Device for grinding meat and other organic materials, as well as a reading and / or writing device for this purpose.

Abstract

Device, with a housing (10) and with a cutting set that can be arranged in the housing (10) and which comprises at least one cutting set element (20) and / or with a perforated cylinder, wherein the housing (10) comprises an opening (11) through which the cutting set elements (20) of the cutting set and / or the perforated cylinder can be inserted into and removed from the housing (10), wherein at least one means for non-contact and automatic identification is arranged on and / or in the cutting element (20) or in or on the perforated cylinder, and wherein a reading device is provided on the housing (10) which comprises at least one antenna and electronics (35) and which can read the information stored on the means for contactless and automatic identification, characterized by that the reading device comprises at least one ring antenna (31) arranged circumferentially in front of the opening (11) of the housing (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for mincing meat and other organic materials, such as a meat grinder, a transport device, or the like, of the type mentioned in the preamble of claim 1. Such devices are widely used, on the one hand for mincing meat and other organic materials, but on the other hand also for mincing other goods. Typically, such devices are equipped with a cutting set comprising one or more elements. The number and arrangement of the elements has a significant influence on the minced material, particularly with regard to its fineness and quality. It is important that the correct cutting set components are installed in the correct order.

[0002] Most cutting sets consist of several fixed and rotating parts. Fixed parts include pre-cutters, perforated discs, spacer rings, and support crosses. Rotating parts are usually knives or rotating perforated plates. The cutting result is usually achieved through the interaction of the knife and perforated disc.

[0003] To determine which cutting set parts are mounted in a fixture, the parts can be equipped with transponders, chips, or similar devices for contactless and automatic identification. These devices must then be read on or in the fixture to determine whether the cutting set has been installed correctly or incorrectly.

[0004] There are meat grinders that have a reading station for RFID transponders on the outside of the housing, allowing an operator to read the transponders located on the cutting unit components before they are installed in the cutting unit. However, the disadvantage here is that it can happen that an operator forgets to read the transponder, or that a cutting unit element detected by the reading station is not installed in the meat grinder. This system is therefore not particularly secure.

[0005] EP 1 201 312 B1 describes a safety system for mincing machines such as meat grinders. The cutting set described therein has a perforated disc as the last element at the machine's outlet, which interacts with the rotating blade arranged in front of it. This perforated disc also serves to protect the operator, as the perforated disc prevents anyone from reaching into the rotating blade, which would pose a serious risk of injury. To prevent the machine from being operated without this perforated disc, the perforated disc is equipped with a means for storing and retrieving data. This data is retrieved via a transmitting and receiving system and compared with the machine control system. If the perforated disc in question is not installed, the machine cannot be operated.The disadvantage of this device is that not all cutting set elements are queried and the cutting set located in front of the perforated disc could be incorrectly mounted and the machine could still start.

[0006] DE 20 2007 003 778 U1 describes a spacer and distance ring for use in meat grinders. This is equipped with one or more RFID chips. A link to the machine control system is also provided here, so that the machine can only be started when the ring is installed. Here, too, no detection of the individual cutting set elements is provided.

[0007] Finally, EP 3 344 395 B1 describes a meat grinder with a cutting set, wherein the various cutting set elements are equipped with transponders, in particular with passive RFID chips. A communication device is incorporated into the inner wall of the meat grinder housing, which can read the data stored on the transponders and, if necessary, also write new data to the transponders. In a preferred embodiment, the communication device is arranged in a sliding block that serves to secure the stationary parts against rotation. For the stationary components of the cutting set, it is relatively easy to provide the transponders near the communication device, since they have a fixed installation position. However, the situation is different for the rotating blades.These do not have a fixed installation position, so it can happen that the blade is pivoted by 180 degrees and the transponder is therefore relatively far away from the communication device. This can only be remedied by installing multiple transponders on the rotating parts, which, however, is more expensive and leads to different data sets on these transponders if the transponders are also to be written to by the communication device, or by having multiple communication devices. As stated in the document itself, reliable communication between the transponder and the communication device can only be achieved if the transponder and the communication device are directly opposite each other. This cannot be guaranteed with a rotating cutting set element.

[0008] The object of the invention is therefore to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages and to provide a device that ensures reliable detection of the installed cutting set elements. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a read and / or write-read device for such a device. These objects are achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1 and claim 16, which are of particular importance as follows.

[0009] The device according to the invention provides a reading device which comprises at least one ring antenna which is provided at the opening in the housing. All cutting set elements are mounted and dismounted through this opening so that each means for contactless and automatic identification which is arranged on or in a cutting set element is detected by the ring antenna. In this way it is always possible to determine which cutting set elements have passed the antenna, even if they are rotating cutting set elements such as knives. In order to determine whether the respective cutting set element has been installed in the machine, removed from it or only briefly brought into the range of the antenna, at least two ring antennas which are arranged parallel to one another are provided.Since these are passed one after the other by the means arranged on the cutting set element and the means is thus detected one after the other by the two antennas, it is immediately possible to determine whether the cutting set element has been installed in or removed from the device.

[0010] Another device for shredding material, particularly for grating cheese and similar products, or for producing minced meat, sausage meat, etc., is a perforated cylinder. This is connected to the device, for example, a conventional meat grinder. The cutting set can then be omitted. A screw conveyor feeds the material to be shredded into the perforated cylinder, where it can then exit through the holes and be shredded. The perforated cylinder and / or the screw conveyor located within the perforated cylinder can also be equipped with means for contactless and automatic identification, so that the reader recognizes whether, and if so, which perforated cylinder is installed.

[0011] The device can only be started when the correct perforating cylinder is installed. To make this document easier to read, we will refer to the cutting set element from now on. However, within the context of the invention, this can also refer to a perforating cylinder.

[0012] It is particularly preferred to check on the device which cutting set elements or other components have been installed and the device can only be started if all parts have been correctly identified and properly installed.

[0013] The means for contactless and automatic identification can display data about the respective cutting set element itself, such as the perforated disc, including hole size, hole pattern, etc., and the knife, including the type of knife, number of cutting edges, etc., but also more detailed data, such as the manufacturer, service life, regrinding processes, etc. Furthermore, it can also be indicated when the cutting set element needs to be regrinded or replaced, so that it can be ensured directly that a replacement is available and the device does not stand still unnecessarily.

[0014] Many devices of this type, particularly meat grinders, must be fitted with a leak guard to prevent injuries to operators. This prevents operators from reaching through the opening in the cutting set while the meat grinder is in operation and thus injuring themselves. As an alternative to the leak guard, it is also sufficient to insert a perforated disc with a hole diameter of ≤ 7.8 mm as the last cutting set element before the opening. The holes are then so small that an operator cannot reach through them. These so-called end perforated discs are normally provided with a code to ensure that they are fitted correctly and the leak guard is not necessary. If the perforated disc is fitted with a means of contactless and automatic identification, it can be automatically determined whether it is fitted in the correct position.If this is the case, the meat grinder is enabled. If this is not the case, the machine cannot be started. Coding the end hole slide is then not necessary.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the reading device is arranged in or on an annular component whose inner diameter approximately corresponds to the inner diameter of the housing opening. This annular component can then be arranged in front of the housing opening so that the cutting set elements to be assembled and disassembled pass through the component and thus the reading device and are detected. Such a component is quite easy to retrofit onto existing machines, allowing them to be converted cost-effectively. It is particularly simple if the antenna or antennas are arranged on the inner circumference of the annular component. Then there is no material in the way that could interfere with data transmission between the device and the antenna.

[0016] Furthermore, the cutting set element arranged closest to the opening can be a fixed cutting set element, such as a perforated disk, a support cross, or a spacer ring, preferably a support cross, particularly preferably a support cross in front of which a perforated disk is arranged. This then has the advantage of the safety aspects already described at the beginning for preventing serious injuries from the rotating blades, so that no additional cover is required. The fixed cutting set element then preferably reaches through the annular component, at least in areas in the area of ​​the antenna or antennas, and thus protects the antenna during operation from contact with the material to be ground, mechanical stress, and contamination.

[0017] A loop antenna can be defined as either a closed loop or an open loop. The loop antenna can also be an open loop, with the two open ends slightly overlapping. However, an open loop can also have no overlap.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, a recess is provided on the housing, while the annular component has a projection that can be brought into operative connection with the recess. It is of course also possible to provide several recesses and / or several projections, although there does not have to be a projection for each recess. A kinematic reversal is also conceivable, in which the projection is arranged on the housing and the recess on the annular component. The electronics of the reading device are particularly preferably arranged in the region of the projection. This then has a defined place on the housing so that it can be better implemented when connected to a control system or similar of the machine. Such a connection to a display and / or control system and / or further electronics is particularly preferred in order to further process the data read out by the reading device.to control the machine so that it only starts when the correct cutting set elements for the processing operation are installed in the correct order. For example, an operator can use a display to see which cutting set elements have already been installed and which still need to be installed.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the stationary cutting element elements are secured in the housing of the device with an anti-rotation device that prevents the cutting element from rotating within the housing. A sliding block is provided for this purpose. This block is inserted into a groove on the cutting element and secured inside the housing. The electronics can be located in or on the sliding block, or even formed integrally with it.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment, the cutting set is secured and clamped in the housing by a union nut. This union nut can also have a means for contactless and automatic identification. In this case, it can be provided that the device can only be started if the union nut has also been recognized by the reading device.

[0021] If the union nut is designed as an attachment, for example, in the production of sausages, where the minced material is transferred directly from the meat grinder to a filling machine for filling a sausage casing, or when filling sales trays with minced meat, a lock nut can be arranged on the outside of the housing to lock the union nut. This prevents forces from being transferred through the union nut to the cutting set in the housing. The lock nut can also incorporate a means for contactless and automatic identification.

[0022] At least one screw conveyor or other conveying mechanism can be provided to convey the material to be ground. It is also possible for the rotating cutting elements to be mounted on a knife pivot and driven by it. The screw conveyor or the conveying mechanism and / or the knife pivot can also be equipped with means for contactless and automatic identification, so that it is clear which specific components are used in the device.

[0023] Transponders, such as RFID transponders, are particularly preferred as means for contactless and automatic identification. In a preferred embodiment, active RFID transponders serve as means for contactless and automatic identification, as they have a longer range. However, passive RFID transponders can also be used.

[0024] Furthermore, a read-write device is preferably used as the reading device. This makes it possible to write data, such as downtimes, etc., to the device for contactless and automatic identification. This makes it easier to plan when a cutting set element or other component needs to be replaced or reconditioned. The data can be written to the device, for example, when the device passes the reading device.

[0025] Finally, a reading device or a reading-writing device for means for contactless and automatic identification with at least one ring antenna is also the subject of the present invention.

[0026] Further advantages and embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims, the following description, and the drawings. The figures illustrate the invention in an exemplary embodiment. They show: Fig. 1: a component according to the invention, in perspective, Fig. 2: the component from Fig. 1 in side view,, Fig. 3: a housing with the component made of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 before assembly, perspective, Fig. 4: the elements from Fig. 3, assembled, perspective, Fig. 5: the elements from Fig. 4 in side view, Fig. 6: the elements from Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 in front view, Fig. 7: the elements from Fig. 4 to 6 cut with union nut, perspective, Fig. 8: the elements from Fig. 7 with supporting cross, sectioned, perspective.

[0027] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows a component 30 according to the invention which is ring-shaped. The component 30 comprises two ring antennas 31 which are arranged parallel to one another on the inner circumference 36 of the component 30. The component 30 furthermore has a projection 34 with which it can be introduced into a recess 13 in the housing 10 of a meat grinder. On the projection 34, electronics 35 for the reading device are arranged, to which the data received by the ring antennas 31, which are sent by means of the ring antennas 31 from one or more means for contactless and automatic identification provided in a cutting set element 20, are also sent. Furthermore, a connection 33 is provided, via which the data received and possibly processed by the electronics 35 can be sent to a display, a control system or further electronics. Of course, data can also be received or read from the electronics 35.are generated in order to then be transmitted via one or both ring antennas 31 to means such as transponders arranged in a cutting set element 20.

[0028] The Fig. Figures 3 to 6 show how the annular component 30 can be arranged on the housing 10 of the device. The housing 10 is shown only in part here. It shows the area in which the cutting set is arranged as well as the opening 11 through which the minced material leaves the meat grinder or the device. It can be seen in particular from the Fig. 3 and Fig. 6, the inner diameter 32 of the annular component 30 corresponds to the inner diameter 12 of the housing 10 in the region of the opening 11. The housing 10 has a recess 13 into which the projection 34 on the annular component 30 can be inserted. The connection 33 can be dimensioned such that the use of the external thread on the outer side 16 of the housing 10 is not interfered with.

[0029] Out of Fig. 6 also shows the sliding block 14, which secures the stationary cutting set elements 20 in the housing 10 against rotation. The projection 34 can be arranged in the area of ​​the sliding block 14, as shown here.

[0030] Fig. 7 now shows the arrangement of the Fig. 4 to 6 with the union nut 15. This is operatively connected to the external thread located on the outer side 16 of the housing 10. The union nut 15 serves to secure and clamp the cutting set in the housing 10. Here, the union nut 15 engages over the annular component 30 with the ring antennas 31 and is screwed to the external thread of the housing 10. The connection 33 remains free of the union nut 15 and can be used, for example, to connect a cable.

[0031] Fig.8 finally shows the arrangement according to the invention, wherein the cutting set element 20 closest to the opening 11, here a support cross 21, is mounted. This is a fixed cutting set element 20. The support cross 21 is arranged in the housing 10 of the device and also covers the inner circumference 36 of the annular component 30. This protects the two ring antennas 31 from the product to be ground and from other mechanical stress. The support cross 21 interacts directly with the union nut 15, thereby securing and bracing the cutting set located in the housing 10. Since the annular component 30 is narrower, it does not absorb any forces from the union nut 15, which instead acts only on the support cross and thus on the cutting set.

[0032] Finally, it should be pointed out that the exemplary embodiments presented here merely represent exemplary implementations of the invention. This is not limited to them. Rather, modifications and variations are still possible. Thus, the invention can also be used in other machines for comminuting material which have multiple cutting elements, such as fine and ultra-fine grinders. Such applications are encompassed by the inventive concept. The same applies to inline grinders, feed pumps for meat and slaughterhouse waste, etc. Instead of a single means for contactless and automatic identification, each cutting set element and each other component can also have multiple means for contactless and automatic identification. The sliding block can also be subject to kinematic reversal.In this case, the sliding block has at least one groove or recess, while the cutting element has a rib or projection with which it engages the groove or recess in the sliding block. Furthermore, it is also possible for the loop antenna or the reading device to be arranged within the opening of the housing or even further inside the housing. List of reference symbols: 10 housings 11 Opening 12 inner diameters of 11 13 Recess 14 T-slot nut 15 Union nut 16 outside of 10 20 cutting set element 21 Support cross 30 components 31 Ring antenna 32 inner diameter of 30 33 connection 34 lead 35 Electronics 36 inner circumference of 30 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] EP 1 201 312 B1

[0005] DE 20 2007 003 778 U1

[0006] EP 3 344 395 B1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Device, with a housing (10) and with a cutting set which can be arranged in the housing (10) and which comprises at least one cutting set element (20) and / or with a perforated cylinder, wherein the housing (10) comprises an opening (11) through which the cutting set element(s) (20) of the cutting set and / or the perforated cylinder can be inserted into and removed from the housing (10), wherein at least one means for contactless and automatic identification is arranged on and / or in the cutting set element (20) or in or on the perforated cylinder, and wherein a reading device is provided on the housing (10), which comprises at least one antenna and an electronics (35) and which can read the information stored on the means for contactless and automatic identification, characterized by , that the reading device comprises at least one ring antenna (31) which is arranged circumferentially in front of the opening (11) of the housing (10). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the reading device comprises at least two ring antennas (31) arranged parallel to one another. [3] Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that the reading device is arranged in an annular component (30) whose inner diameter (32) corresponds approximately to the inner diameter (12) of the opening (11) of the housing (10). [4] Device according to claim 3, characterized by that the ring antenna (31) or ring antennas (31) are arranged on the inner circumference (36) of the component (30). [5] Device according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized bythat the cutting set element (20) which is provided next to the opening (11) is a fixed cutting set element (20) such as a perforated disc, a support cross (21) or a spacer ring and that this cutting set element (20) also passes through the annular component (30) at least in some areas. [6] Device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by that a recess (13) is provided on the housing (10) and that the component (30) has a projection (34) with which it can be introduced into the recess (13) on the housing (10). [7] Device according to claim 6, characterized by that the electronics (35) of the reading device are arranged in the region of the projection (34). [8] Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized bythat the electronics (35) of the reading device has at least one connection (33) via which it transmits the read-out data to a controller and / or a display and / or an electronic circuit. [9] Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the housing (10) has an anti-twist device for the fixed cutting set elements (20) of the cutting set, which comprises at least one sliding block (14) that can be fixed to the housing (10) and a groove arranged in the cutting set element (20). [10] Device according to claim 9, characterized by that the electronics (35) are arranged on or in the sliding block (14) or are formed integrally therewith. [11] Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the cutting set is secured and clamped in the housing (10) by a union nut (15) and that the union nut (15) also has a means for contactless and automatic identification. [12] Device according to claim 11, characterized by that the union nut (15) is designed as an attachment and that a lock nut is arranged on the outside (16) of the housing (10) in order to lock the union nut (15). [13] Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that at least one screw or other conveyor is provided for conveying the material to be minced and / or that one or more of the cutting set elements (20) are arranged on a knife pin and that means for contactless and automatic identification are also arranged on or in the knife pin and / or on or in the screw or the conveyor. [14] Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by that an RFID transponder, in particular an active RFID transponder, serves as a means of contactless and automatic identification. [15] Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by that the reading device is designed as a read-write device and is suitable for writing data to the means for contactless and automatic identification, wherein the means for contactless and automatic identification is suitable for receiving and storing this data. [16] Reading and / or writing-reading device for means for contactless and automatic identification of at least one cutting set element of a cutting set for a device according to one of claims 1 to 15 with at least one ring antenna (31) which is arranged in or on an annular component (30).

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