Knife assembly of slicing machine, method of clamping and releasing knife therefrom, and slicing machine equipped therewith

Abstract

To provide knife assemblies for securing knives to slicing machines, slicing machines equipped with knife assemblies, and methods of operating knife assemblies for securing knives to and releasing knives from slicing machines.SOLUTION: A knife assembly 50 includes a knife holder 52 having a knife support surface 52A, a knife 56 supported on the knife support surface 52A, and a clamp 54 having a base portion 54B adjacent a trailing edge 76 of the clamp 54 and a knife-engaging portion 54A adjacent a leading edge of the clamp 54. The knife assembly 50 applies a clamping load to the clamp 54 to secure the knife 56 to the knife holder 52. The clamp 54 is prevented from translating relative to the knife 56 in a leading direction (arrow) of the knife assembly 50 as the clamping load is applied and / or permits removal of the clamp by being translated in the leading direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The benefit of priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 176,977 is claimed.

[0002] The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for cutting products, including slicing food products. Specifically, a knife assembly for fixing a knife to a slicing device, A slicing device having a knife assembly and a knife assembly for attaching and detaching the knife to the slicing device. Regarding operation methods. [Background technology]

[0003] For slicing, shredding, and dicing vegetables, fruits, dairy products, meat products, and other foods A variety of devices are known. A widely used device for this purpose is the Archer "Model CC (registered trademark)" from Le Laboratories, Inc. The Model CC series of machines are marketed under the brand name of the Centrifugal Slicer. This allows for high production capacity slicing of a variety of foods. The ZZ device is suitable for uniformly cutting rounds, strips, slivers, and cubes. The construction and implementation of the Model CC series devices are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,139,128. No. 3,139,129, U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,824, and U.S. Patent No. 6,968,765, U.S. Patent No. 7,658,133, U.S. Patent No. 8,161,856, U.S. Patent No. 9,193,086, U.S. Patent No. 10,456,943, U.S. Pat. No. 10,632,639 No. 6,299,133, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a typical slicer 10 of the Model CC series. The slicing device 10 has a generally annular cutting head 12 and a coaxial cutting element 13 disposed within the cutting head 12. The cutting head 12 has an impeller 14 attached thereto. The impeller 14 is aligned with the central axis of the cutting head 12. The cutting head 18 has a rotating shaft 17 connected to a gear box 16. The cutting head 12 is driven to rotate about an axis 17 via a shaft (not shown). It is attached to a support ring 15 above the box 16, and when the impeller 14 rotates The product is fed to the cutting machine through a feed hopper 11 located above the impeller 14. The product is conveyed to the head 12 and impeller 14. In operation, the hopper 11 conveys the product to the impeller 14. As the product is conveyed to the cutting head 12, centrifugal force causes the product to move outward and adhere to the periphery of the cutting head 12. The impeller 14 is driven in a substantially radial direction to engage with a cut-off knife (not shown). Each paddle 13 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the impeller 14. a surface that engages the product and directs the product radially outward toward the knife of the cutting head 12; For other configurations and operations related to the construction of Model CC Series equipment, please refer to the various and various embodiments thereof, which are set forth in the above-mentioned prior art documents, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This document is incorporated by reference.

[0005] FIG. 2A illustrates a model CC series slicing apparatus, including the apparatus 10 shown schematically in FIG. 2B shows a non-limiting example of a cutting head 12 used in 2A and 2B, the cutting head 12 shown in FIG. The description will be made with reference to a slicing device 10 having an impeller 14. The cutting head 12 and the impeller Based on the coaxial arrangement of the propellers 14, the relative terms "axial", "circumferential", and "radial" are used. The terms and their associated features are shown in the cutting head 12 and cutting head 14 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. and other depictions of cutting heads herein. As used herein, "front" (and related forms) refers to a cutting head that is attached to a cutting The cutting head (or or parts thereof), and "rear" (and related forms) refers to a position within the cutting head. The cutting head (or parts thereof) that follows or follows the impeller in the direction of rotation ) means the position above.

[0006] In FIG. 2A, the cutting head 12 is generally annular, with the cutting knife 20 extending along its periphery. 2A and 2B, the knives 20 are mounted in a circumferentially spaced relationship. The cutting edge is linear, and the space between the cutting edges and the trailing edge is substantially flat. Therefore, in the following description, this knife will be referred to as a knife for producing flat slices of food. Although the cutting head 12 is described as a "flat knife" as commonly used, other shapes may be used. For example, in the following description, the term "shaped knife" is used. refers to a knife that does not have a straight cutting edge and is not substantially flat between the cutting edge and the trailing edge The shaped knife consists of a periodic pattern with alternating peaks and valleys when viewed from the edge side. Including but not limited to "scalloped knife" for cutting corrugated, stripped, thin or diced Each knife 20 is connected to a cutting head 1 The direction of rotation of the impeller 14 in the 2 is opposite to that of the impeller 14, and the impeller 14 protrudes radially inward and is radially The cutting head 12 is shown in FIG. 2A as a ring 22 and a cutting edge 30. The support structure further includes a lower support member and an upper support member shown as a support ring 24, The shaft is provided with a plurality of support segments (series) spaced apart in the circumferential direction and secured by fasteners 34. The device further includes a microphone 26).

[0007] The knives 20 are attached to each shoe that constitutes the cutting station of the cutting head 12. The knife 20 of the cutting head 12 shown in Figures 2A and 2B is attached to a knife assembly. Each knife assembly 28 is secured to each shoe 26 by a bridge 28. a knife holder 30 mounted on the shoe 26 between the support rings 22 and 24; Clamps 32 disposed on the radially outer surface of the knife holder 30 for fixing the knife 20 Each knife 20 is attached to a front edge of the knife holder 30. The knife holder 30 is supported by the radially outer surface of the knife 20. The radially outer surface of the blade 30 is a knife support surface 30A, and each knife support surface 30A is Depending on the shape of the knife 20 to be supported (e.g., flat or non-flat), have complementary shapes (e.g., flat or non-flat). The clamp 32 is on the knife holder 30 so that the knife 20 is held in place by the knife holder 30. a support surface 30A facing the knife holder 30 and disposed adjacent to the front edge of the clamp 32; The clamp 32 is in contact with the knife 20 and is located between the clamp 32 and the radially inner surface of the knife 20. The radially inner surface of one clamp 32 is a knife clamping surface 32A. The shape of the knife 20 that the ramp surface 32A contacts (for example, flat or a shape that is complementary to a non-flat shape (e.g., a flat or non-flat shape) For example, a bolt 36 is used to fasten the clamp 32 to the knife support of the knife holder 30. By bringing the clamp 32 closer to the surface 30A, the clamp 32 can be attached to the portion of the knife 20 adjacent to the cutting edge. Apply clamping force to the part.

[0008] 2A and 2B further show a gate 38 secured to each shoe 26. The food passes through the gate 38 and is then fed to the knife 20 attached to the trailing shoe 26. The cutting edge of the knife 20 and the trailing edge of the gate 38 on the leading side are in contact with each other. A gate opening 40 (FIG. 2B) is formed which determines the thickness of the slice to be produced.

[0009] As is apparent from FIG. 2B, the bolt 36 is tightened to secure the clamp 32 and the knife 20 together. When and after fastening to the knife holder 30, the clamp 32 is secured to the knife by the bolt 36. 20 and the knife holder 30 in the forward direction of the cutting head 12 (horizontal direction in FIG. 2B ). (in the direction indicated by the arrow) so that the leading edge of the clamp 32 30, the knife 20 is clamped to the front edge of the knife holder 30 to provide the desired clamping effect. Only after the bolt 36 is completely removed can the clamp 32 and knife 2 0 are located individually or together radially outward of the cutting head 12 (indicated by vertical arrows in FIG. 2B ). (in the direction indicated by ) to remove it from the knife holder 30. The knife 20 and clamp 32 may be attached to the cutting head 12 either individually or together. The cutting head 12 is positioned in the forward direction (the direction indicated by the horizontal arrow in FIG. 2B) and in the axial direction ( The vertical and horizontal arrows in Figure 2B indicate that the stencils can move freely. These movements occur when the knife 20 and clamp 32 are engaged with the knife holder 30. It is possible to do this as is.

[0010] FIG. 3 shows a tool that can produce corrugated, strip, thin, or diced products. 3 shows a knife assembly 28 using a serrated knife 20. The knife assembly is mounted so that the front edges of the knife holder 30 and clamp 32 are visible. 3 is a view of the knife 20, the clamp 28 from the rear in the circumferential direction. The knife clamping surface 32A of the ramp 32 and the knife support surface 30A of the knife holder 30 The complementary shapes of the knife 20 and clamp 32 allow the knife support of the knife holder 30 to be secured. 30A, the cutting heads 10 and 12 engage with each other and with the knife holder 30. 2 (indicated by the vertical arrow in FIG. 3). As a result, when the clamp 32 and knife 20 are removed from the knife holder 30, First, the knife 20 and the clamp 32 are moved radially outward (in the direction indicated by the horizontal arrow in FIG. 3). or the forward direction of the cutting head 12 (the vertical direction relative to the vertical and horizontal arrows in FIG. 3). (direction) to move the knife 20 and clamp 32 onto the knife support surface 3 of the knife holder 30. It must be removed from 0A.

[0011] The Model CC Series works best for that application, but there are alternatives to the Model CC Series. Further improvements are continually being sought for slicing devices of the type represented. For example, during and after tightening of the bolt 36, a shaping knife (e.g., the The corrugated knife 20 is firmly fixed by a bolt 36, and the knife 20 and the knife holder The clamp 32 is prevented from moving in the circumferential direction relative to the clamp 30, thereby preventing the clamp 32 from moving in the circumferential direction relative to the clamp 30. the leading edge of the bolt 32 is properly positioned relative to the leading edge of the knife holder 30. 3. Remove the clamp 32 and knife 20 from the cutting head 12 without completely removing the clamp 36. It may be required to be removable. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] The present invention relates to a knife assembly for securing a knife to a slicing device, A slicing device provided with a yellowtail, and a knife fixed to the slicing device and A method of operating a knife assembly for removal from a surgical instrument is provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] According to a non-limiting aspect of the present invention, a knife assembly includes a knife having a knife support surface. a knife support surface of the knife holder; and a knife support member protruding from a front edge of the knife holder. a knife supported as such, a base adjacent its trailing edge and a knife engaging portion adjacent its leading edge and a clamp having a mating portion. The base has at least one slot, and the nib At least a portion of the engagement portion has a shape complementary to the knife. An assembly applies a clamping load to the clamp to secure the knife to the knife holder. a means for receiving said slot in said base of said clamp; The knife assembly also includes a fastener that is accommodated in the fastener. Thus, as the clamp is applied, the clamp moves the knife against the knife. The device has means for preventing forward movement of the if assembly.

[0014] In another non-limiting aspect of the present invention, a knife is secured to the cutting head of the slicing device. The cutting head is configured to be in a forward direction, and the forward direction is defined as a direction in which the cutting head is in a forward direction. a rearward direction that is the opposite direction, an axial direction that is perpendicular to the forward and rearward directions, and , the forward direction, the rearward direction, and a radial direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction. The clamp has a knife engaging portion that defines a leading edge of the clamp. The clamping position of the knife is in physical contact with the knife. The method includes removing a clamping load from the clamp that secures the clamp in the clamped position. and moving the clamp toward the front of the cutting head to release the clamp. and the knife engaging portion and the knife are brought to the release position. and removing the clamp from the knife assembly. nothing.

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, a slide having one or more knife assemblies having the elements described above is provided. A chair apparatus is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The technical effect of the present invention is to move the clamp forward of the knife assembly. The clamp can be removed from the knife assembly, and in some cases Thus, as a clamping load is applied to the clamp, the clamp moves against the knife. In particular, forward movement of the knife assembly is prevented.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic, partially cutaway side view of a conventional centrifugal type slicing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2A is a detailed view of a cutting head used in the slicing device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a partial bottom view of the cutting head. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a peripheral view of a knife assembly applicable to the cutting head shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. [Figure 4] 4A, 4B, and 4C are schematic diagrams of a knife assembly that can be attached to a cutting head of a slicing device, including but not limited to the cutting head shown in FIG. 2A and the slicing device shown in FIG. 1, and illustrate alternative methods of removing the clamp from the knife assembly. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams of a knife assembly that can be attached to a cutting head of a slicing device, including but not limited to the cutting head shown in FIG. 2A and the slicing device shown in FIG. 1, and illustrate alternative methods of removing the clamp from the knife assembly. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a knife assembly that can be attached to a cutting head of a slicing device, including but not limited to the cutting head shown in FIG. 2A and the slicing device shown in FIG. 1, and illustrates an alternative method for removing the clamp from the knife assembly. [Figure 7] 7A, 7B, and 7C are schematic diagrams of a knife assembly that can be attached to a cutting head of a slicing device, including but not limited to the cutting head shown in FIG. 2A and the slicing device shown in FIG. 1, and illustrate alternative methods of removing the clamp from the knife assembly. [Figure 8] 8A, 8B, and 8C are schematic diagrams of a knife assembly that can be attached to a cutting head of a slicing device, including but not limited to the cutting head shown in FIG. 2A and the slicing device shown in FIG. 1, and illustrate alternative methods of removing the clamp from the knife assembly. [Figure 9] 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are schematic diagrams of a knife assembly that can be attached to a cutting head of a slicing device, including but not limited to the cutting head shown in FIG. 2A and the slicing device shown in FIG. 1, and illustrate alternative methods of removing the clamp from the knife assembly. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partial side view of a knife assembly of a slicing device, including but not limited to the slicing device shown in FIG. 1, showing the knife assembly as including a knife holder and a clamp that holds a shaped knife on the knife holder. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic end view of the clamp shown in FIG. 10, illustrating the forces acting on the clamp when it is secured to the knife holder as shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a partial side view of a knife assembly for a slicing device including a knife holder, a clamp that holds a shaped knife on the knife holder, and a support bar that secures the clamp to the knife holder in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a view showing the support bar shown in FIG. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a partial side view of the knife assembly shown in FIG. 12 showing the support bar rotated out of contact with the clamp in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic end view of the clamp and support bar shown in FIG. 12, illustrating diagrammatically the forces acting on the clamp when secured to the knife holder by the support bar as shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a partial side view of a knife assembly that differs from the knife assembly shown in FIGS. 12 and 14 in that a clamp is attached to a support bar according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic end view of the clamp and support bar shown in FIG. 16, illustrating the forces acting on the clamp when secured to the knife holder with the support bar as shown in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a partial side view of a knife assembly for a slicing device including a knife holder and a clamp that holds a shaped knife on the knife holder according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a detailed side view of the knife assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 20] 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of the knife assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a knife assembly for a slicing device including a knife holder, a clamp that holds a shaped knife on the knife holder, and a wedge assembly that secures the clamp to the knife holder in accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 22 is a perspective view of the knife assembly shown in FIG. 21 with the upper member of the wedge assembly removed. [Figure 23] 23 is a perspective view showing the upper member of the wedge assembly shown in FIG. 21 removed. [Figure 24] 24 is a perspective view of the upper member of the wedge assembly shown in FIG. 21, seen from a direction different from that of FIG. 23. FIG. [Figure 25] 25 is a perspective view of the upper member of the wedge assembly shown in FIG. 21, seen from a direction different from that of FIGS. 23 and 24. FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the knife assembly shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 in an unlocked state. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the knife assembly shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 in a locked state. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a schematic end view of the knife assembly shown in FIGS. 21, 26, and 27, illustrating the forces acting on the clamp when the clamp is secured to the knife holder using a wedge assembly as shown in FIGS. 21 and 27. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a side view of a knife assembly for a slicing device including a knife holder, a clamp that holds a shaped knife on the knife holder, and a cam rod that generates the clamping load applied by the clamp to the knife in another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 shows the knife assembly shown in FIG. 29 with the cam rod rotated to release the clamping load applied to the knife from the clamp. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a schematic end view of the knife assembly shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, illustrating the forces acting on the clamp when the clamp is secured to the knife holder using the cam rod shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following detailed description of the invention and the phrases and terms used in the following detailed description The intended purpose of the term is to refer to the illustrated embodiment with respect to one or more non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. The present invention is intended to describe certain, but not all, of the illustrated embodiments. Furthermore, the following detailed description may include certain, but not all, of the illustrated embodiments. Accordingly, the appended claims are to be construed as including but not limited to the following: The detailed description does not necessarily include all embodiments and alternative implementations described in the detailed description. Subject matter regarded as the invention, including specific aspects and alternative embodiments, but not embodiments is intended to specifically identify

[0020] 4A to 31 show the centrifugal type slicing device 10 shown in FIG. 1 and the slicing device shown in FIG. 2A. Knife assemblies and components that can be used with a variety of cutting devices, including cutting heads 1 is a schematic diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of the device described above, in some cases. For convenience, the knife assembly may be 1, with the annular cutting head 12 described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2A. The following description will be primarily directed to the slicing device 10 shown and described with reference to the slicing device 10. Specific aspects of the knife assembly are described with reference to the chair apparatus 10 and cutting head 12. Regarding other aspects that are not described in detail in the following description, , functions, materials, etc. may be as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2A. However, the teachings of the present invention are generally applicable to other types of cutting devices. Furthermore, such a device is particularly suited for slicing food products, but the in-line The application of the propeller to cutting devices for cutting various other types of materials is also within the scope of the present invention. It is within the enclosure.

[0021] To facilitate understanding of the following description of the illustrated knife assembly, relative terms are used. Regarding the orientation of the knife assembly within the annular cutting head shown in Figs. 1 and 2A, Based on the coaxial arrangement of the cutting head 12 and impeller 14 in FIG. and relative terms, including "axial," "circumferential," "radial," etc., and Related forms may also be used to describe the illustrated non-limiting embodiments. All such relative terms are used to describe the knife assemblies illustrated in Figures 4A-31. These are useful for the purpose of illustration, but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. As used herein, "front" (and related forms) refers to a portion of the cutting head 12 that is attached to the cutting head 12. and leading or leading in the direction of rotation of the impeller 14 rotating within the cutting head 12. means a position on the cutting head 12 (or part thereof) and "after" (and related forms thereof) ) is a cutting head 12 (also The cutting head 12 is therefore in the forward direction, a rearward direction which is the opposite direction, an axial direction which is perpendicular to the forward and rearward directions, and and a radial direction perpendicular to the forward direction, the rearward direction, and the axial direction.

[0022] For convenience, the various embodiments of the knife assembly illustrated in FIGS. Identical or functionally related / equivalent elements are designated with the same reference numbers.

[0023] 4A to 9D show slicing devices including, but not limited to, the slicing device shown in FIG. The clamp can be removed from the knife assembly attached to the cutting head of the cutting machine. 4A to 9D are diagrams showing different methods of clamping the clamp. The fasteners are secured by bolts, but as a non-limiting example, various types of fasteners may be used. The locking mechanism may be secured by other means such as fasteners, levers and / or cams.

[0024] 4A, 4B, and 4C show a knife holder 52 and a knife support of the knife holder 52. A knife assembly including a clamp 54 for securing a flat knife 56 on a support surface 52A. 50. As mentioned above, a "flat knife" The term "a cutting edge" refers to a cutting edge that has a straight cutting edge and is substantially spaced apart from the cutting edge and the trailing edge on both sides. A "shaped knife" refers to a knife 56 that is flat on the cutting edge, and does not have a straight cutting edge. 4A to 4C. At least a portion of the knife support surface 52A below the knife 56 is complementary to the knife 56. It is preferable that the shape of the mounting bracket is such that the mounting bracket has a shape similar to that of the mounting bracket. Other mounting means may be used, and While still within the scope of the present invention, the knife holder shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C The roller 52 is mounted between the support rings 22, 24 of the cutting head 12 as shown in FIG. 2A. It is configured to be attached to 26.

[0025] The clamp 54 includes a knife engaging portion 54A. The knife engaging portion 54A is 56. The knife 56 is in physical contact with the leading edge of the blade 52 and is therefore in a position opposite the blade 52. The clamp 54 further comprises a base 54B. The base 54B is 4A, forming the trailing edge 76 of the clamp 54 when the clamp 54 is in the clamped position. In this case, the clamp 54 is fixed to the knife holder 52 and a clamping load is applied to the clamp 54. 4A, 4B, and 4C, Such means may include a threaded fastener that passes through clamp 54 and is screwed into knife holder 52. The clamp 54 is made up of a bolt 60 (in this particular embodiment). Since the knife engaging portion 54A and the base 54B are not coplanar, the knife engaging portion 54A is The knife holder 52 is positioned so that the knife 56 faces in the direction of the knife support surface 52A. It is possible.

[0026] Loosening fastener 60 removes clamp 54 from the clamped position shown in FIG. The clamping load is released. The shaft (not shown) of the fastener 60 is The head of fastener 60 is received in keyway slot 74, which is narrower than the head of fastener 60. Tightening fastener 60 so that the head engages base 54B along the edge of slot 74 The slot 74 completely secures the fastener 60. By loosening the fastener 60 without removing it from the knife holder 52, the knife holder The clamp 54 can be removed from the keyway slot 7. 4 is formed on the base 54B of the clamp 54 so as to be continuous with the rear edge 76 of the clamp 54, Towards knife engaging portion 54A of clamp 54 (in the illustrated embodiment, knife engaging portion 54 A) and the inner distal end 74A (FIGS. 4B and 4C) of each slot 74. 4C). In the illustrated embodiment, each slot 74 The slots 74 have a constant width along their length, but either of the slots 74 has wider and narrower portions. It is also possible to form it to have a component.

[0027] As is apparent from FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, the distal end 74A of the slot 74 4A, 4B, and 4C, the clamp 54 is rotated rearward in the circumferential direction of the cutting head 12. 4C) to disengage the clamp 54 from the knife assembly 50. However, the slot 74 functions as a stopper to prevent the The clamp 54 is moved forward of the cutting head 12 (to the right as indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 4B and 4C). (toward the knife holder) until the fastener 60 is out of the slot and the clamp 54 is attached to the knife holder. 4B, the clamp 54 is then freed from the knife assembly 52. Specifically, the clamp 54 is configured to be detachable from the assembly 50. By moving it forward, the leading edge of the clamp 54 is made to be complementary to the knife 56. 4A. The knife engaging portion 54A does not contact the knife 56 in the release position shown in FIG. 4B. do.

[0028] From the release position, the clamp 54 continues to move forward as shown in FIG. 4C. Alternatively, the clamp 54 is moved radially outward of the cutting head 12 (lifted radially). When clamp 54 is completely removed, as shown in FIG. 4C, The knife 56 that was under the pump 54 is now exposed and can be removed.

[0029] To reattach the clamp 54 to the knife holder 52, rotate the clamp 54 circumferentially. 4A, 4B, and 4C) until the fastener 60 is Insert fasteners 60 into their respective slots 74 until they abut distal ends 74A of the slots 74. Then, fastener 60 is tightened to secure clamp 54 to knife holder 52. In this state, the cutting edge of the knife 56 is exposed. This facilitates removal and cleaning of the knife assembly 50 and its components.

[0030] 5A and 5B show a cutting tool using a shaped knife 56 and a cutting tool complementary to the shaped knife 56. Clamp 54 (or at least the knife engaging portion 54A of clamp 54) having a shape knife clamping surface 54C) and knife holder 52 (or at least knife holder 5 4A, 4B, and 4C. The method of attaching and detaching the clamp 54 is shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C. 0. In this example, the knife assembly 50 is Iff 56 can produce corrugated, strip, thin, or diced products. It is a type wavy knife 56.

[0031] FIG. 5A shows clamp 54 secured to knife holder 52 by fastener 60, resulting in a knife 5 shows a clamp position where the knife holder 52 clamps the knife support surface 52A of the knife holder 52. FIG. 5B shows the fastener 60 being loosened sufficiently and the clamp 54 being moved forward ( The diagram shows the release position to which the As is apparent from FIG. 5B, the knife-engaging portion 54A of the clamp 54 is 54 and has a shape complementary to the knife 56, When in the ramp position, there is physical contact with the knife 56, but when in the release position shown in FIG. In this position, the knife 56 is not contacted.

[0032] From the release position, clamp 54 is attached to the circular cutting head 12 as shown in FIG. 4C. Further move the clamp 54 forward in the circumferential direction to the radially outer side of the cutting head 12. (in the direction indicated by the vertical arrow in FIG. 5B) from the knife assembly 50 Alternatively, clamp 54 may be moved in the axial direction of cutting head 12 (vertical and The arrows can be moved vertically (horizontally) or horizontally (vertically).

[0033] FIG. 6 shows the knife 56, knife holder 52, and the leading edge of clamp 54. 5A and 5B is a peripheral view looking toward the rear of the knife assembly 50. 5B shows a knife assembly 50 in a release position similar to that shown in FIG. 50, with fastener 60 (not shown) fully loosened and clamp 54 As is clear from FIG. 6, the clamp 54 By moving the knife clamping surface 54C forward, the knife clamping surface 54C is configured to have a complementary shape. The clamp 54 is disengaged from the knife 56 and the knife holder 52. 6. In contrast, the cutting head 12 is free to move in the axial direction (indicated by the vertical arrow in FIG. 6). In this way, the clamp 54 can be moved in the forward direction shown in FIGS. After moving in the forward direction, it can be completely removed from the knife assembly 50.

[0034] Considering the similarity between the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A to 9D and the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A to 6, Therefore, the following description of FIGS. 7A to 9D clearly differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A to 6. Alternatively, the focus may be primarily on very different features. Other features of the embodiment, including the structure, function, materials, etc., are described in FIGS. 4A to 6. It is substantially the same as that described with reference thereto.

[0035] 7A and 7B show portions of a knife assembly 50 according to another non-limiting embodiment. 7A is a side view and FIG. 7C is a top view of the same knife assembly 50. A fastener having a shaft (not shown) received in a slot 74 having a narrow portion and a narrow portion. The clamp position where the clamp 54 is fixed is indicated by the arrow 60.

[0036] The widened portion of the slot 74 extends toward the rear edge 76 of the clamp 54, but The narrow portion of slot 74 is not continuous with the trailing edge 76 of clamp 54. The clamp 54 extends toward the engagement portion 54A but terminates before the knife engagement portion 54A of the clamp 54. Each of the slots 74 has an inner distal end 74A (see FIG. 7B). The distal end 74A of the clamp 54 is positioned in the rearward direction in the circumferential direction of the cutting head 12 (FIG. 7A, 7B and 7C) and become dislodged from the knife assembly 50. It functions as a stopper to prevent this.

[0037] The narrow portion of the slot 74 is narrower than the head of the fastener 60, so that the fastener 60 This allows the clamp 54 to be fixed to the knife holder 52 in the clamped position. The wide portion of the fastener 60 is larger than the head of the fastener 60 (FIG. 7B). Therefore, the clamp 54 is moved forward (in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 7B, and in FIGS. 7A and 7B). B) to remove the fastener 60 from the knife holder 52. The clamp 54 can be removed from the knife holder 52 without any need for a release. In FIG. 7B, the head of fastener 60 is aligned with the wide portion of slot 74, preventing cutting. The clamp 54 is moved radially outward of the head 12 (in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 7C). When the knife assembly 50 is moved away from the fastener 60, the head of the fastener 60 passes through the slot 74. This makes it possible to:

[0038] In this embodiment, the clamp 54 is also moved forward to If clamping surface 54C is disengaged from complementary shaped knife 56. For this reason, with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the class shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C The method of attaching and detaching the pump 54 is to use a shaped knife 56 and to use a knife having a shape complementary to the shaped knife 56. A knife holder 52 having a knife support surface 52A having a shape complementary to the shape of the knife 56. and a clamp 54 having a knife clamping surface 54C having a can be applied equally to

[0039] 8A-8C are similar to FIGS. 7A-7C, except that the wide portion of the slot 74 is 54 at a point where it extends toward the rear edge 76 of the clamp 54 and opens, and is continuous with the rear edge 76 of the clamp 54. Another non-limiting embodiment of the knife assembly 50, different from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, is 7A-7C, the narrow portion of the slot 74 is Since the head of the fastener 60 is narrower than the head of the fastener 60, the fastener 60 allows the clamp 54 to be attached to the knife holder. The fastener 60 can be loosened to fix the clamp 52 in the clamped position. 4 forward (the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 8B, that is, the right direction in FIGS. 8A to 8C). By moving the fastener 60, the clamping mechanism can be secured without removing the fastener 60 from the knife holder 52. 54 can be removed from the knife holder 52.

[0040] In the released position shown in FIG. 8B, the head of fastener 60 is aligned with the wide portion of slot 74. and can pass through slot 74 to attach clamp 54 to knife assembly 50 to the radially outward direction of the cutting head 12 (in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 8C). Alternatively, the wide portion of the slot 74 may be continuous with the rear edge 76 of the clamp 54, or 8B in the same manner as shown in FIG. 4C and described with reference to FIG. 5B. The clamp 54 may be moved further forward from the release position shown.

[0041] In this embodiment, the clamp 54 is also moved forward to If clamping surface 54C is disengaged from complementary shaped knife 56. Therefore, the method of attaching and detaching the clamp 54 shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C is performed by using a shaping knife 56. and a knife holder having a knife support surface 52A having a shape complementary to the shape of the knife 56. and a clamp 5 having a knife clamping surface 54C having a shape complementary to the shape of the knife 56. The present invention is equally applicable to a knife assembly 50 having a 4.

[0042] 9A-9D are similar to FIGS. 7A-7C, except that slot 74 is L-shaped. Another non-limiting embodiment of the knife assembly 50, different from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, is 9A, the fastener 60 is loosened and the clamp 54 is The cutting head 12 is moved forward (to the right in FIG. 9B, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 9B). Next, the clamp 54 is rotated in the axial direction of the cutting head 12 (indicated by the arrow in FIG. 9C ). downward) to reach the release position (FIG. 9C), thereby releasing the clamp 54 The cutting head 1 can then be removed from the knife holder 52. The clamp 54 then 9D) in the radial direction outward of the knife blade 2. It can be separated from the assembly 50.

[0043] The method of attaching and detaching the clamp 54 shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D is the same as that shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D, except that the shaping knife 56 is used and the shaping knife 56 is used. A knife holder 52 having a knife support surface 52A having a shape complementary to that of a knife 56; The clamp 54 has a knife 56 and a complementary knife clamping surface 54C. The same applies to the knife assembly 50 that includes the The clamp 54 is moved forward to the release position shown in FIG. The knife clamping surface 54C of the blade 54 is disengaged from the complementary shaped blade 56. 9C, the clamp 54 is then moved in the axial direction of the cutting head 12 (as indicated by the arrow 9C (the downward direction shown by the arrow ).

[0044] FIG. 10 is a partial side view of an embodiment similar to knife assembly 50 shown in FIGS. 8A-8C. The knife assembly 50 is attached to a support ring (not shown) of the cutting head 12. The base 72 is attached between the pair of bases 72, as shown in FIG. 1. The cutting head 12 of a slicing apparatus, such as but not limited to the slicing apparatus shown in The knife assembly 50 is attached to the cutting knife (shown in the drawing hidden under the clamp 54). and a knife support surface (see FIG. 1) having at least a portion of a shape complementary to the knife. 5, the knife holder 52 has a clamp 54 (hidden under the clamp 54) and at least a part of the knife holder 52 has a clamp 54. and a clamp 54 having a knife clamping surface having a shape complementary to the shape knife. The knife is secured to the knife support surface of the knife holder 52 by a clamp 54. Other features of the IF assembly 50 are generally similar to those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A-8C. Therefore, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A to 9D, The distal end 74A of the slot 74 in the clamp 54 allows the clamp 54 to secure the cutting head 1 10) in the circumferential direction of the clamp 54. It functions as a stopper to prevent the blade from coming off the knife assembly 50. The lamp 54 is moved forward (to the right in FIG. 10) of the cutting head 12. , and can be removed from the knife assembly 50.

[0045] In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 10, similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, By moving the clamp 54 forward, the fastener 60 is brought into contact with the narrow portion of the slot 74. The diameter of the cutting head 12 is no longer aligned with the slot 74 and is aligned with the wider portion of the slot 74. When the clamp 54 is moved outward in the direction away from the knife assembly 50, the fastener 60 , can pass through slot 74. When clamp 54 is removed, The knife 56 can also be removed. To secure the clamp 54 to the left in FIG. 10, the fastener 60 is inserted into the slot. 7. Insert fastener 60 into the narrow portion of each slot 74 until it abuts distal end 74A of slot 74. Insertion exposes the knife cutting edge and tightens fastener 60 to clamp 54. is fixed to the knife holder 52.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a schematic end view of the clamp 54 shown in FIG. 10. Schematically, the forces acting on the clamp 54 when it is fixed to the knife holder 52 as shown in FIG. (The knife has been omitted for clarity.) Clamp 54 shown in FIG. The force acting on the clamp 54 in each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A to 9D is As is apparent from FIG. 11, fastener 60 is F B When the force is applied to the base 54B of the clamp 54 in a direction that coincides with the axis of the fastener 60, The contact surface 7 indicates the surface of the knife holder 52 that the clamp 54 contacts and the surface of the knife. Resultant force F along 8 R1 and F R2 The knife engaging portion 54A of the clamp 54 and Since the base 54B and the base 54C are not on the same plane, the force F applied by the bolt B is perpendicular to the base 54B Therefore, the force F applied by the bolt B has components x and y. The components x and y of the force are Fx, which is parallel to the outer surface of the clamp 54, and Fx, which is parallel to the outer surface of the clamp 54. It is shown as Fy, which is approximately perpendicular to the plane.

[0047] As is clear from FIGS. 10 and 11, Fy is mainly from the clamp 54 to the Fx is the clamping load applied to the clamp 54 in the forward direction ( 10 and 11) and the clamp 54 and the knife holder 55. If the frictional force between the fastener 60 and the bolt 52 is greater than the frictional force between the fastener 60 and the bolt 52, Fx is When and after the clamp 54 is fixed, the clamp 54 can be moved to the right. The torque reaction force is greater than the friction force between the clamp 54 and the knife holder 52. In some cases, the torque reaction force may cause the clamp 54 to rotate from its predetermined position. Even in the case of misalignment, any movement or misalignment of the clamp 54 will result in a loss of force relative to the knife holder 52. This can cause undesirable movement of the knife.

[0048] FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of the knife assembly 50 shown in FIG. 10 with the addition of a support bar 58. 1 is a partial side view of the knife assembly 50. The knife assembly 50 includes a knife The knife holder 52 has a support surface 52A, and a clamp 54. Preferably, the entire support surface 52A has a shape complementary to the shape of the knife 56. In Figure 12, the knife support surface 52A is almost completely hidden under the knife 56. 58 cooperates with fastener 60 to secure clamp 54 to knife holder 52. The head of 60 is received in a recess 62 on the outer surface 58A of the support bar 58.

[0049] As is more apparent from FIG. 13, which shows the support bar 58, each recess 62 has a concave surface 6 4, and the concave surface 64 is formed with a keyhole slot 66 having a wide portion and a narrow portion. The narrow portion of the slot 66 is formed near the leading edge 68 of the support bar 58. In certain embodiments, the slot 66 is not continuous with the leading edge 68 of the support bar 58 and The head of fastener 60 is not continuous with any of the peripheries of bar 58. The slot 66 has a diameter that is sized to pass through the wide portion but is larger than the width of the narrow portion. Therefore, the narrow portion of the slot 66 cannot pass through. By fully threading the fastener 60 into the knife holder 52 in a position that is aligned with the Thus, the head of the fastener 60 applies a clamping force directly to the concave surface 64 of the support bar 58. The clamping force is transmitted to the knife 56 via the clamp 54, and the knife 56 is clamped to the knife holder 5 It is fixed at 2.

[0050] 10, the knife-engaging portion 54A of the clamp 54 is In the illustrated embodiment, the knife engaging portion 54A is provided at least adjacent to the clamp. The knife holder 54 is located at the front edge of the clamp 54 and constitutes the front edge of the clamp 54. At least a portion of the mating portion 54A has a shape complementary to the shape knife 56, as shown in FIG. 2, the clamp is placed near the front edge of the knife holder 52 from which the knife 56 protrudes. In this configuration, the clamp 54 is physically attached to the support bar 58. 14, but is instead sandwiched between the support bar 58 and the knife holder 52. As a result, the clamp 54 clamps the knife 56 and fixes it to the knife holder 52. Determine.

[0051] The support bar 58 has a pair of pivot recesses 70 (one of which is visible in FIG. 13). ) so that the support bar 58 is attached to the support rings 22, 24 of the cutting head 12. The base 72 is pivotally connected to a pair of bases 72 attached thereto. For example, each base 72 has , a pin (not shown) received in a corresponding one of the pivot recesses 70 in the support bar 58 As is clear from FIG. 13, the pivot recess 70 has an oval shape, The support bar 58 is movable in the circumferential direction of the cutting head 12 relative to the base 72. and is capable of pivoting about a pivot axis parallel to the central axis of the cutting head 12. In this manner, the support bar 58 supports the knife holder 52, the clamp 54, and the knife 5 6, the knife assembly 50 can move circumferentially and pivotally relative to other parts of the knife assembly 50. It is configured to:

[0052] FIG. 14 shows the support bar 58 in a position that allows for circumferential movement and pivoting relative to the base 72. 14, the fastener 60 is loosened. 58 relative to the base 72, fasteners 60 engage slots in support bar 58. 66 and moves out of alignment with the narrow portion of the slot 66 and into alignment with the wide portion of the slot 66. and then pivoting the support bar 58 about its pivot axis. As a result, the base 54B of the clamp 54, which was located below the support bar 58, is exposed. The base 54B of the clamp 54 is at least adjacent the trailing edge 76 of the clamp 54. In this configuration, the base 54B is located at the rear edge 76 of the clamp 54 and is It comprises 76.

[0053] In FIG. 14, the support bar 58 has been pivoted sufficiently to completely disengage the clamp 54. 12. The lower surface 58 of the support bar 58 which was in contact with the clamp 54 in the clamp position shown in FIG. B is exposed. As shown in and / or described with reference to FIG. As shown, the clamp 54 is attached to the base 54B of the clamp 54 so as to be continuous with the rear edge 76 of the base 54B. 54B, and the keyway slot 74 is The knife-engaging portion 54A of the slot 54 extends toward the slot 54A but terminates short of it. The inner distal end 74A is formed within the cavity 74.

[0054] Like the slots 66 in the support bar 58, each slot 74 has a wide portion and a narrow portion. 58 and the clamp 54. The wide portion of slot 74 is located at the rear edge of clamp 54. 76, and the narrow portion of slot 74 forms distal end 74A of slot 74. 14, the distal end 74A of the slot 74 is By moving the clamp 54 toward the rear of the cutting head 12 (to the left in FIG. 14), It functions as a stopper to prevent the blade from coming off the knife assembly 50. By moving the ramp 54 in the forward direction of the cutting head 12 (to the right in FIG. 14), , the fastener 60 moves out of alignment with the narrow portion of the slot 74 and into the wide portion of the slot 74. aligns with the clamp 54, and the clamp 54 moves radially outward from the knife assembly 50 to the cutting head 12. As the clamp moves, the fastener 60 is able to pass through the slot 74. The clamp 54 can now be removed from the knife assembly 50. The knife 56 underneath the clamp 54 can then also be removed.

[0055] As is apparent from FIG. 14 and with respect to clamp 54 described with reference to FIG. Similar to the previous description, the knife-engaging portion 54A and the base portion 54B of the clamp 54 are coplanar. Therefore, the knife engaging portion 54A can be more easily aligned with the knife 56. The relationship is exaggerated in Figure 15 for illustrative purposes. 12, the clamp 54 is fixed to the knife holder 52. 15 also shows the forces acting on the ramp 54. FIG. 15 also shows the support bar 58 and the recessed portion. One of the concave surfaces 64 is shown in schematic form. One of the concave surfaces 64 is provided for clamp 54, knife 56 (see FIG. 15). (not shown) and support bar 58 are fixed to knife holder 52 (not shown in FIG. 15). 15) for fastening the casing 10. The casing 10 directly engages one of the fasteners 60 (shown diagrammatically in FIG. 15) for fastening the casing 10. As is apparent from FIG. 15, each fastener 60 is subjected to a force F B The shaft of fastener 60 and the clamp 54 is applied to the base 54B of the clamp 54 in a direction that coincides with the direction of the arrow. A resultant force F is formed along a contact surface 78 representing the contacting surfaces of the knife holder 52 and the knife 56. R 1 and F R2 The knife-engaging portion 54A and the base portion 54B of the clamp 54 are the same. Since it is not on a plane, the force F B is not perpendicular to the base 54B.

[0056] As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 15, the concave surface 64 has a thickness that decreases toward the rear edge of the clamp 54. The lower surface 58B of the support bar 58 is intentionally tapered so that the thickness increases. By making the concave surface 64 tapered, the force F applied by the fastener 60 B Clamp 54 15. This biases the support bar 58 downward and to the left in FIG. 15 on the surface of the base 54B. As a result, the surface friction force F Bs , but the pivot recess 70 of the support bar 58 The engaging pin prevents pivoting. This surface friction force F Bs Support bar 5 8 to the clamp 54, and is transmitted from the fastener 60 to the clamp 54, and A slot 74 formed in the base 54B of the ramp 54 is continuous with the rear edge of the clamp 54. 15 (toward the cutting edge of the knife 56). Ride force F Bc The clamp 54 is effectively secured by a support bar 58. Therefore, the position of clamp 54 relative to knife 56 is determined by tightening fastener 60. It doesn't get any more changed.

[0057] Considering the similarity between the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 to 31 and the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 15, Therefore, the following description of FIGS. 16 to 31 clearly differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 15. The following mainly focuses on slightly or very different features. Other features of the illustrated embodiments, including structure, function, materials, etc., are described in FIGS. This is substantially the same as that described for the embodiment shown in 15.

[0058] 16 is a partial side view of a second embodiment of a knife assembly 80. In the bridge 80, the clamp 54 is physically attached to the support bar 58, so the clamp The clamp 54 supports the support bar 55 relative to the knife holder 52, the clamp 54, and the shaping knife 56. 12 and 14 in that it moves and pivots with the knife assembly 50 shown in FIG. As a means for attaching the clamp 54 to the underside 58B of the support bar 58, Although the clamp 54 is shown as 82, other suitable attachment means for attaching the clamp 54 to the support bar 58 are possible. It is within the scope of the present invention to use clamp 54 and 17 is a schematic end view of the support bar 58, showing the support bar 58 attached to the knife holder 52 as shown in FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the forces acting on the clamp 54 when the clamp 54 is fixed with the clamp 58. Since the clamp 54 is attached to the support bar 58, the clamp 54 is The support bar 58 is prevented from moving, and the fastener 60 is tightened. The position of the clamp 54 relative to the knife 56 is not changed by the support bar 58, so that the surface Frictional force F Bs and F Bc does not exist as an element.

[0059] FIG. 18 is a partial side view of the cutting head 12 showing a third embodiment of the knife assembly 90. Similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 10 to 17, the knife assembly shown in Figure 18 90 is a knife holder 52 knife (hidden under the clamp 54) of the shape knife 56. Knife holder 52 and clamp 54 are secured to the support surface (hidden under clamp 54). 54. The knife support surface 52A has a shape that is generally complementary to the shape of the knife 56. Unlike the previously described embodiment, the knife assembly 90 preferably has a clamp. There is no support bar for securing the pump 54 to the knife holder 52. Instead, The clamp 54 is secured to the knife holder 52 by a fastener 60 threaded through the clamp 54. It is secured to the knife holder 52 by a chisel.

[0060] Similar to slot 74 in clamps 50 and 80 shown in FIGS. 12, 14, and 16 The head of the fastener 60 is received in the keyway slot 74. 74 is formed on the base 54B of the clamp 54, is continuous with the rear edge 76 of the clamp 54, and , extend toward the knife engaging portion 54A of the clamp 54 but terminate short of it, The distal end 74A of the slot 74 is formed inside the slot 74. 74A indicates that the clamp 54 is positioned rearward of the cutting head 12 (toward the left in FIGS. 18 and 19). A stopper that prevents the knife assembly 90 from being disengaged by movement. 18 and 19, the clamp 54 functions as a clamp for the cutting head. ) and then removed from the knife assembly 90. The knife 56 can now be removed.

[0061] As is more apparent from the view of one of the slots 74 shown in FIG. Similar to the slots 74 formed in the knife assemblies 50 and 80 shown in FIG. Each slot 74 in the lamp 54 has a wide portion and a narrow portion, the wide portion being 54, the narrowed portion forming the distal end 74A of the slot 74. FIG. 19 shows the state in which the fastener 60 is loosened and the clamp 54 is moved to the right. The head of fastener 60 is shown aligned with the wide portion of slot 74. The size is such that it passes through the wide portion of the slot 74, but is larger than the width of the narrow portion of the slot 74. Since the diameter of the wire is too large, it cannot pass through the narrow part of the slot 74. 4. Fastener 60 is fully screwed into knife holder 52 at a position aligned with the narrow portion of slot 74. By mating, fastener 60 applies a clamping force directly to base 54B of clamp 54. This clamping force is transmitted to the knife 56 via the knife engaging portion 54A of the clamp 54. The knife 56 is fixed to the knife holder 52 by the clamp 54. When fixed to the knife holder 52, the knife 56 protrudes from the front edge of the knife holder 52. The shape knife 56 is a knife having a shape complementary to the shape knife 56. The engagement portion 54B is disposed so as to overlap with a part of the engagement portion 54A.

[0062] FIG. 19 shows a configuration in which the narrow portion of the slot 74 and the wide portion of the slot 74 are adjacent to each other. 1. The neck 92 is formed at a location where the slot 74 is inserted. As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the narrowest part of the slot 74 is The tapered wall 94 is continuous with the outer surface of the pump 54, and the tapered wall 94 Extending inward of the clamp 54 to a second wall 96 formed on the inside of the slot 74. As is evident from FIG. 20, which shows fastener 60 in the narrow portion of slot 74, The width of the slot 74 defined by the second wall 92 and the second wall 96 is The shank 98 is larger than the neck 92 and the wide end of the slot 74. However, the fastener 60 can pass through the shank. 98 and the head, a shoulder 99 that is wider and larger than the neck 92 of the slot 74. Further, the fastener 60 is threaded sufficiently into the knife holder 52 to secure the shoulder 99. When the fastener 60 is positioned inside the narrow portion of the slot 74, the fastener 60 passes through the neck 92. Similarly, the clamp 54 cannot be removed from the knife holder 52. Thus, neck 92 allows clamp 54 to clamp fastener 60 when fastener 60 is tightened. It is physically prevented from sliding forward away from snap 60.

[0063] Shoulder 99 is shown to be complementary to the tapered shape of tapered wall 94 of slot 74. However, it does not have to be tapered, and may be parallel to the axis of the fastener 60. However, the tapered shoulder 99 allows the fastener 60 to be loosened sufficiently to allow the fastener to be fastened. This reduces the number of rotations required to remove the clamp 54 from the spring 60. This has the advantage that:

[0064] FIG. 21 shows a cutting apparatus including the cutting head 12 of the slicing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a knife assembly 100 according to a fourth embodiment, which is applied to a cutting head. The knife assembly 100 of this non-limiting embodiment of the present invention includes a knife holder 52 and , on the knife support surface 52A of the knife holder 52 so as to protrude from the front edge of the knife holder 52. The knife holder 52 has a clamp 54 for fixing a knife 56 thereto. At least a portion of the surface 52A has a shape complementary to the shape knife 56. The knife engaging portion of the clamp 54 has a shape complementary to the knife 56. 54A.

[0065] The knife assembly 100 includes a blade that passes through the clamp 54 and threads onto the knife holder 52. A wedge assembly 1 cooperates with the snap 60 to secure the clamp 54 to the knife holder 52. Similar to the previous embodiment, the clamp 54 further includes a fastener 60. The slot is continuous with the rear edge 76 of the clamp 54. The clamp 54 has a base 54B formed thereon and a knife engaging portion 54B formed thereon. The clamp 54 extends toward A but terminates just before that point. 26, 27, and 28) to move the knife It can be removed from the assembly 100.

[0066] The wedge assembly 102 shown in FIG. 21 comprises a lower member 102A, an upper member 102B, and a handle 102C to which a threaded shaft 102D is attached. 21, but with the wedge assembly 10 2 shows the state in which the upper member 102B of the second member has been removed to expose the lower member 102A. The lower member 102A is integrally formed by a beam 104 with two flanges 106 projecting on either side. As is clear from FIG. 22, the head of the fastener 60 is 102A, and is received in a recess 108 formed in a flange 106 of the lower member 10 Lower member 102A is secured directly to knife holder 52 by fasteners 60. The beam 104 has a shoulder 110 formed on it near the trailing edge 76 of the clamp 54, and the beam 104 and is positioned to contact upper member 102B, as described below. The handle 102C further has a tapered slide surface 112. The slot 102D is formed in the beam 104 by a slot 114 (see FIGS. 26 and 27). It extends through.

[0067] 23, 24, and 25 show the upper member 102B of the wedge assembly 102. The slot 116 is provided in the upper member 10 to accommodate the head of the fastener 60. 2B. Thus, the upper member 102B is fastened by the fastener 60. The threaded shaft 102D is not directly fixed to the holder 52. connects upper member 102B to lower member 102A, so that upper member 102B is O2A indirectly connects to the knife holder 52.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the lower side of the upper member 102B is provided with a lower member 102A. A U-shaped cage sized and shaped to accommodate the beam 104 and flange 106 of the The cavity 120 has a threaded hole 124 formed therein. The threaded hole 124 surrounds the central boss 122A. The end of the threaded shaft 102D of the handle 102C protruding from the slot 114 in The central boss 122A is threadedly fitted to the beam 104 of the lower member 102A. The upper member 102A has a bearing surface 126 that abuts against the tapered slide surface 112. The central boss 122A and the end bosses 122B are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction. 122B abuts against the base 54B of the clamp 54 and turns the clamp 54 toward the knife holder 52. It has clamping surfaces 127A and 127B that press against each other.

[0069] 26 and 27 are cross-sectional views of the knife assembly 100 shown in FIG. The unlocked (FIG. 26) and locked (FIG. 27) states of the locking assembly 100 are shown. At 26, fasteners 60 attach lower member 102A to knife holder 52, and lower member 1 102A is received in cavity 120 of upper member 102B, and threaded shaft 102D , which is threaded into a threaded hole 124 formed in the central boss 122A of the upper member 102B, The member 102B is indirectly connected to the knife holder 52. The shoulder 110 of the horizontal member 102A is adjacent to the trailing edge 76 of the clamp 54 and is positioned at the beam 1. The tapered slide surface 112 formed on the upper member 102B is fitted to the central boss 122A of the upper member 102B. In the unlocked state, the clamp 54 is moved forward (see FIG. 2) and abuts against the bearing surface 126 formed thereon. 6 and to the right in FIG. 27) to insert fastener 60 into the slot in the trailing edge 76 of clamp 54. The clamp 54 can be removed from the knife assembly 100 by removing it from the clamp. can.

[0070] FIG. 27 shows the use of handle 102C to insert threaded shaft 102D into upper member 102. B. The upper member 122 is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole 124 formed in the central boss 122A of the upper member 122. 102B is shown pulled downward to further engage with lower member 102A. The handle 102C is rotated to pull the upper member 102B toward the lower member 102A. As the tapered slide surface 112 contacts the bearing surface 126 of the upper member 102B, Therefore, the upper member 102B slides downward on the tapered slide surface 112. , the depth d1 of the slot in the lower member 102A at the bottom of the slot 114 is 14. This is because the depth d2 of the slot in the lower member 102A is shorter than the depth d2 of the slot in the upper portion of the lower member 102A. As a result, the clamping surfaces of the central boss 122A and the end bosses 122B of the upper member 102B 127A and 127B press the clamp 54 toward the knife holder 52, A knife 56 is clamped between the blade 54 and the knife holder 52 .

[0071] FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of the knife assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 21, 26, and 27. 21 and 27 using the wedge assembly 102. 10 is a diagram showing the force acting on the clamp 54 when the clamp 54 is fixed to the holder 52. The wedge assembly 102 is rotated in the direction shown (the tapered section of the lower member 102A). To apply a clamping force Fw in a direction parallel to the ride surface 112, the clamp 54 (to the left in FIG. 28) so that clamp 54 (or the narrow portion of its slot) By contacting fastener 60, the position of clamp 54 relative to knife 56 is adjusted by fastener 60. It will not change by tightening the

[0072] 29, 30, and 31 show the cutting head 12 and slicing device 1 shown in FIG. 5. A knife assembly according to a fifth embodiment, which is applied to a cutting head of a slicing device, including The knife assembly 130 according to this non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is The knife holder 52 and the knife support surface 52A of the knife holder 52 are provided with a and a clamp 54 for securing a shaping knife 56 so that it projects from the edge. Similar to the shape, at least a portion of the knife support surface 52A of the knife holder 52 is shaped to support the knife 5 6, and the shape knife 56 is complementary to the shape knife 56. The knife engages with a part of the knife engaging portion 54A of the clamp 54 having a shape similar to that of the knife engaging portion 54A.

[0073] The knife assembly 130 is disposed between the knife holder 52 and the base 54B of the clamp 54. The clamp 54 further includes a cam rod 132. The cam rod 132 extends through the clamp 54 and connects to the knife hole. The clamp 54 is secured to the knife holder 52 in cooperation with a fastener 60 threadedly engaged with the knife holder 52. As with the previously described embodiment, the clamp 54 includes a slot 74 that receives the fastener 60. 29, 30, and 31), the clamp 54 can be By moving it, it can be removed from the knife assembly 100. As in the previous embodiment, the wide portion of the slot 74 is continuous with the rear edge 76 of the clamp 54. The narrow portion of slot 74 defines distal end 74A of slot 74.

[0074] 29 and 31, the distal end 74 of the slot 74 A indicates that the clamp 54 moves rearward (toward the left in Figures 29, 30, and 31). This acts as a stopper to prevent the knife assembly 50 from being disengaged by the force of the However, moving the clamp 54 forward (to the right in FIGS. 29, 30, and 31) This disengages the fastener 60 from the slot 74 in the trailing edge 76 of the clamp 54 or Alternatively, the fastener 60 may be aligned with the wide portion of the slot 74, thereby allowing the clamp 54 to be attached to the knife. When moving the assembly 50 radially outward of the cutting head 12, the fastener 60 This allows the clamp 54 to pass through the slot 74. It can be removed from 0.

[0075] The cam rod 132 is forcibly held in place on the knife holder 52. 5, the clamp 54 and knife 56 are held in place on the knife holder 52. The cam rod 132 is received in a channel 136 formed in the surface of the knife holder 52. and is disposed rearward of the fastener 60 (to the left in FIGS. 29, 30, and 31). Furthermore, the long axis of the cam rod 132 is connected to the knife holder 52, the clamp 54, and the knife holder 52. 1. The cam rod 132 is positioned in a channel 136 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 56. It can rotate around its 32 major axis.

[0076] The lever 134 is attached to the cam rod 132 or serves as an extension of the cam rod 132. When the cam rod 132 is rotated by the lever 134, the clamp 54 A camming action is created that applies an outward force Fc to the head of fastener 60 against base 54B. Since fastener 60 acts as a fulcrum for clamp 54, the camming action is similar to that shown in FIG. Thus, a reaction force F is generated at the point where fastener 60 contacts clamp 54. R1 Clan At the point where the knife engaging portion 54A of the blade 54 contacts the knife 56, a reaction force F R2 This results in: The cam rod 132 has a concave surface 138 formed on a circular circumferential surface 140. When the head 132 rotates, the concave surface 138 faces the clamp 54, thereby causing the clamp 54 to rotate. and the cam rod 132 are disengaged, thereby disengaging the knife engaging portion 54 of the clamp 54. It becomes possible to remove the knife 56 from A.

[0077] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 31, the lever 134 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 138 and the circumferential surface 140 of the cam rod 132. The clamping load is applied to the base 54B of the clamp 54 by the cam rod 1. Further counterclockwise rotation of 32 transfers all of the clamp load to the circumferential surface 140 The lever 134 can be attached to the base 54B by rotating it clockwise in FIG. When rotated, the concave surface 138 of the cam rod 132 faces the clamp 54, It can be released from engagement with the cam rod 132.

[0078] In this embodiment, the cam rod 132 is positioned such that the fastener 60 is positioned at the distal end 74A of the slot 74. A tightening load is applied to pull the clamp 54 toward the fastener 60 until it abuts. As the clamp 54 is tightened, the corner formed by the concave surface 138 and the circumferential surface 140 contacts the clamp 54. The clamp 54 can be pulled rearward (toward the left in FIG. 31) by engaging with the base 54B. When the cam rod 132 rotates clockwise, the clamp 54 31) so that the edge of slot 74 contacts fastener 60. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if a tightening load is applied, The function of ensuring that the position of the clamp 54 relative to the knife 56 does not change is the cam rod. 132 and the properly adjusted relative positions of the concave surface 138 and the circumferential surface 140. It exists.

[0079] As will be apparent from the embodiments described herein and illustrated in the drawings, each of the illustrated In an embodiment, the knife of the clamp 54 preferably has a shape complementary to the knife 56. In order to apply a clamping load to the knife 56 via the fastener engaging portion 54A, or other suitable fasteners) are used. For example, fastener 60 is formed in clamp 54 and continues to the trailing edge 76 of clamp 54 (opening). By being received in the slot 74, the clamp 54 is moved forward, The clamp 54 can be removed from the knife assembly. The opening structure includes a clamp 54 and a shaped knife 56 fixed by the clamp 54. It is desirable to make it removable, but in the clamping process of clamp 54, 4 cannot be prevented from moving relative to the knife 56. Therefore, in each embodiment described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings, the clamping load is When clamp 54 is applied to knife 56, it is possible for clamp 54 to move relative to knife 56, particularly knife arm 56. Means are provided to prevent the assembly from moving forward. In one embodiment, such means may be a support bar 58 shown in FIGS. 12-17, a support bar 59 shown in FIGS. 12-20, or a support bar 58 shown in FIGS. The slot neck 92 and tapered wall 94, shown in FIGS. 21-28, The assembly 102 and the cam rod 132 shown in FIGS.

[0080] Although the present invention has been described above through specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that Obviously, other aspects of the invention are also applicable. For example, knife assemblies, cutting The cutting heads and the devices to which they are attached may differ in appearance and structure from those shown. Also, the knife assembly may use knives other than those shown. For example, the shape (flat or specific shape) can be different, and the shape can be If it is a sine wave, the amplitude (distance from valley to peak) and / or pitch (distance between peaks) Furthermore, for manufacturing knife assemblies and their components, A variety of materials and processes can be employed for the purpose. , as defined solely by the claims.

Claims

1. Method for attaching and detaching a clamp for a knife assembly that secures a knife to a cutting head of a slicing machine And, The cutting head may be configured to move in a forward direction, a rearward direction opposite to the forward direction, or both the forward direction and the rearward direction. and an axial direction perpendicular to the front direction, the rear direction, and the axial direction. and having a radial direction that is perpendicular to the The clamp defines a leading edge of the clamp and has a shape complementary to the knife. and a knife engaging portion that physically contacts the knife in the clamped position. Therefore, Remove the clamping load from the clamp that secures the clamp in the clamped position. 、 The clamp is moved toward the front of the cutting head to place the clamp in a release position. and at the release position, the contact between the knife and the knife engaging portion is released. and, removing the clamp from the knife assembly; A method comprising:

2. Continuing to move the clamp in the forward direction of the cutting head causes the clamp to The method of claim 1 further comprising removing a pump from the knife assembly.

3. moving the clamp radially outwardly of the cutting head from the knife assembly; 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: removing the clamp from the knife assembly by: 。

4. The clamp is moved axially in the cutting head to move the clamp forward. The method of claim 1 , further comprising removing the knife assembly.

5. The clamp is moved axially along the cutting head, and then the clamp is moved to the cutting head. The clamp head is moved radially outward from the knife assembly. The method of claim 1 , further comprising removing the knife assembly.

6. The clamp load is further applied by a fastener passing through a slot in the clamp. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

7. The slot extends toward but terminates short of the knife-engaging portion of the clamp. the clamp is attached to the cutting head to form an inner distal end. Prevents rearward movement from disengaging from the knife assembly The method of claim 6, which functions as a stopper.

8. The slot is continuous with and opens to the rear edge of the clamp. The method of claim 7, wherein

9. Continuing to move the clamp in the forward direction of the cutting head causes the clamp to 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising removing a pump from the knife assembly.

10. moving the clamp radially outwardly of the cutting head from the knife assembly; 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising removing the clamp from the knife assembly by: 。

11. The clamp is moved axially in the cutting head to move the clamp forward.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising removing the knife assembly.

12. The method of claim 7 , wherein the slot is not continuous with the trailing edge of the clamp.

13. moving the clamp radially outwardly of the cutting head from the knife assembly; 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the clamp is removed from the knife assembly by: 。

14. The clamp is moved axially along the cutting head, and then the clamp is moved to the cutting head. The clamp head is moved radially outward from the knife assembly. from the knife assembly.

15. The knife is a flat knife, and the shape of the knife engaging portion of the clamp is 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is complementary to the flat knife.

16. The knife is a shaped knife, and the shape of the knife engagement portion of the clamp is The method of claim 1 , wherein the knife is complementary to the knife.

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