Food processing system doors

Abstract

A food processing system for performing one or more operations to process food includes a frame that generally encloses a processing area in which the one or more operations to process food are performed, the frame defining one or more openings extending through a side of the frame for operator access to the processing area. A door is provided for selectively opening and closing at least one of the openings extending through the side of the frame. A hinge connects the door to the frame and defines an axis of rotation, allowing the door to rotate relative to the frame about the axis of rotation. The door is limited to be rotatable from a normal open range of 60 degrees or less relative to the frame to a partially open position. The door includes a panel for closing the at least one opening extending through the side of the frame when the door is in a closed position, and a sliding mechanism for sliding the panel along the direction of the door to fully open the at least one opening extending through the side of the frame when the door is in the partially open position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to food processing systems, and more particularly to food packaging and food grading systems for performing one or more operations in processing food, such as sealing food packages and inspecting food for packaging in food packages. [Background technology]

[0002] Food processing systems typically have processing areas where one or more operations to process food occur. These processing areas must be accessible to operators for maintenance and cleaning. However, to protect the safety of operators and the sanitary condition of the food being processed, it is often necessary to enclose such food processing areas in a sealed enclosure with one or more doors or covers to provide access for maintenance and cleaning.

[0003] A typical door on a food processing system pivots on a hinge located on one end of the door. A problem with this configuration is that sufficient clearance must be provided around the machine to allow the door to swing between closed and open positions. Another problem is that such doors can protrude a significant distance into the aisle between adjacent machines, creating a safety hazard for personnel working around those machines.

[0004] Another factor that must be considered is that it is generally desirable for food processing systems to be as small and compact as possible. Each of the above concerns would be easily addressed if food processing machines could be made larger with built-in access spaces. However, such a solution increases the cost of manufacturing larger machines and reduces the number of machines that can operate in a given area.

[0005] It is therefore desirable to provide access to food processing systems that takes up as little floor space as possible in order to maximize the throughput of the food processing systems in any particular plant and ensure the safety of the personnel operating the machines. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a food processing system for performing one or more operations to process food, the food processing system comprising: a frame substantially enclosing a processing area in which the one or more operations to process food are performed, the frame defining one or more openings through a side of the frame for operator access to the processing area; a door for selectively opening and closing at least one of the openings through the side of the frame; a hinge connecting the door to the frame and defining an axis of rotation for rotating the door relative to the frame about the axis of rotation, the hinge limiting the door's rotation relative to the frame from a normal open range of 60 degrees or less to a partially open position; a panel for closing the at least one opening through the side of the frame when the door is in a closed position; and a sliding mechanism for sliding the panel along the door to fully open the at least one opening through the side of the frame when the door is in the partially open position.

[0007] This food processing system addresses the above-mentioned problems by providing a door that rotates about a hinge axis to a partially open position, after which a door panel slides along the door's direction to fully open the door. This configuration reduces the amount of space required around the system for door operation. At the same time, because the door can be rotated to a partially open position before the panel slides out of the opening, there is no need to provide space within the system for panel movement, keeping the system compact.

[0008] The frame may be part of an enclosure that, together with the door or doors, substantially encloses a processing area within the system. Such an enclosure may consist of the frame, the door(s), and fixed panels for closing other portions of the frame. It will be appreciated that even a substantially enclosed enclosure may require a permanent opening, for example, for the insertion and removal of food or food packages.

[0009] The door may rotate about any axis of rotation. For example, the hinge may define a vertical axis of rotation about which the door rotates. However, preferably, the hinge defines a generally horizontal axis of rotation. There are several reasons for this. Many typical food processing systems transport food or packages along a horizontal conveyance. This means that the system is typically longer horizontally than vertically. In such systems, a horizontally opening door would need to be very long, either rotating over a wide range when opening or split into multiple doors, increasing the system's manufacturing costs. Vertically opening doors generally offer better balance on the hinge and provide more space for an operator to work within the system. While only a single hinge has been mentioned above, doors can be mounted on multiple hinges as well. However, these hinges should define a common axis of rotation.

[0010] A door with hinges defining a horizontal axis of rotation could, in principle, rotate about a hinge located along the upper edge of the door, e.g., outward and upward from the machine; however, this configuration is particularly suited to small, compact machines, where a handle located along the lower edge of the door may be inconvenient. Therefore, the hinge is preferably located toward the lower edge of the door, preferably approximately at the bottom edge of the door. In this case, it is most convenient to operate the door from near the top edge, facilitating access in small food processing machines. As mentioned above, the hinge may be located at the lower edge of the door, or it may be located inward from the lower edge but in the lower half of the door.

[0011] Another advantage of a horizontal rotation axis is that the door defines an angle with respect to the vertical in the closed position, and then can rotate from this closed position to a partially open position on its hinge toward the vertical. In such an embodiment, at least a portion of the door's rotation does not increase the footprint of the machine, which is beneficial for reducing the clearance required around the machine. For example, when the door is in the closed position, it may be angled away from the hinge toward the center of the frame. Thus, the food processing system may be narrower at the top than at the bottom, for example. This angle of the door in the closed state is usually not very noticeable, preventing the loss of valuable space within the system. However, in the closed position, the door defines an angle of up to 30 degrees with respect to the vertical, preferably up to 25 degrees, more preferably up to 20 degrees, even more preferably up to 10 degrees, and most preferably up to 5 degrees with respect to the vertical. Even a slight inward tilt of the door in the closed position allows the door to partially rotate without increasing the footprint of the system. In practice, the door may be allowed to rotate about its hinges from the closed position toward the vertical, but limited to no more than 30 degrees above vertical, preferably no more than 25 degrees, more preferably no more than 20 degrees, even more preferably no more than 10 degrees, and even more preferably no more than 5 degrees above vertical, and most preferably the door may be allowed to rotate about its hinges from the closed position toward the vertical, but limited to no more than approximately vertical, in which case the footprint of the system does not increase significantly during operation of the door.

[0012] As is clear from the above, it is preferable to rotate the door a relatively small angle—that is, enough to move the door away from the system and slide the panel to fully open the door. Preferably, the door is limited to a normal opening range of 45 degrees or less, preferably 30 degrees or less, more preferably 25 degrees or less, even more preferably 20 degrees or less, and most preferably 10 degrees or less on its hinges. The smaller the rotation angle, the less clearance around the machine is required for door rotation.

[0013] Although the door can only rotate up to 60 degrees, its normal range of motion, in some situations, such as for deep cleaning or to access other parts of the system, the door may need to rotate further. Therefore, the door preferably further comprises a latch connecting the door to the frame and limiting the movement of the door to define its normal range of opening, the latch being adjustable or disengaged during maintenance to allow the door to rotate on its hinges beyond its normal range of opening. While this is preferred, it is not required; for example, the door may be removed from its hinges to allow deep cleaning or maintenance.

[0014] Once the door is rotated to a partially open position, the panel may slide along any direction on the door. Because the door is typically generally flat, the panel typically slides along a direction generally in the plane of the door. Because the panel itself is typically generally flat, the panel typically slides along a direction generally in the plane of the panel. However, preferably, the sliding mechanism allows the panel to slide along a direction generally perpendicular to the hinge axis of rotation, and most preferably, the sliding mechanism allows the panel to slide along a direction toward the hinge. The preferred sliding direction of the panel depends on the size and location of the door and the size and location of the opening through the system frame. However, in compact systems, since the processing area is typically at the top of the machine and extends laterally along the length of the machine, when the hinge axis of rotation is generally horizontal, the panel preferably slides vertically, typically downward toward the base of the system.

[0015] The panels described above may be considered movable panels, and the frame may include a fixed panel that slides relative to and overlaps the fixed panel via a sliding mechanism. Preferably, when the door is in the closed position, the movable panel and the fixed panel form a substantially continuous exterior surface of the system, and rotation of the door moves the movable panel away from the fixed panel, leaving a gap for the movable panel to slide onto and overlap the fixed panel. Because only certain areas of the system require operator access during use, other areas may be obscured by the fixed panel of the frame, while still protecting certain areas of the system from interference. In a typical configuration, the fixed panel may be located between the hinge and the movable panel in the closed position. In other embodiments, the fixed panel may be mounted within the door, and the movable part may slide on the fixed panel within the frame that defines the door.

[0016] Preferably, the door includes a pair of opposing arms extending from the hinge pivot point, with a panel extending between the arms and sliding along the length of each arm so that, in the fully open position, the space between the arms at the distal end of each arm is unobstructed. In other words, in the fully open position, the arms and panel define a substantially U-shaped opening through which an operator can access the system. While this type of system might typically include a door with a rectangular support frame surrounding an interior panel, this configuration with opposing arms allows the panel to slide along the arms, leaving an unobstructed space between the arms, e.g., because both ends are not connected. In embodiments where the door includes a pair of opposing arms, the panel preferably extends from the front of the arm facing away from the system frame to the rear of the arm facing the system frame, closing the gap between the front of the arm and the frame when the door is in the closed position. However, a transparent panel would allow a clear view into the machine interior between the arms.

[0017] Preferably, the door is configured so that the panel can be slid by the sliding mechanism only after the door has rotated on its hinges. Therefore, the door preferably includes an engagement element (preferably a rotatable element), such as a wheel portion, coupled to the panel, which is arranged to engage with a stop element on the frame when the door is in the closed position, and the engagement between the engagement element and the stop element prevents the panel from being slid by the sliding mechanism when the door is in the closed position. While this configuration is preferred, any mechanism for preventing the panel from sliding may be used. As the door rotates from the closed position to the partially open position, the engagement element moves relative to the stop element, so that in the partially open position, the engagement element is released from the stop element and the panel can be slid by the sliding mechanism. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the engagement between the engagement element and the stop element may guide the movement of the moving panel during rotation and subsequent sliding. For example, one of the engagement element and the stop element defines a path along which the other of the engagement element and the stop element preferably moves continuously as the panel is moved by the sliding mechanism during rotation of the door from a closed position to a partially open position, and preferably the other of the engagement element and the stop element comprises a rotatable element that rotates as it moves along the path. This allows the panel to rotate and slide in one smooth motion, guided by the interaction of the engagement element and the stop element. In embodiments using a latch to define the normal open range of the door, the latch can maintain contact between the engagement element and the stop element as the engagement element moves along the path defined by the stop element, or vice versa.

[0018] Any type of sliding mechanism may be used for the panels, although preferably the door comprises at least one support from which the panel extends, preferably a pair of opposing supports (such as the arms described above) between which the panel extends, and the sliding mechanism comprises a track in one or both of the supports along which the panel slides. For example, the sliding mechanism may comprise a rail or groove on the or each support into which the panel engages and slides along the rail or groove. This is a particularly simple mechanism and can keep the door low in manufacturing costs.

[0019] In embodiments in which the door includes a pair of opposing supports with a panel extending between them and sliding along their length, a potential problem of the panel jamming can arise if the panel is not held horizontally during sliding. Therefore, the sliding mechanism preferably includes a timing belt coupled to each opposing end of the panel and connected to each support using a series of pulleys, e.g., defining a closed loop for the timing belt to maintain a constant path length during panel movement and ensure the panel is held horizontally between the opposing supports during sliding. For example, using a timing belt defining a closed loop path, movement of one side of the panel applies tension to the timing belt, pulling the opposite side of the panel in a direction that moves the same amount. This allows the user to operate the door at any position along the door without risk of the panel jamming.

[0020] Another challenge with door sliding mechanisms that rotate about a horizontal axis defined by a hinge is the operator's need to lift the weight of the door when opening or closing it. Therefore, the sliding mechanism preferably includes a resilient member, preferably a gas spring, to bias against the weight of the panel during sliding. This configuration uses the resilient member to counteract the weight of the door, assisting the operator in opening and closing the door. The gas spring or gas strut is particularly useful for smoothing the door's movement when lowering and assisting the user in lifting the door when raising it.

[0021] As described above, a typical food processing system is configured to transport product through a processing area along a product flow direction, which is preferably generally horizontal, with one or more openings extending through a side of the crate extending along the product flow direction. These openings through the long sides of the crate are typically the most difficult to provide access to without requiring a large amount of clearance around the system, and are therefore most likely to benefit from this configuration. In these embodiments, the door preferably extends along at least 50% of the length of the side of the crate along the product flow direction, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 80%, and most preferably at least 90% of the length of the side of the crate along the product flow direction. An advantage of this configuration is that it allows for very large doors to be provided, requiring less clearance around the system for door operation. Thus, a single door can cover most of the long side of the system, providing operator convenience and reducing system manufacturing costs compared to using multiple doors on each side.

[0022] Preferably, the door is connected to a switch such that rotation of the door about the pivot activates the switch to stop one or more operations of the food processing system, thereby enhancing safety for operators using the system.

[0023] Preferably, the door includes a handle coupled to the panel for rotating the door via a hinge and sliding the panel via a sliding mechanism, with one handle location on the panel controlling the rotation of the door and the sliding of the panel, allowing the operator to open the door with one smooth motion.

[0024] It is generally desirable for an operator to be able to inspect the processing area of ​​the system with the door closed, and therefore the panel is preferably at least partially transparent to allow the operator to view the processing area while the door is closed. For example, there may be transparent areas within an otherwise opaque panel. While this is preferred, the panel could also be completely opaque.

[0025] Although the above description focuses on a single door on one side of the system, it will be understood that there may be multiple such doors on each system, typically on different sides of the system. Preferably, the frame defines one or more openings through a first side of the frame for an operator to access the processing area, and one or more openings through a second side of the frame opposite the first side; the door is a first door for selectively opening and closing at least one of the openings through the first side of the frame, and further comprises a second door for selectively opening and closing at least one of the openings through the second side of the frame; and a second hinge connecting the second door to the frame and defining a rotation axis for the second door to rotate the second door about the rotation axis relative to the frame, the second hinge being limited so that the door can rotate relative to the frame from a normal open range of 60 degrees or less to a partially open position; and the second door comprises a panel for closing the at least one opening through the second side of the frame when the door is in a closed position; and a sliding mechanism for sliding the panel along the direction of the door to fully open the at least one opening through the second side of the frame when the door is in a partially open position. This second door preferably has the same structure as the first door and may therefore have all of the preferred features described above.

[0026] As mentioned above, the food processing system may be a food packaging system that performs one or more operations of packaging food or controlling the quality of packaged food, and preferably a tray sealing system that seals food in trays, a seal testing system that tests the integrity of sealed food packages, or a weight inspection system that inspects the weight of food packages. Alternatively, the food processing system may be a food preparation system that performs one or more operations of preparing food for packaging, and preferably a food inspection system, such as an X-ray system, that inspects food to assess one or more properties, a food weighing system that weighs food, a food grading system, or a food flavoring system that coats food with flavors or marinades.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a food processing system for performing one or more operations to process food, the method comprising the steps of: providing a frame body substantially surrounding a processing area in which one or more operations to process food are performed, the frame body defining one or more openings through a side of the frame body for operator access to the processing area; providing a door through the side of the frame body for selectively opening and closing at least one of the openings; and connecting the door to the frame body by a hinge defining an axis of rotation and allowing the door to rotate about the axis of rotation, the hinge limiting the door's rotation from a normal open range of 60 degrees or less relative to the frame body to a partially open position, the door comprising: a panel for closing the at least one opening through the side of the frame body when the door is in a closed position; and a sliding mechanism for sliding the panel along the direction of the door to fully open the at least one opening through the side of the frame body when the door is in a partially open position.

[0028] This method corresponds to the method for manufacturing a food processing system according to the first aspect of the invention, and therefore all of the preferred features described above with respect to the first aspect can be incorporated in the manufacture of a system according to this second aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] The present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings. [Figure 1A-1B] Front view of the food processing system with the door in the closed and fully open positions [Figure 2A-2B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the food processing system in a closed position with a close-up view of a portion of the door and frame. [Figure 3A-3B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a food processing system in a partially open position with a close-up view of a portion of the door and frame. [Figure 4A-4B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the food processing system in a fully open position with a close-up view of a portion of the door and frame. [Figure 5] 1 is a close-up view of a portion of a food processing system door and frame with the door in a maintenance position; [Figures 6A-6B] Diagram showing the inside of a food processing system door and a close-up of the inside of the door DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0031] 1A and 1B are front views of a food processing system 1. In this embodiment, the food processing system is a tray sealing system. The system includes a frame 10, which, together with a front door 100 and a rear door (not shown), forms a housing that encloses a processing area 20 within the frame 10 and is supported by four legs 11 of the frame 10. The system 1 receives trays to be sealed through an input opening 21 that penetrates the frame at the upstream end of the system. As the trays are transported along the processing area 20 within the frame, they are sealed by one or more processes performed within the system. The sealing process is typically performed using units mounted at the top of the system, which in this embodiment include a film supply unit 3, a cutting and sealing unit 4, and a film intake unit 5, although the type and arrangement of the processing units may vary depending on the food processing system. After sealing, the trays exit the system through a downstream opening 22.

[0032] System 1 is generally elongated along the transport direction, i.e., between the input and output ends of the system. Door 100 is provided on one of the generally vertical elongated sides of the system. A second door (not shown), identical in structure to the first door, may be provided on the opposite side of the system. Door 100 extends along substantially the entire length of the system, i.e., between input opening 21 and output opening 22. The door closes one or more openings 24 through the sides of the frame that expose the processing area 20 within the frame.

[0033] FIG. 1A illustrates the door 100 in a closed position. The door 100 includes opposing arms 101 and 102, with the first arm 101 positioned at the upstream end of the system 1 near the input opening 21 and the second arm 102 positioned at the downstream end of the system 1 near the output opening 22. Each arm extends upward from a hinge 50 located along the lower edge of the system housing formed by the frame 10. The hinge 50 extends between the lower ends of the arms 101 and 102 and connects the lower ends of the arms to the frame 10 so that each arm can rotate in a vertical plane. A panel 110 extends between the opposing arms 101 and 102. The panel is formed of a transparent plastic material such as polycarbonate. A handle 111 is connected to the outer surface of the panel and extends the entire length of the panel 110 in the transport direction of the system. In the closed position, the panel 110 extends between the opposing arms at the distal ends of each arm, i.e., the ends distal to the hinge 50, to close the opening 24 to the processing area 20 with the panel 110 covering the opening 24.

[0034] 1B shows door 100 in a fully open position, with the door rotated at a relatively shallow angle on hinge 50, and panel 110 positioned lower toward hinge 50 along guides in arms 101, 102 so that the panel does not cover opening 24. In this fully open position, panel 110 overlaps lower fixed panel 12 of frame 10. This fixed panel 12 of frame 10 may house mechanical components below the processing area that do not require frequent access, such as the electronics of system 1 or the lifting mechanism of a tray sealer.

[0035] Next, the door opening mechanism will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2A to 5. FIG.

[0036] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of system 1 with door 100 in a closed position. This view shows that the side of the system on which the door is located is slightly tilted from vertical, and the base of the housing, where hinge 50 is located, is slightly wider than the top of the housing, where the distal ends of arms 101 and 102 are located, resulting in door 100 tilting inward toward the top at an angle of approximately 8 degrees from vertical. In this closed position, arms 101 and 102 are retracted within the frame, and the door's movable panel 110 is flush with fixed panel 12 at the bottom of the housing. This view also shows that the top edge of panel 110 forms a curved top edge. This allows the panel to extend from approximately the outside of arms 101 and 102 to approximately the inside of arms 101 and 102, preventing gaps above the panel and between the arms. In other words, panel 110 curves to meet the top surface of system 1.

[0037] FIG. 2B shows the top of one arm 101 of door 100 in a closed position, illustrating the closing mechanism that holds the door closed and the latch mechanism 30 used to limit movement of the door when it is opened. As seen in FIG. 2B, the arm extends upward at an angle of approximately 8 degrees from vertical. FIG. 2B also shows the closed position with panel 110 located at the top of arm 101. Also shown in FIG. 2B is a handle 111 connected to the exterior surface of panel 110. Furthermore, in this closed position, electronic switch 6 located on frame 10 is closed by electronic connector 103 located at the top of arm 101. Rotating the door from the closed position, for example, as shown in FIG. 3B with the door in a partially open position, breaks the connection between electronic switch 6 and connector 103, thereby deactivating the system in response to the door being opened.

[0038] FIG. 2B also shows a latch mechanism 30. The latch mechanism includes an elongated latch plate 31 having an elongated slot 32 extending along its length. A bolt 15, which connects to the frame, is inserted into the slot 32, allowing the latch plate to move relative to the frame as the bolt 15 moves along the slot. The slot 32 is wider at the end closest to the arm 101 than at the end farther from the arm 101. The slot transitions between a wide portion and a narrow portion at a step 33, which acts as a first stop for the latch, capturing the bolt 15 and holding the latch in the first position. The narrow portion of the slot forms an end 34 of the slot, which acts as a second stop for the latch, receiving the bolt 15 and holding the latch in the second position. The opposite end of the latch plate 31 has a notch into which the bolt 105 of the arm 101 of the door 100 is inserted to define a fixed connection point for the latch plate 31 to the door 100. The notch is open on the underside of the cam plate, allowing the latch to be released from the bolt 105 and completely removed.

[0039] A wheel-shaped engagement member 112 is positioned on the inside of the door 100. This engagement member 112 protrudes from the panel 110 toward the center of the system 1 and interacts with a closing mechanism attached to the frame. The closing mechanism includes a cam plate 13 fixed to the frame 10. Each end of the system is provided with a cam plate near the corresponding arm 101, 102, and each end of the panel 110 is provided with an engagement member 112 that interacts with the corresponding closing mechanism. The cam plate 13 is a metal plate fixed to the frame 10 and interacts with the engagement member 112 when the door 100 is opened or closed. In the closed position, the cam plate 13 forms a recessed stop element 14 along its upper edge. When the door is in the closed position, the wheel 112 fits within the recessed stop element 14. In this closed position, the cam plate is located below the wheel 112 that connects to the panel 110 of the door 100, sliding along the length of each arm to prevent the panel from opening.

[0040] 3A shows the door 100 in a partially open position. Here, the operator has pulled the handle 111, causing the door to rotate about the hinge 50. In the partially open position, the door has rotated approximately 8 degrees, approximately vertical. As can be seen in FIG. 3A, the panel 110 of the door 100 is no longer flush with the fixed panel 12 at the bottom of the frame 10, but is spaced forward of the fixed panel 12.

[0041] FIG. 3B shows the upper end of one arm 101 in a partially open position, illustrating the placement of wheel portion 112 and latch mechanism 30 relative to cam plate 13 in the partially open position. As seen in FIG. 3B, in this partially open position, wheel portion 112 rolls along the upper edge of cam plate 13 and clears recessed stop element 14. The cam plate defines a curved track 16 from recessed stop element 14 that wheel portion 112 follows as the door opens. This track curves from approximately horizontal when the wheel portion initially moves out of recessed stop element 14 to approximately vertical. With door 100 in the partially open position, wheel portion 112 moves out of the recessed stop element, rolling along the curved portion of track 16 and then vertically downward the remainder of track 16, corresponding to the sliding of panel 110 of door 100.

[0042] 3B, the latch mechanism 30 holds the door so that it cannot rotate beyond its current vertical position. Specifically, as the door rotates, the bolt 105 in the door, housed in the notch 35 in the latch plate 31, pulls the latch plate 31 substantially horizontally. This causes the bolt 15 in the frame 10 to move along the slot 32 in the latch plate 31 and engage the step 33 at the top of the slot 32, preventing further rotation of the door.

[0043] 3B also shows gas spring 113 in an extended position. One end of gas spring 113 is connected to panel 110 at the same location as wheel portion 112. The other end of gas spring 113 is connected to the bottom of the arm near hinge 50. This gas spring is biased against the weight of panel 110, so it pushes the panel upward, but is not stiff enough to prevent the panel from sliding down under its own weight to the fully open position.

[0044] Figure 4A shows the door in a fully open position. As shown in this figure, the door 100 has not rotated any further than the partially open position of Figure 3A, as it is restrained by the latch mechanism 30. However, the panel 110 has slid downward between the arms to open the opening 24 and allow the operator access to the processing area 20.

[0045] 4B shows the upper end of one arm 101 in a fully open position. In this view, it can be seen that the position of the arm relative to the frame-mounted cam plate 13 remains unchanged, as door rotation remains restricted by latch mechanism 30. This view also shows that panel 110 slides downward along the length of arm 101 toward hinge 50, with wheel portion 112 guided along a substantially vertical portion of track 16 defined by the cam plate. Again, latch mechanism 30 prevents further rotation of door 100, and wheel portion 112 remains in contact with track 16 of cam plate 13. In this fully open position, gas spring 113 is compressed as panel 110 moves downward along arm 101.

[0046] To close the door, the above motion is reversed. First, the operator, with the assistance of gas spring 113, lifts panel 110, sliding it up along arms 101, 102. Wheel element 112 coupled to panel 110 moves vertically upward along track 16 of cam plate 13 to a partially open position, then moves over a curved portion of the cam plate as the operator begins to rotate the door toward the closed position. In the closed position, wheel element 112 is received in recessed stop element 14 of cam plate 13, holding the door closed.

[0047] The normal opening range of the door has been described above. However, in some situations, the door may need to be rotated further to access other parts of the system. Figure 5 shows the door 100 in the maintenance position.

[0048] In this position, the latch mechanism is adjusted to allow further door rotation. Specifically, the door latch cam 36 is used to lift the side of the latch plate 31 closer to the frame 10, allowing further movement of the latch plate 31 relative to the bolt 15 until the bolt 15 reaches the end 34 of the slot 31 without being received within the step 33 at the top edge of the slot 31. In this position, the door 100 has rotated approximately 8 degrees past vertical. Note that the door can be further rotated by lifting the end of the latch plate 31 coupled to the door 100 and removing the latch 30 so that the bolt 105 passes outside the latch plate cutout 35 and the door is no longer coupled to the latch mechanism 30.

[0049] Figures 6A and 6B show the sliding mechanism of panel 110 in more detail. Figure 6A shows opposing arms 101, 102 extending from hinge 50, with panel 110 extending between each arm. As best seen in Figure 6B, each end of panel 110 has a block 114 defining a slot into which a plate-shaped rail 116 of the corresponding arm is inserted. This rail 116 is formed by the side of the arm facing panel 110. A first longitudinal edge of this rail is defined by the edge of the side of the arm facing the interior of the system. A second longitudinal edge of rail 116 is formed on the opposite side by a slot 117 cut through the side of the arm. This block 114 therefore allows the rail 116 to slide up and down, allowing the panel to move up and down the door arms 101, 102.

[0050] FIG. 6B further shows that the wheel portion 112 is connected to a block 114 and that the upper end of the gas spring 113 is also connected to the block 114 .

[0051] 6A and 6B further show the timing belt 40 used to keep the panel 110 level as it slides between the arms 101 and 102. The timing belt defines a closed-loop path inside the door 100. The timing belt 40 is connected to the block 114 by a bracket 115 that secures the belt to the block 114. The timing belt 40 runs from the block 114, along the inside of the arm 101, to a first pulley 41 at the top of the arm 101. From this pulley 41, the timing belt 40 runs down along the arm 101 to a pulley 42 at the bottom of the arm 101 near the hinge 50. The belt then runs across the gap between the arms to a third pulley 43 at the bottom of the arm 102, then up along the arm 102 to the block 114 on the arm 102, where it is connected to the block 114 by another bracket 115. The belt then continues to the fourth pulley 44 located at the top of the arm 102. The timing belt then runs parallel to the path described above, down the arm 102 to the third pulley and then to the second pulley. Finally, the belt 114 runs from the second pulley back to the block 114, forming a closed loop.

[0052] As one end of panel 120 is slid in either direction by moving block 114 along rail 116, belt 40 is pulled, which in turn is pulled in the same direction on the opposite block 114 on the opposite arm. This keeps panel 110 horizontal between arms 101, 102, allowing the door to be operated anywhere along its length, including at either end.

Claims

1. A food processing system for performing one or more operations to process food, A frame that substantially encloses a processing area in which one or more operations for processing food are performed, the frame defining one or more openings that penetrate the side of the frame for an operator to access the processing area, A door for selectively opening and closing at least one of the openings that penetrate the side of the frame, A hinge that connects the door to the frame, defines a pivot axis, and rotates the door relative to the frame about the pivot axis, wherein the hinge restricts the door from being able to rotate relative to the frame from a normal open range of 60 degrees or less to a partially open position. The aforementioned door is A panel for closing the at least one opening that penetrates the side of the frame when the door is in the closed position, A food processing system comprising: a sliding mechanism that, when the door is in the partially open position, slides the panel along the direction of the door, thereby fully opening the at least one opening that penetrates the side of the frame.

2. The food processing system according to claim 1, wherein the hinge defines a substantially horizontal axis of rotation.

3. The food processing system according to claim 2, wherein the hinge is positioned toward the lower edge of the door.

4. The food processing system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the door defines an angle with respect to the vertical in the closed position, and the door is rotatable around the hinge from the closed position to the partially open position in the vertical direction.

5. The food processing system according to claim 4, wherein in the closed position, the door defines an angle of up to 30 degrees, preferably up to 25 degrees, more preferably up to 20 degrees, even more preferably up to 10 degrees, and most preferably up to 5 degrees with respect to the vertical direction.

6. The door is rotatable from the closed position toward the vertical direction about the hinge, and is limited to 30 degrees or less beyond the vertical direction, preferably 25 degrees or less, more preferably 20 degrees or less, even more preferably 10 degrees or less, and even more preferably 5 degrees or less beyond the vertical direction, most preferably the door is rotatable from the closed position toward the vertical direction about the hinge, and is limited not to exceed the vertical direction.

7. The food processing system according to claim 1, wherein the door is restricted to being able to rotate around the hinge within a normal opening range of 45 degrees or less, preferably 30 degrees or less, more preferably 25 degrees or less, even more preferably 20 degrees or less, and most preferably 10 degrees or less.

8. The food processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a latch connecting the door to the frame and restricting the movement of the door to define the normal opening range, wherein the latch is adjusted or disconnected during maintenance to allow the door to rotate beyond its normal opening range around the hinge.

9. The food processing system according to claim 1, wherein the sliding mechanism allows the panel to slide along a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the hinge, and preferably, the sliding mechanism allows the panel to slide along a direction toward the hinge.

10. The food processing system according to claim 1, wherein the panel is a movable panel, the frame comprises a fixed panel, and the movable panel slides relative to the fixed panel by the sliding mechanism and overlaps with the fixed panel.

11. The food processing system according to claim 10, wherein in the closed position, the fixed panel is located between the hinge and the movable panel.

12. The food processing system according to claim 1, wherein the door comprises a pair of opposing arms extending from the axis of rotation of the hinge, and the panel extends between the arms and slides along the length of the arms, such that in the fully open position the space between the arms at the distal ends of the arms is not obstructed.

13. The food processing system according to claim 1, wherein the door comprises an engaging element coupled to the panel, the engaging element being positioned to engage with a stop element of the frame when the door is in the closed position, and the engagement between the engaging element and the stop element prevents the panel from sliding by the sliding mechanism when the door is in the closed position.

14. The food processing system according to claim 13, wherein as the door rotates from the closed position to the partially open position, the engaging element moves relative to the stopping element, thereby releasing the engaging element from the stopping element in the partially open position, allowing the panel to slide by the sliding mechanism.

15. The food processing system according to claim 13, wherein one of the engaging element and the stopping element defines a trajectory on which the other of the engaging element and the stopping element moves as the panel moves by the sliding mechanism while the door rotates from the closed position to the partially open position, and preferably the other of the engaging element and the stopping element comprises a rotatable element that rotates as it moves along the trajectory.

16. The food processing system according to claim 1, wherein the door comprises at least one support from which the panel extends, preferably a pair of opposing supports from which the panel extends, and the sliding mechanism comprises a track in one or both supports from which the panel slides.

17. The food processing system according to claim 1, wherein the door comprises opposing supports, the panel extends between the supports and slides along the length of each support, the sliding mechanism comprises a timing belt coupled to each opposing end of the panel and coupled to each support using a series of pulleys, and the panel is held horizontally between the opposing supports during sliding.

18. The food processing system according to claim 2, wherein the sliding mechanism comprises an elastic member, preferably a gas spring, for biasing against the weight of the panel during sliding.

19. The food processing system according to claim 1, wherein the system is configured to transport products through the processing area in a direction of product flow, the direction of product flow is preferably substantially horizontal, and the one or more openings penetrate the side surface of the frame extending in a direction of product flow.

20. The food processing system according to claim 19, wherein the door extends along at least 50% of the length of the side surface of the frame in the direction of product flow, preferably along at least 60%, more preferably along at least 70%, even more preferably along at least 80%, and most preferably along at least 90% of the length of the side surface of the frame in the direction of product flow.

21. The food processing system according to claim 1, wherein the door is connected to a switch, and when the door rotates around the pivot axis, the switch is activated and one or more operations of the food processing system are stopped.

22. The food processing system according to claim 1, wherein the door is provided with a handle coupled to the panel for rotating the door by the hinge and sliding the panel by the sliding mechanism.

23. The food processing system according to claim 1, wherein the panel is at least partially transparent so that an operator can view the processing area while the door is closed.

24. The frame defines one or more openings penetrating a first side of the frame for an operator to access the machining area, and one or more openings penetrating a second side of the frame opposite to the first side, and the door is a first door for selectively opening and closing at least one of the openings penetrating the first side of the frame, and further, A second door for selectively opening and closing at least one of the openings that penetrate the second side surface of the frame, A second hinge connects the second door to the frame, defines the axis of rotation of the second door, and rotates the second door relative to the frame about the axis of rotation, wherein the door is limited to rotating from a normal open range of 60 degrees or less relative to the frame to a partially open position, the second hinge comprises The aforementioned second door is, A panel for closing the at least one opening that penetrates the second side of the frame when the door is in the closed position, The food processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: a sliding mechanism that, when the door is in the partially open position, slides the panel along the direction of the door, thereby fully opening the at least one opening that penetrates the second side of the frame.

25. The food processing system according to claim 1, wherein the food processing system is a food packaging system that performs one or more operations for packaging food or quality control of packaged food, preferably a tray sealing system, a sealing test system, or a weight inspection system, or the food processing system is a food preparation system that performs one or more operations for preparing food for packaging, preferably a food inspection system, a food weighing system, or a food grading system.

26. A method for manufacturing a food processing system for performing one or more operations for processing food, A step of providing a frame that substantially encloses a processing area in which one or more operations for processing food are performed, and which defines one or more openings penetrating the side of the frame for an operator to access the processing area, The process of providing a door for selectively opening and closing at least one of the openings that penetrate the side surface of the frame, The process includes defining a rotation axis, connecting the door to the frame by a hinge that rotates the door relative to the frame about the rotation axis, and restricting the door's rotation from a normal open range of 60 degrees or less relative to the frame to a partially open position, The aforementioned door is A panel for closing the at least one opening that penetrates the side of the frame when the door is in the closed position, A method comprising: a sliding mechanism that, when the door is in the partially open position, slides the panel along the direction of the door, thereby fully opening the at least one opening that penetrates the side of the frame.

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