is disposed at the output end of the drive component for clamping the surface of the hot dog; The drive component drives the clamping component to clamp the hot dog, and the rotating lifting component rotates and lifts to the placement area position.

[0007] Furthermore, the drive assembly includes a fixing plate vertically fixed to the bottom end of the rotating lifting member, and: A rack is slidably connected to both sides of the bottom end of the fixed plate, and the rack is connected to the clamping assembly; A gear connected between the rack and pinion is rotated, and the gear meshes with the rack and pinion. A drive unit is fixed to the top of the fixed plate, and the output end of the drive unit is connected to the end of one of the gears.

[0008] Furthermore, the rack is symmetrical about the gear rotation center.

[0009] Furthermore, the clamping assembly includes a movable plate fixed to the rack, and: A central hook plate is vertically fixed at the middle of the bottom end of the movable plate; Flexible clamps are vertically fixed on both sides of the bottom end of the movable plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the flexible clamping plate includes an upper vertical portion vertically fixed to both sides of the bottom end of the movable plate, and: The weight-reducing part is vertically fixed at the bottom of the upper vertical part; The lower clamping part is vertically fixed at the bottom of the middle weight reduction part, and the lower clamping part has a built-in micro clamping structure.

[0011] Furthermore, the micro-clamping structure includes an air tube passing through the upper vertical portion and the middle weight-reducing portion to the lower clamping portion, and: A flexible arc-shaped piece is rotatably connected to the clamping surface of the lower clamping part; A jet nozzle connected to the output end of the trachea; Rotate the cam connected to the jet nozzle at the jet position; A coil spring connected to the cam.

[0012] Furthermore, the elastic arc-shaped sheet is curved in an arc shape with its opening facing the clamping surface. The air jet is located in the inner region of the elastic arc-shaped sheet. The airflow ejected from the air jet is directed towards the cam. The cam rotates and contacts the elastic arc-shaped sheet, causing the arc-shaped bending direction of the elastic arc-shaped sheet to face the hot dog surface.

[0013] Furthermore, the airflow ejected from the jet nozzle diffuses along the inner arc surface of the elastic arc-shaped sheet, forming an air cushion between the clamping surface and the hot dog surface, with the arc-shaped bending direction of the elastic arc-shaped sheet facing the hot dog surface.

[0014] Furthermore, the outer side of the elastic arc-shaped sheet is fitted with an edible rubber layer.

[0015] Furthermore, there are two movable plates, which are respectively fixed on two racks. The two movable plates slide synchronously towards or away from each other with the racks, and the intermediate hook plate and the flexible clamping plate move synchronously with the movable plates.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a hot dog processing tray arranging machine, which has the following beneficial effects: 1. The gear and rack mechanism of the drive component drives the clamping component to move synchronously in opposite directions, thereby achieving rapid gripping and release of hot dogs. The clamping action is precise and controllable, with a high degree of automation. 2. The flexible clamp adopts a three-section structure: an upper vertical section, a middle weight-reducing section, and a lower clamping section. The middle weight-reducing section reduces the overall weight of the clamp and lowers the driving load; the lower clamping section has a built-in micro-clamping structure, which realizes flexible adaptive clamping of the hot dog surface. 3. The micro-clamping structure drives the cam to rotate through the airflow ejected from the jet nozzle. The cam pushes the elastic arc-shaped sheet to bend and deform, so that the arc-shaped bending direction of the elastic arc-shaped sheet faces the hot dog surface, realizing adaptive clamping for hot dogs of different diameters. At the same time, the airflow diffuses along the inner arc surface of the elastic arc-shaped sheet, forming an air cushion between the clamping surface and the hot dog surface, avoiding damage to the hot dog skin caused by rigid clamping. 4. The outer side of the elastic arc-shaped sheet is fitted with an edible rubber layer, which not only increases the friction with the surface of the hot dog and prevents the hot dog from slipping during clamping, but also further protects the hot dog skin from damage, meeting food safety requirements. 5. The middle hook plate provides auxiliary support from the middle of the hot dog during the clamping process. Together with the flexible clamping plates on both sides, it forms a three-point support clamping structure, which has good clamping stability and prevents the hot dog from shaking or falling during the transfer process. 6. The rotating lifting component enables the lifting and rotation of the clamping assembly, which can pick up the hot dog from the conveyor belt and rotate it to the placement area before putting it down. The action is smooth and the tray arrangement efficiency is high. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a hot dog processing tray-arranging machine proposed in this invention; Figure 2 This is a front view of a hot dog processing tray arranging machine proposed in this invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the drive assembly and the clamping assembly of a hot dog processing tray machine proposed in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of a hot dog processing tray-arranging machine drive component proposed in this invention; Figure 5 This invention proposes a hot dog processing tray stacking machine. Figure 3 A bottom view; Figure 6 This invention proposes a hot dog processing tray stacking machine. Figure 3 Top view; Figure 7 This invention proposes a hot dog processing tray stacking machine. Figure 3 The front view; Figure 8 This invention proposes a hot dog processing tray stacking machine. Figure 7 Sectional view at point AA along the middle; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the micro-clamping structure of a hot dog processing tray machine proposed in this invention; Figure 10 This is another three-dimensional structural diagram of a hot dog processing tray machine proposed in this invention.

[0018] In the diagram: 100, base; 200, rotating lifting component; 300, drive assembly; 301, fixed plate; 302, rack; 303, gear; 304, drive component; 400, clamping assembly; 401, moving plate; 402, intermediate hook plate; 403, flexible clamping plate; 403a, upper vertical part; 403b, middle weight reduction part; 403c, lower clamping part; 403d, air pipe; 403e, elastic arc plate; 403f, air nozzle; 403g, cam; 403h, coil spring. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 10 A hot dog processing tray-arranging machine includes a base 100, a rotating lifting component 200, a drive assembly 300, and a clamping assembly 400. Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The base 100 is fixed at a suitable position between the hot dog conveyor belt and the placement area; the base 100 is the installation foundation of the entire equipment, made of stainless steel or aluminum alloy, with sufficient rigidity and stability, and meets the hygiene requirements of food processing; the bottom of the base 100 is provided with mounting holes, which can be fixed to the ground or workbench with bolts. The rotating lifting component 200 is fixed to the end of the base 100 and vertically downward; the rotating lifting component 200 is a combined actuator that can realize rotational and lifting movements, and can be a combination of a rotary cylinder and a lifting cylinder, or a combination of an electric rotary table and an electric push rod; the top end of the rotating lifting component 200 is fixedly connected to the base 100, and the bottom end is fixedly connected to the fixing plate 301 of the drive assembly 300; the rotating lifting component 200 can realize movement in two directions: lifting movement - driving the drive assembly 300 and the clamping assembly 400 to move up and down; rotational movement - driving the drive assembly 300 and the clamping assembly 400 to rotate around the vertical axis.

[0021] Please see Figures 3 to 7 The drive assembly 300 is vertically fixed to the bottom end of the rotating lifting component 200; The drive assembly 300 includes a fixed plate 301, a rack 302, a gear 303, and a drive component 304; The fixing plate 301 is vertically fixed to the bottom end of the rotating lifting component 200, and rises and rotates synchronously with the rotating lifting component 200. The fixing plate 301 is a rectangular plate structure, and its bottom ends are provided with slide rails or guide grooves for sliding connection of rack 302.

[0022] There are two racks 302, which are slidably connected to both sides of the bottom end of the fixed plate 301. The two racks 302 are symmetrically arranged at the rotation center of the gear 303. The racks 302 are connected to the clamping assembly 400, and when the racks 302 slide along the bottom end of the fixed plate 301, they drive the clamping assembly 400 to move. The tooth surfaces of the two racks 302 are arranged opposite each other and both mesh with the gear 303.

[0023] Gear 303 is rotatably connected between two racks 302, and gear 303 meshes with two racks 302 simultaneously; when gear 303 rotates, the two racks 302 move synchronously towards or away from each other.

[0024] The drive component 304 is fixed to the top of the fixed plate 301, and the output end of the drive component 304 is connected to the end of one of the gears 303. The drive component 304 is a rotary cylinder, a stepper motor or a servo motor. The drive component 304 drives the gear 303 to rotate forward or backward, thereby realizing the clamping or releasing action of the clamping assembly 400.

[0025] Please see Figures 3 to 8 The clamping component 400 is located at the output end of the driving component 300 and is used to clamp the surface of the hot dog.

[0026] The clamping assembly 400 includes a movable plate 401, an intermediate hook plate 402, and a flexible clamping plate 403.

[0027] There are two movable plates 401, which are fixed on two racks 302 respectively. The two movable plates 401 slide synchronously towards or away from each other with the racks 302; the movable plates 401 are the mounting base of the clamping assembly 400, and the intermediate hook plate 402 and the flexible clamping plate 403 are both fixed on the movable plates 401 and move synchronously with the movable plates 401.

[0028] The middle hook plate 402 is vertically fixed to the middle of the bottom of the movable plate 401; the middle hook plate 402 is an arc-shaped or V-shaped plate structure with its lower end bent inward to provide auxiliary support from below the middle of the hot dog.

[0029] Flexible clamping plates 403 are vertically fixed to both sides of the bottom end of the movable plate 401 (i.e., each movable plate 401 has a flexible clamping plate 403 on both sides of its bottom end). The flexible clamping plate 403 includes an upper vertical part 403a, a middle weight-reducing part 403b, and a lower clamping part 403c.

[0030] The upper vertical part 403a is vertically fixed to both sides of the bottom end of the movable plate 401 and is the upper connecting section of the flexible clamp 403.

[0031] The middle weight-reducing part 403b is vertically fixed to the bottom end of the upper vertical part 403a. The middle weight-reducing part 403b has a hollow structure or a thin-walled structure, which is used to reduce the overall weight of the flexible clamping plate 403 and reduce the driving load.

[0032] The lower clamping part 403c is vertically fixed to the bottom end of the middle weight-reducing part 403b. The lower clamping part 403c is the clamping working section of the flexible clamping plate 403, and its inner surface is the clamping surface for contact with the hot dog surface. The lower clamping part 403c has a built-in micro-clamping structure.

[0033] Please see Figure 8 and Figure 9 The micro-clamping structure is located inside the lower clamping part 403c and includes an air tube 403d, an elastic arc-shaped plate 403e, an air jet 403f, a cam 403g, and a coil spring 403h.

[0034] The trachea 403d extends through the upper vertical part 403a and the middle weight-reducing part 403b to the lower clamping part 403c; the upper end of the trachea 403d is connected to an external air source, and the lower end is connected to the jet nozzle 403f.

[0035] The elastic arc-shaped sheet 403e is rotatably connected to the clamping surface of the lower clamping part 403c; the elastic arc-shaped sheet 403e is curved in an arc shape and the opening faces the clamping surface; the elastic arc-shaped sheet 403e is an elastic metal sheet or an elastic plastic sheet with a certain elastic deformation capability; the outer side of the elastic arc-shaped sheet 403e is fitted with an edible rubber layer for direct contact with the surface of the hot dog, protecting the hot dog skin and increasing friction.

[0036] The jet nozzle 403f is connected to the output end of the air pipe 403d; the jet nozzle 403f is located in the inner region of the elastic arc plate 403e; when compressed air is delivered to the jet nozzle 403f through the air pipe 403d, the airflow ejected from the jet nozzle 403f is directed toward the cam 403g.

[0037] The cam 403g is rotatably connected to the jet nozzle 403f at the jet position. The cam 403g contacts the elastic arc-shaped plate 403e. The airflow from the jet nozzle 403f drives the cam 403g to rotate. When the cam 403g rotates, it contacts the elastic arc-shaped plate 403e and pushes the elastic arc-shaped plate 403e to bend and deform outward, so that the arc-shaped bending direction of the elastic arc-shaped plate 403e faces the hot dog surface.

[0038] The coil spring 403h is connected to the cam 403g and is used to provide the restoring force of the cam 403g.

[0039] When a hot dog needs to be clamped, compressed air is delivered to the nozzle 403f via the air pipe 403d. The airflow from the nozzle 403f is directed towards the cam 403g, driving the cam 403g to rotate. As the cam 403g rotates, it pushes the elastic arc-shaped plate 403e to bend and deform outward, causing the elastic arc-shaped plate 403e to fit tightly against the surface of the hot dog. At the same time, the airflow from the nozzle 403f diffuses along the inner arc surface of the elastic arc-shaped plate 403e, forming an air cushion between the clamping surface and the surface of the hot dog, reducing the direct contact pressure between the clamping surface and the surface of the hot dog, and avoiding damage to the hot dog's skin.

[0040] When the hot dog needs to be released, the gas supply is stopped, the coil spring 403h drives the cam 403g to reset, and the elastic arc plate 403e returns to its initial shape under its own elasticity, releasing the hot dog.

[0041] Work process: In the initial state, the clamping component 400 is in the open state (the two racks 302 are in opposite positions, and the distance between the two moving plates 401 is at its maximum), and the rotating lifting component 200 is in the high position. When the hot dog moves to the grab position with the conveyor belt, the rotating lifting component 200 descends, driving the drive component 300 and the clamping component 400 to descend as a whole, so that the flexible clamping plate 403 and the middle hook plate 402 of the clamping component 400 are located on both sides and below the hot dog. Start the drive unit 304, which drives the gear 303 to rotate; the gear 303 drives the two racks 302 to move synchronously towards each other, and the two moving plates 401 move synchronously towards each other with the racks 302; the moving plates 401 drive the flexible clamping plate 403 and the middle hook plate 402 to move synchronously towards each other; the middle hook plate 402 supports the hot dog from below, and the flexible clamping plate 403 approaches the hot dog from both sides; Meanwhile, compressed air is delivered to the jet nozzle 403f through the air pipe 403d. The airflow ejected from the jet nozzle 403f drives the cam 403g to rotate, pushing the elastic arc plate 403e to bend and fit against the surface of the hot dog. The airflow forms an air cushion between the clamping surface and the surface of the hot dog. The flexible clamping plate 403 clamps the hot dog in a cushioning manner to avoid damaging the skin. After clamping, rotate the lifting component 200 to raise the hot dog from the conveyor belt; then rotate the lifting component 200 to transfer the hot dog to the placement area; rotate the lifting component 200 to lower the hot dog and place it on a baking tray or packaging tray. The drive component 304 rotates in the opposite direction, the gear 303 rotates in the opposite direction, the two racks 302 move synchronously in opposite directions, the two moving plates 401 move synchronously in opposite directions with the racks 302, the flexible clamp 403 releases the hot dog; at the same time, the gas supply stops, the elastic arc plate 403e resets; the lifting component 200 is rotated to rise, returning to the initial state, ready for the next grab.

[0042] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A hot dog processing tray arranging machine, characterized in that: include: The base (100) is fixed at a suitable position between the hot dog conveyor belt and the placement area; Rotate the lifting component (200), which is fixed at the end of the base (100) and vertically downward; The drive assembly (300) is vertically fixed to the bottom end of the rotating lifting component (200); A clamping assembly (400) is disposed at the output end of the drive assembly (300) for clamping the surface of the hot dog; The drive assembly (300) drives the clamping assembly (400) to clamp the hot dog, and the rotating lifting component (200) rotates and lifts to the placement area position.

2. The hot dog processing tray arranging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive assembly (300) includes a fixing plate (301) vertically fixed to the bottom end of the rotating lifting member (200), and: A rack (302) is slidably connected to both sides of the bottom end of the fixed plate (301), and the rack (302) is connected to the clamping assembly (400); Rotary gear (303) connected between the rack (302) meshes with the rack (302); A drive unit (304) is fixed on the top of the fixed plate (301), and the output end of the drive unit (304) is connected to the end of one of the gears (303).

3. The hot dog processing tray arranging machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rack (302) is symmetrical about the rotation center of the gear (303).

4. A hot dog processing tray arranging machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The clamping assembly (400) includes a movable plate (401) fixed to the rack (302), and: A middle hook plate (402) is vertically fixed at the middle of the bottom end of the movable plate (401). Flexible clamps (403) are vertically fixed on both sides of the bottom end of the movable plate (401).

5. A hot dog processing tray arranging machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The flexible clamp (403) includes an upper vertical portion (403a) vertically fixed to both sides of the bottom end of the movable plate (401), and: The middle weight-reducing part (403b) is vertically fixed at the bottom end of the upper vertical part (403a). The lower clamping part (403c) is vertically fixed to the bottom of the middle weight reduction part (403b), and the lower clamping part (403c) has a built-in micro clamping structure.

6. A hot dog processing tray arranging machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The micro-clamping structure includes an air tube (403d) that passes through the upper vertical part (403a) and the middle weight-reducing part (403b) to the lower clamping part (403c), and: The elastic arc-shaped piece (403e) is rotatably connected to the clamping surface of the lower clamping part (403c). The jet nozzle (403f) is connected to the output end of the trachea (403d); Rotate the cam (403g) connected to the jet position of the jet nozzle (403f); A coil spring (403h) is connected to the cam (403g).

7. A hot dog processing tray arranging machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The elastic arc-shaped sheet (403e) is curved in an arc shape with its opening facing the clamping surface. The air jet (403f) is located in the inner region of the elastic arc-shaped sheet (403e). The airflow ejected from the air jet (403f) is directed toward the cam (403g). The cam (403g) rotates and contacts the elastic arc-shaped sheet (403e), causing the arc-shaped bending direction of the elastic arc-shaped sheet (403e) to face the hot dog surface.

8. A hot dog processing tray arranging machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The airflow ejected from the jet nozzle (403f) diffuses along the inner arc surface of the elastic arc sheet (403e), forming an air cushion between the clamping surface and the hot dog surface. The arc bending direction of the elastic arc sheet (403e) faces the hot dog surface.

9. A hot dog processing tray-arranging machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The outer side of the elastic arc-shaped sheet (403e) is fitted with an edible rubber layer.

10. A hot dog processing tray arranging machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The movable plate (401) consists of two pieces, which are respectively fixed on two racks (302). The two movable plates (401) slide synchronously towards or away from each other with the racks (302). The intermediate hook plate (402) and the flexible clamping plate (403) move synchronously with the movable plate (401).

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