food slicer

Abstract

The present invention solves the problem that a food slicer for cutting a food product such as a frozen meat block by using a band saw has a very low yield of the cut food product due to the likelihood of resulting in an uncut portion.　This slicer (1) is provided with a cutting device (2) for cutting a food product (M) into slices and a feeding device (3) for sending the food product M toward the cutting device (2). The cutting device (2) has a backing plate (17) capable of coming into contact with the feeding start side of the food product (M). A gripping mechanism (31) as a constituent of the feeding device (3) has an end gripping member (43) for gripping the feeding end side of the food product (M) and a push plate (42) that comes in contact with the feeding end side of the food product (M). The slicer is provided with a control means (113) which, in the final cutting stage of the food product (M), causes the cutting device (2) to cut the food product (M), with the food product (M) being sandwiched between the backing plate (17) and the push plate (42), after the end gripping member (43) is moved away from the food product (M).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a food slicer that uses a band saw to slice food such as a frozen meat block. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a slicer for sequentially cutting a frozen block of meat with a band saw to obtain sliced ​​pieces of meat has been well known. In this type of slicer, a feeder that feeds the frozen block of meat toward the band saw is provided with a gripping mechanism having claws that grip the end of the feeding end of the frozen block of meat (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] In this case, the claws of the gripping mechanism are inserted into the end of the feed of the frozen block of meat to grip the frozen block of meat, and then the frozen block of meat is fed in predetermined amounts in the direction of the band saw by the feeding device, so that the frozen block of meat is cut off successively by the band saw from the start of the feed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent No. 10-1592482 [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2021-0115311 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the conventional configuration, the frozen block of meat is cut while being pinched or gripped by the claws of the gripping mechanism, which makes it easy for large pieces to remain uncut, resulting in a very poor yield of frozen block of meat when cutting into slices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technical object of the present invention is to provide a food slicer that has been improved by considering the current situation as described above.

[0007] The present invention is a food slicer comprising a cutting device that cuts food into slices, and a feed device that feeds the food towards the cutting device, wherein the gripping mechanism constituting the feed device has an end gripping body that grips the end of the food's feed and a push plate that abuts against the end of the food's feed, as well as a backing plate that faces the push plate and can abut against the start of the food's feed, and the food slicer is provided with a control means that, in the final cutting stage of the food, moves the end gripping body away from the food, clamps the food between the backing plate and the push plate, and cuts the food with the cutting device.

[0008] In the food slicer of the present invention, the gripping mechanism may include a midway gripping body that grips a midway portion of the food being fed.

[0009] In the food slicer of the present invention, the control means may move the intermediate gripping member away from the food when the intermediate portion of the food approaches the cutting device.

[0010] The food slicer of the present invention may be provided with a pair of switch means for gripping and operating the end gripping body and the intermediate gripping body, and the pair of switch means may be arranged spaced apart from each other so that the operator can operate them with both hands.

[0011] The food slicer of the present invention may comprise a cutting drive actuator that drives the blade of the cutting device, and a detection means that detects the load value of the cutting drive actuator, and the control means may determine that it is time to replace the blade when the detection result of the detection means exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0012] The food slicer of the present invention includes a cutting drive actuator that drives the blade of the cutting device, and a measuring means that measures the cumulative driving time of the cutting drive actuator, the number of cuts made by the blade, or the processed weight of the food, and the control means may determine that it is time to replace the blade when the measurement result of the measuring means exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0013] In the food slicer of the present invention, the blade of the cutting device is a band saw wound around a pair of saw wheels, and is equipped with a cutting drive actuator attached to the driven side of the pair of saw wheels, a tensioning means attached to the driven side of the pair of saw wheels, and a state detection means for detecting the state of the tensioning means, and the control means may be configured to forcibly stop at least the cutting drive actuator when the detection result of the state detection means exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0014] The food slicer of the present invention may be provided with an output conveyor as an output device for transporting the cut pieces of meat to a subsequent process, and the control means may reverse the output conveyor when the pieces of meat fall onto the output conveyor, causing the subsequent pieces of meat to fall onto the output conveyor so that they overlap part of the preceding piece of meat.

[0015] In the food slicer of the present invention, the blade of the cutting device is a band saw wound around a pair of saw wheels, and the cutting device is provided with a saw wheel case that houses the pair of saw wheels, and a receiving piece extending toward each of the saw wheels is attached inside the saw wheel case.

[0016] In the food slicer of the present invention, the blade of the cutting device is a band saw wound around a pair of saw wheels, and the cutting device includes a saw wheel case with a door that houses the pair of saw wheels, a cutting drive actuator attached to the driven side of the pair of saw wheels, and a lock actuator that locks the door so that it cannot be opened or closed, and the control means may unlock the door by driving the lock actuator when a predetermined time has elapsed since the cutting drive actuator has stopped driving.

[0017] In the food slicer of the present invention, the blade of the cutting device is a band saw wound around a pair of saw wheels, and is equipped with a cutting drive actuator attached to the driven side of the pair of saw wheels, and the control means may determine that the operation is complete and stop driving the cutting drive actuator if the gripping mechanism is left without any operation for a predetermined time after it has returned to its initial position.

[0018] The food slicer of the present invention may be provided with an output conveyor as an output device for transporting the cut pieces of meat to a subsequent process, and a beating plate for causing the pieces of meat to fall onto the output conveyor may be arranged in an inclined position with its wide plane facing in the direction of the output conveyor.

[0019] In the food slicer of the present invention, the blade of the cutting device is a band saw wound around a pair of saw wheels, and the control means may calculate a second current position of the end gripper when cutting off the excess food based on the final end position where the end gripper is closest to the band saw, a first current position of the end gripper when the food was first brought into contact with the backing plate, and a provisionally set value for the thickness of the food in the feed direction, and calculate the distance between the band saw and the backing plate based on the second current position and a third current position of the end gripper when the food is again brought into contact with the backing plate.

[0020] In the food slicer of the present invention, the control means may calculate a fourth current position of the end gripper when cutting off the excess food based on the final end position, the third current position, and the distance between the band saw and the backing plate, and cut the food at a set thickness equivalent to the distance between the band saw and the backing plate so as to move the end gripper to the final end position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, in the final cutting stage of the food, the end gripping body is moved away from the food, the food is clamped between the backing plate and the push plate, and the food is cut by the cutting device.Therefore, compared to the conventional configuration in which the frozen meat block is cut while being pinched or gripped by the claws of the gripping mechanism, the remaining uncut portion of the food can be greatly reduced, thereby improving the yield of the food. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slicer as seen from the front left. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slicer as seen from the front right. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the upper portion of the cutting device. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the slicer omitting the cutting device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the slicer, omitting the cutting device and the guide case of the left-right guide mechanism. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the slicer omitting the cutting device, the gripping mechanism, and the left-right guide mechanism. [Figure 10] (a), (b), and (c) are perspective views of the gripping mechanism. [Figure 11]FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a pneumatic circuit and a controller. [Figure 13] 1(a), (b), (c), and (d) are diagrams illustrating an example of a procedure for cutting a frozen block of meat. [Figure 14] 10(e), (f), (g), and (h) are diagrams illustrating an example of a procedure for cutting a frozen block of meat. [Figure 15] 1(i), (j), (k), and (l) are diagrams illustrating an example of a procedure for cutting a frozen block of meat. [Figure 16] 10(m), (n), and (o) are diagrams illustrating an example of a procedure for cutting a frozen block of meat. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a pneumatic circuit and a controller according to another embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the slicer showing the swather and retaining bar. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is an enlarged plan view of the slicer showing the swather and retaining bars. [Figure 20] 10(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f) are diagrams illustrating another example of a procedure for cutting a frozen block of meat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. A food slicer 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "slicer 1") will be outlined with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and 6. In the following description, terms indicating specific directions or positions (e.g., "front," "back," "left," etc.) are used, but these are based on the orientation of the operator using slicer 1. These terms are used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 6, the slicer 1 of this embodiment includes a cutting device 2 that cuts a frozen block of meat M, which is an example of a food product, into slices, a carrying-in device 3 that feeds the frozen block of meat M toward the cutting device 2, and an unloading device 4 that carries the cut meat pieces S to a subsequent process.

[0025] In this embodiment, the carry-in device 3 is disposed on the left side of the machine base 15, the carry-out device 4 is disposed on the front right side, and the cutting device 2 is disposed on the rear right side. In this case, the food to be cut is mainly meat (especially frozen meat blocks M), but this does not exclude semi-thawed meat blocks, raw meat, processed meat, etc. It is also possible to use the slicer 1 for foods other than meat, such as frozen fish and crustaceans.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cutting device 2 includes a saw wheel case 11 erected on the right rear side of the machine base 15, a pair of upper and lower saw wheels 12, 13 rotatably arranged within the saw wheel case 11, and a band saw 14 mounted on the pair of upper and lower saw wheels 12, 13. The band saw 14 is endless and flexible. A saw blade (not shown) for cutting is formed at the rear end of the band saw 14. The band saw 14 constitutes the blade body of the cutting device 2.

[0027] The saw wheel case 11 is formed in a hollow, generally U-shape. An upper saw wheel 12 is rotatably supported within the upper part of the saw wheel case 11, and a lower saw wheel 13 is rotatably supported within the lower part of the saw wheel case 11. A portion of a band saw 14 is exposed in a recess 16 located midway between the top and bottom of the saw wheel case 11. The exposed portion of the band saw 14 cuts the frozen meat block M.

[0028] 3 and 5, a contact plate 17 that can come into contact with the feed start end of the frozen block meat M is attached to the recess 16 of the saw wheel case 11. The attachment position of the contact plate 17 is configured to be adjustable along the feed direction (left-right direction) of the frozen block meat M. Note that the contact plate 17 is not limited to being attached to the cutting device 2, and may also be attached to the carry-out device 4 or the machine base 15. The contact plate 17 only needs to be able to face a push plate 42 of the gripping mechanism 31, which will be described later.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, a saw wheel motor 18 is housed below the discharge device 4 inside the machine base 15. The motor shaft of the saw wheel motor 18 is operatively connected to the support shaft of the lower saw wheel 13 via a pulley belt transmission system 19. The lower saw wheel 13 is rotated by the driving of the saw wheel motor 18, causing the band saw 14 to rotate. In this case, the exposed portion of the band saw 14 moves downward from above. The saw wheel motor 18 constitutes a cutting drive actuator that drives the blade (band saw 14) of the cutting device 2. In this embodiment, the lower saw wheel 13 is the driving side, and the upper saw wheel 12 is the driven side.

[0030] Although not shown in the figure, the bottom of the saw wheel case 11 is open. Below this opening is disposed a collection box 20, which is an upward-opening box, for collecting meat scraps (cut meat scraps) and the like. Scrapers 21, 21 are attached inside the saw wheel case 11 and come into contact with or are close to the outer periphery of the corresponding saw wheel 12, 13. Each scraper 21, 21 slides against the outer periphery of the rotating saw wheel 12, 13 to scrape off meat scraps and the like adhering to the outer periphery. The scraped-off meat scraps and the like fall into the collection box 20 through the bottom opening of the saw wheel case 11, where they are accumulated and collected.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, a lifting cylinder 22 serving as a tension adjustment actuator that supports the upper saw wheel 12 so that it can move up and down is also disposed within the upper part of the saw wheel case 11. The support shaft of the upper saw wheel 12 is rotatably supported by the rod of the lifting cylinder 22. The tension of the band saw 14 wound around the pair of upper and lower saw wheels 12, 13 is adjusted by the up and down movement of the upper saw wheel 12 accompanying the extension and retraction of the lifting cylinder 22. The lifting cylinder 22 in this embodiment is of a pneumatic type.

[0032] The lifting cylinder 22 of this embodiment is provided with a stroke sensor 118 (see FIG. 12) that detects the amount of extension and contraction (stroke amount) thereof. The stroke sensor 118 is electrically connected to a controller 113 serving as control means, which will be described later. The lifting cylinder 22 constitutes tension applying means provided on the driven upper saw wheel 12 of the pair of saw wheels 12, 13. The stroke sensor 118 constitutes state detecting means that detects the state of the tension applying means (lifting cylinder 22).

[0033] When the band saw 14 is wound around the pair of upper and lower saw wheels 12, 13, the stroke amount of the lifting cylinder 22 remains almost constant, fluctuating around a certain value, but when the band saw 14 begins to deform and falls off the two saw wheels 12, 13 or breaks, the stroke amount of the lifting cylinder 22 increases drastically.

[0034] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the stroke amount of the lifting cylinder 22 measured by the stroke sensor 118 exceeds a preset threshold value, it is determined that the band saw 14 has deformed, fallen off, or broken, and the operation of the entire slicer 1 is forcibly stopped, and the rotation of the band saw 14 is stopped. Here, if it is determined that the band saw 14 has deformed, fallen off, or broken, it may be configured to forcibly stop at least the saw wheel motor 18 or turn off the power to the entire slicer 1.

[0035] With this configuration, even if the band saw 14 is deformed, falls off, or breaks, the rotation of the band saw 14 is forcibly stopped, preventing the frozen meat block M from being cut into an unexpected shape or thickness due to the band saw 14 being bent in an unexpected position, for example. Depending on the threshold value that is set, it is also possible to forcibly stop the rotation of the band saw 14 at the stage of deformation. As shown in Figure 3, a tension switch 119 is provided on the back of the machine base 15, which raises and lowers the lifting cylinder 22 to apply or release tension to the band saw 14.

[0036] The rear side of the saw wheel case 11 is an openable door 23. When the door 23 is opened, the pair of upper and lower saw wheels 12, 13 and the band saw 14 are revealed. Receiving pieces 24, 24 that extend toward each of the saw wheels 12, 13 are attached to the inner surface of the door 23 (see Figures 3 and 4). The pair of upper and lower receiving pieces 24, 24 are arranged symmetrically above and below the inner surface of the door 23. When the door 23 is closed, the upper receiving piece 24 is adjacent to the top of the upper saw wheel 12, and the lower receiving piece 24 is adjacent to a lower portion of the lower saw wheel 13. Even if the band saw 14 falls off or breaks from the upper or lower saw wheels 12, 13, the band saw 14 will be caught on the receiving pieces 24, 24. Therefore, for example, when the door 23 is opened, it is possible to prevent the band saw 14 that has fallen off or broken from the upper and lower saw wheels 12, 13 from flying out towards the worker (providing a blade-preventing and injury-preventing function). When the saw wheels 12, 13 are lined up one above the other as in the embodiment, it is sufficient that at least one receiving piece 24, 24 is disposed on the inner surface of the door 23 so as to be close to the top of the upper saw wheel 12.

[0037] A lock cylinder 120 is disposed at the bottom of the saw wheel case 11 as a lock actuator that locks the door 23 so that it cannot be opened or closed. A lock piece 121 is provided on the rod of the lock cylinder 120. Even if an attempt is made to open the door 23 with the lock cylinder 120 retracted, the door 23 becomes caught on the lock piece 121, making it impossible to open (unable to open). With the lock cylinder 120 extended, the lock piece 121 separates from the door 23, making it possible to open the door 23. The lock cylinder 120 in this embodiment is of a pneumatic type. An open / close sensor 122 (see Figures 12 and 17) is attached to the door 23 to detect its open / closed state.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 6 to 9, the carrying-in device 3 includes a gripping mechanism 31 arranged on a table 30 on which the frozen block of meat M is placed, a left-right guide mechanism 32 that reciprocates the gripping mechanism 31 in the left-right direction (the feed direction of the frozen block of meat M) toward and away from the cutting device 2 and the carrying-out device 4, and a front-rear guide mechanism 33 that reciprocates the table 30, the gripping mechanism 31, and the left-right guide mechanism 32 in the front-rear direction, which is the cutting direction by the band saw 14.

[0039] The longitudinal guide mechanism 33 includes a crank body 71 and a pair of longitudinal bars 72 arranged on the upper left surface of the machine base 15, a lower slider 73 fitted over the pair of longitudinal bars 72, and a reversible longitudinal guide motor 74 (see FIG. 6) arranged on the left side inside the machine base 15. The longitudinal guide motor 74 is operatively connected to the crank body 71 via a speed reducer (not shown), and the crank body 71 is operatively connected to the lower slider 73. The table 30, the gripping mechanism 31, and the left-right guide mechanism 32 are supported on the lower slider 73. When the longitudinal guide motor 74 is driven, the lower slider 73 reciprocates longitudinally along the pair of longitudinal bars 72 via the crank body 71, causing the table 30, the gripping mechanism 31, and the left-right guide mechanism 32 supported on the lower slider 73 to reciprocate longitudinally.

[0040] The left-right guide mechanism 32 includes a pair of longitudinal left-right bars 61, an upper slider 62 fitted over the pair of left-right bars 61, and a linear-acting left-right guide motor 64 that is reciprocally movable and aligned parallel to the pair of left-right bars 61. The pair of left-right bars 61, the upper slider 62, and the left-right guide motor 64 are housed in a guide case 65 connected to the rear of the table 30. In this embodiment, a linear-acting servo motor is used as the left-right guide motor 64.

[0041] An arm 63 extending forward from the upper slider 62 protrudes forward from a left-right longitudinal guide groove 66 formed on the front surface of the guide case 65, and a gripping mechanism 31 is attached to the protruding portion. The upper slider 62 is operatively connected to a left-right guide motor 64. When the left-right guide motor 64 is driven, the upper slider 62 reciprocates left and right along the left and right bar pair 61, causing the gripping mechanism 31 attached to the arm 63 of the upper slider 62 to reciprocate left and right.

[0042] In this embodiment, a saw blade (not shown) for cutting is formed at the rear end of the band saw 14. Therefore, from a safety perspective, a vertically long safety cover 67 with an L-shaped cross section is attached to the right end of the guide case 65 to enclose the saw blade side of the exposed portion of the band saw 14. When viewed from the rear side of the slicer 1, the exposed portion of the band saw 14 overlaps the safety cover 67. Therefore, the presence of the safety cover 67 reduces the risk of an operator being injured by inadvertently touching the saw blade of the exposed portion of the band saw 14, thereby improving safety.

[0043] The safety cover 67 is attached to the guide case 65, and is reciprocated in the front-rear direction together with the gripping mechanism 31 and the like by the front-rear guide mechanism 33. The L-shaped tip side of the safety cover 67 plays a role in pushing the cut meat pieces S forward from between the band saw 14 and the backing plate 17 when cutting the frozen block of meat M, so that the cut meat pieces S do not get caught between the band saw 14 and the backing plate 17 and fall onto the discharge conveyor 81 of the discharge device 4.

[0044] 10 and 11, the gripping mechanism 31 includes a pair of front and rear end upper claws 43 that can rotate up and down to grip and release the end feeding portion of the frozen block meat M on the table 30 from above, an intermediate upper claw 47 that can rotate up and down to grip and release the middle feeding portion of the frozen block meat M from above, and an end lower claw 51 that can reciprocate left and right to grip and release the end feeding portion of the frozen block meat M from below. The pair of front and rear end upper claws 43 form an end gripping body that grips the end feeding side of the food (frozen block meat M), and the intermediate upper claw 47 forms a middle gripping body that grips the middle feeding portion of the food.

[0045] The pair of front and rear upper end claws 43 and upper middle claw 47 are attached to the upper surface of a base plate 41 fixed to the arm 63 of the upper slider 62, and the lower end claw 51 is attached to the lower surface of the base plate 41. A push plate 42 that abuts against the feeding end of the frozen green meat M is fixed to the right end of the base plate 41. The upper middle claw 47 only needs to be configured to grip and release a position of the frozen green meat M that is farther from the feeding end than the upper end claw 43.

[0046] A downwardly protruding piercing claw is formed on the tip side of each end upper claw 43. The base end side of each end upper claw 43 is pivotally supported on the base plate 41. An end upper claw cylinder 44 with a rod 45 protruding diagonally downward to the right is attached to each end upper claw 43. An opening is formed in the middle of each end upper claw 43. A corresponding end upper claw cylinder 44 is inserted into the opening of each end upper claw 43. The middle part of the end upper claw 43 is pivotally supported on the cylinder body 46 of the end upper claw cylinder 44. The rod 45 of each end upper claw cylinder 44 is pivotally supported on the base plate 41.

[0047] The extension and contraction of each end upper claw cylinder 44 causes the corresponding end upper claw 43 to rotate up and down. In this case, when each end upper claw cylinder 44 contracts, the corresponding end upper claw 43 rotates downward to grip the feeding end of the frozen green meat M, and when each end upper claw cylinder 44 extends, the corresponding end upper claw 43 rotates upward to move away from the feeding end of the frozen green meat M.

[0048] Similar to the end upper claws 43, a downwardly projecting piercing claw is formed on the tip side of the intermediate upper claw 47. The base end side of the intermediate upper claw 47 is pivotally supported on the base plate 41. An intermediate upper claw cylinder 48 is attached to the intermediate upper claw 47, with a rod 49 protruding diagonally upward to the right. The middle part of the intermediate upper claw 47 is pivotally supported on the rod 49 of the intermediate upper claw cylinder 48. A cylinder body 50 of the intermediate upper claw cylinder 48 is pivotally supported on the base plate 41.

[0049] The intermediate upper claws 47 rotate up and down due to the extension and contraction of the intermediate upper claw cylinder 48. In this case, when the intermediate upper claw cylinder 48 extends, the intermediate upper claws 47 rotate downward to grip the midway portion of the frozen lump meat M, and when the intermediate upper claw cylinder 48 contracts, the intermediate upper claws 47 rotate upward to move away from the midway portion of the frozen lump meat M.

[0050] In this embodiment, a set of intermediate upper claws 47 and intermediate upper claw cylinders 48 is disposed between the sets of end upper claws 43 and end upper claw cylinders 44. The cylinder bodies 46 of the end upper claw cylinders 44 are pivotally supported on the base plate 41, while the cylinder bodies 50 of the intermediate upper claw cylinders 48 are pivotally supported on the intermediate upper claws 47. Therefore, when gripping and releasing a frozen block of meat M, the extension and contraction relationships between both end upper claw cylinders 44 and the intermediate upper claw cylinders 48 are set in opposite directions.

[0051] With this configuration, there is a high degree of freedom in designing the arrangement of both sets of upper end claws 43 and upper end claw cylinders 44, and the set of upper middle claws 47 and upper middle claw cylinders 48 on the base plate 41, so that both sets of upper end claws 43 and upper end claw cylinders 44, and the set of upper middle claws 47 and upper middle claw cylinders 48 can be arranged compactly together on the base plate 41. This ultimately contributes to making the entire gripping mechanism 31 more compact.

[0052] A cylinder body 54 of an end lower jaw cylinder 52, with a rod 53 protruding to the right, is attached to the underside of the base plate 41. The base end side of an end lower jaw 51 is fixed to the rod 53 of the end lower jaw cylinder 52. An upwardly protruding piercing claw is formed on the tip side of the end lower jaw 51. The end lower jaw 51 moves in and out of the left and right direction as the end lower jaw cylinder 52 extends. In this case, when the end lower jaw cylinder 52 extends, the end lower jaw 51 moves in a protruding motion to grip the feeding end of the frozen lump meat M, and when the end lower jaw cylinder 52 retracts, the end lower jaw 51 moves in a retracting motion to move away from the feeding end of the frozen lump meat M.

[0053] In this embodiment, the upper end claw cylinders 44, the upper middle claw cylinders 48, and the lower end claw cylinders 52 are all pneumatic. The pair of upper end claws 43 and upper middle claws 47, located at the front and rear, are normally rotated upward (rotated apart), and the lower end claw 51 is normally protruding to the right. Needless to say, the arrangement patterns of the sets of upper end claws 43 and upper end claw cylinders 44, the set of upper middle claws 47 and upper middle claw cylinders 48, and the lower end claws 51 and lower end claw cylinders 52 are not limited to those in the above embodiment.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 6 to 9, the discharge device 4 includes an output conveyor 81 disposed on the front right side of the machine base 15 (front side of the cutting device 2), and a reversible conveyor motor 82 that drives the output conveyor 81. The output conveyor 81 in this embodiment is a belt conveyor. A motor shaft of the conveyor motor 82 is interlocked with a support shaft of a drive roller 83 of the output conveyor 81 that is located closer to the input device 3 via a speed reduction mechanism (not shown). The conveyor motor 82 is housed inside the machine base 15, between the cutting device 2 and the input device 3. When the conveyor motor 82 is driven, the drive roller 83 rotates, causing the endless belt 84 of the output conveyor 81 to rotate. The conveyor motor 82 constitutes a discharge drive actuator that drives the output conveyor 81.

[0055] In the above configuration, the frozen block of meat M gripped by the gripping mechanism 31 is moved a predetermined distance to the right by the left-right guide mechanism 32, causing the portion of the frozen block of meat M to be cut to extend rightward from the table 30, and the frozen block of meat M in this state is moved from the back to the front by the front-rear guide mechanism 33. As a result, the portion of the frozen block of meat M to be cut (the portion extending beyond the table 30) is cut off to a set thickness (a thickness corresponding to a set weight) by the exposed portion of the circulating band saw 14, and the cut pieces of meat S fall onto the discharge conveyor 81. By repeating this procedure, the frozen block of meat M is cut into slices and separated into a plurality of pieces of meat S, which are accumulated on the discharge conveyor 81 and transported to a subsequent process.

[0056] An operation panel 100 is disposed on the machine base 15 on the front side of the carry-in device 3 (on the left front side of the machine base 15). The operation panel 100 is provided with a start switch 101 for starting the cutting operation of the frozen block meat M, a stop switch 102 for stopping the cutting operation of the frozen block meat M, a pair of left and right claw switches 103, 104 for vertically rotating the pair of front and rear end upper claws 43 and the middle upper claw 47, and an operation unit 105 such as a touch panel that can be operated by an operator. On the front side of the machine base 15, below the operation panel 100, there are provided a power switch 106 for turning on and off the power to the entire slicer 1, an emergency stop switch 107 for forcibly stopping the operation of the entire slicer 1, and the like. On the back side of the machine base 15, there is provided a tension switch 119 for applying or releasing tension to the band saw 14 by raising and lowering the lifting cylinder 22, and the like.

[0057] In this embodiment, the start switch 101 and the stop switch 102 are disposed between a pair of left and right claw switches 103, 104. The pair of left and right claw switches 103, 104 are disposed spaced apart from each other so that an operator can operate them with both hands. The pair of left and right claw switches 103, 104 constitute a pair of switch means for gripping and operating the end gripping body (end upper claw 43) and the middle gripping body (middle upper claw 47).

[0058] When the front and rear pair of end upper claws 43 and middle upper claws 47 are rotated upward (released), and the operator presses both claw switches 103, 104 with both hands, the front and rear pair of end upper claws 43 and middle upper claws 47 rotate downward (grab and rotate). When the front and rear pair of end upper claws 43 and middle upper claws 47 are rotated downward, and the operator presses either the left or right claw switch 104 (or 103), the front and rear pair of end upper claws 43 and middle upper claws 47 rotate upward.

[0059] With this configuration, when rotating the pair of front and rear end upper claws 43 and the pair of middle upper claws 47 downward, there is no risk that the worker will inadvertently bring his or her hands or arms close to the pair of front and rear end upper claws 43 or the pair of middle upper claws 47, which provides excellent safety.

[0060] Next, the pneumatic circuit structure and control structure of the slicer 1 will be described with reference to Figure 12. The pneumatic circuit 110 of the slicer 1 includes a pair of upper end jaw cylinders 44, an upper middle jaw cylinder 48, a lower end jaw cylinder 52, a lifting cylinder 22, and a lock cylinder 120 in the gripping mechanism 31, as well as a compressor 111 that supplies high-pressure air to these cylinders 44, 48, 52, 22, and 120. Each of the cylinders 44, 48, 52, 22, and 120 is connected to the compressor 111 via a switching solenoid valve 112.

[0061] Each switching solenoid valve 112 is electrically connected to a controller 113 serving as control means disposed within the machine base 15. Each switching solenoid valve 112 is configured to be driven to switch between an extension position where the corresponding cylinder 44, 48, 52, 22, 120 is extended and a retraction position where the corresponding cylinder 44, 48, 52, 22, 120 is retracted, based on a command from the controller 113.

[0062] The controller 113 is electrically connected not only to the solenoid switching valves 112 for the cylinders 44, 48, 52, 22, and 120, but also to the saw wheel motor 18, the front-rear guide motor 74, the left-right guide motor 64, the conveyor motor 82, the start switch 101, the stop switch 102, the pair of left and right pawl switches 103 and 104, an operation unit 105 such as a touch panel, a power switch 106, an emergency stop switch 107, a stroke sensor 118, a tension switch 119, an open / close sensor 122 for detecting the open / close state of the door, an ammeter 114 for measuring the current driving the saw wheel motor 18, and an alarm member 115 such as a buzzer or lamp. The ammeter 114 is used to detect when it is time to replace the band saw 14, as will be described in detail later. The alarm member 115 is used to notify the operator when it is time to replace the band saw 14. The ammeter 114 constitutes a detection means for detecting the load value of the cutting drive actuator (saw wheel motor 18).

[0063] Next, an example of a procedure for cutting a frozen block of meat M using the slicer 1 will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 16. Here, it is assumed that the surface shape and weight of the frozen block of meat M are measured in advance by a three-dimensional shape measuring device or the like, the thickness Ms of the frozen block of meat M in the feed direction (corresponding to the meat piece S, which may also be called a set thickness) is input via the operation unit 105, and these measurement data and input data are automatically or manually input to the controller 113. Note that a measuring device such as a three-dimensional shape measuring device may be provided integrally with the slicer 1 or may be a separate device.

[0064] First, the operator places the frozen block of meat M on the table 30 so that the feeding end of the frozen block of meat M abuts against the push plate 42 and is inserted into the lower end claws 51 (see FIG. 13(a)). Next, the operator presses both claw switches 103, 104 with both hands, whereby the pair of front and rear upper end claws 43 rotate downward by the contraction of the corresponding upper end claw cylinders 44, and the middle upper claw 47 rotates downward by the extension of the middle upper claw cylinder 48. As a result, the frozen block of meat M is gripped by the pair of front and rear upper end claws 43, the middle upper claw 47, and the lower end claw 51 (see FIG. 13(b)).

[0065] With this configuration, not only is the feeding end of the frozen block meat M gripped by the front and rear pairs of upper end claws 43 and lower end claws 51, but the intermediate upper claws 47 can also press down the middle portion of the frozen block meat M from above. Therefore, regardless of the shape of the frozen block meat M, the gripping mechanism 31 can firmly grip the frozen block meat M, preventing it from floating up or shifting. The operator does not need to hold down the frozen block meat M by hand (re-gripping is not required), which avoids the risk of a decrease in the efficiency of the cutting operation of the frozen block meat M. Furthermore, holding down the middle portion of the frozen block meat M with the intermediate upper claws 47 is effective in preventing the frozen block meat M from shifting during cutting. The presence of the intermediate upper claws 47 is particularly effective when the frozen block meat M is long in the feeding direction.

[0066] In the embodiment, the number of meat pieces S of a set weight and the total thickness of the meat pieces S in the feed direction can be calculated from measurement data of the surface shape and weight of the frozen green meat M that has been input in advance. It is also possible to calculate the excess thickness Mr in the feed direction at the feed start end of the frozen green meat M. As shown in FIG. 13(c), the operator presses the start switch 101 to drive the saw wheel motor 18 and start the rotation of the band saw 14, and the gripping mechanism 31 and therefore the frozen green meat M are moved a predetermined amount to the right by the left-right guide motor 64, causing the portion of the frozen green meat M to protrude rightward from the table 30 (more specifically, the excess thickness Mr in the feed direction is caused to protrude rightward from the band saw 14).

[0067] Then, the table 30, the gripping mechanism 31, and the left-right guide mechanism 32 are moved from the back to the front by the front-rear guide motor 74 together with the frozen block of meat M in the state shown in Figure 13(c), and the feed direction excess thickness Mr of the frozen block of meat M at the feed start end is cut off by the exposed part of the rotating band saw 14 (see Figure 13(d)). Here, the L-shaped tip side of the safety cover 67 pushes the feed direction excess thickness Mr towards the front from between the band saw 14 and the backing plate 17, ensuring that it falls onto the discharge conveyor 81. When the cut-off feed direction excess thickness Mr falls onto the discharge conveyor 81, the conveyor motor 82 rotates the drive roller 83 in the forward direction, and the endless belt 84 of the discharge conveyor 81 transports the feed direction excess thickness Mr in a direction away from the carry-in device 3.

[0068] 14(e), the gripping mechanism 31 and therefore the frozen block of meat M are moved leftward by the left-right guide motor 64 until the leading end surface F of the frozen block of meat M coincides with the right-end reference position of the table 30, and the table 30, the gripping mechanism 31 and the left-right guide mechanism 32 are moved from the front to the rear by the front-rear guide motor 74 together with the frozen block of meat M. Then, as shown in FIG. 14(f), the gripping mechanism 31 and therefore the frozen block of meat M are moved a predetermined distance rightward by the left-right guide motor 64, and the frozen block of meat M protrudes rightward from the band saw 14 by an amount equal to the feed direction thickness Ms (corresponding to the meat piece S).

[0069] Next, the table 30, the gripping mechanism 31, and the left-right guide mechanism 32 are moved from the back to the front by the front-rear guide motor 74 together with the frozen block of meat M in the state of Figure 14(f), and the frozen block of meat M is cut off at the exposed part of the rotating band saw 14 to become meat pieces S of a set thickness (a thickness corresponding to a set weight), which fall onto the discharge conveyor 81 (see Figure 14(g)). Here again, the L-shaped tip side of the safety cover 67 pushes the frozen block of meat M of the feed direction thickness Ms towards the front from between the band saw 14 and the backing plate 17, ensuring that it falls onto the discharge conveyor 81.

[0070] When the cut-off meat pieces S with a thickness Ms in the feed direction, i.e., cut into slices, fall onto the discharge conveyor 81, the conveyor motor 82 reverses the drive roller 83, and the endless belt 84 of the discharge conveyor 81 causes the meat pieces S to fall (lay down, see Figure 14(h)) onto the endless belt 84. By repeating this procedure, the frozen block of meat M is cut into slices and divided into multiple meat pieces S, and the multiple meat pieces S are placed on the endless belt 84 in a scale-like pattern, with subsequent meat pieces S overlapping part of the preceding meat pieces S, without the need for an operator to manually arrange them one by one (see Figures 15(k)(l) described below).

[0071] With this configuration, the discharge conveyor 81 can transport a plurality of meat pieces S in a compact unit of frozen chunk meat M. The discharge conveyor 81 can be made compact relative to the size of the frozen chunk meat M.

[0072] After that, when the cutting of the frozen block of meat M has progressed to a certain extent, the gripping mechanism 31 and therefore the frozen block of meat M are moved a predetermined amount to the right by the left / right guide motor 64, and the frozen block of meat M protrudes to the right from the band saw 14 by an amount equivalent to the feed direction thickness Ms of the frozen block of meat M. When the intermediate upper claw 47 reaches a predetermined position close to the band saw 14 (see Figure 15(i)), only the intermediate upper claw 47 rotates upward (rotates away) due to the contraction of the intermediate upper claw cylinder 48 (see Figure 15(j)).

[0073] With this configuration, the intermediate upper claw 47, which has played the role of pressing down the midway portion of the frozen block meat M from above, rotates upward and moves away from the frozen block meat M. Therefore, even if the cutting of the frozen block meat M continues, the presence of the intermediate upper claw 47 does not get in the way, and the cutting operation of the frozen block meat M can be continued smoothly.

[0074] Then, the table 30, the gripping mechanism 31, and the left-right guide mechanism 32 are moved from the back to the front by the front-rear guide motor 74 together with the frozen block of meat M in the state of Figure 15(j), and the thickness Ms of the frozen block of meat M in the feed direction is cut off by the exposed part of the rotating band saw 14, leaving a piece of meat S of the set thickness, which is pushed forward by the L-shaped end side of the safety cover 67 from between the band saw 14 and the backing plate 17 and falls onto the discharge conveyor 81 (see Figure 15(k)). When the piece of meat S falls onto the discharge conveyor 81, the conveyor motor 82 reverses the drive roller 83, and the endless belt 84 of the discharge conveyor 81 causes the piece of meat S to fall (lay down) onto the endless belt 84.

[0075] Next, as shown in Figure 15 (l), the left-right guide motor 64 moves the gripping mechanism 31 and therefore the frozen chunk of meat M to the left until the tip surface F of the frozen chunk of meat M coincides with the right-end reference position of the table 30, and the front-rear guide motor 74 moves the table 30, the gripping mechanism 31 and the left-right guide mechanism 32 together with the frozen chunk of meat M from the front to the back.

[0076] Thereafter, as the cutting of the frozen block of meat M progresses further and reaches the final cutting stage, the gripping mechanism 31 and therefore the frozen block of meat M are moved a predetermined amount to the right by the left / right guide motor 64, so that the tip surface F of the frozen block of meat M is brought into contact with the backing plate 17 of the saw wheel case 11, and the frozen block of meat M is clamped between the push plate 42 of the gripping mechanism 31 and the backing plate 17 of the saw wheel case 11 (see Figure 16(m)).

[0077] Next, as shown in Figure 16 (n), the pair of front and rear upper end claws 43 are rotated upward (separated) by extending each upper end claw cylinder 44, and the gripping mechanism 31 is first moved slightly to the left by the left-right guide motor 64, and then the lower end claws 51 are retracted by shortening the lower end claws 52 so as to move away from the feed end of the frozen block meat M, and once again the gripping mechanism 31 and the frozen block meat M are moved a predetermined amount to the right by the left-right guide motor 64, so that the tip surface F of the frozen block meat M abuts against the contact plate 17, and the frozen block meat M is clamped between the push plate 42 of the gripping mechanism 31 and the contact plate 17 of the saw wheel case 11. Then, the table 30, the gripping mechanism 31 and the left and right guide mechanism 32 are moved from the back to the front by the front and rear guide motor 74 together with the frozen block of meat M in the state shown in Figure 16(n), and the frozen block of meat M is cut into two pieces by the exposed part of the rotating band saw 14, and the pieces of meat S fall onto the discharge conveyor 81 and are then transported to the subsequent process (see Figure 16(o)).

[0078] With this configuration, in the final cutting stage, the pair of front and rear upper end claws 43 and lower end claws 51 are moved away from the frozen block of meat M, so the frozen block of meat M can be cut without being hindered by the pair of front and rear upper end claws 43 and lower end claws 51. In other words, compared to cutting while gripping with the pair of front and rear upper end claws 43 and lower end claws 51, the uncut portion Re can be made extremely small, improving the yield of the frozen block of meat M. In the embodiment, the thickness of the uncut portion Re is approximately half or less of that when a conventional device is used (for example, approximately 40 mm).

[0079] When all of the frozen meat blocks M on the table 30 have been cut, the table 30, gripping mechanism 31, and left-right guide mechanism 32 are moved from the front to the rear by the front-rear guide motor 74, and the gripping mechanism 31 is moved back to the initial position in Figure 13(a) by the left-right guide motor 64. After the gripping mechanism 31 has moved back to the initial position in Figure 13(a), pressing the stop switch 102 stops the saw wheel motor 18, and the rotation of the band saw 14 stops.

[0080] When continuing to perform the cutting operation of the frozen meat block M, return to the stage of Fig. 13(a), and place the frozen meat block M on the table 30. In the embodiment, if both claw switches 103 and 104 are pressed or the start switch 101 is pressed within a predetermined time after the gripping mechanism 31 returns to the initial position in Fig. 13(a), the controller 113 will continue to drive the saw motor 18, and thus continue the rotation of the band saw 14. If there is no pressing operation on both claw switches 103 and 104, the start switch 101 or the stop switch 102 and they are left in a non-operated state within a predetermined time after the gripping mechanism 31 returns to the initial position in Fig. 13(a), the controller 113 will determine that the operation is completed and stop the drive of the saw motor 18, and thus stop the rotation of the band saw 14. With such a configuration, even if the operator forgets to press the stop switch 102, the drive of the saw motor 18 and thus the rotation of the band saw 14 can be automatically stopped, avoiding a situation where the band saw 14 continues to rotate inadvertently. The predetermined time after the gripping mechanism 31 returns to the initial position in Fig. 13(a) can be set to be, for example, about several tens of seconds to several minutes.

[0081] By the way, during the execution of the cutting operation of the frozen meat block M (during the rotation of the band saw 14), in order to prohibit the opening of the door 23, the controller 113 executes the lock control of the door 23 by the lock cylinder 120. In the embodiment, when the opening / closing sensor 122 detects the closed state of the door 23 and the lock cylinder 120 is in the retracted state, when the start switch 101 on the operation panel 100 is pressed, the saw motor 18 is driven so that the band saw 14 is allowed to rotate. If the opening / closing sensor 122 detects the open state of the door 23 or the lock cylinder 120 is in the extended state, since there is a possibility of the door 23 being opened, even if the start switch 101 is pressed, the drive of the saw motor 18 and thus the rotation of the band saw 14 are prohibited.

[0082] 13(a) before a predetermined time has elapsed since the gripping mechanism 31 has returned to the initial position shown in FIG. 13(a), if neither of the claw switches 103, 104, the start switch 101, or the stop switch 102 is pressed, or if the stop switch 102 is pressed, the controller 113 determines that work has ended and stops the driving of the saw wheel motor 18 and, ultimately, the rotation of the band saw 14, as described above. After the driving of the saw wheel motor 18 has stopped, the upper and lower saw wheels 12, 13 will rotate for a while by inertia. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the driving of the saw wheel motor 18 has stopped, the controller 113 extends the contracted lock cylinder 120 to separate the lock piece 121 from the door 23, allowing the door 23 to open or close. This configuration is effective in terms of preventing blade damage because the door 23 cannot be opened (the rotating band saw 14 cannot be exposed) until the rotation of the upper and lower saw wheels 12, 13 has stopped or is almost stopped.

[0083] Next, with reference to Figures 12 and 17, a structure and control mode for detecting the replacement time of the band saw 14 will be described. The saw wheel motor 18 that rotates the band saw 14 is configured to be driven via an inverter circuit (not shown). An ammeter 114 that measures the current driving the saw wheel motor 18 is attached to the saw wheel motor 18. The ammeter 114 is electrically connected to the controller 113. The ammeter 114 can measure the value of the current flowing through the saw wheel motor 18, for example, in real time. The current measurement by the ammeter 114 is performed using, for example, a shunt resistor.

[0084] Normally, when a frozen block of meat M is brought close to and into contact with the exposed portion of the rotating band saw 14, cutting resistance is superimposed, increasing the current value of the saw wheel motor 18. The cutting of the frozen block of meat M continues without changing the movement speed in the cutting direction (movement speed from the back to the front side) by the front-rear guide mechanism 33, and when the cutting is completed, the current value of the saw wheel motor 18 decreases.

[0085] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the current value of the saw wheel motor 18 measured by the ammeter 114 exceeds a preset threshold, it is interpreted that the sharpness of the band saw 14 has deteriorated and the cutting resistance has increased, and therefore the fact that it is time to replace the band saw 14 is displayed on the operation unit 105, such as a touch panel, or is notified by the notification member 115. The threshold value itself may be on the lower side or the upper side. The value (which can also be considered a load value) for detecting the time to replace the band saw 14 may be not only the current value of the saw wheel motor 18, but also the power value, torque value, or rotation speed. A combination of these may also be used.

[0086] 17, it is also possible to determine when to replace the band saw 14 by using a timer 116 that measures the cumulative cutting time of the saw wheel motor 18 (band saw 14) and a counter 117 that measures the number of cuts and the processed weight of the frozen block of meat M. For example, when the cumulative cutting time of the saw wheel motor 18 (band saw 14) detected by the timer 116 exceeds a preset threshold, it is determined that the sharpness of the band saw 14 has deteriorated, and the fact that it is time to replace the band saw 14 can be displayed on the operation unit 105, such as a touch panel, or can be notified by an alarm member 115.

[0087] Furthermore, when the number of cuts or the processed weight of the frozen block of meat M measured by counter 117 exceeds a preset threshold, it is determined that the sharpness of the band saw 14 has deteriorated, and a message that it is time to replace the band saw 14 may be displayed on operation unit 105, such as a touch panel, or may be notified by alarm member 115. Once the band saw 14 is replaced, timer 116 and counter 117 are reset. Timer 116 and counter 117 constitute measuring means that measure the cumulative driving time of the cutting drive actuator (saw wheel motor 18), the number of cuts made by the blade (band saw 14), or the processed weight of the food (frozen block of meat M).

[0088] With this configuration, the operator is notified of the need to replace the band saw 14 before the band saw 14 loses its sharpness, wears, and finally breaks, and is urged to replace the band saw 14 before it breaks. This avoids the problems of uneven thickness of meat pieces S and an increase in meat scraps (meat chips) that occur when the band saw 14 continues to be used while its sharpness decreases.

[0089] The time to replace the band saw 14 can be determined not only by the electrical control described above, but also by detecting physical changes in the band saw 14 (e.g., deflection, etc.). In this case, for example, a deflection detection sensor (not shown) that detects deflection in the feed direction of the exposed portion of the band saw 14 is placed near the exposed portion of the band saw 14. The deflection detection sensor may be a pressure type, an optical type, or other type. The deflection detection sensor is electrically connected to the controller 113. If the detection result of the deflection detection sensor exceeds a predetermined value, it is interpreted that the cutting resistance has increased, the sharpness of the band saw 14 has deteriorated, and uneven thickness of the meat piece S has occurred. Therefore, the fact that it is time to replace the band saw 14 can be displayed on the operation unit 105, such as a touch panel, or can be notified by the notification member 115.

[0090] Next, with reference to Figures 18 and 19, we will explain another example of a configuration for causing sliced ​​meat pieces S to fall onto the endless belt 84 of the discharge conveyor 81. In the example shown in Figures 18 and 19, an attachment arm 123 that protrudes forward is provided on the front right end of the table 30. An inclined dusting plate 124 is attached to the tip of the attachment arm 123, with its wide flat surface facing toward the endless belt 84. The dusting plate 124 is located just in front of the exposed portion of the band saw 14.

[0091] As described above, the cut-off meat piece S with a feed direction thickness Ms, i.e., the sliced ​​meat piece S, is pushed forward by the L-shaped end of the safety cover 67 from between the band saw 14 and the backing plate 17. Then, as the table 30, the gripping mechanism 31, and the left-right guide mechanism 32, together with the frozen block of meat M, are moved back from the front to the rear by the front-rear guide motor 74, the leading end of the meat piece S hits the wide flat surface of the inclined beating plate 124. Then, because the wide flat surface of the beating plate 124 faces the endless belt 84 (opposite the endless belt 84), the beating plate 124 causes the meat piece S to fall (lay down) onto the endless belt 84. By repeating this procedure, the frozen block of meat M is cut into slices and divided into a plurality of meat pieces S, and the plurality of meat pieces S are placed on the endless belt 84 in a scale-like pattern with each succeeding meat piece S overlapping a part of the preceding meat piece S, without the need for an operator to arrange them by hand. In the other example shown in Figures 18 and 19, it is sufficient that the discharge conveyor 81 is driven intermittently or continuously in the forward direction.

[0092] In this configuration, similarly to the previous embodiment, the discharge conveyor 81 can transport a plurality of meat pieces S compactly in units of frozen green meat M. This makes it possible to make the discharge conveyor 81 compact relative to the size of the frozen green meat M. In addition, a blocking bar 125 is disposed downstream of the discharge conveyor 81 to block the group of meat pieces on the endless belt 84.

[0093] Next, another example of the procedure for cutting a frozen block of meat M using the slicer 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 20. In this example, the surface shape and weight of the frozen block of meat M are not measured in advance, and a provisional setting value Ms0 for the thickness of the frozen block of meat M in the feed direction is input via the operation unit 105. In this case, the provisional setting value Ms0 is set to 10 mm. The distance D between the band saw 14 and the backing plate 17 is actually measured during the procedure in this example.

[0094] In the following, specific numerical values ​​are also used as examples for explanation. The operator places a frozen block of meat M on the table 30 and presses both claw switches 103, 104 with both hands to grip the frozen block of meat M with the front and rear pairs of upper end claws 43, upper middle claws 47, and lower end claws 51. Next, the operator presses the start switch 101 to start the rotation of the band saw 14, and the gripping mechanism 31 and the frozen block of meat M are moved rightward by the left-right guide motor 64, until the feed start end of the frozen block of meat M abuts against the contact plate 17 (see FIG. 20(a)).

[0095] In this case, it is known in advance that the final end position Pmax where the upper end claw 43 approaches closest to the band saw 14 is 400 mm from the origin. At this stage, it is also determined that the first current position Pc1 of the upper end claw 43 when the feed start end of the frozen cut meat M is brought into contact with the contact plate 17 is 98 mm from the origin based on the drive amount of the left-right guide motor 64.

[0096] Therefore, the difference (=302 mm) between the final end position Pmax (=400 mm) and the first current position Pc1 (=98 mm) is calculated, and the difference (=302 mm) between the final end position Pmax and the first current position Pc1 is divided by the provisional set value Ms0 (=10 mm) of the feed direction thickness to calculate the first provisional number of pieces to be cut of the frozen block meat M, 30.2 pieces. Then, the decimal point is rounded up to 1 piece, and the first provisional number of pieces to be cut of the frozen block meat M is calculated as 31 pieces. Then, the provisional length in the feed direction of the frozen block meat M to be cut is calculated as provisional set value Ms0 (=10 mm) of the feed direction thickness × first provisional number of pieces to be cut, 31 pieces = 310 mm.

[0097] Since 310 mm, which is the temporary length of the frozen green meat M in the feeding direction, needs to be left (secured) on the left side (origin side) of the final end position Pmax, the gripping mechanism 31 and the frozen green meat M are moved leftward by the left-right guide motor 64 so that the value (=90 mm) obtained by subtracting 310 mm from the final end position Pmax (=400 mm) becomes the second current position Pc2 of the end upper jaw 43 (see FIG. 20(b)). Then, the table 30, the gripping mechanism 31 and the left-right guide mechanism 32 are moved from the back to the front side together with the frozen green meat M by the front-rear guide motor 74, and the excess part of the feeding start end of the frozen green meat M is cut off by the exposed part of the revolving band saw 14 (see FIG. 20(b)).

[0098] Then, the gripping mechanism 31 and the frozen green meat M are moved rightward again by the horizontal guide motor 64, and the leading end surface F of the frozen green meat M is brought into contact with the backing plate 17 (see FIG. 20(c)). At this stage, it is determined that the third current position Pc3 of the end upper jaw 43 when the leading end surface F of the frozen green meat M is brought into contact with the backing plate 17 is 101 mm from the origin based on the drive amount of the horizontal guide motor 64. As a result, by subtracting the second current position Pc2 of the end upper jaw 43 when the excess portion is cut off, shown in FIG. 20(b), from the third current position Pc3 when the end upper jaw 43 is brought into contact with the backing plate 17 again, the distance D between the band saw 14 and the backing plate 17 is determined to be 101 mm - 90 mm = 11 mm.

[0099] Next, the feed direction thickness Ms of the frozen block meat M is changed from the provisionally set value Ms0 (= 10 mm) to the distance D (11 mm) between the band saw 14 and the backing plate 17. Next, the difference (= 299 mm) between the final end position Pmax (= 400 mm) and the third current position Pc3 (= 101 mm) is calculated, and the difference (= 299 mm) between the final end position Pmax and the third current position Pc3 is divided by the feed direction thickness Ms (= D = 11 mm) to calculate the second temporary number of pieces to be cut of the frozen block meat M, 27.1 pieces. Next, the decimal point is rounded up to 1, and the second temporary number of pieces to be cut of the frozen block meat M is calculated to be 28 pieces. Then, the required length in the feed direction of the frozen block meat M to be cut is calculated as feed direction thickness Ms (= D = 11 mm) × second temporary number of pieces to be cut, 28 pieces = 308 mm.

[0100] Since 308 mm, which is the necessary length of the frozen green meat M in the feed direction, needs to be left (secured) to the left (origin side) of the final end position Pmax, the gripping mechanism 31 and the frozen green meat M are moved leftward by the left-right guide motor 64 so that the value (=92 mm) obtained by subtracting 308 mm from the final end position Pmax (=400 mm) becomes the fourth current position Pc4 of the end upper jaw 43 (see Figure 20(d)). Then, the table 30, the gripping mechanism 31 and the left-right guide mechanism 32 are moved from the back to the front by the front-rear guide motor 74 together with the frozen green meat M, and the excess portion of the frozen green meat M is cut again by the exposed part of the revolving band saw 14 (see Figure 20(d)).

[0101] Thereafter, as shown in Figure 20(e), for each feed direction thickness Ms (=D=11 mm), meat pieces S of 308 mm (28 pieces), which is the necessary length in the feed direction of the frozen block meat M, are cut from the frozen block meat M. As a result, with the end upper claws 43 gripping the frozen block meat M up to the final end position Pmax (which is also the final current position Pc5), the frozen block meat M can be efficiently cut up to a position very close to the end upper claws 43 (see Figure 20(f)).

[0102] 16(m), (n), and (o), the gripping mechanism 31 and the frozen block of meat M are moved a predetermined distance to the right by the left-right guide motor 64, the tip surface F of the frozen block of meat M is brought into contact with the backing plate 17, the frozen block of meat M is clamped between the push plate 42 of the gripping mechanism 31 and the backing plate 17 of the saw wheel case 11, the upper end claws 43 are rotated upward (released), and then the gripping mechanism 31 and the left-right guide mechanism 32 are moved from the back to the front by the front-rear guide motor 74 together with the frozen block of meat M, and the frozen block of meat M is cut into two pieces by the exposed portion of the rotating band saw 14. If the distance D between the band saw 14 and the backing plate 17 is known in advance, the steps from FIG. 20(c) onwards may be performed.

[0103] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be embodied in various forms. For example, various types of actuators, such as pneumatic cylinders and electric motors, may be used for operating the various parts of the slicer 1. The configuration of each part is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] F Tip surface M Frozen meat loaf Mr: excess thickness in feed direction Ms Thickness in the feed direction Re: Remaining part S piece of meat 1 food slicer 2 Cutting device 3 Loading equipment 4 Unloading device 14 Bandsaw 17 Backing Plate 30 tables 31 Grasping mechanism 32 Left and right guide mechanism 33 Front and rear guide mechanism 42 Push Plate 43 Upper end claw 47 Intermediate upper jaw 51 Lower end claw

Claims

1. A food slicer comprising a cutting device that cuts food into slices and a feeding device that feeds the food toward the cutting device, The gripping mechanism constituting the feeder device has an end gripper that grips the end of the food being fed and a push plate that abuts against the end of the food being fed, A contact plate is provided facing the push plate and capable of contacting the feed start end side of the food, In the final cutting stage of the food product, the food product is sandwiched between the backing plate and the push plate while the end gripper is moved away from the food product, and a control means is provided to cut the food product with the cutting device. Food slicer.

2. The gripping mechanism includes a middle gripping body that grips a middle portion of the food.

2. The food slicer of claim 1.

3. The control means moves the intermediate gripper away from the food when the intermediate portion of the food approaches the cutting device.

3. The food slicer according to claim 2.

4. A pair of switch means for gripping and operating the end gripping body and the intermediate gripping body is provided, The pair of switch means are arranged spaced apart from each other so that an operator can operate them with both hands.

3. The food slicer according to claim 2.

5. The cutting device includes a cutting drive actuator that drives a blade body of the cutting device, and a detection means that detects a load value of the cutting drive actuator, The control means determines that it is time to replace the blade when the detection result of the detection means exceeds a preset threshold value.

2. The food slicer of claim 1.

6. The cutting device includes a cutting drive actuator that drives a blade body, and a measuring means that measures the cumulative driving time of the cutting drive actuator, the number of cuts made by the blade body, or the processed weight of the food, The control means determines that it is time to replace the blade when the measurement result of the measurement means exceeds a preset threshold value.

2. The food slicer of claim 1.

7. The blade of the cutting device is a band saw wound around a pair of saw wheels, The cutting device includes a cutting drive actuator attached to the driven side of the pair of saw wheels, a tension applying means attached to the driven side of the pair of saw wheels, and a state detecting means for detecting a state of the tension applying means, the control means forcibly stops at least the cutting drive actuator when the detection result of the state detection means exceeds a preset threshold value; 2. The food slicer of claim 1.

8. It is equipped with an output conveyor as an output device to transport the cut meat pieces to the next process. When the meat pieces fall onto the discharge conveyor, the control means reverses the discharge conveyor, causing the meat pieces to fall onto the discharge conveyor so that the succeeding meat pieces overlap a part of the preceding meat pieces.

2. The food slicer of claim 1.

9. The blade of the cutting device is a band saw wound around a pair of saw wheels, and the cutting device includes a saw wheel case that houses the pair of saw wheels, and a receiving piece extending toward each of the saw wheels is attached to the inside of the saw wheel case.

2. The food slicer of claim 1.

10. the blade of the cutting device is a band saw wound around a pair of saw wheels, and the cutting device includes a saw wheel case with a door that houses the pair of saw wheels, a cutting drive actuator attached to the driven side of the pair of saw wheels, and a lock actuator that locks the door so that it cannot be opened or closed; the control means unlocks the door by driving the lock actuator when a predetermined time has elapsed since the disconnection drive actuator stopped driving; 2. The food slicer of claim 1.

11. The blade of the cutting device is a band saw wound around a pair of saw wheels, and includes a cutting drive actuator attached to the driven side of the pair of saw wheels, If the gripping mechanism is left without any operation for a predetermined time after it has returned to its initial position, the control means determines that the work has ended and stops driving the cutting drive actuator.

2. The food slicer of claim 1.

12. It is equipped with an output conveyor as an output device to transport the cut meat pieces to the next process. A beating plate that causes the meat pieces to fall onto the discharge conveyor is arranged in an inclined state with its wide plane facing the discharge conveyor.

2. The food slicer of claim 1.

13. The blade of the cutting device is a band saw wound around a pair of saw wheels, the control means calculates a second current position of the end gripper when cutting off the excess portion of the food product based on the final end position at which the end gripper is closest to the band saw, a first current position of the end gripper when the food product was first brought into contact with the backing plate, and a provisionally set value for the thickness of the food product in the feed direction; calculating a distance between the band saw and the backing plate based on the second current position and a third current position of the end gripper when the food item is again brought into contact with the backing plate; 2. The food slicer of claim 1.

14. the control means calculates a fourth current position of the end gripper when cutting off the excess portion of the food product based on the final end position, the third current position, and the distance between the band saw and the backing plate; cutting the food product at a set thickness corresponding to the distance between the band saw and the backing plate so as to move the end gripper to the final end position; 14. The food slicer of claim 13.

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