Device for producing food skewers with a movable skewer extractor synchronized with the movement of food holding plates

Description

1. Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a skewer-making apparatus comprising two movable trays positioned one on top of the other to form aligned cavities intended to receive foodstuffs. The invention relates more particularly to the fact that it comprises a mechanism for transferring and positioning skewers in the axis of the cavities when the latter skewer the foodstuffs. 2. Prior art

[0002] The invention is in the field of food processing. Professionals have portioning devices available to them that allow, from a product produced in large quantities, to produce individual portions by arranging them on skewers to facilitate cooking. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for making skewers in which various and varied foodstuffs are aligned and skewered onto a straight skewer.

[0003] Making skewers first involves cutting compact foods such as: pieces of meat, whole or cut vegetables, fruits, sausages, cheese cubes, etc. These different foods can be manually skewered onto a skewer, one after the other. The skewers can be simple, thin pieces of wood, elongated and sharpened to a point at one end, made of bamboo for example, these skewers are generally disposable. In some cases, the non-pointed end has a flattened part for better grip, or a sculpted head with a pattern.

[0004] Other spikes are made of metal. They have the same elongated shape and have one pointed end and the other forming a loop for gripping.

[0005] The manual skewering operation is delicate and takes considerable time. Indeed, it is difficult for an operator to center the skewer in the middle of pieces of food that are not immobilized, the risk being to sink the skewer into the hand. Furthermore, foods have very different consistencies, viscosities and shapes and therefore the force to pass through them must be adapted accordingly. Finally, there is a large multitude of skewers of different shapes and diameters which increases the difficulty of the operation.

[0006] In particular, known from patent application FR 3 076 185, belonging to the applicant of the present application, is a device for the manual manufacture of skewers intended to facilitate the skewering of foodstuffs onto skewers in order to form skewers. Such a device comprises a fixed base and a mobile assembly slidably mounted on the fixed base. The mobile assembly comprises lower and upper plates carrying at least one mold and at least one counter mold respectively. When the plates are positioned one on top of the other, the mold and the counter mold form longitudinal cavities capable of containing the food previously placed on the mold. The fixed base also carries a retractable guide system formed of three plates each comprising notches arranged so as to hold the skewers coaxially with the axes of the cavities.Once the food is held in the cavities and the spikes are placed in the guide system, the food is skewered onto the spikes by sliding the moving assembly towards the spike guide system. The spikes are thus correctly centered in the middle of the food. Such a device is advantageous but is not entirely satisfactory because it requires manual positioning of the spikes, which can be time-consuming. Indeed, after or before placing and positioning the food in the dedicated cavities, the operator must take and then position the skewers one by one in the notches of the guide system. The spike positioning operation occurs in the cycle of the operations of pulling and pushing the trays and the operations of opening the trays and removing the manufactured skewers.The repetition of these actions therefore causes a certain muscular fatigue for the operator who becomes less quick and / or precise when carrying out the operation of positioning the spikes.

[0007] There is therefore a real need for a solution to simplify the operation and improve the speed of skewer manufacturing devices to properly align food so that the skewers pass through the center.

[0008] To this end, it is also known from patent application WO2020259850, also belonging to the applicant of the present application, an improvement to the aforementioned device implementing a gravity ejection device for a skewer (or pick) allowing automatic positioning of said skewer. 3. Objectives of the invention

[0009] The invention aims to propose a new apparatus for manufacturing skewers, comprising a mold and a counter mold making it possible to immobilize the foodstuffs during skewering and to center them in the middle of the skewers, allowing the automatic positioning of a skewer in the skewering position, thus minimizing operator intervention. 4. Statement of the invention

[0010] In order to solve at least the problems mentioned above, the present invention proposes a device for manufacturing at least one skewer comprising a frame and a carriage mounted so as to slide on the frame between a front position and a rear position, and vice versa, the movable carriage comprising a lower plate cooperating with an upper plate, forming a cover, the upper plate being mounted so as to move between an open position and a closed (or folded) position, the lower and upper plates having recesses for receiving foodstuffs forming at least one row of aligned cavities when the upper plate is folded onto the lower plate and at least one orifice for the passage of a skewer opening into the axis of the at least one row of aligned cavities,the skewering of the spike into the foodstuffs housed in the at least one row of aligned cavities is carried out by moving the movable carriage from the rear position (also called the retracted position) to the front position (also called the advanced position).,

[0011] According to the invention, the skewer manufacturing device comprises at least one skewer reservoir and a mobile skewer extractor configured to selectively take at least one skewer from said at least one reservoir, and to extract said at least one skewer taken from the reservoir so as to position it opposite the at least one orifice when the mobile carriage is in the rear position, and further comprises first synchronization means configured to synchronize the movement of the mobile skewer extractor with the movement of the

[0012] mobile trolley including trays.

[0013] The spike extractor is therefore, in the sense of the proposed technique, a mobile element which ensures the removal or release of at least one spike from the tank. To do this, the mobile spike extractor therefore engages at least partially, and temporarily, inside the tank to remove a spike, then to extract it from the tank.

[0014] A skewer manufacturing device having such means for synchronizing the movement of the mobile skewer extractor with the movement of the mobile carriage, allows the automatic placement of the skewers in the skewering position. With a device according to the proposed technique, except for placing the foodstuffs in the cavities and recovering the manufactured skewers, the operator advantageously keeps his or her hand(s) on the handles of the mobile carriage throughout the manufacturing process. This is advantageous compared to the prior art in which the manual removal of the skewers is time-consuming and requires particular attention on the part of the operator.

[0015] Since the movement of the mobile spike extractor is carried out during the movement of the mobile carriage (because it is linked to it), the positioning of the spikes is also immediate in the sense that it causes no interruption, or a negligible interruption, in the handling of the mobile carriage. This therefore results in particular in an increase in manufacturing rates and an improvement in the comfort and working conditions of the operator.

[0016] Furthermore, the automatic positioning of the skewers in the skewering position is carried out by the skewer making device itself. This allows the device to be autonomous, i.e. not to depend on an external installation dedicated to positioning the skewers. The device is therefore easily transportable and, once installed, quickly usable.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment, the mobile spike extractor is mounted to slide on the frame between a low position and a high position, and vice versa, the extraction and positioning of the spikes opposite the at least one orifice being carried out by moving the mobile spike extractor from the low position to the high position. In addition, the synchronization means are configured to synchronize: the raising of the mobile spike extractor from the low position to the high position with the movement of the mobile carriage from the front position to the rear position, corresponding to a recoil of the mobile carriage, and the lowering of the mobile spike extractor from the high position to the low position with the movement of the mobile carriage from the rear position to the front position, corresponding to an advancement of the mobile carriage.

[0018] The horizontal back-and-forth movement of the trays raises and lowers the blade(s) that select the pick(s) from the pick reservoir. In other words, the steps of pushing the trays away from the operator and pulling the trays toward the operator are synchronized with the raising and lowering of the pick selection system.

[0019] Such an arrangement, particularly advantageous when the skewer reservoir is located below the mobile trolley, makes it possible to minimize the footprint of the skewer-making device. Thus, the device can be easily transported. It can also be easily stored and / or installed in relatively confined storage and / or work spaces.

[0020] According to another particular embodiment, the synchronization means comprise at least one synchronization lever pivotally mounted on the frame and having: a first end connected to the mobile spike extractor, and a second end, supporting a second roller arranged inside a synchronization track provided on the mobile carriage, the synchronization track having a first end, associated with the low position of the mobile spike extractor, and a second end, associated with the high position of the mobile spike extractor.

[0021] Such mechanical synchronization means make it possible to ensure precise and efficient synchronization of the movement of the mobile spike extractor with the movement of the mobile carriage. The absence of electronic means also allows a device comprising such synchronization means to be used in a cold and / or humid working environment, in particular by minimizing the risk of breakdowns and / or malfunctions, for example. Such mechanical synchronization means are also simple in design and therefore simple to maintain.

[0022] According to another particular embodiment, the synchronization lever has at its first end an oblong slot cooperating with a first roller carried by the mobile spike extractor so that the pivoting of the synchronization lever causes the movement of the first roller and the movement of the mobile spike extractor between the high and low positions, and vice versa.

[0023] Such a structure of the synchronization lever constitutes a simple and effective solution for obtaining a smooth, non-jerky and precise guidance of the mobile spike extractor between the high and low positions, and vice versa. This notably reduces the risk of unwanted ejection of the spikes from the mobile spike extractor when the latter is raised.

[0024] According to another particular embodiment, the mobile spike extractor comprises a crosspiece carrying the first roller, the frame and the crosspiece carrying sliding means allowing the vertical movement of the mobile spike extractor between the high and low positions, and vice versa.

[0025] According to another particular embodiment, the synchronization track comprises first and second paths extending between the first and second ends of the synchronization track, the first path being configured to be taken by the second roller when the mobile carriage moves backward, the second path being configured to be taken by the second roller when the mobile carriage moves forward.

[0026] Such a configuration of the synchronization track makes it possible to prevent the spike carried by the mobile spike extractor from hitting the mobile carriage while allowing the mobile spike extractor to keep the spike in a stable position until it begins to enter the cavities containing the foodstuffs. This eliminates the need to implement a dedicated system for guiding and positioning the spike in accordance with previous solutions. This makes it possible in particular to simplify the construction of the device.

[0027] According to another particular embodiment, the manufacturing device comprises at least one unidirectional shutter allowing the movement of the second roller inside the first path during the recoil of the mobile carriage and preventing the movement of the second roller inside the first path during the advancement of the mobile carriage to guide the second roller in the second path.

[0028] According to another particular embodiment, the mobile spike extractor further comprises at least one spike extraction blade having on its upper face a groove for receiving and holding a spike from the reservoir.

[0029] The implementation of a blade, which is inherently a thin element, makes it possible to prevent other spikes present in the reservoir from remaining in balance on a portion of the extraction blade or on the spike engaged on the blade in question. Such a blade also makes it possible to limit the number of spikes moved in the reservoir during the rise and descent of the blades through them. This therefore results in a reduction in the risk of ejection of the spikes outside the reservoir.

[0030] Furthermore, the implementation of a groove on the upper part of the blade helps to minimize the risk of the extracted spike falling back into the tank when the device is being handled by the operator.

[0031] According to another particular embodiment, the blade for extracting a spike is arranged inside a slot provided in the bottom of the spike reservoir when the mobile spike extractor is in the low position, the extraction blade having a lower portion arranged inside the slot when the mobile spike extractor is in the high position.

[0032] Such a lower portion makes it possible to prevent, in the absence of the extraction blade in the slot, the spikes present in the reservoir from escaping from the latter through the slots under the effect of gravity, or unused spikes from blocking the descent of the extraction blade. Such a lower portion thus makes it possible to minimize the risk of accident for the operator, by preventing him from falling after having stepped on spikes fallen to the ground for example, and to minimize the risk of malfunction, or even damage, to the skewer-making device.

[0033] According to another particular embodiment, the frame comprises at least one stop for positioning a spike against which the spike, arranged in the groove for receiving and holding the extraction blade in the high position of the mobile spike extractor, comes to bear at the start of skewering the spike into the foodstuffs housed in the row of aligned cavities.

[0034] Such a positioning stop makes it possible, after the initiation of the skewering operation, to immobilize the base of the skewer in order to prevent it from becoming misaligned, or even breaking or being ejected. This notably avoids the operator having to manually reposition or replace the skewer. It also minimizes the risk of damage to the skewer manufacturing device, if, for example, a splinter of a skewer were to get stuck in the synchronization means.

[0035] According to another particular embodiment, the manufacturing device comprises at least one deformable tab capable of holding the spike in the receiving groove and holding the extraction blade in the high position of the mobile spike extractor.

[0036] Such a deformable tab ensures that the skewer is held in position to prevent it from being accidentally ejected at the end of the recoil phase of the mobile carriage, and therefore when the mobile skewer extractor reaches the upper position. It has in fact been noted by the inventors that the skewer manufacturing device is subject to vibrations mainly when the mobile carriage and / or the mobile skewer extractor come into contact with the end-of-travel stops. Such vibrations can also occur when the mobile carriage and / or the mobile skewer extractor are subject to significant decelerations or accelerations. These decelerations or accelerations occur mainly when the mobile carriage and / or the extractor arrive in the vicinity of the end-of-travel stops, to avoid impact against them.The implementation of the tabs allows to optimize the operation of the device by avoiding interrupting the manufacturing process to ensure manual repositioning of the spike and allows the operator to use the device dynamically without having to adjust or control the way of pushing or pulling the mobile carriage.

[0037] According to another particular embodiment, the deformable tongue is positioned on said frame below the positioning stop, and the deformable tongue takes the form of a loop having an opening for the passage of a spike carried by an extraction blade of the mobile spike extractor, the deformable tongue being curved towards the reservoir when the mobile spike extractor is in the low position and curved in the opposite direction when the mobile spike extractor is in the high position, a spike passing through the passage opening in the high position of the mobile spike extractor.

[0038] Such an arrangement and such a configuration of the deformable tongue allow in particular the passage of the spike through the opening dedicated to this purpose. The advantage of this configuration is twofold, namely allowing the spike to come to bear against the positioning stop at the start of skewering, and therefore not disrupting the operation of the device, and allowing the upper and lateral edges of the spike to be held in place in order to optimize the holding of the spike in the skewering position.

[0039] According to another particular embodiment, the recesses of the lower and upper plates respectively support at least one mold and at least one counter mold made of a flexible material.

[0040] This prevents the food placed in the cavities from deteriorating. The mold(s) and counter-mold(s) are preferably made of silicone. 5. List of figures

[0041] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of particular embodiments, given as simple illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings, among which: [ Fig.1A], [Fig.1B ] And [ Fig. 1C ] : THE Figures 1A to 1C represent, in perspective views and in different positions, an example of a device for manufacturing skewers according to a first embodiment of the proposed technique; [ Fig.2 ] : there [ Fig.2 ] represents, in a partial perspective view, an example of a mobile skewer extractor mounted on the frame of the skewer manufacturing device according to the Figures 1A to 1C ; [ Fig.3A], [Fig.3B], [Fig.3C ] And [ Fig.3D ] : THE Figures 3A to 3D represent, according to partial perspective views, an example of synchronization means of a skewer manufacturing device according to the Figures 1A to 1C ; [ Fig.4A] and [Fig.4B]: THE Figures 4A and 4B represent, according to different focused perspective views, an example of a unidirectional shutter mounted in a synchronization track forming part of the synchronization means of the Figures 3A to 3D ; [ Fig.5A], [Fig.5B], [Fig.5C ] And [ Fig.5D ] : THE Figures 5A to 5D represent, according to different views, the operation of the unidirectional shutter of the Figures 4A and 4B ; [ Fig.6 ] : there [ Fig.6 ] represents, in a perspective view, an example of a skewer reservoir of the skewer manufacturing device according to the Figures 1A to 1C ; [ Fig.7A ] And [ Fig.7B ] : THE Figures 7A And 7B represent, according to cross-sectional views, the interactions between spike extraction blades carried by the mobile spike extractor according to the [ Fig.2 ] and the reservoir of spikes according to the [ Fig.6 ] ; [ Fig.8A], [Fig.8B ] And [ Fig.8C ] : THE Figures 8A to 8Crepresent, according to different views and in different positions, deformable tabs of the skewer manufacturing device according to the Figures 1A to 1C ; [ Fig.9 ] : there [ Fig.9 ] is a flowchart of the main operating steps of a skewer manufacturing device according to the Figures 1A to 1C ; [ Fig.10A], [Fig.10B ], [ Fig.10C], [Fig.11A ], [ Fig.11B], [Fig.11C ], [ Fig.12A], [Fig.12B ], [ Fig.12C], [Fig.13A ], [ Fig.13B], [Fig.13C ], [ Fig.14A], [Fig.14B ], [ Fig.14C], [Fig.15A ], [ Fig.15B] and [Fig.15C ] : [ Fig.9 ] : THE Figures 10A to 15C represent, according to different views, the device for making skewers according to the Figures 1A to 1C in different operating positions. 6. Description of an embodiment of the invention

[0042] For the sake of clarity, the same elements have been designated by the same references in the different figures.

[0043] Furthermore, the terms "lower", "upper", "front", "rear", etc., for orientation and positioning are used in this description, arbitrarily referring to a normal position of use of a skewer making device, in which two trays positioned one on top of the other are movable in a plane approximately parallel to the ground (horizontal) and slide between a proximal (front) and distal (rear) position relative to stops for positioning the skewers in the trays. When using such a device, the operator is located on the side of the positioning stops. 6.1 General principle

[0044] The invention relates to a device for manufacturing one or more skewers. Such a device comprises a frame and a movable carriage mounted so as to slide on the frame between a front position and a rear position, and vice versa. The movable carriage comprises a lower plate cooperating with an upper plate, forming a cover. The upper plate is mounted so as to move between an open position and a closed or folded position. The lower and upper plates have recesses for receiving foodstuffs forming a row of aligned cavities when the upper plate is folded onto the lower plate and an orifice for the passage of a skewer opening into the axis of the row of aligned cavities. The skewers are skewered into the foodstuffs housed in the aligned cavities by moving the movable carriage from the rear position to the front position.The device further comprises a reservoir of spikes, a mobile spike extractor configured to selectively extract one or more spikes from the reservoir. To do this, the extractor is configured to be introduced at least partially and temporarily into the reservoir in order to remove and extract one or more spikes from it, and to position the spike(s) opposite the corresponding passage orifice when the mobile carriage is in the rear position. The device also comprises synchronization means configured to synchronize the movement of the mobile spike extractor with the movement of the mobile carriage.

[0045] In this way, the forward and backward movement of the mobile carriage allows the skewers to be extracted from the tank by means of the mobile extractor and placed in position for skewering, while the backward and forward movement of this same mobile carriage allows the skewering of the food placed between the trays onto the skewers.

[0046] This forward and backward movement of the mobile trolley, and vice versa, is ensured by an operator using handles arranged on the mobile trolley. Without removing his hands from the handles, the operator can on the one hand automatically extract spikes from the reservoir by pushing the mobile trolley back (this step being ensured by the extractor which passes through the reservoir and picks up one or more spikes in passing to extract them from the reservoir), then skewer the food on the spikes thus extracted by bringing the mobile trolley towards him.

[0047] In other words, certain stages of the operation of the skewer manufacturing device are carried out simultaneously, and in particular the movement of the mobile carriage which is synchronized with the movement of the skewers stored in the tank. The operator is no longer forced to manually position skewers opposite the trays before skewering.

[0048] This therefore results in a simplification of the use of the skewer making device and an improvement in productivity. 6.2 Description of an embodiment 6.2.1 Skewer making device

[0049] THE Figures 1A to 1Cpresent in perspective, according to different views, an example of a skewer manufacturing device in which the movement of a mobile skewer extractor, configured to pick up and extract skewers from a reservoir of the device and place the extracted skewers in a position for skewering foodstuffs, is synchronized with the movement of a mobile carriage carrying pivoting trays, in accordance with the proposed technique.

[0050] The skewer-making device 1 comprises a frame 2 equipped with feet intended to place the device 1 on a surface, preferably horizontal. The frame 2 further comprises a rectangular empty space (not referenced) intended to receive other elements of the device as we will see in more detail later.

[0051] The device 1 further comprises a mobile carriage 3 comprising a first tray 31, called the lower tray, and a second tray 32, called the upper tray. The lower tray 31 is arranged in the rectangular empty space of the frame 2. The upper tray 32, forming a cover, is pivotally mounted on the mobile carriage 3, by means of a hinge 33, between a closed position PF or folded down, shown in [ Fig. 1A ], and an open position PO, represented in Figures 1B notably.

[0052] The lower and upper trays 31, 32 respectively have recesses 310, 320 for receiving foodstuffs forming, when the upper tray 32 is folded down onto the lower tray 31, parallel rows of aligned cavities. Each recess, and therefore each cavity formed by the superposition of two recesses belonging respectively to the lower and upper trays, extends longitudinally along an axis X. The axis X also defines the longitudinal axis of the device 1. In addition, the lower and upper trays 31, 32 respectively have on one of their edges complementary notches forming, when the upper tray 32 is folded down onto the lower tray 31, orifices 34 for the passage of a spike. Each orifice 34 is oriented along the longitudinal axis X of a cavity and opens into the interior thereof, as illustrated in relation to the [ Fig. 1C ] notably.

[0053] Furthermore, the mobile carriage 3 is slidably mounted on the frame 2 along the longitudinal axis X between a front position P AV and a rear position P AR, and vice versa.

[0054] In the forward position P AV, as illustrated in relation to the [ Fig. 1A ] in particular, the mobile carriage 3 is substantially pressed against positioning stops 4 of the spikes, on the user side. These positioning stops 4 of the spikes, which are more visible in [ Fig.8A] in particular, are carried by a front portion 21 of the frame 2 on the side from which the user positions himself to operate the device. The positioning stops 4 are configured to immobilize the base of the spikes, that is to say the end of the spike opposite the point, so as to prevent unwanted movement of the spikes along the longitudinal axis X during the operation of skewering the food onto the spikes. When the mobile carriage 3 is moved by the operator using handles from the rear position P AR to the front position P AV, that is to say when the operator pulls the mobile carriage towards him, the food is thus skewered onto the spikes.

[0055] In the rear position P AR, as illustrated in relation to the [ Fig. 1C] in particular, the mobile carriage 3 is moved away from the positioning stops 4 by a distance greater than the length of the spikes P so as to allow the positioning of a spike extracted from the reservoir opposite each of the orifices 34 of the mobile carriage 3. The skewering of the food housed in the cavities on the spikes is therefore carried out by moving the mobile carriage 3 from the rear position P AR to the front position P AV.

[0056] The skewer-making device 1 further comprises two handles 5 placed at the front of the upper plate 32, i.e. opposite the hinge 33. The handles 5 enable the upper plate 32 to pivot and the mobile carriage 3 to slide relative to the frame 2. Alternatively, the device may comprise a single handle as long as it enables the aforementioned operations to be carried out.

[0057] Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a reservoir 10 of unused spikes which extends along the longitudinal axis X of the device 1. The reservoir 10 is arranged inside the rectangular empty space of the frame 2, below the lower plate 31 of the mobile carriage 3, and is fixed irremovably to the frame 2.

[0058] According to the invention, the device 1 further comprises a mobile spike extractor, configured to selectively pick up and extract spikes from the reservoir 10 initially, then to position a spike extracted from the reservoir opposite each of the orifices 34 when the mobile carriage 3 is in the rear position P AR. The device 1 further comprises synchronization means configured to synchronize the movement of the mobile spike extractor with the movement of the mobile carriage 3. The mobile spike extractor and the synchronization means, not visible on the Figures 1A, 1B And 1C, will be described in detail later.

[0059] In the embodiment illustrated in relation to the figures, the device 1 comprises two aligned cavities for receiving food products, which are formed by the recesses 310, 320, and is thus capable of manufacturing two skewers at the same time. This figure is given only as an example, the device according to the invention can also be adapted to the manufacture of a single skewer or three or nine, or any number, depending in particular on the number of aligned cavities for receiving food products provided in the mobile carriage 3. Preferably, the recesses 310, 320 of the lower and upper plates 31, 32 respectively support a mold 311 and a removable counter mold 321 made of a flexible material, such as silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer, so as not to damage the foodstuffs during the skewering operation.The hardness of the soft material is determined to ensure proper support while preserving the integrity of the food.

[0060] The hinge 33 for rotating the upper plate 32 is arranged at the rear of the mobile carriage 3 so as to simplify the handling of the device 1.

[0061] The carriage 3 is mounted so as to slide on the frame 2 by means of two slides 22 carried by the frame 2. The slides 22 are formed by two rods, extending along the longitudinal axis X of the device 1, arranged inside the rectangular empty space of the frame 2 below the lower plate 31 of the mobile carriage 3. The longitudinal ends of each rod 22 are secured on either side of the frame 2, namely to the front portion 21, forming a front sliding stop, and to a rear portion (not visible), forming a rear sliding stop.

[0062] Furthermore, advantageously, the device 1 comprises deformable tabs 12 capable of holding the spike on the mobile spike extractor. Such deformable tabs, more visible in Figures 8A to 8C , will be detailed later. 6.2.2 Mobile spike extractor

[0063] There [ Fig.2 ] shows in perspective, and in isolation, an example of a mobile skewer extractor mounted in a sliding manner on the frame of the skewer manufacturing device.

[0064] The mobile spike extractor 6 is, according to the example illustrated, mounted to slide on the frame 2 between a low position and a high position, and vice versa so that the extraction and positioning of the spikes (not shown) opposite the orifices of the mobile carriage are carried out by moving the mobile spike extractor 6 from the low position to the high position.

[0065] Extraction blades 61, carried by the mobile spike extractor 6, ensure the collection and extraction of the spikes stored in the reservoir and then the positioning of these spikes opposite the orifices of the mobile carriage. The mobile spike extractor 6 has as many extraction blades 61 as there are rows of cavities present in the mobile carriage. The extraction blades respectively have a shorter length than the length of the spikes to avoid any contact with the mobile carriage during operation of the device. These blades are arranged so as to be able to pass through the reservoir of spikes.

[0066] Furthermore, the mobile spike extractor 6 carries a first roller 62 forming part of the means for synchronizing the movements of the mobile spike extractor 6 and the mobile carriage 3 which will be detailed later.

[0067] As illustrated, the mobile spike extractor 6 comprises a main body, substantially of rectangular parallelepiped shape, also called a crosspiece 60, mounted to slide on the frame 2.

[0068] To do this, the mobile spike extractor 6 has two through holes 63 configured to cooperate with two vertical slides 23 carried by the front portion 21 of the frame 2. The slides are formed by two vertical rods 23 whose longitudinal ends are secured on either side of the front portion 21 of the frame 2, namely to an upper part 211, forming an upper sliding stop, and to a lower part 212, forming a lower sliding stop.

[0069] Furthermore, the mobile spike extractor 6 comprises two parallel extraction blades 61 projecting perpendicularly from the crosspiece 60 and being oriented along the longitudinal axis X of the device 1 in the direction of the mobile carriage 3.

[0070] The edge of each extraction blade 61 is oriented vertically and has a thickness corresponding substantially to the diameter of the spikes so as to ensure that each extraction blade 61 grasps a single spike at a time within the reservoir and then extracts it from the reservoir. Indeed, such a thickness makes it possible to prevent other spikes of the reservoir from remaining balanced on a portion of the extraction blade or on the spike engaged on the blade. Such an arrangement also makes it possible to limit the number of spikes moved in the compartments of the reservoir during the ascent and descent of the blades through them. This therefore results in a reduction in the risk of ejection of the spikes outside the reservoir.

[0071] The extraction blades 61 each have, on their upper face 610, a groove 611 intended to receive and hold a spike present in the reservoir 10. Such a groove 611 makes it possible to minimize the risk of the extracted spike falling back into the reservoir 10 when the device 1 is being handled by the operator.

[0072] In the example illustrated, the first roller 62 is integral with a support element projecting perpendicularly from the crosspiece 60 and being oriented along the longitudinal axis of the device 1. The first roller 62 is arranged substantially in the middle of the crosspiece 60. A groove 66 is further provided in the crosspiece 60, opposite the first roller 62, so as to allow the passage of the synchronization means, namely the first end of the synchronization lever as illustrated in relation to the Figures 10B And 13B notably.

[0073] Furthermore, each extraction blade 61 carries a lower portion 64, formed by a plate, configured to prevent the spikes present in the reservoir from accidentally entering inside a slot 102 for receiving the extraction blade 61, as illustrated in relation to the Figures 7A And 7B notably. 6.2.3 Means of synchronization

[0074] THE Figures 3A to 3D are different views of an example of means for synchronizing the movement of the mobile skewer extractor with the movement of the mobile carriage in a skewer manufacturing device according to the invention.

[0075] In the case where the reservoir of unused spikes is arranged under the mobile carriage, in accordance with the example illustrated, the synchronization means are configured to link the vertical sliding of the mobile spike extractor to the horizontal sliding of the mobile carriage.

[0076] More precisely, the synchronization means are configured to synchronize the rise of the mobile spike extractor 6 from the low position to the high position with the movement of the mobile carriage 3 from the front position to the rear position, corresponding to a recoil of the mobile carriage 3, and the descent of the mobile spike extractor 6 from the high position to the low position with the movement of the mobile carriage 3 from the rear position to the front position, corresponding to an advancement of the mobile carriage 3.

[0077] In the example illustrated, such coupling of the movements of the mobile carriage 3 and the mobile spike extractor 6 is obtained by the implementation of synchronization means comprising a synchronization lever 7, a second roller 8 carried by the synchronization lever 7, a synchronization track 9 arranged on the mobile carriage 3 in which the second roller 8 is mobile in sliding and a first roller 62 of the mobile spike extractor 6 cooperating with the synchronization lever 7.

[0078] As illustrated, the synchronization lever 7 has a substantially “L” shape and is pivotally mounted, at its elbow, on the frame (not shown).

[0079] The synchronization lever 7 has a first longitudinal end 71, called the first end, and a second longitudinal end 72, called the second end, located opposite the first end 71.

[0080] The first end 71 has an oblong slot 710 configured to receive the first roller 62 carried by the mobile spike extractor 6. The first roller 62 is configured to be movable inside the oblong slot 710 during operation of the device. More specifically, and as described and illustrated in more detail below, the oblong slot 710 allows the vertical movement of the first roller 62 during pivoting of the synchronization lever 7.

[0081] The second end 72 of the synchronization lever 7 carries the second roller 8, partially visible in [ Fig. 3B ], configured to move inside the synchronization track 9 provided on the mobile carriage 3.

[0082] More precisely, the synchronization track 9 is arranged on a lateral face 350 of a plate 35 fixed under the lower plate 31. The plate 35 is oriented along the longitudinal axis of the device 1 so as to have a first longitudinal end 351 located at the rear of the mobile carriage 3 and a second longitudinal end 352 located at the front of the mobile carriage 3.

[0083] As illustrated, the synchronization track 9 has a first end 91 associated with the low position of the mobile spike extractor 6, and a second end 92 associated with the high position of the mobile spike extractor 6.

[0084] The first end 91 of the synchronization track 9 is located at the first longitudinal end 351 of the plate 35 in the vicinity of the lower plate 31. In other words, the first end 91 of the synchronization track 9 is located in the upper rear part of the plate 35.

[0085] The second end 92 of the synchronization track 9 is located at the second longitudinal end 352 of the plate 35, at a distance from the lower plate 31. In other words, the second end 92 of the synchronization track 9, which is diagonally opposite the first end 91, is located in the lower part of the second longitudinal end 352 of the plate 35.

[0086] The synchronization track 9 further has a first path 93, configured to be taken by the second roller 8 when the mobile carriage 3 moves back, and a second path 94, configured to be taken by this same second roller 8 when the mobile carriage 3 moves forward. These paths both extend between the first and second ends 91, 92.

[0087] As illustrated in connection with the [ Fig.3D], the first path 93 comprises a first segment 930 starting from the first end 91 and extended by a second segment 931 opening into the second end 92. The second roller 8 when it circulates in this first path thus describes a downward trajectory.

[0088] The first segment 930 is configured to initiate a slow ascent of the mobile spike extractor as long as the mobile carriage is positioned above the extraction blades and the spikes carried by them. The second segment 931 is configured to allow the rapid ascent of the mobile spike extractor as long as the mobile carriage is sufficiently far from the extraction blades and the spikes carried by them.

[0089] To do this, the first segment 930 has, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the device, i.e. with respect to a horizontal axis, a first slope of angle α and the second segment 931 has a second slope of angle β. The value of the angle β is greater than the value of the angle α.

[0090] The second path 94 comprises a first segment 940 starting from the second end 92 and extended by a second segment 941, itself extended by a third segment 942 opening into the first end 91. The second roller 8 thus describes an upward trajectory when it travels in this second path.

[0091] When the operator pulls the carriage towards him, the first segment 940 is configured to hold the mobile spike extractor in the high position until the spikes carried by the extraction blades enter the passage holes opening into the cavities of the mobile carriage. The second segment 941 is configured to initiate a rapid descent of the mobile spike extractor to prevent the mobile carriage from hitting the extraction blades when it approaches the operator. The third segment 942 is configured to continue the slow descent of the mobile spike extractor to the low position so as to prepare the extraction of the spikes for the next operating cycle of the device.

[0092] To do this, the first segment 940 has, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the device, a slope of zero angle, the second segment 941 has a slope of angle y and the third segment 942 has a slope of angle α. Furthermore, the first segment 940 of the second path 94 has a length less than the first segment 930 of the first path 93 and the value of the angle y of the second segment 941 of the second path 94 is substantially greater than the value of the angle β of the second segment 931 of the first path 93.

[0093] The angle β is determined so as to ensure a rapid descent of the extraction blades 61 to compensate for their immobility during the sliding of the roller 8 in the first segment 940 of the second path 94. In other words, the angle β is determined to prevent the extraction blades 61 from striking the mobile carriage 3. Such constraints mean that the second segment 941 of the second path 94 opens into the first segment 930 of the first path 93 and therefore that the third segment 942 of the second path 94 is merged with a portion of the first segment 930 of the first path 93.

[0094] The respective function of each segment of the synchronization track therefore explains why the first and second paths have different arrangements and curvatures. 6.2.4 One-way shutter

[0095] We present in relation to the Figures 4A to 5Dan example of a one-way shutter structure arranged within the timing track of the skewer making device.

[0096] THE Figures 4A and 4B present, in different perspective views, and in a focused manner, the structure of a unidirectional shutter. Figures 5A to 5D illustrate the movement of the one-way shutter as the second roller moves in the timing track.

[0097] The one-way shutter 11, also called a flap, is configured, on the one hand, to allow the movement of the second roller 8 inside the first path 93 of the synchronization track during the recoil of the mobile carriage 3 and to guide the second roller 8 towards the second end of the synchronization track 9. The one-way shutter 11 is configured, on the other hand, to prevent the movement of the second roller 8 inside this same first path 93 during the advancement of the mobile carriage 3 and to guide the second roller 8 towards the second path 94.

[0098] As illustrated, the one-way shutter 11 is located between and at the intersection of the second segment 931 of the first path 93 and the first segment 940 of the second path 94. It is arranged to separate the two paths 93, 94.

[0099] The one-way shutter 11 has, at a first end 110, a rotation shaft (not visible) arranged in an orifice (not visible) of the plate 35 and secured to the latter by means of a screw 13 to allow the pivoting of the one-way shutter 1, as illustrated in relation to the [ Fig.4B ].

[0100] A spring 14 is secured, on the one hand, to the unidirectional shutter 11 and, on the other hand, to the plate 35. The spring 14 is configured to return and maintain the unidirectional shutter 11 through the first path 93 in the absence of pressure exerted by the second roller 8 on the shutter 11. In the example illustrated, the turns 140 of the spring 14 are carried by the rotation shaft of the unidirectional shutter 11 and the two rectilinear ends 141, 142 of the spring 13, also called strands, are coupled to the plate 35 and to the unidirectional shutter 11. More precisely, the unidirectional shutter 11 has a lug 112 projecting parallel to the rotation shaft, arranged in an orifice 353 of the plate 35 to retain the end 142 of the spring 14.

[0101] The one-way shutter 11 further has a second end 111, opposite the first end 110, an upper face 113, arranged opposite the first path 93, and a lower face (not visible), arranged opposite the second path 94.

[0102] When moving the second roller 8 in the second segment 931 of the first path 93, as illustrated in relation to the Figures 5A and SB, the second roller 8 gradually puts pressure on the upper face 113 of the unidirectional shutter 11, causing the latter to pivot and compress the spring 14, until it presses the second end 111 of the unidirectional shutter 11 against the wall of the first segment 940 of the second path 94. Thus, the upper face 113 locally extends an edge of the second segment 931 of the first path 93, thus guiding the second roller 8 towards the second end 92 of the synchronization track 9.

[0103] When the second roller 8 joins the second end 92 of the synchronization track 9, as illustrated in relation to the [ Fig.5C ], the spring 14, which is no longer compressed, brings the one-way shutter 11 back through the first path 93 to obstruct it. In such a position, the lower face of the one-way shutter 11 locally extends an edge of the first segment 940 of the second path 94, encouraging the second roller 8 to take the second path 94, as illustrated in relation to the [ Fig.5D ]. 6.2.5 Spike reservoir

[0104] We present in relation to the figures 6 to 7B an example of a skewer tank structure of the skewer making device described above.

[0105] There [ Fig.6 ] presents in perspective, and in isolation, an example of a tank storing a batch of unused P spikes. The Figures 7A And 7Bare cross-sections of an extraction blade, in low PB and high PH position respectively, cooperating with the reservoir.

[0106] As illustrated, the reservoir 10 is divided into two substantially symmetrical compartments 100 extending longitudinally. Each compartment 100 comprises an inclined bottom 101 ending in its lowest part with a slot 102, of rectangular parallelepiped shape, arranged vertically. Such an inclination makes it possible to orient the spikes towards the extraction blades when they are arranged in the slots.

[0107] Each slot 102 is configured to receive, on the one hand, an extraction blade 61 which, when it rises within the reservoir, ensures the collection and extraction of a spike from the reservoir and, on the other hand, a lower portion 64 intended to prevent the spikes from entering the slot 102 in the absence of the extraction blade 61.

[0108] There [ Fig.7A] represents the extraction blade 61 in the low position PB. In such a position, each extraction blade 61 is preferably entirely housed in the associated slot 102 so as to ensure the positioning of a spike P in the dedicated receiving groove 611.

[0109] There [ Fig.7B ] represents the extraction blade 61 in the high position PH. In such a position, the extraction blade 61 ensures the positioning of the spike P positioned in the groove 611 for the skewering operation. Despite the fact that the extraction blade 61 is dislodged from the slot 102, the lower portion 64 remains partially disposed inside the slot.

[0110] Although not illustrated, it is understood that the lower portion 64 of the blade remains partially disposed inside the slot 102 throughout the movement of the extraction blade 61 from the low position PB to the high position PH, and vice versa.

[0111] Such an arrangement prevents unused spikes in the reservoir from escaping through the slots under the effect of gravity, or unused spikes from blocking the descent of the extraction blade. 6.2.6 Deformable tabs

[0112] THE Figures 8A to 8C show, according to different views, an example of deformable tabs represented in different positions.

[0113] The deformable tabs 12 are capable of holding the spike opposite the orifices when the mobile carriage reaches the rear position, and therefore when the mobile spike extractor 6 reaches the high position PH, in order to prevent sudden use of the device 1 from ejecting the spikes from the grooves 611 of the extraction blades 61.

[0114] To do this, the deformable tabs 12 are positioned on the frame 2 below the positioning stops 4 and are curved towards the reservoir 10 when they are not stressed (at rest). This occurs as soon as the extraction blades 61 begin to be lowered sufficiently so as to no longer come into contact with them, as illustrated in relation to the Figures 8A and 8B .

[0115] Each deformable tab has a passage opening 120 configured to allow the passage of a part of the associated extraction blade 61 and the spike P carried by the latter.

[0116] More precisely, during the raising of the mobile spike extractor 6, the spike carried by each extraction blade 61 comes into contact with a portion of the corresponding deformable tongue 12 causing its progressive deformation until it is curved in the opposite direction allowing the spike to pass through the passage opening 120. Thus, when the mobile spike extractor 6 is in the high position, as illustrated in the [ Fig.8C ], the deformable tongue 12, which tends to return to its undeformed position downwards, presses the spike into the groove of the extraction blade 61.

[0117] As illustrated, the deformable tabs 12 here take the form of loops made of elastomer. The deformable tabs are fixed by means of screws 13 on an inclined wall 210 of the front part 21 of the frame 2, located under each positioning stop 4. Such an arrangement encourages the deformable tabs 12 to be curved towards the reservoir 10 when they are not stressed by the mobile spike extractor 6. 6.2.7 Operation of the skewer making device

[0118] We now present in relation to the Figures 9 to 15C the main operating steps of the skewer making device described above.

[0119] The organizational chart of the [ Fig.9 ] focuses on the main operating steps of the food skewer manufacturing device. The Figures 10A to 15Care views of the skewer making device illustrating the main operating steps, for a better understanding of the proposed technique.

[0120] In the initial position, illustrated in relation to the Figures 10A to 10C , the mobile carriage 3 is pressed against the front portion 21 of the frame 2 so as to be in the front position P AV , close to the user. In such a position, the second roller (not visible) carried by the second end 72 of the synchronization lever 7 is positioned in the first end 91 of the synchronization track 9. In addition, the upper plate 32 is folded down onto the plate 31.

[0121] Furthermore, the mobile spike extractor 6 is pressed against the lower part 212 of the front portion 21 of the frame 2 so as to be in the low position PB. In such a position, the first roller 62 of the mobile spike extractor 6 is located near the rear end of the oblong slot 710 formed on the first end 71 of the synchronization lever 7. In this position again, the extraction blades 61 of the mobile spike extractor 6 are housed in the slots 102 of the compartments 100 of the reservoir so that a spike is inserted into the groove 611 of each extraction blade 61.

[0122] During a first step, referenced S1 and illustrated in relation to the Figures 11A to 11C, the operator places the foodstuffs in the recesses of the lower tray 31 of the mobile trolley. If an operating cycle of the skewer-making device has previously been implemented, the operator obviously removes the manufactured skewers from the lower tray 31 before inserting foodstuffs into the recesses of the lower tray 31.

[0123] To do this, the operator manipulates the handles 5 of the device 1 to bring the upper tray 32 into the open position PO, places the foodstuffs (shown in broken lines) on the molds 311 of the lower tray 31 so as to center them relative to the orifices 34 then folds the upper tray 32 against the lower tray 31 to return to the closed position PF. The foodstuffs placed in the cavities of the mobile carriage 3 are thus held without being crushed by the molds 311 and counter molds 321 of the lower 31 and upper 32 trays respectively.

[0124] After folding the upper plate 32 against the lower plate 31, the operator manipulates the handles 5 to move back or push the mobile carriage 3 in order to place the spikes in the skewering position (second step, referenced S2 and illustrated in relation to the Figures 12A to 13C ).

[0125] During a first phase, illustrated in relation to the Figures 12A to 12C , the recoil of the mobile carriage 3 along the slides 22 forces the second roller 8 to leave the first end 91 of the synchronization track 9 to take the first segment 930 of the first path 93. The slope of the first segment 930 being slight, the movement of the second roller 8 causes a slow pivoting of the synchronization lever 7. The first end 71 of the synchronization lever 7 therefore moves the first roller 62 to slowly slide the crosspiece 60 along the slides 23. The mobile spike extractor 6 leaves the low position allowing the extraction blades 61 to dislodge from the slots 102 of the compartments 100 of the reservoir in order to extract spikes P. The slow rise of the mobile spike extractor makes it possible to prevent the extraction blades 61 and the extracted spikes from hitting the mobile carriage 3 located above them.

[0126] Furthermore, the deformable tabs 12, which are not stressed, are curved towards the spike reservoir.

[0127] During a second recoil phase, the extraction blades 61 carrying a spike are sufficiently far from the mobile carriage 3, the second roller 8 takes the second segment 931 of the first path 93 until reaching the second end 92 of the synchronization track 9 having previously passed through the unidirectional shutter 11, as described in relation to the Figures 5A to 5D The slope of the second segment 931 being greater than that of the first segment 930, the movement of the second roller 8 causes a rapid pivoting of the synchronization lever 7 and therefore a rapid rise of the mobile spike extractor 6 and its extraction blades 61. The rapid rise of the extraction blades 61 each carrying a spike P makes it possible to compensate for the slow rise of the first phase.

[0128] During this second phase, before the mobile spike extractor 6 reaches the high position PH, the spikes are gradually inserted into the passage openings of the deformable tabs 12 and the rise of the mobile extractor then causes the progressive deformation of the deformable tabs 12 upwards.

[0129] When the mobile carriage 3 is in the rear position P AR, as illustrated in relation to the Figures 13A to 13C , the second roller 8 is located in the second end 92 of the synchronization track 9, the pivoting of the synchronization lever 7 is completed and the mobile spike extractor 6 is pressed against the upper part 211 of the front portion 21 of the frame 2 so that it is in the high position PH thus allowing the spikes to be in the skewering position.

[0130] In such a position, the first roller 62 of the mobile spike extractor 6 is located near the front end of the oblong slot 710 provided on the first end 71 of the synchronization lever 7. In such a position again, the lower portions 64 of the extraction blades 61 are partially arranged in the slots 102 of the compartments 100 of the reservoir to prevent the spikes from being introduced into the slots 102. Furthermore, the deformation of the deformable tabs 12 is such that they hold the base of the spikes to prevent the shocks occurring when the carriage reaches the rear stop from dislodging the spikes from the grooves of the extraction blades 61.

[0131] During a third skewering step, referenced S3 and illustrated in relation to the Figures 14A to 15C, the operator manipulates the handles 5 to pull or move forward, that is to say towards him, the mobile trolley 3 in order to skewer the foodstuffs onto the spikes, that is to say the insertion of the spikes into the foodstuffs located between the trays in the mobile trolley.

[0132] During a first phase of progress, illustrated in relation to the Figures 14A to 14C , the advancement of the mobile carriage 3 forces the second roller 8 to leave the second end 92 of the synchronization track 9 to take the first segment 940 of the second path 94. The one-way shutter 11 prevents the second roller 8 from taking the first path 93, as described in relation to the Figures 5A to 5D. The slope of the first segment 940 of the second path 94 being zero, the movement of the second roller 8 in this portion does not cause any pivoting of the synchronization lever 7. The mobile spike extractor 6 therefore remains in the high position PH so that the extraction blades 61 hold the spikes P at the start of the skewering operation, as described below.

[0133] During this first phase of advancement, the spikes are introduced into the orifices 34 of the mobile carriage. When the spikes come into contact with the first foodstuffs, initially, the spikes move back slightly and the bases of the spikes come into position in the positioning stops 4. It is only after such a support that the spikes begin to be skewered into the foodstuffs.

[0134] During a second phase of advancement, initiated when the mobile carriage 3 arrives close to the extraction blades, the rapid descent of the extraction blades 61 occurs, as illustrated in relation to the Figures 15A to 15B .

[0135] In this second phase, the second roller 8 takes the second segment 941 of the second path 94. The slope of the second segment 941 of the second path 94 being significant, as described in relation to the [ Fig.4A] in particular, the movement of the second roller causes a rapid pivoting of the synchronization lever 7. The first end 71 of the synchronization lever 7 therefore moves the first roller 62 to quickly slide the crosspiece 60 along the slides 23. The mobile spike extractor 6 thus leaves the high position in order to allow the extraction blades 61 to quickly disengage while leaving the spikes P in the skewering position. A rapid descent of the extraction blades 61 is necessary to compensate for their immobility during the first descent phase in order to prevent them from hitting the mobile carriage 3.

[0136] During this second phase, the spikes continue to be inserted into the cavities containing the foodstuffs. Furthermore, the lower portions 64 of the extraction blades 61 are inserted into the slots 102 of the compartments 100 of the reservoir.

[0137] During a third advancement phase, initiated when the extraction blades 61 are sufficiently far from the mobile carriage 3, the second roller 8 follows the third segment 942 of the second path 94 until it reaches the first end 91 of the synchronization track 9 to return the device 1 to the advanced position. Because the third segment 942 of the second path 94 corresponds to a portion of the first segment 930 of the first path 93 and therefore has the same slope, as described in relation to the [ Fig.3D ] in particular, the movement of the second roller causes a slow pivoting of the synchronization lever 7 and therefore a slow descent of the mobile spike extractor 6 and its extraction blades 61.

[0138] During this third phase, the mobile carriage 3 gradually bends the deformable tabs 12 upwards (away from the tank) until they are pressed against the front part 21 of the frame 2. Thus, the deformable tabs 12 do not disturb the skewering operation in any way.

[0139] When this third phase of advancement is finalized, the device 1 is then in the initial position, as illustrated in relation to the Figures 10A to 10C , and the skewers are housed in the mobile trolley through the food, the skewers obtained can then be recovered by the user.

[0140] The making of the skewers is finalized and can be repeated in the order of the steps previously described.

[0141] It is noted that with such a skewer making device, the placement of the skewers in the skewering position is done automatically without operator intervention.

[0142] In addition, the skewers are placed while the mobile trolley with the cavities containing the food is moving. This automatic placement of the skewers does not extend the duration of the skewer manufacturing process but, on the contrary, reduces it. This results in particular in an increase in production rates and an improvement in the comfort and working conditions of the operator.

[0143] Furthermore, except for placing the food in the cavities of the mobile trolley, the operator can keep his hands on the handling handle(s) throughout the skewer making process. Again, this improves operator comfort. 6.3 Others embodiments and various characteristics

[0144] Preferably, the holes provided in the crosspiece of the mobile spike extractor which are configured to cooperate with the vertical rods of the frame, carry ball bushings to ensure precise guidance of the mobile spike extractor relative to the frame.

[0145] In a particular embodiment, the lower portions of the extraction blades are made of a plastic material in order to limit the weight and production costs of the skewer manufacturing device.

[0146] According to particular implementations, not illustrated, the means for synchronizing the movement of the mobile spike extractor with the movement of the mobile carriage use electronic and / or electromechanical means. Thus, the synchronization means comprise, according to a particular embodiment, first sensors configured to determine the horizontal position of the mobile carriage and the speed of movement thereof, second sensors configured to determine the vertical position of the extraction blades and the speed of movement thereof, at least one actuator, linear or rotary, configured to vertically move the extraction blades and a processing unit, such as an automaton, configured to control, in position and speed, the movement of the extraction blades relative to the position and speed of movement of the mobile carriage carrying the trays.

[0147] It is possible not to implement speed sensors.

[0148] In a particular embodiment, the device further comprises an interface allowing an operator to adjust all or part of the operating parameters of the device, and in particular the electronic synchronization means. For example, the device may comprise electronically adjustable stops so as to block the sliding of the mobile carriage at a predetermined position depending on the length of the spikes entered on the interface. Thus, the sliding amplitude of the mobile carriage will be reduced for short spikes for example. This makes it possible in particular to improve the comfort and work rate of the operator and to minimize unnecessary actions.

[0149] According to a particular implementation, not illustrated, the spike reservoir comprises a single compartment having a convex bottom and the lower parts of which end in vertical slots.

[0150] In one particular approach, not shown, the lower portion of each extraction blade is substantially comb-shaped to further reduce the weight of the skewer-making device. In another particular approach, not shown, each extraction blade and its lower portion are made from a single, single-piece part.

[0151] In another embodiment, not illustrated, each deformable tab has one end fixed above a positioning stop and a free end on which the passage opening is provided. Thus, when the mobile spike extractor is in the high position, the deformable tab, which tends to return to its undeformed position, exerts pressure on the spike allowing it to be held in the groove of the extraction blade.

[0152] In another embodiment, not shown, the deformable tabs are carried by the mobile carriage either by the upper plate or by the lower plate. The choice of positioning of the deformable tabs depends essentially on their shape and / or the positioning of the passage openings, if present, of the extraction blades.

[0153] Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided solely as examples. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variants that may be envisaged by those skilled in the art within the framework of the present invention and in particular all combinations of the different operating modes described above, which may be taken separately or in association.

[0154] For example, a person skilled in the art will be able to adapt the shape and arrangement of the mobile skewer extractor, as well as the elements that compose it, according to the overall structure of the skewer manufacturing device, and in particular the number of skewers that it must manufacture. For example, if the skewer manufacturing device is configured to allow the simultaneous manufacture of four skewers, the device may comprise two mobile skewer supports conforming to that illustrated or a single mobile skewer extractor carrying four extraction blades and a first roller, or even several for better distribution of forces. A person skilled in the art will also be able to determine the length and / or the slope of each segment forming the synchronization track so as to obtain the operation described according to the dimensions and structural variants of the device in particular.

[0155] In another example, the arrangement of the synchronization lever and the synchronization track is reversed, by providing the synchronization track in / on the movable extractor and pivotally attaching the synchronization lever to the movable carriage. In yet another example, the skewer-making device comprises a fixed support carrying the lower and upper plates and a movable frame / chassis. Thus, the operator no longer slides the plates but the movable frame carrying the movable skewer extractor.

[0156] More generally, the proposed technique covers all implementations of the principle according to which the movement of a member for extracting at least one spike present in a reservoir and for positioning said at least one spike opposite at least one cavity of the trays containing the foodstuffs, is synchronized with the movement of the mobile carriage carrying the trays.

[0157] The solution of the proposed technique therefore makes it possible to have a skewer manufacturing device allowing automatic and immediate positioning of the skewers, without manual intervention, in the sense that it does not cause any interruption, or a negligible interruption, in the handling of the mobile trolley.

[0158] The device allows the production of skewers of foods such as meat and / or vegetables, fish, fruits or others.

[0159] The spikes can be made of wood, plastic or metal.

[0160] Furthermore, the upper plate can move parallel to the lower plate and not pivot relative to the latter.

[0161] According to different aspects, the proposed technique therefore presents all or part of the following advantages, depending on the embodiments chosen: allow the automatic placement of the skewers in the skewering position; allow the immediate placement of the skewers in the skewering position; guarantee the autonomy of the device for manufacturing at least one skewer in relation to external systems and / or installations; allow simplified use; allow limited space requirements; allow easy transport; allow simplified and rapid installation; guarantee significant longevity; require limited maintenance; guarantee simplified maintenance; improve operator comfort; guarantee operator safety; limit losses of consumables; etc.

Claims

1. Device (1) for manufacturing at least one skewer comprising a frame (2) and a mobile carriage (3) mounted to slide on the frame (2) between a front position (PAV) and a rear position (PAR), and vice versa, said mobile carriage (3) comprising a lower tray (31) cooperating with an upper tray (32), forming a cover, the upper tray (32) being mounted to move between an open position (Po) and a closed or folded position (PF), the lower and upper trays (31, 32) having recesses for receiving foodstuffs forming at least one row of aligned cavities when the upper tray (32) is folded onto the lower tray (31) and at least one orifice (34) for passing a spike opening into the axis of said at least one row of aligned cavities, the skewering of said at least one spike in the foodstuffs housed in said at least one row of aligned cavities carried out by moving the mobile carriage (3) from the rear position (PAR) to the front position (PAV), said device comprising at least one spike (P) reservoir (10) and a mobile spike extractor (6) configured to be engaged inside the reservoir so as to selectively take at least one spike from said at least one reservoir (10) and extract said at least one spike from said reservoir to position it facing said at least one orifice (34) when the mobile carriage (3) is in the rear position (PAR), and further comprising synchronisation means configured to synchronise the movement of said mobile spike extractor (6) with the movement of said mobile carriage (3) comprising the lower and upper trays (31, 32).

2. Device (1) for manufacturing at least one skewer according to claim 1, characterised in that said mobile spike extractor (6) is slidably mounted on the frame (2) between a low position (PB) and a high position (PH), and vice versa, the extraction and the positioning of the spikes (P) facing said at least one orifice (34) being carried out by moving said mobile spike extractor (6) from the low position (PB) to the high position (PH), and in that said synchronisation means are configured to synchronise: - the raising of said mobile spike extractor (6) from the low position (PB) to the high position (PH) with the movement of said mobile carriage (3) from the front position (PAV) to the rear position (PAR), corresponding to a backward movement of the mobile carriage (3), and - the lowering of said mobile spike extractor (6) from the high position (PH) to the low position (PB) with the movement of said mobile carriage (3) from the rear position (PAR) to the front position (PAV) , corresponding to a forward movement of said mobile carriage (3).

3. Device (1) for manufacturing at least one skewer according to claim 2, characterised in that said synchronisation means comprise at least one synchronisation lever (7) pivotally mounted on said frame (2) and having: - a first end (71) connected to said mobile spike extractor (6), and - a second end (72), supporting a second roller (8) disposed inside a synchronisation track (9) formed on said mobile carriage (3), said synchronisation track (9) having a first end (91), associated with said low position (PB) of said mobile spike extractor (6), and a second end (92), associated with said high position (PH) of said mobile spike extractor (6).

4. Device (1) for manufacturing at least one skewer according to claim 3, characterised in that the synchronisation lever (7) has at its first end (71) an oblong aperture (710) cooperating with a first roller (62) carried by said mobile spike extractor (6) so that the pivoting of the synchronisation lever (7) causes the movement of said first roller (62) and the movement of the mobile spike extractor (6) between the high (PH) and low (PB) positions, and vice versa.

5. Device (1) for manufacturing at least one skewer according to claim 4, characterised in that said mobile spike extractor (6) comprises a crosspiece (60) carrying said first roller (62), said frame (2) and said crosspiece (60) carrying sliding means allowing the vertical movement of the mobile spike extractor (6) between the high (PH) and low (PB) positions, and vice versa.

6. Device (1) for manufacturing at least one skewer according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that said synchronisation track (9) comprises first and second paths (93, 94) extending between said first and second ends (91, 92) of said synchronisation track (9), said first path (93) being configured to be taken by said second roller (8) when said mobile carriage (3) moves back, said second path (94) being configured to be taken by said second roller (8) when said mobile carriage (3) moves forward.

7. Device (1) for manufacturing at least one skewer according to claim 6, characterised in that it comprises at least one one-way shutter (11) allowing the movement of said second roller (8) inside the first path (93) when said mobile carriage (3) moves back and preventing said second roller (8) from moving inside the first path (93) when said mobile carriage (3) moves forward to guide the second roller (8) in the second path (94).

8. Device (1) for manufacturing at least one skewer according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterised in that said mobile spike extractor (6) further comprises at least one spike extraction blade (61) having on its upper face (610) a groove (611) for receiving and holding a spike from the reservoir (10) .

9. Device (1) for manufacturing at least one skewer according to claim 8, characterised in that said at least one spike extraction blade (61) is disposed inside a slot (102) formed in the bottom of the spike reservoir (10) when said mobile spike extractor (6) is in the low position (PB), said at least one extraction blade (61) having a lower portion (64) disposed inside the slot (102) when said mobile spike extractor (6) is in the high position (PH).

10. Device (1) for manufacturing at least one skewer according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterised in that said frame (2) comprises at least one stop (4) for positioning a spike against which the spike, disposed in the groove (611) for receiving and holding said at least one extraction blade (61) in the high position (PH) of said mobile spike extractor (6), bears at the start of skewering the spike in the foodstuffs housed in said at least one row of aligned cavities.

11. Device (1) for manufacturing at least one skewer according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that it comprises at least one deformable tab (12) capable of holding the spike in the groove (611) for receiving and holding said at least one extraction blade (61) in the high position (PH) of said mobile spike extractor (6).

12. Device (1) for manufacturing at least one skewer according to claims 10 and 11, characterised in that said at least one deformable tab (12) is positioned on said frame (2) below said at least one positioning stop (4), and in that said deformable tab (12) is in the shape of a loop having an opening (120) for the passage of a spike carried by an extraction blade (61) of said mobile spike extractor (6), said deformable tab (12) being bent towards the reservoir (10) when said mobile spike extractor (6) is in the low position (PB) and bent in the opposite direction when said mobile spike extractor (6) is in the high position (PH), a spike passing through the passage opening (120) in said high position (PH) of said mobile spike extractor (6).