Knife head for a product cutting machine

Abstract

A knife head for a product cutting machine comprising a main knife (4) fastened to a knife carrier (3), which has a lower cutting edge for interacting with a cutting material support as a first counter knife and is movable back and forth in a first cutting direction, and a plurality of transverse knives (5) with cutting edges cutting transversely to the cutting edge of the main knife (4), wherein the transverse knives (5) are guided in grooves (12) on a side of the main knife (4) facing away from the cutting material support and are fastened to a cross member (6), wherein the cross member (6) and the knife carrier (3) are designed as mutually movable components via at least one detachable connection (2), the cross member (6) is designed to be disengageable from the cutting edge of the main knife (4) so ​​that the transverse knives (5) can be exposed for cleaning, and the knife carrier (3) has at least one stop (9) defining a flush support bearing (10) with the cross member (6),whereby the cross member (6) can be clamped in a final functional position relative to the cutting edge of the main knife (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a knife head for a product cutting machine according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] From DE 10 2015 000 983 B4, a knife head for product cutting machines according to the preamble of claim 1 is known. In order to reduce the load on the cross knives during cutting, particularly when cutting frozen food blocks, the cross knives are provided with an engagement member on the knife tip side that engages the respective groove of the main knife. This is done in such a way that the engagement member is guided with a seat adapted to the groove. This plug-in seat allows the engagement member to be designed in the form of a guided web such that it can be inserted with a form-fitting fit in the longitudinal direction of the respective groove. The risk of breakage of the cross knives is reduced by an enlarged guide for the cross knives in the guide grooves of the main knife. However, the resulting longer service life of the cross knives makes it more difficult to clean the knife area of ​​product residue.Depending on the type of product being cut, especially meat fibers, product residues can become trapped between the cross blades. Meat fibers stick or wrap around the cross blades, which is disadvantageous.

[0003] From DE 299 11 299 U1, a generic knife head for a food cutting machine is known, in which the transverse knives have cutting edges that are slightly offset upwards with respect to the cutting edge of an upper knife, so that the transverse knives, shortly after the upper knife has started to cut a slice from the food to be cut, in turn start to cut the slice into strips.

[0004] EP 1 346 802 B1 discloses a knife head of this type, particularly for cutting frozen food blocks. It comprises an upper blade or main blade having a cutting edge on its underside for interacting with a product support acting as a counterblade. Furthermore, a plurality of transverse blades are provided, the cutting edges of which cut transversely to the cutting edge of the upper blade, are arranged on the side of the upper blade facing away from the product support, guided in grooves therein, and are fastened to a cross member. This enables the cutting of products into strips or cubes of different dimensions. Each transverse blade is individually fastened by means of screws, or several transverse blades are combined to form a single-piece segment, with several such segments being releasably fastened side by side on the cross member.The segments simplify the construction and make cleaning easier because the number of grooves, gaps and screws is reduced.

[0005] The disadvantage is that cutting into the product is more difficult and therefore the load on the cross blades and the main blade is high, especially when cutting frozen food blocks.

[0006] EP 2 546 034 B1 discloses a knife head for a product cutting machine in which, due to the arrangement of the cross knives, the initial cut into the product and thus the load on the cross knives and / or the main knife are facilitated. Setting an inclined position between the main knife and the cross knives reduces the load. Preferably, the cross knives are arranged at right angles to a guide groove in the main knife. Under high loads due to cutting pressure, essentially no force component acts in the direction of the main knife.

[0007] The disadvantage, however, is that there is a risk of the cross blades breaking during the cutting process, especially when cutting frozen food blocks.

[0008] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a knife head for a product cutting machine according to the preamble of claim 1, in which the cross knives are subjected to less stress during cutting and product residues in the cross knife area of ​​the knife head can be removed in order to achieve long service lives with short downtimes.

[0009] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0010] This creates a knife head that allows for easier cleaning of the knife area to remove product residue. For cleaning, the cross knives can be detached from the main knife, allowing free access to the knife area. This creates a working state and a cleaning state for the knife head. In the cleaning state, the main knife and the cross knives can be spaced apart from one another to create space for cleaning. For this purpose, according to the invention, the knife carrier carrying the main knife and a cross member carrying the cross knives engage with each other via a detachable connection.

[0011] The inventors of the present application are credited with recognizing that the design of the cutter head with a detachable connection, together with the spreading of a force flow and force flow distribution through a component of a flush support bearing, permitted by the detachable connection, enables a cleaning state that does not adversely affect the working state. The compressive stresses in the components clamped by the detachable connection—here, the cutter carrier for the main cutter and the cross member for the cross cutters—are not limited to the immediate area beneath a clamping device, but rather spread across the clamping length of the stop provided according to the invention.

[0012] A variety of construction techniques can be chosen to implement the detachable connection, such as a pull-out mechanism, console technology, swivel joint technology, etc.

[0013] For long service life, the cross blades are preferably designed with a flat dimension on the front side, whereby an engagement element adjacent to the cutting edge of the cross blade can be designed merely as a ridge nose. The engagement element thus forms a spring-like element of a tongue-and-groove plug connection.

[0014] The shape-adapted fit of the cross blades by means of the engagement member in the grooves prevents the cross blades from tilting, which is particularly important when the cutting process is carried out.

[0015] The design of the cross blade with an engaging element at the blade tip can be combined with a selectable positioning of the cross blade horizontally or diagonally to the main blade. Furthermore, one or more cross blades of this type can be attached to the blade head individually or several can be combined to form a single segment.

[0016] Further embodiments of the invention can be found in the following description and the subclaims.

[0017] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the attached figures. Fig. 1 schematically shows a knife head for a product cutting machine in a working state in perspective view according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2 shows schematically a partial longitudinal section of the cutter head according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 shows schematically a partial cross-section of the cutter head according to Fig. 1, Fig. 4 schematically shows a knife head for a product cutting machine in a cleaning state in a perspective view according to the first embodiment, Fig. 5 shows schematically a partial longitudinal section of the cutter head according to Fig. 4, Fig. 6 shows schematically a partial longitudinal section of the cutter head according to a second embodiment, Fig. 7 shows schematically a partial longitudinal section of the cutter head according to a third embodiment, Fig. 8 shows schematically a partial longitudinal section of the cutter head according to a fourth embodiment, Fig. 9 shows schematically a partial longitudinal section of the cutter head according to a fifth embodiment.

[0018] The product cutting machine, not shown in its entirety, comprises Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 shows a knife head with a main knife 4, which has a lower cutting edge for interacting with a cutting material support 1 as a first counter knife. This main knife 4 is movable back and forth in a first cutting direction S1 for the cutting processes. The first cutting direction S1 is movable vertically up and down here. Fig. Figure 2 shows the main blade 4 in its lowest position at the end of a cutting stroke. An inclined orientation of the cutting direction S1 relative to the vertical is also possible.

[0019] The main knife 4 is attached to a knife carrier 3 and extends across a width of the knife head, which determines a length of the main knife 4. The main knife 4 is beveled towards a cutting edge on its side facing away from the material support 1 and is provided there with grooves 12 that are preferably arranged equidistant from one another. The grooves 12 each serve to guide a transverse knife 5 in the region of its knife tip. The transverse knives 5 are designed with cutting edges 14 that cut transversely to the cutting edge of the main knife 4 and are movable with the main knife 4 in a second cutting direction S2. The main knife 4 and the transverse knives 5 preferably do not move relative to one another in a working state.

[0020] Furthermore, several transverse knives 5 with cutting edges 14 cutting transversely to the cutting edge of the main knife 4 are attached to the knife head, namely on a cross member 6.

[0021] As particularly in Fig. 2, the transverse blades 5 preferably have an engagement member 15 on the blade tip side, which is designed as a web that can be inserted in a form-fitting manner in the longitudinal direction of the respective groove 12. The engagement member in the form of the insertable web 15 serves to improve the guidance of the transverse blade 5 in the main blade 4 due to the plug-in fit achieved by the outer dimensions of the engagement member. The web 15 that can be inserted into the respective groove 12 is preferably machined from a blade back of the transverse blade 5 and forms a web nose with flat dimensions, adapted to the groove dimensions to form a plug-in fit, in which the surfaces of the engagement member of the groove 12 can form a nearly snug fit. As Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the cross blades 5 are preferably arranged at an angle to the main blade 4, in particular diagonally ascending to the main blade 4. The absolute alignment of the main blade 4 is selectable and not limited to the Fig. 1 is limited to the vertical arrangement with vertical mobility. Alternatively, the transverse blades 5 can also be arranged, for example, at right angles to the guide groove 12 in the main blade 4.

[0022] Several, in particular a plurality of transverse blades 5 are arranged on the cross member 6, preferably detachably fastened.

[0023] The width of a product slice is determined in the embodiments according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 is determined by a distance between the cutting edge of the main blade 4 and a cutting thickness stop 7. For example, spacers 8 can be provided for cutting thickness adjustment. The effective cutting length of the cross blades 5 is preferably determined by the cutting thickness stop 7, since the cross blades 5 are preferably arranged fixedly on the cross member 6.

[0024] If the cross blades 5 are inclined, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, an acute angle is preferably 5° to 30°.

[0025] The sliced ​​product not shown is preferably a deep-frozen product, in particular a deep-frozen food block, particularly preferably meat.

[0026] The knife head for a product cutting machine according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 thus comprises at least one main blade 4 attached to a blade carrier 3, which has a lower cutting edge for interacting with a cutting material support 1 as a first counter blade. The main blade 4 is movable back and forth in a first cutting direction S1. The blade head further comprises a plurality of transverse blades 5 with cutting edges cutting transversely to the cutting edge of the main blade 4, wherein the transverse blades 5 are guided in grooves 12 on a side of the main blade 4 facing away from the cutting material support 1 and are fastened to a cross member 6.

[0027] The cross member 6 and the blade carrier 3 are further designed as mutually movable components via at least one detachable connection 2, in such a way that the cross member 6 is designed to be disengageable from the cutting edge of the main blade 4 so that the transverse blades 5 can be exposed for cleaning, as Fig. 4 and Fig. Show 5.

[0028] As in particular Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the knife carrier 3 has at least one stop 9 which defines a flush support bearing 10 with the cross member 6, whereby the cross member 6 can be clamped in a final functional position, in particular a working state, to the cutting edge of the main knife 4.

[0029] The detachable connection 2 preferably comprises a locking element 13, which releasably clamps the knife carrier 3 to the cross member 6. The knife carrier 3 preferably has at least one knife head cheek 11. The cross member 6 preferably has at least one clamping jaw 24, which in the functional position according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 can be connected to the cutter head cheek 11 via clamping force. The tightening method is selectable.

[0030] The locking element 13 comprises, for example, a screw. Particularly preferably, the locking element 13 is a guide screw 16, which is slidably mounted on a shaft 25 anchored in the cutter head cheek 11 and which holds at least one clamping jaw 24 connected to the cross member 6. The cross member 6 is thus guided in a disengaging movement relative to the cutter carrier 3. Preferably, the cross member 6, as shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5, formed at both ends with a detachable connection 2, as described above.

[0031] For cleaning, i.e., transferring the cross member 6 with the transverse blades 5 into the disengaged position, i.e., the cleaning state, a selectable distance is formed between the main blade 4 and the transverse blades 5, creating a clearance that simplifies cleaning due to improved accessibility to the areas where product residues might be trapped. The design of the clearance can be influenced by the extension and orientation of the shaft 25 relative to the blade head.

[0032] The cross member 6 is preferably formed at both ends with a bearing block 19 for flat clamping with the stop 9 of the knife carrier 3, for which purpose the stop 9 is preferably provided on the edge-side knife head cheek 11. The bearing block 19 is, for example, a geometrically shaped body with, for example, at least two side surfaces, which are preferably at right angles to one another. Particularly preferably, the bearing block 19 is cuboid-shaped or prismatic. The respective bearing block 19 is brought into engagement and disengagement with the stop 9 by moving the cross member 6 relative to the knife carrier 3.

[0033] The bearing block 19, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, enables clamping in two directions against a support 21 and abutment 22 of the stop 9 of the knife carrier 3 or the knife head cheek 11.

[0034] The Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 shows an embodiment in which the cross member 6 is movable as a movable unit relative to the knife carrier 3 as a fixed unit. Alternatively, the knife carrier 3 can be movable as a movable unit relative to the cross member 6 as a fixed unit.

[0035] According to alternative embodiments, as in Fig. 6 to Fig. 9, the cross member 6 can be attached to the knife carrier 3 or knife head cheek 11 in a console-like manner.

[0036] The cross member 6 can also be movable by pivoting or rotating relative to the knife carrier 3 / knife head cheek 11, for which purpose a pivot joint 23 is provided, which Fig. 6 (fold up) and Fig. 7 (fold down).

[0037] Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 show that for cleaning purposes, the toggle screws 20 on both sides can be loosened / unscrewed and the cross member 6 consists of a wedge-shaped holder / guide on both sides ( Fig. 8) can be removed manually or motor-driven from the knife head. The toggle fittings can also be fitted with clamping lugs ( Fig. 9) be linked.

[0038] Furthermore, dowel pins can be provided to secure the position of the knife carrier 3 and the cross member 6 relative to each other in the final functional position.

[0039] In summary, it is preferable to loosen the guide screws on both sides for cleaning. The crosshead can be moved or opened horizontally using the guide screws, either manually or motor-driven. After cleaning, the crosshead can be pushed or pulled using the guide screws, preferably up to the cutter head cheeks on both sides. Locking can be achieved using the guide screws on both sides. The crosshead can also be folded up or down using a swivel joint, folded back into the working position after cleaning, and locked using clamping tabs, preferably on both sides. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2015 000 983 B4

[0002] DE 299 11 299 U1

[0003] EP 1 346 802 B1

[0004] EP 2 546 034 B1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Knife head for a product cutting machine with a main knife (4) fastened to a knife carrier (3), which has a lower cutting edge for interacting with a cutting material support (1) as a first counter knife and is movable back and forth in a first cutting direction (S1), and several transverse knives (5) with cutting edges cutting transversely to the cutting edge of the main knife (4), wherein the transverse knives (5) are guided in grooves (12) on a side of the main knife (4) facing away from the cutting material support (1) and are fastened to a cross member (6), characterized byin that the cross member (6) and the knife carrier (3) are designed as components which can move relative to one another via at least one detachable connection (2), the cross member (6) is designed to be disengageable from the cutting edge of the main knife (4) so ​​that the transverse knives (5) can be exposed for cleaning, and the knife carrier (3) has at least one stop (9) which defines a flush support bearing (10) with the cross member (6), as a result of which the cross member (6) can be clamped and fixed in a final functional position relative to the cutting edge of the main knife (4). [2] Cutter head according to claim 1, characterized by that the cross member (6) is formed at both its ends with a bearing block (19) for flat clamping with the stop (9) of the knife carrier (3). [3] Cutter head according to claim 2, characterized by that the respective bearing block (19) is a geometric shaped body. [4] Cutter head according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the bearing block (19) is designed for clamping in two directions against a support (21) and a contact (22) of the stop of the knife carrier (3). [5] Cutter head according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the traverse (6) can be moved as a movable unit relative to the knife carrier (3) as a fixed unit. [6] Cutter head according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the knife carrier (3) can be moved as a movable unit relative to the traverse (6) as a fixed unit. [7] Cutter head according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the cross member (6) is attached to the knife carrier (3) in a console-like manner. [8] Cutter head according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the cross member (6) and the knife carrier (3) can be moved by pivoting or rotating relative to the knife carrier (3). [9] Cutter head according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized bythat dowel pins are provided to secure the position of the knife carrier (3) and the cross member (6) relative to each other in the functional position. [10] Cutter head according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the main knife (4) and the cross knives (5) are fixedly attached to a knife head which can be moved relative to the cutting material support (1). [11] Cutter head according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the cross blades (5) are releasably attached individually next to each other on the cross member (6). [12] Cutter head according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that the transverse knives (5) can be moved back and forth in a second cutting direction (S2) together with the main knife (4). [13] Cutter head according to claim 12, characterized by that the first (S1) and the second (S2) cutting directions are aligned relative to the cutting material support (1) in such a way that they enclose an angle of between 5° and 30°. [14] Cutter head according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by that the main knife (4) is movable vertically and / or horizontally. [15] Cutter head according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by that the transverse knives (5) are arranged at right angles to the guide grooves (12) in the main knife (4).

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