Advanced detachable cutting assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a detachable cutting assembly (1) comprising a rotating disc (2) with a window (2e) and a rotation hole (2g) connected to the axis of rotation of the machine (7), into which is inserted, on the lower face (2b) of the rotating disc (2), a fin radially connected to the axis of rotation of the machine (7) through its insertion ring (3c), the fin (3) comprising: a fixing zone (3b) into which a nut (3e) is integrated and including an attachment hole (3d) coinciding with a nut (3e), and a lifting wedge (3a) onto which a blade (4) is partially integrated, the cutting edge (4a) of the blade (4) remaining projecting on the upper face (2a) of the rotating disc (2) through the window (2e), and the fixing zone (3b) of the fin (3) remaining below the fixing zone (2f).

Description

Title of the invention: Improved detachable cutting assembly Scope of the invention

[0001] This invention relates to an improved detachable cutting assembly.

[0002] More specifically, it refers to an improved detachable cutting assembly of those used on food slicing machines in the field of professional kitchens, structured on the basis of a rotating disc comprising a window and a rotation hole connected to the rotation axis of the cutting machine, into which is inserted, on the underside of the rotating disc, a fin containing the cutting blade, connected to the rotation axis of the cutting machine by its insertion ring.

[0003] In this type of food slicing machine, the rotating disc is inserted into a tray through the machine's axis of rotation. When the food product is introduced, it is sliced ​​by rotation followed by the disc on which the blade is mounted. These machines must allow for multiple slice thickness ranges, so it is very important to have easily replaceable and interchangeable components to ensure versatility. It is equally essential that all components of the assembly be easily cleanable. This requirement is stipulated as a mandatory condition in food machinery regulations, for example, NSF / ANSI 8, which requires that the entire blade assembly be easily disassembled for cleaning when the cutting process requires a single unit. Previous art

[0004] In the current state of the art, cutting assemblies are known in which the cutting element is welded directly to the rotating disc located inside the cutting machine's tray. This is a clear drawback, as it makes it impossible to remove the blade for proper cleaning, in violation of the relevant regulations, and because residue accumulates under the blade edge, which can cause blockages and limit the machine's cutting capacity while increasing the time required to optimally cut food. The cutting assembly of the present invention resolves this situation by making the blade removable, thus facilitating cleaning and eliminating the risk of blockages caused by residue.In cases where the blade is welded to the disc, it is necessary to have different cutting discs for each different slice thickness required, which implies an increased need for storage space and an increase in the expense for cutting machine accessories, account. Given the high cost of the disc, which is normally made of stainless steel, there are cutting assemblies in which the blade is screwed directly onto the rotating disc. The negative effect of this configuration is that the strength of the blade's attachments to the rotating disc is weakened due to harmful vibrations caused by the continuous impact of food on the blade during cutting. This poses a risk to the user and results in broken or undesirable-looking slices of food, as the cutting element, which rotates at high speed during the cutting process, can become misaligned. The present invention solves this problem by integrating a safety component into the blade to increase the strength of the attachments during the food cutting process and ensure the safe operation of the cutting machine. Summary of the invention

[0005] Compared to the prior art described above, the present invention relates to an improved cutting assembly for disassembly of those used on food slicing machines, comprising a rotating disc with a window and a rotation hole connected to the axis of rotation of the cutting machine, into which is inserted, on the underside of the rotating disc, a fin radially connected to the axis of rotation of the cutting machine by its insertion ring, where said fin comprises: a mounting area having at least one nut and on which there is at least one attachment hole corresponding to at least one nut, and a lifting wedge on which a blade is partially hung, the cutting edge of the blade protruding from the upper face of the rotating disc through the window of the rotating disc, and leaving the mounting area of ​​the fin below the mounting area of ​​the rotating disc, with, in the mounting area of ​​the rotating disc,at least one attachment hole coinciding with the attachment hole and nut of the fin and capable of securing the entire assembly by means of connecting elements.

[0006] First of all, in order to clarify the concepts used in the present invention, it is indicated that: when reference is made to connecting elements, these are elements preventing relative movement between the different elements of the present invention, these elements being able to be those which are usually used such as screws, threaded rods or any other element having a fixing capacity.

[0007] Thanks to this configuration, the detachable cutting assembly offers greater versatility, particularly through the use of wings with lifting wedges of different heights that the user can easily exchange using tools commonly used in professional kitchens. This makes it possible to obtain food slices of varying thicknesses adapted to the user's needs. Furthermore, the fact that the removable blade is partially integrated into the wing facilitates the Cleaning is a fundamental requirement in food processing and a guarantee of food safety. Furthermore, the fact that the nuts are integrated into the blade mounting area makes changing and / or replacing the blade much simpler for kitchen staff, who only need to remove the connecting elements—the screws—without having to worry about removing the nuts to disassemble the entire unit. With this element connection configuration, in which the blade containing the cutting blade remains partially inserted into the lower part of the rotating disc and partially protruding from the upper surface of the disc, the cutting element—the blade—is better secured to the blade. The blade remains captured, and its movement is limited not only by the connecting elements but also by the entire surface of the rotating disc's mounting area.Furthermore, the fact that the lifting wedge is injection-molded into the blade and nuts eliminates the possibility of food residue accumulation, thus preventing contamination and reducing cutting time, as residue buildup leads to reduced cutting efficiency. Moreover, if the user plans to use different wings to achieve varying slice thicknesses, only the dimensions of the plastic wing need to be modified during manufacturing, as the blade itself remains the same size for all slice thicknesses. This results in a significant reduction in manufacturing costs, since the wing is injection-molded plastic, which is considerably cheaper than steel, the material typically used for the blade.

[0008] Another advantageous aspect of this configuration is that the elevation of the cutting edge of the blade, protruding from the upper face of the rotating disc, is determined by the height of the lifting wedge of the fin and the angle of inclination of the latter (between 21° and 23°), which makes it possible to obtain an inclination that is as gentle and reduced as possible, thus optimizing the cutting of slices of food without damaging or deteriorating the product and without breaking the fiber of delicate foods such as tomatoes or the like, so that a cut of the desired thickness will be obtained without damaging the food, in a context, that of professional kitchens, where the final appearance of the products is decisive.

[0009] Another technical aspect of this invention is that the window of the rotating disc has a size and geometry that correspond to the size and geometry of the lifting wedge of the fin. Because of this feature, the lifting wedge of the fin fits perfectly into the rotating disc and remains effectively engaged, thus allowing the edge of the blade to protrude from the upper face of the disc. This ensures efficient cutting of food slices without damaging them and better adjustment and fixing of the blade, whose movements or vibrations are limited by coupling with the window over almost the entire perimeter of the lifting slipway.

[0010] Another advantageous feature of this invention is that, on the area where the rotating disc is attached and against the lifting block, there is a safety piece having at least one attachment hole coinciding with at least one attachment hole of the rotating disc and at least one attachment hole and nut of the fin. By inserting the safety piece along the length of the side opposite the blade of the lifting block, a distribution of forces is achieved that ensures both the blade and the fin are securely attached to the rotating disc, while also increasing the strength of the attachment. Furthermore, the use of this safety piece reduces harmful vibrations caused by the food striking the blade during the cutting process, which weaken the fastenings; this results in more uniform thickness between the slices of food, preserving their integrity and giving them a more consistent appearance.

[0011] Finally, another advantageous aspect of the present invention is that the profile of the rotating disc can have a leveling bearing in the mounting area and around the perimeter of the rotating hole of the rotating disc. This bearing levels the elevation of the cutting edge of the blade on the upper face of the rotating disc. The presence of this bearing, which must be located on the underside of the disc, allows, using fewer lifting shims, a wider range of food slice thicknesses to be obtained, thus giving the present invention greater versatility. For example, with shim angles of 21° and 23° and heights of 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm, up to six different slice thicknesses can be obtained.The bearing on the disc profile produces a protrusion or bulge on the underside of the rotating disc, which is the side where the lifting block containing the cutting blade engages. This necessitates a reduction in the height of the inserted lifting block. Thus, when integrating, for example, a 2 mm high lifting block that would allow for 2 mm slices with a rotating disc without a leveling block, 5 mm slices will be obtained using a rotating disc with a 3 mm leveling block. Description of the figures

[0012] To allow for a better understanding of the nature of the invention, the accompanying figures present an arrangement which is a purely illustrative and non-limiting example.

[0013] [Fig.1]

[0014] Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the improved detachable cutting assembly (1) which comprises a rotating disc (2) with a window (2e), which will remain axially attached, through the axis of rotation (7) of the cutting machine (not shown) inside the tray (not shown), and a rotation hole (2g) connected to the axis of rotation (7) of the cutting machine, into which is inserted On the lower face (2b) of the rotating disc (2), a fin (3) is connected to the rotation axis (7) of the cutting machine by its insertion ring (3c). Furthermore, it is shown that the fin (3) consists of: a fixing area (3b) into which the nuts (3e) will be inserted and on which are the attachment holes (3d) axially coinciding with the nuts (3e), and a lifting wedge (3a) onto which a blade (4) is inserted, so that the cutting edge (4a) of the blade (4) is raised on the upper face (2a) of the rotating disc (2) through the window (2e) of the rotating disc (2) and positioned for cutting, and the fixing area (3b) of the fin (3) remains below the fixing area (2f) of the rotating disc (2).

[0015] Finally, the plan shows: in the fixing area (2f) of the rotating disc (2), the attachment holes (2f.l) coincide axially with the attachment holes (3d) and the nuts (3e) of the fin (3), and the connecting elements (6) which axially fix the safety piece (5) through the attachment holes (5a) and the fin (3) with the blade (4) to the rotating disc (2).

[0016] [Fig.2]

[0017] Fig. 2 represents two longitudinal sectional views (AA and BB) of the rotating disc (2) of the improved detachable cutting assembly (1) where the lifting wedge (3a) located on the lower face (2b) is observed, on which a blade (4) is partially inserted with its cutting edge (4a) raised on the profile (2c) of the rotating disc (2), the fixing area (3b) of the fin (3) into which the nuts (3e) are integrated, the whole fixed to the rotating disc (2), with the safety piece (5), the whole assembly being attached by means of the connecting elements (6).

[0018] [Fig.3]

[0019] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the improved detachable cutting assembly (1) with the rotating disc (2); the cross-sectional view shows the leveling bearing (2d) in the mounting area (2f) and the perimeter of the rotation hole (2g) of the rotating disc (2) which levels the elevation of the cutting edge (4a) of the blade (4) on the upper face (2a) of the rotating disc (2). Also visible are the nuts (3e) integrated into the mounting area (3b) of the lifting wedge (3a) of the fin (3), which are 1 mm high and at an angle of 21°. The figure shows that the assembly formed by the fin (3) with the blade (4) and the safety piece (5) is fixed through connecting elements (6) to the rotating disc (2) and its cutting edge (4a) is projecting on the upper face (2a) of the disc (2).

[0020] [Fig.4]

[0021] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the improved detachable cutting assembly (1) with the rotating disc (2), where the cross-sectional view shows the leveling bearing (2d) in the mounting area (2f) and the perimeter of the rotation hole (2g) of the rotating disc (2) which levels the elevation of the cutting edge (4a) of the blade (4) on the upper face (2a) of the rotating disc (2). The integrated nuts (3e) are also visible. in the fixing area (3b) of the lifting wedge (3a) of the fin (3), 2 mm high and with an angle of 23°. The figure shows that the assembly formed by the fin (3) with the blade (4) and the safety piece (5) is fixed to the rotating disc (2) by connecting elements (6) and its cutting edge (4a) is projecting on the upper face (2a) of the disc (2).

[0022] [Fig.5]

[0023] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the improved detachable cutting assembly (1) with the rotating disc (2); the cross-sectional view shows the leveling bearing (2d) in the mounting area (2f) and the perimeter of the rotation hole (2g) of the rotating disc (2) which levels the elevation of the cutting edge (4a) of the blade (4) on the upper face (2a) of the rotating disc (2). Also visible are the nuts (3e) integrated into the mounting area (3b) of the lifting wedge (3a) of the fin (3), which is 3 mm high and has an angle of 23°. The figure shows that the assembly formed by the fin (3) with the blade (4) and the safety piece (5) is fixed through connecting elements (6) to the rotating disc (2) and its cutting edge (4a) is projecting on the upper face (2a) of the disc (2). Detailed description

[0024] In relation to the aforementioned drawings and references, the accompanying drawings show a preferred embodiment of the object of the invention, namely an improved removable cutting assembly (1) of those used on food slicing machines, comprising a rotating disc (2) with a window (2e) and a rotation hole (2g) connected to the rotation axis of the cutting machine (7), to which is fixed, on the underside (2b) of the rotating disc (2), a fin (3) radially connected to the rotation axis of the cutting machine (7) through its insertion ring (3c), where the fin (3) comprises: a fixing area (3b) into which at least one nut (3e) is integrated and where there is at least one attachment hole (3d) coinciding with at least one nut (3e), and a lifting wedge (3a) into which a blade (4) is partially integrated,the cutting edge (4a) of the blade (4) remaining projecting on the upper face (2a) of the rotating disc (2) through the window (2e) of the rotating disc (2), and the mounting area (3b) of the fin (3) remaining below the mounting area (2f) of the rotating disc (2), said mounting area (2f) of the rotating disc (2) having at least one attachment hole (2f.l) coinciding with the attachment hole (3d) and the nut (3e) of the fin (3) and capable of fixing the entire example by means of connecting elements (6).

[0025] As shown in [Fig. 1], the cutting assembly (1) is detachable. The operator can disassemble the connecting elements (6) and thus extract: the safety piece (5) housed on the fixing area (2f) of the rotating disc (2), the wing (3) connected to the machine's axis of rotation (7) via its insertion ring (3c), and thus ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of the whole, which is an essential requirement in the field of food processing in order to ensure food safety.Figures 1 and 2 also show the effective fixing of the various elements that make up the improved detachable cutting assembly (1), since the lifting wedge (3a) of the fin (3) is inserted protrudingly on the upper face (2a) of the rotating disc (2) and allows the edge (4a) of the blade (4) to perform the cut, while the fixing area (3b) of the fin (3) remains housed in the lower face (2b) of the rotating disc (2), attaching to the rotating disc through the safety piece (5) located in the fixing area (2f) of the rotating disc (2), the whole assembly is axially aligned by means of the insertion ring (3c) of the fin (3), through the lower face (2b) of the rotating disc (2), to the axis of rotation (7) of the cutting machine, and is fixed by means of: the connecting elements (6) through the attachment holes (5a) of the safety piece (5) coinciding: axially with the attachment holes (2f.l) of the rotating disc (2), with the holes (3d) of the fin (3) mounting area (3b) and the nuts (3e) integrated into the fin (3b) mounting area (3b). Furthermore, to allow for much simpler changing and / or replacement of the fin (3) by kitchen staff, the nuts are integrated into the fin (3b) mounting area (3b) as can be seen in [Fig.2].

[0026] Thus, kitchen staff only need to remove the connecting elements (6) – the screws – without having to remove the nuts (3e) to disassemble the unit (1), since they remain integrated into the fixing area (3b), are not exposed to dirt, and are not at risk of being lost when changing the blades (3). This eliminates the possibility of food residue accumulation, thereby preventing contamination of the components and reducing cutting time, since residue buildup leads to a loss of cutting efficiency.

[0027] Furthermore, there will be a significant reduction in manufacturing costs, since the injection material of the fin (3) is plastic, which is cheaper than steel, which is generally the raw material of the blade (4), and during manufacturing, it will only be necessary to modify the dimensions of the plastic fin (3) since the blade (4) will have the same dimensions for all slice thicknesses, in the event that the user wishes to use different fins to obtain different slice thicknesses.As can be seen in Figures 3, 4, and 5, it is possible to replace the lifting blocks (3a) with blocks of different heights to achieve the desired thickness by raising the height of the lifting block (3a). It is also possible to adjust its angle, ensuring the gentlest and most minimal incline possible, thus optimizing the cutting of food slices without damaging or deteriorating the product and without breaking the fibers of delicate foods. This is due to the fact that the cutting edge (4a) of the blade (4) protrudes from the upper face (2a) of the rotating disc (2). determined by the height of the lifting wedge (3a) of the fin (3) and its angle of inclination (between 21° and 23°). Thus, we observe: in [Fig. 3], a lifting wedge (3a) 1 mm high and at an angle of 21°; in [Fig. 4], a lifting wedge (3a) 2 mm high and at an angle of 23°; and in [Fig. 5], a lifting wedge (3a) 3 mm high and at an angle of 23°. The use of multiple lifting wedges (3a) of different heights and angles gives the improved detachable cutting assembly (1) of the present invention great versatility, allowing it to obtain various thicknesses of food slices in the cutting process.

[0028] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, an advantageous feature of the present invention lies in the fact that the lifting wedge (3a) of the fin (3) fits perfectly into the rotating disc (2), remaining effectively engaged and allowing the cutting edge (4a) to protrude from the upper face (2a) of the rotating disc (2), so that it slices food correctly without damaging it, while also ensuring better adjustment and effective fixing of the blade, whose movements or vibrations are limited by the coupling with the window around almost the entire perimeter of the lifting wedge (3a). This advantage is achieved because the window (2e) of the rotating disc (2) has a size and geometry that correspond to the size and geometry of the lifting wedge (3a) of the fin (3).

[0029] Furthermore, we obtain: a distribution of forces which ensures both the fixing of the blade (4) and that of the wing (3) to the rotating disc (2) while increasing the strength of the fixing, and a reduction of the harmful vibrations caused by the impact of the food against the blade during the cutting process, which weaken the tightening of the fixings; we thus obtain a more equal thickness between the slices of food, their integrity is preserved and their appearance more homogeneous. This advantageous characteristic aspect is due to the fact that, as can be seen in figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, there is on the fixing area (2f) of the rotating disc (2) and backed against the lifting cam (3a), a safety piece (5) comprising at least one attachment hole (5a) coinciding with at least one attachment hole (2f.l) of the rotating disc (2) and at least one attachment hole (3d), and a nut (3e) of the fin (3).

[0030] Finally, as can be seen in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the use of fewer lifting wedges (3a) makes it possible to obtain a wider range of food slice thicknesses, which gives the present invention greater versatility. This is due to the fact that the profile (2c) of the rotating disc (2) can contain a leveling bearing (2d) in the fixing area (2f) and on the perimeter of the rotation hole (2g) of the rotating disc, which levels the elevation of the cutting edge (4a) of the blade (4) on the upper face (2a) of the rotating disc (2), as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, preferably on the lower face (2b) of the rotating disc (2), although it could also be incorporated into the upper face (2a) of the rotating disc (2).

[0031] For example, with a lifting wedge height (3a) of 1 mm and an inclination of 21° without leveling support (2d) ([Fig. 1]), 1 mm thick slices are obtained. Using a lifting wedge height (3a) of 2 mm with an inclination of 23° y without leveling support (2d), 2 mm thick slices are obtained. Using a lifting wedge height (3a) of 3 mm with an inclination of 23° y without leveling support (2d), 3 mm thick slices are obtained. Furthermore, if we use rotating discs (2) with a leveling bearing (2d) of 3 mm height, we obtain: 4 mm slice thickness with a height of the lifting wedge (3a) of 1 mm and 21° of inclination, 5 mm slice thickness with a height of the lifting wedge (3a) of 2 mm and 23° of inclination and 6 mm slice thickness with a height of the lifting wedge (3a) of 3 mm and 23° of inclination.Therefore, six different thicknesses of food slices can be obtained using three lifting wedges (3a). Thanks to this advantageous additional feature, the present invention possesses versatility and ease of use, making it possible to obtain a specific slice thickness without damaging the food while improving its presentation.

[0032] Possible variations in the materials, shape, size and arrangement of the constituent elements, which are described here in a non-exhaustive manner, do not essentially alter the present invention, the latter being sufficient to proceed with its reproduction by an expert.

[0033] Nomenclature

[0034] The references indicated in the figures are as follows: 1. Advanced detachable cutting assembly 2. Rotating disc 2a. Upper surface 2b. Lower surface 2c. Profile of the rotating disk (2) 2d. Leveling platform 2nd Window 2f. Rotating disc mounting area (2) 2f.l. Rotating disc mounting holes (2) 2g. Rotating hole 3. Fin 3a. Lifting wedge 3b. Fixing area 3c. Insertion ring 3d. Fin attachment holes (3) 3e. Nuts 4. Blade 4a. Cutting edge 5. Safety component 5a. Safety part attachment holes (5) 6. Connecting elements 7. Rotation axis of the cutting machine

Claims

Demands

1. An improved detachable cutting assembly (1) of those used on food slicing machines, comprising a rotating disc (2) with a window (2e) and a rotation hole (2g) connected to the rotation axis of the cutting machine (7), in which is inserted, on the underside (2b) of the rotating disc (2), a fin radially connected to the rotation axis of the cutting machine (7) through its insertion ring (3c), characterized in that the fin (3) comprises: - a mounting area (3b) into which at least one nut (3e) is integrated and which includes at least one attachment hole (3d) coinciding with at least one nut (3e), and - a lifting wedge (3a) onto which a blade (4) is partially integrated, the cutting edge (4a) of the blade (4) remaining projecting on the upper side (2a) of the rotating disc (2) through the window (2e) of the rotating disk (2),and the mounting area (3b) of the fin (3) remaining below the mounting area (2f) of the rotating disc (2), said mounting area (2f) of the rotating disc (2) having at least one attachment hole (2f.l) coinciding with the attachment hole (3d) and the nut (3e) of the fin (3) and capable of fixing the entire assembly by means of connecting elements (6).

2. Improved detachable cutting assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the window (2e) of the rotating disc (2) has a size and geometry corresponding to the size and geometry of the lifting wedge (3a) of the fin (3).

3. An improved detachable cutting assembly (1) according to the preceding claims, characterized in that an incorporated part (5) is incorporated at the level of the fixing area (2f) of the rotating disc (2) and backed against the lifting wedge (3a), comprising at least one attachment hole (5a) coinciding with at least one attachment hole (2f.l) of the rotating disc (2) and at least one attachment hole (3d), and a nut (3e) of the fin (3).

4. An improved detachable cutting assembly (1) according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile (2c) of the rotating disc (2) can contain a leveling bearing (2d) in the mounting area (2f) and the perimeter of the rotation hole (2g) of the rotating disc (2) which levels the elevation of the cutting edge (4a) of the blade (4) on the face upper (2a) of the rotating disk (2).

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