Foodstuff cutting device

Abstract

To provide a foodstuff cutting device having a simple structure that can maintain accuracy in cutting a foodstuff.SOLUTION: In a foodstuff cutting device, which comprises a feeding device that feeds a foodstuff and a cutting work part having a cutting blade for cutting the foodstuff and is configured to cut a tip part of the foodstuff fed from the feeding device, by relatively moving the feeding device and the cutting blade, lower parts of left and right support members 60L and 60R arranged with an interval are connected to each other by a plurality of first connection members 61D and upper parts of the left and right support members 60L and 60R are connected to each other by a second connection member 61U, and the cutting work part supported across the left and right support members 60L and 60R is arranged at a position among the first connection members 61D and the second connection member 61U.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a food cutting device for cutting chunks of food. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART As a conventional food cutting device, a meat cutting device that thinly slices a block of raw meat (an example of "food" in the present invention) is known. This meat cutting device is equipped with a cutting work section having a feeding device that feeds chilled chunks of raw meat toward the cutting blade, and a cutting blade that cuts off the tip of the meat fed from the feeding device. The feed device is configured to swing the tip portion up and down around a swing fulcrum shaft in the left-right direction.

[0003] The cutting blade is an endless band blade wound around left and right pulleys arranged at a distance from each other, and is configured so that the cutting blade moves in a circular motion by rotating one of the left and right pulleys. As a result, the meat supplied to the feeding device is fed out at predetermined lengths (set thicknesses), and the tip of the fed meat comes into contact with the cutting blade as the feeding device swings upward, is cut, and is then cut onto the conveyor.

[0004] Such a meat cutting device is disclosed in Prior Art Document 1. The meat cutting device disclosed in the prior art document 1 has left and right support members (pillars 2) erected on the left and right sides of the machine base (machine base 1) that are away from the range of up and down swing of the feeding device (meat box 3), and the rear part of the feeding device (meat box 3) is supported on the upper ends of these left and right support members by a swing fulcrum shaft (support shaft 9) so that it can swing freely up and down (see Figures 1 and 2). In addition, the bearing portions of the left and right rotating members (pulleys 17) are supported at the locations on the machine base where the left and right support members are provided, and endless cutting blades (band knives 13) are wrapped around these left and right rotating members (as shown in Figure 2). The left or right rotating member is moved laterally together with the bearing portion, widening the gap between the left and right rotating members and tensioning the cutting blade. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-239853 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the meat cutting device disclosed in the above-mentioned prior art document 1, the cutting blade (band knife 13) needs to be tensioned so that it can be used for cutting. Furthermore, this load increases when the cutting operation begins, and a load is applied in a direction that pulls the bearings of the left and right rotating members (pulleys 17) toward each other. In addition, during the cutting operation, a block of meat weighing approximately 10 kg (approximately 20 kg in the case of a meat cutting device that supplies two rows of block meat) is supplied to the feeding device (meat box 3), and is forcibly swung back and forth in the vertical direction by driving the driving device (swing motor 12b). The number of up and down swings of this feed device can exceed 60 times per minute, which places a heavy load on the swing fulcrum shaft (support shaft 9) and other parts.

[0007] As a result, the position of the oscillating fulcrum axis is unstable due to the lack of rigidity of the left and right support members (pillars 2), and the positional relationship between the up and down oscillating trajectory of the tip of the feed device supported by this oscillating fulcrum axis and the cutting action position of the cutting blade is likely to change. This can lead to problems such as a decrease in cutting accuracy, such as an inability to ensure uniform thickness of the cut meat.

[0008] However, if reinforcing members are added inside the machine base (machine base 1) to increase the rigidity of the support members, production costs will increase. Also, for example, the layout and wiring of the drive unit and electrical components built into the machine base will become more complicated, which may result in problems such as reduced ease of assembly and maintenance of the meat cutting device itself.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art and to provide a food cutting device with a simple configuration that can maintain cutting accuracy for food such as meat. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the meat cutting device of the present invention is equipped with a cutting work unit having a feeding device that feeds food and a cutting blade that cuts the food, and is configured to cut the tip of the food fed from the feeding device by moving the feeding device and the cutting blade relative to each other, and the lower parts of left and right support members that are arranged at a distance from each other are connected by a plurality of first connecting members, and the upper parts of the left and right support members are connected by a second connecting member, and the cutting work unit that is supported between the left and right support members is positioned between the first connecting member and the second connecting member in the vertical direction.

[0011] In addition, multiple first connecting members are arranged at intervals in the front-to-rear direction, and the connection portions of the multiple first connecting members to the support member and the connection portions of the second connecting members to the support member are arranged, when viewed from the side, on an imaginary triangle with each connection portion as a vertex.

[0012] The left and right support members are provided with support parts that support the feed device so that it can swing up and down, and the left and right support members are connected to each other at positions above the support parts by a second connecting member.

[0013] In addition, the cutting blade is formed endless, and the left and right rotating members around which the cutting blade is wound are rotatably supported by bearing portions on the left and right support members, respectively, and the portions below the bearing portions on the left and right support members are connected by a first connecting member.

[0014] Furthermore, the left and right support members are formed in a box shape, and both left and right ends of the first connecting member and both left and right ends of the second connecting member are passed through the inner walls of the respective support members and fixed to the outer walls.

[0015] A control device that controls the operation of the cutting work unit is provided within one of the left and right support members, and a first drive device that drives the rotating member to rotate and a second drive device that drives the feed device to swing up and down are provided within the other of the left and right support members.

[0016] In addition, openings are formed in the outer walls of the left and right support members, and openable covers are provided to cover the left and right openings, so that opening the left and right covers makes the control device and the first and second drive devices accessible for maintenance.

[0017] Furthermore, a third connecting member is provided that connects the inner walls of the left and right support members and also communicates the internal spaces of the support members.

[0018] The food supply port provided at the feed start end of the feed device is opened at a position below the second connecting member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, a food cutting device that can maintain food cutting accuracy can be realized with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory cross-sectional side view of a meat cutting device (the "food cutting device" in the claims); [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a transmission mechanism of the meat cutting device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the cutting device of the meat cutting device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view for explaining a cutting section of the meat cutting device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory front view of a portion of the meat cutting device. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is an explanatory plan view of a cutting section of the meat cutting device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory side view of a cutting unit of the meat cutting device. [Figure 8] 1 is an explanatory side view of a piece of meat cut and folded by a meat cutting device. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the main frame of the meat cutting device as seen obliquely from the front. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a front view of the main frame of the meat cutting device. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the main frame of the meat cutting device. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the main frame of the meat cutting device. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the main frame of the meat cutting device. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a side view for explaining a main frame portion of the meat cutting device. [Figure 15] 15 is an explanatory side view showing a state in which a part of the cover is removed from FIG. 14. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining a cutaway view of the main part of the meat cutting device. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the meat cutting device as seen obliquely from the front. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the meat cutting device as seen from diagonally behind. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a meat cutting device according to a second embodiment, as seen obliquely from the front. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a meat cutting device according to a third embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the front. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In the embodiment for carrying out the present invention, a meat cutting device for cutting and processing chunks of raw meat ("food" in the claims, such as pork cutlets) is exemplified as an example of a food cutting device, and an example thereof will be described in detail below. For ease of explanation, the upstream side in the conveying direction of the meat being cut is defined as the "rear" side, the downstream side as the "front" side, and the left-hand side when facing the upstream side is defined as the "left" side and the right-hand side as the "right" side. Furthermore, the parts of this meat cutting device that come into contact with chunks of meat before cutting or cut pieces of meat, as well as at least the areas in their vicinity, and covers for each part, are made of stainless steel for hygienic reasons.

[0022] (Overall configuration of meat cutting device) As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the body of the meat cutting device (claimed as "food cutting device") 1 includes a supply unit 2, a cutting unit 3, a transfer unit 4, a folding unit 5, a conveying unit 6, and a control unit 7 that controls these. Of these, the supply unit 2 and the cutting unit 3 form a cutting operation unit 8.

[0023] (Supply Section Configuration) As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a wide driving roller 2B is supported at the rear of a rectangular frame 2A in plan view, and a wide driven roller 2C is supported at the front end thereof. A wide, endless supply belt 2D that forms the bottom surface of the supply unit 2 is wound around the drive roller 2B and driven roller 2C to form a supply device (referred to as a "feeding device" in claims) 2E. A flat plate-shaped loading plate 2F is provided at the rear end of the frame body 2A, and a supply electric motor 2G is provided below this loading plate 2F, and this supply electric motor 2G drives the above-mentioned drive roller 2B in conjunction with the motor via a gear transmission mechanism 2H. The rear part of the frame 2A is supported by a horizontal swing fulcrum shaft so that it can swing up and down. The structure of the support part by this swing fulcrum shaft will be described later.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1, 6, and 18, the frame body 2A has a top wall and left and right side walls 2I, and left and right supply chambers 2K are formed surrounded by these three walls, a removable central partition wall 2J, and a bottom supply belt 2D. From the supply ports 2S formed at the rear of the left and right supply chambers 2K, chunks of raw meat are supplied after being divided from the carcass and having bone fragments and sinews removed.

[0025] In addition, the left and right pressure plates 2L are inserted into the supply chamber 2K from the top openings at the front ends of the left and right supply chambers 2K, and left and right air cylinders 2M that press down the left and right pressure plates 2L are installed between the stays 2T raised from the frame body 2A and the left and right pressure plates 2L. These left and right pressure plates 2L are provided to press the leading ends of the two rows of chunks of meat sent out from the supply chamber 2K by the intermittent drive of the supply device 2E by extending the air cylinder 2M just before cutting, thereby cutting them accurately. The supply unit 2 is constructed as described above.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 14 and 15, the tip of a crank arm 10, which is driven to rotate by an electric swing motor (the "second drive device" in the claims) 9 fixed to a support frame described later, is axially connected to the lower part of the frame body 2A by a length-adjustable linking rod 11. As shown in Fig. 1, a connecting frame on the support frame side (this connecting frame will be described later) and the lower part of the frame body 2A are pivotally connected by a gas spring 12. This gas spring 12 biases the frame body 2A in the upward direction, reducing the load on the electric motor 9 for swinging.

[0027] (Configuration of cutting part) As shown in Figures 3, 4, 6, and 7, an endless strip-shaped cutting blade 15 is wound around a drive pulley (the "(right) rotating member" in the claims) 14R rotatably supported by a bearing (the "bearing portion" in the claims) 13R on the right support frame, and a driven pulley (the "(left) rotating member" in the claims) 14L rotatably supported by a bearing 13L on the left support frame, to form a cutting device 16.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, an electric cutting motor (referred to as a "first driving device" in claims) 15M that rotates and drives the driving pulley 14R is built into the right support frame. As shown in FIG. 3, a right bearing 13R is provided to support a rotary shaft (drive shaft) 14RJ of the drive pulley 14R, and a left bearing 13L is provided to support a rotary shaft (driven shaft) 14LJ of the driven pulley 14L. The right bearing 13R and the left bearing 13L are fixed to the right support plate 17R and the left support plate 17L, respectively, which are arranged below the drive pulley 14R and the driven pulley 14L, and are fixed to the left and right support frames via the left and right support plates 17L, 17R.

[0029] The left and right support plates 17R, 17L are connected by an upper connecting member 16U and a lower connecting member 16D, and a sliding guide member 20 is fixed to each of the upper and lower connecting members 16U, 16D to slide and guide the cutting blade 15 and prevent deviation of the circular movement trajectory. Left and right cleaning members 16WL, 16WR are fixed to the lower inner parts of the left and right support plates 17L, 17R, respectively, and are equipped with scrapers that scrape off meat scraps and grease adhering to the cutting blade 15 and nozzles that spray a gas-liquid mixed fluid onto the cutting blade 15 to clean it.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, a contact plate 19 is disposed on a frame member 18 attached to the tip (front end) of the frame body 2A in the supply unit 2, and the position (distance) of the contact plate 19 can be adjusted in the front-rear direction. This abutment plate 19 is supported on the body side of the meat cutting device 1 and is positioned opposite the frame-shaped member 18 when the supply unit 2 reaches the lower limit of its up-down swing, and abuts and supports the tip of the chunk of meat delivered by the supply unit 2E.

[0031] Above the rear surface of the contact plate 19 and spaced apart by a distance T, there is disposed a cutting area for the cutting blade 15, the trajectory of which is restricted by a sliding guide member 20 on the machine body side. Thus, the cutting device 16 and the contact plate 19 form the cutting section 3, and the cutting section 3 and the supply section 2 form the cutting work section 8.

[0032] (Configuration of the handover section) As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 7, a transfer section 4 having bilaterally symmetrical transfer conveyance devices 21 is disposed in front of the contact plate 19. This transfer conveying device 21 is configured by providing a large number of left and right turntables 23L, 23R, each with a large number of protrusions formed on its outer periphery, spaced apart in the left-right direction on left and right rotating shafts 22L, 22R, and by inserting a portion of each outer periphery of these turntables 23L, 23R into a large number of vertical slits formed on the top of the above-mentioned abutment plate 19. Also provided are left and right takeover electric motors 24 that rotate and drive the left and right rotary shafts 22L, 22R via gear transmission mechanisms 22A.

[0033] (Configuration of the folding part) As shown in FIGS. 2, 5 to 7, and 8, the folding unit 5 is disposed behind the transfer conveyance device 21. The folding section 5 is provided with a mechanism for reciprocatingly rotating a large number of thin rods 28 attached to left and right rotating shafts 27L, 27R by means of left and right folding rotary tables 26L, 26R. Also, a mechanism is provided for sliding the rotation shafts 27L, 27R together with the folding rotary tables 26L, 26R in a rearward upward inclined direction by air cylinders 25L, 25R. The left and right pressing members 29AL, 29AR equipped with curved linear springs 29 are raised and lowered by air cylinders 30L, 30R to press and release the upper surfaces of the meat pieces m cut in two rows on the left and right against the upper surface of the conveying section 6. These mechanisms are provided symmetrically on the left and right.

[0034] Furthermore, as will be described later, a mechanism for moving the starting end of the conveying section 6 up and down is provided. The left and right thin rods 28 rotate back and forth from a position where they are retracted within the left and right spaces between the left and right turntables 23L, 23R of the above-mentioned transfer conveying device 21 to a position where they approach the top surface of the starting end of the conveying section 6 by driving the left and right folding rotary tables 26L, 26R in forward and reverse directions.

[0035] In the cutting operation, two chunks of raw meat are supplied from the supply port 2S to the left and right supply chambers 2K, respectively, and the meat is fed intermittently at a predetermined pitch by the supply device 2E. Then, the leading end of the meat delivered from the supply device 2E is positioned by abutting it against the contact plate 19, and the part of the meat in the two rows that protrudes from the front of the frame-shaped member 18 is cut by abutting it against the cutting blade 15 as the supply device 2E swings upward. The cut left and right meat pieces m pass through the gap T and are transferred onto the left and right turntables 23L, 23R, and are transported forward by the rotation of the turntables 23L, 23R.

[0036] During this forward transport, the retracted thin rods 28 rotate forward, and the tips of the thin rods 28 thrust up the middle portions in the front-rear direction of the pieces of meat m on the turntables 23L, 23R. The pushed up piece of meat m is supported by its own weight in a state where it hangs down on both the front and rear sides of the thin rod 28. When the thin rod 28 swings downward and approaches the upper surface of the starting end of the conveying section 6, the piece of meat m that is supported by the thin rod 28 and folded in half is placed on the upper surface of the starting end of the conveying section 6.

[0037] The placed left and right pieces of meat m are pressed down by the left and right pressing members 29AL, 29AR by the extension of the left and right air cylinders 30L, 30R. In this state, the left and right air cylinders 25L, 25R are operated to slide the thin rod 28 together with the left and right folding rotary tables 26L, 26R in a downwardly inclined rearward direction, and the thin rod 28 is removed from between the folded pieces of meat m. Thereafter, the left and right air cylinders 30L, 30R are contracted to cause the linear spring 29 to push away the upper surface of the meat piece m, while the left and right pressing members 29AL, 29AR are raised and retracted, completing the placement of the folded meat piece m.

[0038] As shown in Figure 8, by repeating the above operation, multiple folded pieces of meat m (six pieces in this example) are arranged side by side on the conveying section 6 (on the upper surface of the rear end of the conveyor belt 43 described later), and two rows of assemblies M are formed.

[0039] (Conveyor configuration) As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7, the transfer section 6 is provided with a transfer conveyor 31. That is, a mounting frame 35 is supported by a sliding frame 33 mounted on a machine base frame 32 so as to be slidable and positionable back and forth via front and rear link mechanisms 34, and the transport conveyor 31 is mounted on this mounting frame 35.

[0040] That is, a frame member 36F is fixed to the front of the mounting frame 35, and the rear of a conveyor frame 37 in the front-rear direction is fixed to the top of this frame member 36F, and this conveyor frame 37 is extended forward. An endless conveyor belt 43 is wound around a group of rollers 38 provided at the rear end of the conveyor frame 37, floating rollers 39 provided in the middle, floating rollers 40 provided at the front end, and a drive roller 42 that is driven to rotate by a conveying electric motor 41 attached to the frame member 36F.

[0041] The roller group 38 is configured such that the rear end roller 38B is rotatably supported on a left-right swing shaft 38J supported on the conveyor frame 37, and the lower roller 38C, the middle roller 38D, and the front end roller 38E are rotatably supported on a swing arm 38A supported coaxially with the swing shaft 38J so as to be able to swing up and down.

[0042] The swing arm 38A is configured to swing up and down by the expansion and contraction action of an air cylinder 38S that is pivotally connected across the frame member 36F and the swing arm 38A. When the air cylinder 38S is extended, the swing arm 38A swings up and down, while the rear roller 38B remains stationary, and the upper surface of the rear end (the conveying start end) of the conveyor belt 43, which is wound around the middle roller 38D and the front roller 38E, moves up and down.

[0043] During the cutting operation, when the thin rod 28 swings downward and approaches the upper surface of the rear end of the conveyor belt 43, the upper surface of the rear end of the conveyor belt 43 rises, and the piece of meat m, which has been supported by the thin rod 28 and folded in half, is received by the upper surface of the rear end of the conveyor belt 43 and transported forward. The above-mentioned takeover transport device 21 is also supported by a frame member 36R fixed to the rear part of the mounting frame 35.

[0044] (Control unit) The control unit 7 includes a control device 44 housed in a left support frame, which will be described later, and this control device 44 controls the operating state of the cutting operation unit 8 described above. That is, the control device 44 outputs control signals to actuators such as the supply electric motor 2G, air cylinder 2M, swing electric motor 9, cutting electric motor 15M, handover electric motor 24, air cylinders 25L, 25R, folding rotary tables 26L, 26R, air cylinders 30L, 30R, air cylinder 38S, and transport electric motor 41.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, an operation box 49 having a display panel 45, an emergency stop switch 46, a start switch 47 and a stop switch 48 on the front surface is disposed above the cutting unit 3 or the takeover unit 4. The devices in this operation box 49 and the above-mentioned control device 44 are connected by a harness 50.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 18, an emergency stop switch 46, a stop switch 48, a removal / insertion switch 52, and a power switch 53 are arranged on the upper rear surface of the right support frame. Electricity is supplied from the factory's power source, and compressed air supplied to the air cylinder is supplied from the factory equipment by connecting a hose to an intake pipe 51 installed at the rear end of the right side of the aircraft.

[0047] (Mainframe of meat cutting machine) Now, the structure of the main frame of the meat cutting device 1 including the above-mentioned support frame will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0048] (Left and right support frames) As shown in FIGS. 9 to 13, left and right support frames ("support members" in claims) 60L, 60R formed in a box shape from stainless steel are arranged spaced apart in the left-right direction. The left and right support frames 60L, 60R are formed in shapes that are approximately symmetrical to each other.

[0049] That is, the left support frame 60L is formed by joining an outer wall panel 60LE and an inner wall panel 60LI, which have seven corners and are tapered upward, with a bottom wall panel 60LD, a front lower wall panel 60LF continuing from the front end of the bottom wall panel 60LD, a front inclined wall panel 60LS continuing from the upper end of the front lower wall panel 60LF, a front upper wall panel 60LU continuing from the upper end of the front inclined wall panel 60LS, an upper wall panel 60LT continuing from the upper end of the front upper wall panel 60LU, a rear inclined wall panel 60LV continuing from the rear end of the upper wall panel 60LT, and a rear lower wall panel 60LB continuing from the lower end of the rear inclined wall panel 60LV to the rear end of the bottom wall panel 60LD.

[0050] The bottom wall panel 60LD is in a substantially horizontal position, the front lower wall panel 60LF stands in a substantially vertical position, the front inclined wall panel 60LS is gently inclined upward at the rear, the front upper wall panel 60LU stands in a substantially vertical position, the upper wall panel 60LT is in a substantially horizontal position, the rear inclined wall panel 60LV is steeply inclined downward at the rear, and the rear lower wall panel 60LB stands in a substantially vertical position. A space KL is formed inside the left support frame 60L formed in a box shape in this way.

[0051] Similarly, the right support frame 60R is also formed by joining an outer wall panel 60RE and an inner wall panel 60RI, each having seven corners and tapering upward, with a bottom wall panel 60RD, a front lower wall panel 60RF continuing from the front end of the bottom wall panel 60RD, a front inclined wall panel 60RS continuing from the upper end of the front lower wall panel 60RF, a front upper wall panel 60RU continuing from the upper end of the front inclined wall panel 60RS, an upper wall panel 60RT continuing from the upper end of the front upper wall panel 60RU, a rear inclined wall panel 60RV continuing from the rear end of the upper wall panel 60RT, and a rear lower wall panel 60RB continuing from the lower end of the rear inclined wall panel 60RV to the rear end of the bottom wall panel 60RD.

[0052] The bottom wall plate 60RD is in a substantially horizontal position, the front lower wall plate 60RF stands in a substantially vertical position, the front inclined wall plate 60RS is gently inclined upward at the rear, the front upper wall plate 60RU stands in a substantially vertical position, the upper wall plate 60RT is in a substantially horizontal position, the rear inclined wall plate 60RV is steeply inclined downward at the rear, and the rear lower wall plate 60RB stands in a substantially vertical position. A space KR is formed inside the right support frame 60R formed in a box shape in this way.

[0053] (First connecting member) The left and right support frames 60L, 60R formed as described above are connected by a plurality of connecting frames in the left-right direction. Part of this connecting frame is a cylindrical (round pipe-shaped) lower connecting frame (the "first connecting member" in the claims) 61D that connects the lower parts of the left and right support frames 60L, 60R, and is mainly composed of a front lower connecting frame 61DF and a rear lower connecting frame 61DR.

[0054] The left and right ends of the front lower connecting frame 61DF and the rear lower connecting frame 61DR are passed through holes formed in the inner wall plate 60LI of the left support frame 60L and the inner wall plate 60RI of the right support frame 60R, abutted against the inner surfaces of the outer wall plates 60LE and 60RE, respectively, and fixed by bolting, welding, etc.

[0055] At both left and right ends of the front lower connecting frame 61DF and the rear lower connecting frame 61DR, the portions passing through holes formed in the inner wall plates 60LI and 60RI may be welded all around to secure the frames. In addition, the left and right ends of the square cylindrical (square pipe) connecting frame 61D1, which is arranged above the front side of the front lower connecting frame 61DF, are abutted and fixed against the inner wall panel 60LI of the left support frame 60L and the inner wall panel 60RI of the right support frame 60R, respectively.

[0056] With the above configuration, the lower portions of the left and right support frames 60L, 60R are firmly connected to each other. A stay 62 having a substantially vertical surface is fixed across both left and right sides of the front surface of the connecting frame 61D1 and the front lower connecting frame 61DF. The rear end of the machine frame 32 is connected to this stay 62 .

[0057] (Second connecting member) The upper ends of the left and right support frames 60L, 60R are connected by an upper connecting frame (referred to as a "second connecting member" in claims) 61U in the left-right direction. That is, the left and right ends of this upper connecting frame 61U are passed through holes formed in the inner wall panel 60LI of the left support frame 60L and the inner wall panel 60RI of the right support frame 60R, abutted against the inner surfaces of the outer wall panels 60LE and 60RE, respectively, and fixed by bolting or welding, etc.

[0058] At both left and right ends of the upper connecting frame 61U, the portions passing through holes formed in the inner wall plates 60LI and 60RI may be welded all around to be fixed. This upper connecting frame 61U connects the left and right support frames 60L, 60R at corner portions close to the inner surfaces of the front upper wall panel 60LU and upper wall panel 60LT of the left support frame 60L, and at corner portions close to the inner surfaces of the front upper wall panel 60RU and upper wall panel 60RT of the right support frame 60R. Furthermore, this upper connection frame 61U may be configured not only by one but also by a plurality of connection frames. With the above configuration, the upper portions of the left and right support frames 60L, 60R are firmly connected to each other.

[0059] As a result, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the connection portion P1 of the front lower connecting frame 61DF relative to the support frames 60L, 60R, the connection portion P2 of the rear lower connecting frame 61DR relative to the support frames 60L, 60R, and the connection portion P3 of the upper connecting frame 61U relative to the support frames 60L, 60R are arranged on an imaginary triangle D with each connection portion P1, P2, P3 as vertices when viewed from the side (left and right outer sides). Specifically, the center points P1C, P2C, and P3C of the connecting portions P1, P2, and P3, which form a circle in a side view, are located on the imaginary triangle D.

[0060] It is advisable to place each of the center points P1C, P2C, and P3C on an isosceles triangle or a virtual triangle D that is similar to this. This increases the rigidity of the entire frame, which is mainly composed of the left and right support frames 60L, 60R. That is, based on the fact that one plane is defined by three points in three-dimensional coordinates, the left and right support frames 60L, 60R are connected at three locations (three connecting parts P1, P2, P3) or three points (center points P1C, P2C, P3C) by the front lower connecting frame 61DF, the rear lower connecting frame 61DR, and the upper connecting frame 61U, which are equal in left-right length. As a result, the inner wall plate 60LI of the left support frame 60L and the inner wall plate 60RI of the right support frame 60R are set on two planes parallel to each other, and the positional relationship is stabilized. As a result, the rigidity of the entire frame, which is mainly composed of the left and right support frames 60L, 60R, is increased.

[0061] (Third connecting member) In addition, the left and right ends of the cylindrical (round pipe-shaped) connecting frame (the "third connecting member" in the claims) 61D2, which is arranged above the connecting frame 61D1, are fixed in a state where they penetrate through the inner wall panel 60LI of the left support frame 60L and the inner wall panel 60RI of the right support frame 60R, respectively. The internal space of this connecting frame 61D2 connects the spaces KL, KR within the left and right support frames 60L, 60R, allowing wiring such as harnesses to span both spaces KL, KR.

[0062] In addition, the left and right ends of a cylindrical (round pipe-shaped) connecting frame (the "third connecting member" in the claims) 61D3, which is arranged above the rear lower connecting frame 61DR, are fixed in a state where they penetrate through the inner wall panel 60LI of the left support frame 60L and the inner wall panel 60RI of the right support frame 60R, respectively. The internal space of this connecting frame 61D3 also connects the spaces KL, KR within the left and right support frames 60L, 60R, making it possible to wire harnesses and the like across both spaces KL, KR.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 11, the connection frame 61D3 and the rear lower connection frame 61DR are connected by four stays 63 arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the left and right ends of a square cylindrical (square pipe) connecting frame 61D4 arranged above the connecting frame 61D3 are abutted and fixed to the inner wall plate 60LI of the left support frame 60L and the inner wall plate 60RI of the right support frame 60R, respectively. The base of the gas spring 12 is attached to the mounting seat 12A fixed on the connecting frame 61D4 via a stay 12S. The above configuration also contributes to increasing the rigidity of the entire frame, which is mainly composed of the left and right support frames 60L and 60R.

[0064] (Support of swing fulcrum shaft) A left-right swing fulcrum shaft 64 is provided at the rear of the frame body 2A in the supply section 2 to support the frame body 2A so that it can swing freely up and down, and bearings 65 supporting both left and right ends of this swing fulcrum shaft 64 are supported by left and right support frames 60L, 60R, respectively. That is, left and right bosses ("support portions" in the claims) 66L, 66R protrude inward from the inner surfaces of the inner wall panel 60LI of the left support frame 60L and the inner wall panel 60RI of the right support frame 60R, respectively, and bearings 65 are fitted into these left and right bosses 66L, 66R. Then, the left and right ends of the swing fulcrum shaft 64 are fitted into the inner rings of the left and right bearings 65 .

[0065] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 18, the outer rings of bearings 65 may be fixed to both the left and right sides of the frame body 2A, and a shaft (or shaft cylinder) 67 fitted and fixed to the left and right bosses 66L, 66R may be fitted into the inner ring of this bearing 65. With either support structure, the supply device 2E can be supported in the space between the left and right support frames 60L, 60R so as to be able to swing up and down.

[0066] The left and right bosses 66L, 66R are disposed below and rearward of the upper connection frame 61U in a side view. That is, the upper front portions of the left and right bosses 66L, 66R of the left and right support frames 60L, 60R are connected by the upper connecting frame 61U. Furthermore, the left and right support frames 60L, 60R are connected to each other at their locations below the left and right bearings 13L, 13R by a lower connecting frame 61D.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 18, when the supply device 2E is supported in the space between the left and right support frames 60L, 60R so as to be able to swing up and down, the supply port 2S at the rear of the supply device 2E opens to a position below the upper connecting frame 61U. This makes it difficult for an operator to reach the cutting unit 3 over the upper connecting frame 61U when supplying meat from the supply port 2S onto the placement plate 2F, thereby improving work safety.

[0068] (Support for cut section) The left support plate 17L, to which the left bearing 13L of the cutting device 16 is fixed, is placed on and fixed to the front inclined wall plate 60LS of the left support frame 60L. As a result, the left bearing 13L enters the space KL formed inside the left support frame 60L through the rectangular opening 60LSH formed in the front inclined wall plate 60LS.

[0069] Further, the right support plate 17R to which the right bearing 13R is fixed is placed on and fixed to the front inclined wall plate 60RS of the right support frame 60R. As a result, the right bearing 13R enters the space KR formed inside the right support frame 60R through the rectangular opening 60RSH formed in the front inclined wall plate 60RS. As a result of the above, a cutting work unit 8 consisting of a supply unit 2 having a supply device (referred to as a "feeding device" in the claims) 2E and a cutting unit 3 having a cutting blade 15 is positioned between the lower connecting frame 61D and the upper connecting frame 61U in the vertical direction.

[0070] During cutting operation, the tension of the cutting blade 15 acts strongly between the bearing 13R of the driving pulley 14R and the bearing 13L of the driven pulley 14L in the cutting section 3, and the vertical swing of the supply device 2E places a heavy load on the swing fulcrum shaft 64 and other parts. However, since the cutting work unit 8 is supported by the left and right support frames 60L, 60R, which have increased rigidity due to the configuration described above, the position of the swing fulcrum shaft 64 is stabilized, and the positional relationship between the up and down swing trajectory of the tip of the supply device 2E supported by this swing fulcrum shaft 64 and the cutting action position of the cutting blade 15 is less likely to change. This improves cutting accuracy and makes the thickness of the cut meat m uniform.

[0071] (Arrangement of each electric motor) As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the cutting electric motor 15M that rotates the drive pulley 14R of the cutting device 16 is fixed along the underside of the front inclined wall panel 60RS in the space KR formed inside the right support frame 60R. As a result, the cutting motor 15M is housed in the space KR inside the right support frame 60R. Further, the electric motor 9 for swinging the supply unit 2 up and down is disposed in the space KR inside the right support frame 60R and fixed to the outer surface of the inner wall plate 60RI of this right support frame 60R.

[0072] (Location of control device) The above-mentioned control device 44 is disposed in the internal space KL of the left support frame 60L, and is fixed to the inner wall plate 60LI of this support frame 60L via a stay.

[0073] (Opening of the support frame) As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the outer wall plate 60LE of the left support frame 60L and the outer wall plate 60RE of the right support frame 60R are cut out along the shapes of the support frames to form left and right openings 68L, 68R. As shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, left and right covers 69L, 69R that cover the left and right openings 68L, 68R are attached so as to be able to be opened and closed freely by vertical hinges 70L, 70R provided at the rear end portions.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 14, when the right cover 69R is open, the electric motor 9 for swinging is exposed, and maintenance of the electric motor 9 for swinging and its surroundings can be easily performed. Furthermore, maintenance of the equipment and the like supported by the stays 71 provided in the space KR can be easily performed.

[0075] A cover plate 72 for reducing the influence of cleaning water and the like on the electric cutting motor 15M is detachably attached to a position that covers the outside of the electric cutting motor 15M in the right-side opening 68R. By removing the cover plate 72 from the mounted state shown in FIG. 14, the lower half of the electric cutting motor 15M is exposed as shown in FIG. 15, allowing maintenance of the electric cutting motor 15M to be performed.

[0076] Although not shown in the figure, when the left cover 69L is opened, the control device 44 housed in the space KL inside the left support frame 60L is exposed, allowing maintenance of this control device 44 and its surrounding area to be performed.

[0077] (Mounting of equipment on support frame) As shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, an elongated hole 73 for allowing the intake pipe 51 to protrude upward is formed in the upper wall plate 60RT of the right support frame 60R. As shown in Figures 11, 12 and 18, a rectangular opening 74K is formed in the rear inclined wall panel 60RV of the right support frame 60R for mounting a switch panel 74 equipped with the aforementioned power switch 53 and the like.

[0078] (exterior cover, etc.) As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a center cover 75C is provided to cover the transition section 4, the folding section 5, and the rear end (transport start end) of the transport section 6 from above. Left and right side covers 75L, 75R that cover the left and right sides of the cutting section 3 are attached to the left and right sides of the center cover 75C by vertical hinges 76L, 76R provided at the rear end so as to be freely openable in the left and right direction. A container 76Y for temporarily storing scrap meat that flows down from the cutting section 3 is provided on the lower front side of the right side cover 75R.

[0079] (Another embodiment of the meat cutting device) As shown in Figures 19 and 20, work tables 77L and 77R may be attached to both the left and right sides of the transport conveyor 31, and an upper work table 79 may be provided that is supported by front and rear support arms 78 from the left work table 77L. The assembly M is scooped up from the transport conveyor 31 and placed on a tray, and the tray can be placed on the work benches 77L, 77R and the upper work bench 79 while work is being carried out.

[0080] (Addendum) The technical concepts that can be understood from the above embodiment will be described below.

[0081] (Appendix 1) A food cutting device equipped with a feeding device that feeds food and a cutting unit having a cutting blade that cuts the food, and configured to cut the tip of the food fed from the feeding device by moving the feeding device and the cutting blade relative to each other, characterized in that the lower parts of left and right support members arranged at a distance from each other are connected by a plurality of first connecting members, and the upper parts of the left and right support members are connected by a second connecting member, and the cutting unit supported between the left and right support members is positioned between the first connecting member and the second connecting member in the vertical direction.

[0082] (Appendix 2) A food cutting device as described in Appendix 1, in which a plurality of first connecting members are arranged at intervals in the front-to-rear direction, and the connection portions of the plurality of first connecting members to the support member and the connection portions of the second connecting members to the support member are arranged, when viewed from the side, on an imaginary triangle with each connection portion as a vertex.

[0083] (Appendix 3) A food cutting device as described in Appendix 2, in which the left and right support members are provided with support parts that support the feed device so that it can swing freely up and down, and the upper portions of the support parts on the left and right support members are connected by a second connecting member.

[0084] (Appendix 4) A food cutting device as described in Appendix 3, in which the cutting blade is formed endless, the left and right rotating members around which the cutting blade is wrapped are supported rotatably by bearing portions on the left and right support members, and the lower portions of the bearing portions on the left and right support members are connected by a first connecting member.

[0085] (Appendix 5) A food cutting device as described in Appendix 4, in which the left and right support members are formed in a box shape, and the left and right ends of the first connecting member and the left and right ends of the second connecting member are fixed to the outer walls by passing through the inner walls of each support member.

[0086] (Appendix 6) A food cutting device as described in Appendix 5, in which a control device for controlling the operation of the cutting unit is provided within one of the left and right support members, and a first drive device for driving the rotating member to rotate and a second drive device for driving the feed device to swing up and down are provided within the other of the left and right support members.

[0087] (Appendix 7) A food cutting device as described in Appendix 6, in which openings are formed in the outer walls of the left and right support members, and openable covers are provided to cover the left and right openings, so that opening the left and right covers makes the control device, the first drive device, and the second drive device accessible for maintenance.

[0088] (Appendix 8) A food cutting device as described in any one of appendices 1 to 7, further comprising a third connecting member that connects the inner walls of the left and right support members and communicates the internal spaces of each support member.

[0089] (Appendix 9) A food cutting device as described in Appendix 8, wherein the food supply port provided at the feed start end of the feed device is opened at a position below the second connecting member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1. Meat cutting device (food cutting device) 2E Supply device (feeder) 2S supply port 8 Cutting section 9. Swing electric motor (second drive unit) 13R Right side bearing (right side bearing part) 13L Left bearing (left bearing part) 14R Drive pulley (right rotating part) 14L Driven pulley (left rotating part) 15 Cutting blade 15M Cutting electric motor (first drive unit) 60L Left support frame (left support member) 60R Right support frame (right support member) 61D Lower connecting frame (first connecting member) 61DF Front lower connecting frame (first connecting member) 61DR Rear lower connecting frame (first connecting member) 61U Upper connecting frame (second connecting member) 61D2 Connecting frame (third connecting member) 61D3 Connecting frame (third connecting member) 66L Left boss (support part) 66R Right side boss (support part) 68L Left side opening 68R Right side opening 69L Left cover 69R right cover D Virtual triangle KL space KR space P1 connection part P1C Center point of P1 P2 connection part P2C Center point of P2 P3 connection part P3C Center point of P3

Claims

1. A food cutting device comprising a cutting unit having a feeding device for feeding food and a cutting blade for cutting the food, and configured to cut the tip of the food fed from the feeding device by moving the feeding device and the cutting blade relative to each other, characterized in that the lower parts of left and right support members arranged at a distance from each other are connected by a plurality of first connecting members, and the upper parts of the left and right support members are connected by a second connecting member, and the cutting unit, which is supported between the left and right support members, is located between the first connecting members and the second connecting members in the vertical direction.

2. The food cutting device of claim 1, wherein the multiple first connecting members are arranged at intervals in the front-to-rear direction, and the connection portions of the multiple first connecting members to the support member and the connection portions of the second connecting members to the support member are arranged, when viewed from the side, on an imaginary triangle with each connection portion as a vertex.

3. 3. A food cutting device as described in claim 2, wherein the left and right support members are provided with support portions for supporting the feed device so that it can swing up and down freely, and the upper portions of the support portions on the left and right support members are connected by the second connecting member.

4. A food cutting device as described in claim 3, wherein the cutting blade is formed endless, the left and right rotating members around which the cutting blade is wound are supported rotatably by bearing portions on the left and right support members, and the first connecting member connects the lower portions of the bearing portions on the left and right support members.

5. 5. A food cutting device as described in claim 4, wherein the left and right support members are formed in a box shape, and the left and right ends of the first connecting member and the left and right ends of the second connecting member are fixed to the outer walls by penetrating the inner walls of each support member.

6. A food cutting device as described in claim 5, wherein a control device for controlling the operation of the cutting unit is provided within one of the left and right support members, and a first drive unit for rotating the rotating member and a second drive unit for swinging the feed device up and down are provided within the other of the left and right support members.

7. The food cutting device of claim 6, wherein an opening is formed in each of the outer walls of the left and right support members, and an openable cover is provided to cover the left and right openings, and the control device, the first drive device, and the second drive device are made accessible for maintenance by opening the left and right covers.

8. 8. The food cutting device according to claim 1, further comprising a third connecting member for connecting the inner walls of the left and right support members and communicating the internal spaces of the left and right support members.

9. 9. The food cutting device according to claim 8, wherein a food supply port provided at a feed start end of the feed device is opened at a position below the second connecting member.

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