Machine for processing food blocks

Abstract

A machine (1) for processing food blocks (200) is provided, comprising a housing (10), a first motor (33), a shaft (30) driven by the first motor (33) and a holder (16) for a food block (200) to be processed, wherein the receptacle (150) is open towards the driven shaft (130) so that a part of the food block (200) received in the receptacle (16) is separated from the food block (200) by interaction with the driven shaft (30) and is fed for further processing, wherein the machine (1) has an active block feeder (100) which, when processing a food block (200), exerts a pressing force (F1) on the food block (200) in addition to the effect of gravity in the direction of the driven shaft (30).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a machine for processing food blocks having the features of the preamble of patent claim 1. It is particularly well suited for an industrial grinder or frozen meat grinder.

[0002] Nowadays, food is often processed, particularly minced, in large quantities by machine. For this purpose, food blocks, e.g. pieces of meat or blocks of meat or vegetable products, which can in particular also be produced by freezing several pieces together, are fed into a machine holder, designed for example as a funnel or chute, which is open towards a shaft driven by a motor, so that the weight of the food block fed into the holder presses it against the shaft and in particular against at least one cutting edge which, in the area of ​​this holder, runs at least partially spirally around the shaft and is connected to the shaft. The rotation of the shaft caused by the motor results in a strip being severed from the food block and fed into a cutting set for further processing.

[0003] A well-known meat processing machine that operates according to this principle is, for example, the applicant’s Mado Gigant MEW 734 industrial grinder.

[0004] A problem with this approach arises from the fact that it requires two different forces. After cutting a strip from the food block, a small force is required to guide the food block forward without bending the screw. Cutting another strip from the food block requires a large force to counteract the force exerted by the screw on the food block and hold the food block in position.

[0005] Machines for processing food blocks are known from DE 92 06 422 U1 and from DE 195 36 413 A1, the former document disclosing the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved machine for processing food blocks, in which in particular the variation in the force with which a food block is pressed onto the shaft for processing is reduced.

[0007] This object is achieved by a machine for processing food blocks having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] A machine according to the invention for processing food blocks comprises a housing, a first motor, a shaft driven by the first motor, and a receptacle for a food block to be processed. The receptacle, which may be designed, for example, as a funnel or chute, is open toward the driven shaft, so that a portion of the food block received in the receptacle can be separated from the food block and fed for further processing by interaction with the driven shaft, which may, for example, be provided with a screw and / or a cutting edge.

[0009] Essential to the invention is that the machine has an active block feeder which, when processing a food block, exerts a pressing force on the food block in the direction of the driven shaft, in addition to the effect of gravity. The magnitude of the pressing force can be constant or varying. Preferably, the pressing force acts continuously, i.e., throughout the entire processing of the food block, which also includes a situation in which a food block newly inserted into the holder interacts with the shaft for a short time before the component of the active block feeder, with which the force is exerted on the food block, can be brought into contact.

[0010] According to the invention, the active block feeder comprises at least one hold-down device, which can be moved within the receptacle by means of a drive such that it exerts a pressing force on the food block, acting in addition to the effect of gravity in the direction of the driven shaft. The hold-down device can be positioned in particular against the food block, preferably on its upper side facing away from the opening or opposite to the direction of movement of the food block during processing. Practice has shown that a position against a portion of this side of the food block is sufficient.

[0011] According to the invention, the active block feeder comprises at least one revolving chain or at least one revolving conveyor belt, on which the at least one hold-down device is arranged. This allows the processing speed to be increased because the feeding of the next food block is simplified and, in particular, there is no need to wait until the hold-down device is moved into a loading position because the hold-down device simply continues to run until it interacts with the newly fed food block. In principle, this configuration even allows for the feeding of another food block while a food block is still being processed.

[0012] The time until a hold-down device arrives at the system with a newly fed food block can be minimized if, in this embodiment of the active block feed, more than one hold-down device is arranged on the circulating chain or on the circulating conveyor belt.

[0013] Particularly when the size of the food blocks to be processed can vary from batch to batch, it is advantageous if the hold-down devices are detachably arranged on the circulating chain or on the circulating conveyor belt so that their number and / or shape can be adjusted.

[0014] It is particularly preferred if a section of the circulating chain or circulating conveyor belt is guided between a first deflection means and a second deflection means. In principle, additional deflection means may also be present. Particularly suitable deflection means when using chains are gears arranged on an axle; when using a conveyor belt, rollers or rollers are particularly suitable.

[0015] It is preferred if the first deflection means and the second deflection means are positioned or positionable such that the section of the circulating chain or circulating conveyor belt extending between the first deflection means and the second deflection means runs substantially parallel to a surface of the receptacle—for example, to a hopper wall or to an inclined plane forming a chute along which the food block to be processed moves toward the shaft. In this way, the force transmission between the hold-down device and the food block can be kept constant, and the tracking of the food block toward the shaft can be optimized.

[0016] It is particularly preferred if the deflection means closest to the driven shaft of the food block processing machine during processing of a food block is blocked from movement in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the chain or conveyor belt. This can be achieved, in particular, by providing it with a freewheel. The blocking direction of the freewheel is the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the chain or conveyor belt.

[0017] Such a locking mechanism absorbs the forces generated when the food block interacts with the shaft, pushing the food block back. This reduces the force required by the active block feeder, which not only benefits the drive of the active block feeder but also prevents overloading of the shaft due to the force exerted by the active block feeder.

[0018] Particularly preferably, one of the deflection means is driven by a second motor. For this purpose, a deflection means located further away from the driven shaft of the food block processing machine is particularly suitable. The motor can drive the deflection means directly or indirectly.

[0019] It is particularly preferred if the deflection means driven by the second motor can be decoupled from the second motor using a coupling, as this can facilitate maintenance and cleaning of the active block feeder. To increase operating convenience, it is advantageous if an actuating means for decoupling the deflection means driven by the second motor from the second motor is arranged outside the housing.

[0020] A further embodiment advantageous for the maintenance and cleaning of the active block feeder provides that the active block feeder can be transferred from a first position in which the active block feeder is accommodated in the receptacle or projects into the receptacle, into a second position in which the active block feeder is arranged outside the housing.

[0021] Unwanted contamination can be avoided if a lid is provided to at least partially cover the receptacle.

[0022] The operation of a machine for processing food blocks can be further optimized if the machine for processing food blocks has a loading device for feeding food blocks into the holder.

[0023] A particularly convenient and controlled feeding of food blocks to be processed is possible if the loading device can be pivoted from a first position for feeding a food block to the loading device to a second position for transferring the food block fed to the loading device into the receptacle. For example, the first position can be selected such that food blocks can be conveyed from a conveyor belt to the loading device, and the second position can be selected such that the surface of the loading device on which the food block rests becomes a linear extension of a surface of the receptacle on which the meat block moves toward the shaft.

[0024] It is particularly convenient for the operator of the machine for processing food blocks if the loading device can be pivoted by means of a drive, for example by means of an additional motor or by means of a lifting cylinder.

[0025] In an advantageous development of this variant, at least one sensor is provided to monitor the position of the loading device and at least one sensor to monitor the position of the active block feeder. Based on the signals from these sensors, the machine for processing food blocks can then be controlled, for example, by a control PLC. In particular, this allows the feeding of food blocks to be timed in such a way that the machine can process them as continuously as possible.

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures illustrating exemplary embodiments. It shows: Fig. 1: An external view of an embodiment of a machine for processing food blocks with an active block feeder in its working position and with a loading device in position for feeding a food block to the loading device; Fig. 2: a cross-sectional view of the machine for processing food blocks from Fig. 1; Fig. 3: a representation of an active block feeder; Fig. 4: a cross-sectional view of a part of the machine for processing food blocks from Fig. 1, which replaces the active block feed function Fig. 3 illustrates the processing of a food block; Fig. 5: a detailed view of the deflection device of the active block feeder from Fig. 3, which is closest to the driven shaft of the food block processing machine when processing a food block, in cross-section; Fig. 6: a detailed view of the drive of the active block feeder from Fig. 3; Fig. 7: an external view of the machine for processing food blocks from Fig. 1 with the active block feeder folded out of the working position and with the loading device in the position for transferring a food block fed to the loading device into the holder; and Fig. 8: a cross-sectional view of the machine for processing food blocks from Fig. 7;

[0027] Since the same embodiment is depicted in all figures, the same reference numerals are used. However, to improve clarity, not all reference numerals are shown in all figures.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 shows an external view of an embodiment of a machine 1 for processing food blocks. A housing 10 is shown, which stands on feet 11 and in the lower area of ​​which a maintenance hatch 12 and steps 13 are arranged. The ceiling 14 of the housing 10 has an opening which can be partially closed with a pivoting cover 15. The opening allows access to a receptacle 16 designed as a chute. Adjacent to the receptacle 16, a loading device 20 is pivotally arranged on a wall of the housing; in the Fig. 1, it is in a feeding position, for example in extension of a conveyor belt not shown, with which food blocks can be conveyed onto the loading device 20.

[0029] In the presentation of the Fig. 1, an active block feeder 100 projects into the receptacle 16, which is fixed to the wall of the housing 10 with a suitable adjustment of the lever 17, the function of which is described below in connection with Fig. 6, is pivotally arranged, which is opposite the wall on which the loading device 20 is pivotally arranged. Thus, the active block feeder 100 is in Fig. 1 in their working position.

[0030] Also in Fig. 1 shows a dispensing section 18 for processed foodstuffs, for example for processed meat, which may also have, in particular in its interior, a processing means, for example a set of knives, and a collecting means, which, however, Fig. 1 is not visible.

[0031] In the cross-sectional view of machine 1 for processing food blocks according to Fig. 2 shows additional aspects of the components described above and other components arranged inside the housing 10. In particular, the driven shaft 30 is shown, which is provided with a cutting edge 32 for separating food pieces from the processed food block and a screw 31 for transporting the separated meat to the output section 18. The driven shaft 30 is driven by the first motor 33 via a belt drive 34 and a gear 35.

[0032] Furthermore, in Fig. 2 clearly shows that the receptacle 16 has an inclined wall 16a serving as a chute and a vertical wall 16b against which the active block feeder 100 rests in its working position. However, the walls 16a and 16b are not directly connected to each other, but rather form an opening so that the receptacle 16 is open toward the driven shaft 30, and a food block slides onto the driven shaft 30 on the wall 16a serving as a chute.

[0033] In addition, Fig. 2 also shows that the loading device 20 is connected to a drive 23 via a lever arm 21 and a pull rod 22. Once a block of food has been conveyed onto the loading device 20, it can be moved into the position shown in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 for transferring a food block fed to the loading device into the receptacle 16, in which the loading device 20 forms an extension of the wall 16a of the receptacle 16 serving as a chute, which then causes the food block to slide into the receptacle 16.

[0034] Finally, one recognizes in Fig. 2, two sensors 41, 42 are used to monitor the position of the loading device 20, and two sensors 43, 44 are used to monitor the position of the active block feeder 100. Monitoring by these sensors 41, 42, 43, 44 enables a perfectly timed feed of the next food block, thus enabling essentially continuous processing by the machine 1 for processing food blocks, thus increasing the throughput of this machine 1.

[0035] An exemplary structure of the active block feeder 100 is shown in Fig. 3. The active block feeder 100 comprises two frame parts 101, 102, the shape of which corresponds approximately to a right-angled triangle with an extension, but in which the tips, at which a leg 101a, 101b, 102a, 102b is connected to the hypotenuse 101c, 102c, are flattened. When the active block feeder 100 is in the sectional view of the Fig. 2, the catheti 101a, 102a run approximately horizontally and the catheti 101b, 102b run approximately vertically, while the hypotenuses 101c, 102c run essentially parallel to the wall 16a of the receptacle 16 serving as a chute for the food blocks.

[0036] Further, one can see in Fig. 3, that in both frame parts 101, 102, the legs 101a, 102a are each extended beyond the apex of the right-angled triangle formed by the legs 101b, 102b by an extension 101d, 102d. The ends of the extensions 101d, 102d are connected by a rod 103 and, together with this rod 103 and fastening sections 104, form a hinge which enables the active block feeder 100 to be folded out into the position shown in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 enables the folded-out position shown.

[0037] The active block feeder 100 comprises two hold-down devices 110, 111, which are each mounted at an equal distance from each other on two revolving chains 113, 114. These revolving chains 113, 114 are each guided over two deflection means 115, 116, each formed by two gear wheels mounted on a common axis 117, 118. As can be seen in the illustration of the Fig. 4 shows, as an example for the circulating chain 113, the gears 119, 120 engage with the circulating chain 113; the same applies to the gears that interact with the circulating chain 114, of which, however, only the gear 123 can be seen in the figures.

[0038] The axes 117, 118 are rotatably mounted in the frame parts 101, 102 in the region of the flattened tips, where a leg 101a, 101b or 102a, 102b is connected to the hypotenuse 101c or 102c, respectively, which will be explained in more detail below. Furthermore, the deflection means 115 is driven by the second motor 121, so that the hold-down devices 110, 111 are set in a circular motion.

[0039] The cross-sectional view of a part of the machine for processing food blocks from Fig. 1 according to Fig. 4 with inserted food block 200 illustrates the function of the active block feed from Fig. 3 during the processing of the food block 200. In particular, one can see in the Fig. 4, that the hold-down device 110 is brought into contact with a portion of the side of the food block 200 facing away from the driven shaft 30, so that in this position, driven by the second motor 121, it exerts a pressing force F1 on the food block 200, which, in addition to the effect of gravity on the food block 200, which decreases with increasing processing of the food block 200, presses the food block 200 towards the shaft 30. As a consequence of the Fig. However, the rotation of the driven shaft 30, illustrated by an arrow in FIG. 4, and its interaction with the food block 200 also generates a counterforce F2.

[0040] To absorb this counterforce F2 is how to do it particularly well in Fig. 5, the deflection means 116 is blocked for movement in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the circulating chains 113, 114 or the conveyor belt by being provided with a freewheel 122 which absorbs the force F2 because this acts in the blocking direction of the freewheel 122.

[0041] Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of the drive of the active block feeder from Fig. 3 in cross-section. In particular, the Fig. 6, the deflection means 115, which is accommodated between the frame parts 101, 102 and has an axle 117 and gears 119, 123, can be coupled to or decoupled from the second motor 121 via a clutch 124 by actuating the actuating means provided by the lever 17 arranged outside the housing 10, by laterally displacing the active block feeder 100 by actuating the lever. Only in the decoupled state can the active block feeder 100 be folded out of the receptacle 16.

[0042] The Fig. 7 and 8 differ from the representations of the Fig. 1 and 2 merely in that they show the machine 1 with the active block feeder 100 folded out of the working position and the machine 1 with its loading device 20 in the position for transferring a food block 200 fed to the loading device 20 into the receptacle 16. List of reference symbols 1 machine 10 housings 11 feet 12 Maintenance hatch 13 Staircase 14 Ceiling 15 lids 16 recording 16a,16b Wall 17 levers 18 Output section 20 loading device 21 lever arm 22 Drawbar 23 Drive 30 driven shaft 31 snail 32 cutting edges 33 first engine 34 Belt drive 35 gearboxes 41,42 Sensor 43.44 Sensor 100 active block feeder 101,102 frame part 101a,101b cathetus 101c Hypotenuse 101d extension 102a,102b cathetus 102c Hypotenuse 102d extension 103 rod 104 Fastening section 110,111 hold-down device 113,114 chain 115,116 Deflection devices 117,118 Axis 119,120 gear 121 second engine 122 Freewheel 123 gear 124 Clutch 200 food blocks F1 contact force F2 Counterforce

Claims

[1] Machine (1) for processing food blocks (200) with a housing (10), with a first motor (33), with a shaft (30) driven by the first motor (33) and with a holder (16) for a food block (200) to be processed, wherein the receptacle (16) is open towards the driven shaft (130), so that a part of the food block (200) received in the receptacle (16) is separated from the food block (200) by interaction with the driven shaft (30) and fed for further processing, wherein the machine (1) has an active block feeder (100) which, when processing a food block (200), exerts a pressing force (F1) on the food block (200) in addition to the effect of gravity in the direction of the driven shaft (30), wherein the active block feeder (100) has at least one hold-down device (110, 111) which can be moved by means of a drive within the holder (16) in such a way that it exerts the pressing force (F1) on the food block (200) in addition to the effect of gravity in the direction of the driven shaft (30), characterized by that the active block feeder (100) has at least one circulating chain (113,114) or at least one circulating conveyor belt, wherein the at least one hold-down device (110,111) is arranged on the chain or on the conveyor belt. [2] Machine (1) for processing food blocks (200) according to claim 1, characterized bythat a section of the circulating chain (113,114) or the circulating conveyor belt is guided between a first deflection means (115) and a second deflection means (116). [3] Machine (1) for processing food blocks (200) according to claim 2, characterized by that the first deflection means (115) and the second deflection means (116) are positioned or can be positioned such that a section of the circulating chain (113, 114) or of the circulating conveyor belt running between the first deflection means (115) and the second deflection means (116) runs substantially parallel to a wall (16a) of the receptacle (16), along which the food block (200) to be processed moves towards the driven shaft (30). [4] Machine (1) for processing food blocks (200) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized bythat the deflection means which, when processing a food block (200), is closest to the driven shaft (30) of the machine (1) for processing food blocks (200), is blocked from movement in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the circulating chain (113, 114) or the conveyor belt, preferably by being provided with a freewheel (122). [5] Machine (1) for processing food blocks (200) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by that one of the deflection means (115,116) is driven by a second motor (121). [6] Machine (1) for processing food blocks (200) according to claim 5, characterized by that the deflection means (115,116) driven by the second motor (121) can be decoupled from the second motor (121) by means of a coupling (124). [7] Machine (1) for processing food blocks (200) according to claim 6, characterized bythat an actuating means for decoupling the deflection means (115,116) driven by the second motor (121) from the second motor (121) is arranged outside the housing (10). [8] Machine (1) for processing food blocks (200) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the active block feeder (100) can be transferred from a first position in which the active block feeder (100) is received in the receptacle (16) or projects into the receptacle (16), into a second position in which the active block feeder (100) is arranged outside the housing (10). [9] Machine (1) for processing food blocks (200) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that a cover (15) is provided for at least partially covering the receptacle (16). [10] Machine (1) for processing food blocks (200) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized bythat the machine (1) for processing food blocks (200) has a loading device (20) for feeding food blocks (200) into the holder (16). [11] Machine (1) for processing food blocks (200) according to claim 10, characterized by that the loading device (20) is pivotable from a first position for feeding a food block (200) to the loading device (20) into a second position for transferring the food block (200) fed to the loading device (20) into the receptacle (16). [12] Machine (1) for processing food blocks (200) according to claim 11, characterized by that the loading device (20) can be pivoted by means of a drive (23). [13] Machine (1) for processing food blocks (200) according to claim 12, characterized bythat the position of the loading device (20) is monitored by at least one sensor, that the position of the active block feeder (100) is monitored by at least one sensor, and that the signals from the sensors are used to control the machine (1) for processing food blocks (200) so that processing is as continuous as possible.

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