Food cutting machine with a safety protection function

Abstract

This disclosure provides a food cutting machine with a safety protection function, comprising a base, a cutting device, a saw band protection device, and a reset device. The cutting device is disposed on the base and includes a first wheel and a second wheel, with a saw band looped around them. The saw band protection device includes an electromagnetic actuator, an actuating rod, and a clamping mechanism positioned along the movement path of the saw band. The electromagnetic actuator operates between an energized position and a de-energized position. One end of the actuating rod is connected to the electromagnetic actuator, while the other end is connected to the clamping mechanism. When in the energized position, the actuating rod allows the clamping mechanism to remain in a relaxed state relative to the saw band. When in the de-energized position, the actuating rod causes the clamping mechanism to clamp the saw band. Additionally, the reset device restores the actuating rod and the electromagnetic actuator to their mutually attracted state, ensuring safety protection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a food cutting machine, and more particularly to a food cutting machine with safety protection features. Prior Technology

[0002] For example, Taiwan Utility Model Patent No. M573582 discloses a food cutting machine that can be used to cut food. The cutting unit of the food cutting machine includes a second motor, two drive wheels, and a band saw blade. The second motor is driven by one of the drive wheels, and the band saw blade is mounted on the outer edge of a portion of the wheel rim. When the food cutting machine is operating, the second motor drives one of the drive wheels, which in turn pulls the other drive wheel through the band saw blade. This allows the food to be transported to the band saw blade of the cutting unit via a conveyor belt for cutting.

[0003] However, the aforementioned food cutting machine is not equipped with protective devices. If an operator accidentally touches the band saw blade during use, it could easily cause injury. Furthermore, the band saw blade will continue to operate under these circumstances, and if the machine is not stopped immediately, it could lead to a more serious industrial accident, posing a safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, this disclosure provides a food cutting machine with safety protection features. When a worker accidentally touches the saw blade, a clamping mechanism clamps the saw blade, reducing the injury to the hand caused by the saw blade and thus achieving a safety protection function.

[0005] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, this disclosure provides a food cutting machine with safety protection functions in one embodiment, which includes a base, a cutting device, a saw blade protection device, and a reset device. A cutting device is mounted on a base and includes a first rotating wheel and a second rotating wheel separated from each other. A saw blade is arranged around the first rotating wheel and the second rotating wheel, and a virtual axis is defined by the center of the first rotating wheel and the center of the second rotating wheel, dividing a first setting area and a second setting area by the virtual axis. A saw blade protection device is mounted on the base and has an electromagnetic actuator, an actuator rod, and a clamping mechanism arranged on the moving path of the saw blade. The electromagnetic actuator is located in the first setting area and operates between an energized position and an de-energized position. The clamping mechanism is located in the second setting area. One end of the actuator rod is connected to the electromagnetic actuator, and the other end is connected to the clamping mechanism across the virtual axis. In the energized position, the actuator rod causes the clamping mechanism to relax relative to the saw blade. In the de-energized position, the actuator rod causes the clamping mechanism to clamp the saw blade. A reset device is mounted on the base and located in the first setting area. The reset device can swing the actuator rod to return it and the electromagnetic actuator to a mutually attracted state.

[0006] Therefore, this disclosure discloses a saw blade protection device that allows the saw blade to be immediately clamped and fixed by a clamping mechanism when the worker's hand accidentally touches the saw blade during operation, stopping the saw blade from moving and reducing the damage to the hand caused by the saw blade, thereby achieving a safe protection effect.

[0007] In another embodiment disclosed herein, a tension release device is further included on the base. When the electromagnetic actuator is in the de-energized position, the tension release device causes the first rotating wheel to displace along the virtual axis direction to release the tension of the saw blade, thereby achieving the effect of safety protection.

[0008] In another embodiment disclosed herein, a braking device is further included, which controls the first rotating wheel to stop rotating when the power is off, thereby preventing the saw blade from continuing to move and achieving the effect of safety protection. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0009] [Figure 1] is a schematic diagram of the appearance disclosed herein. [Figure 2] is a schematic diagram of the exterior from another perspective of this disclosure, and shows the main internal structure. [Figure 3] is a schematic diagram of the cutting device disclosed herein. [Figure 4] is a schematic diagram of the saw band protection device located in the upper chassis of this disclosure in the energized position, showing that the reset device allows the actuator rod and the electromagnetic actuator to be attracted to each other. [Figure 5] is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of Figure 3 disclosed herein, showing that the two clamping jaws are in a loosened state relative to the saw blade. [Figure 6] is a side view of the saw blade protection device inside the upper casing of this disclosure. [Figure 7] is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA section line in Figure 4 of this disclosure, showing that the braking device is not activated. [Figure 8] is a schematic diagram of the saw band protection device located in the upper chassis of this disclosure in the power-off position, showing that the iron disc and the electromagnet are separated, causing the clamping mechanism to operate. [Figure 9] is a schematic diagram of the two clamping jaws clamping the saw blade relative to each other. [Figure 10] is a schematic diagram of the operation of the braking device disclosed herein, showing the friction pads contacting the brake pads. Implementation

[0010] To facilitate the explanation of the central ideas expressed in the above-mentioned application content section, specific embodiments are provided below. Furthermore, to better explain the principles of this disclosure, specific language will be used to describe these examples. However, it should be understood that this does not imply a limitation on the scope of this disclosure.

[0011] In addition, to improve readability, some illustrations omit parts of the components or use imaginary lines for depiction.

[0012] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10, which show a food cutting machine 100 with safety protection function in one embodiment of this disclosure. It includes a base 10, a cutting device 20, a saw band protection device 30, a reset device 40, a tension release device 50, an adjustment device 60, and a braking device 70.

[0013] The base 10 has an upper chassis 11, a lower chassis 12, and a column 13 connecting the upper chassis 11 and the lower chassis 12. A working platform 14 is provided between the upper chassis 11 and the lower chassis 12 and in front of the column 13.

[0014] A cutting device 20 is mounted on a base 10. The cutting device 20 includes a first rotating wheel 21 and a second rotating wheel 22 separated from each other, with a saw blade 23 arranged around the first rotating wheel 21 and the second rotating wheel 22. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, in this disclosed embodiment, a virtual axis L is defined by the center of the first rotating wheel 21 and the center of the second rotating wheel 22, dividing a first setting area L1 and a second setting area L2 by the virtual axis L. The first rotating wheel 21 is rotatably mounted on the upper housing 11 via a first rotating shaft 211, and the second rotating wheel 22 is rotatably mounted on the lower housing 12 via a second rotating shaft 221. The first rotating shaft 211 and the second rotating shaft 221 are respectively orthogonal to the virtual axis L.

[0015] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the cutting device 20 further includes a drive motor 24 disposed in the lower housing 12 for transmission connection to the second rotating wheel 22. A fixed seat 111 is provided in the upper housing 11 in the second mounting area L2.

[0016] In this disclosed embodiment, the saw band protection device 30 consists of two upper housings 11 and lower housings 12 respectively disposed on the base 10. For ease of explanation of the technical principle, the saw band protection device 30 inside the upper housing 11 will be used as the illustrative embodiment below. The saw band protection device 30 has an electromagnetic actuator 31, an actuator rod 32, and a clamping mechanism 33 disposed on the moving path of the saw band 23. The electromagnetic actuator 31 is disposed in the first placement area L1 and operates between an energized position and an de-energized position. The clamping mechanism 33 is disposed in the second placement area L2. One end of the actuator rod 32 is connected to the electromagnetic actuator 31, and the other end passes over the virtual axis L and is connected to the clamping mechanism 33. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, in the energized position, the actuator rod 32 causes the clamping mechanism 33 to relax relative to the saw band 23. As shown in Figures 3, 8, and 9, in the de-energized position, the actuator rod 32 causes the clamping mechanism 33 to clamp the saw band 23. In this way, if a worker accidentally touches the saw blade 23 while operating the food cutter 100, the food cutter 100 controls the electromagnetic actuator 31 to cut off the power, allowing the clamping mechanism 33 to clamp the saw blade 23, reducing the risk of injury to the worker and providing safety protection. Because the electromagnetic actuator 31 and the clamping mechanism 33 are located in two separate areas, it facilitates the even distribution of weight and structural arrangement of the upper casing 11, making the operation of the food cutter 100 more stable.

[0017] The reset device 40 is installed on the base 10 and located in the first setting area L1. The reset device 40 can make the actuator 32 swing and move, so that the actuator 32 and the electromagnetic actuator 31 are reset to a mutually attracted state.

[0018] In this disclosed embodiment, the electromagnetic actuator 31 includes an iron disc 311 coupled to the actuating rod 32 and an electromagnet 312 disposed facing the iron disc 311. In the energized position, the iron disc 311 and the electromagnet 312 are magnetically attracted to each other without gap. In the de-energized position, the iron disc 311 and the electromagnet 312 are separated with a gap. The aforementioned reset device 40 is an electric cylinder, which has a cylinder body 41 and a rod body 42 extending from the cylinder body 41. The rod body 42 is arranged parallel to the virtual axis L and can push the actuating rod 32 to the side opposite to the iron disc 311, so that the iron disc 311 and the electromagnet 312 are magnetically attracted to each other. Thus, when the iron disc 311 and the electromagnet 312 are separated due to de-energization (as shown in Figure 8), through the operation of the reset device 40, the iron disc 311 is moved towards the electromagnet 312 and attracted again (as shown in Figure 4), which facilitates subsequent processing operations.

[0019] The actuating rod 32 is pivotally mounted on the upper housing 11 via a pivot 34. The actuating rod 32 has a first end 321 and a second end 322. The first end 321 is connected to the electromagnetic actuator 31 and combined with the iron plate 311. The second end 322 passes through the fixed base 111 and is connected to the clamping mechanism 33. The distance from the first end 321 to the pivot 34 is greater than the distance from the second end 322 to the pivot 34.

[0020] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the clamping mechanism 33 includes a force-applying member 331, a spring member 332, two linkage members 333, two transmission shafts 334, two clamping jaws 335, a crossbar 336, and two connecting rods 337. The force-applying member 331 is an inverted T-shaped member erected in the fixed base 111 and has a protrusion 3311 that is in contact with the second end 322 of the actuating rod 32. The spring member 332 is disposed in the fixed base 111 and supports the force-applying member 331, so that the protrusion 3311 of the force-applying member 331 abuts against the second end 322 of the actuating rod 32. Two drive shafts 334 extend through the fixed base 111. Two linkages 333 are connected to one end of the two drive shafts 334. Two clamping jaws 335 are connected to the other end of the two drive shafts 334 and located on both sides of the saw blade 23. The two linkages 333 are linked to the end of the force-applying member 331 away from the elastic member 332. In the energized position, the iron plate 311 of the first end 321 of the actuator rod 32 is magnetically attracted to the electromagnet 312, causing the actuator rod 32 to tilt. The force-applying member 331 can be lifted by the actuator rod 32 and generate a displacement parallel to the virtual axis L, causing the two linkages 333 to swing, which causes the two drive shafts 334 to release the two clamping jaws 335 relative to the saw blade 23. Conversely, when the power is off, the iron disc 311 separates from the electromagnet 312, and the actuating rod 32 applies force to the force-applying component 331, causing the force-applying component 331 to move the two clamping jaws 335 to clamp the saw blade 23.

[0021] In this disclosed embodiment, each of the two linkages 333 includes a positioning shaft 3331 located away from the two transmission shafts 334. One end of each of the two connecting rods 337 is fixed to the force-applying member 331, and the other end of each of the two connecting rods 337 is slidably connected to the crossbar 336. The force-applying member 331 and the crossbar 336 are jointly clamped and connected to the two positioning shafts 3331. Each of the two clamping jaws 335 is provided with an auxiliary clamping member 3351 facing each other. Each of the two auxiliary clamping members 3351 has a clamping plane 3352 to clamp the saw blade 23 so as to stably clamp the saw blade 23 in the power-off position.

[0022] As shown in Figure 6 and in conjunction with Figure 4, in this disclosed embodiment, the tension release device 50 is disposed on the base 10. When the electromagnetic actuator 31 is in the de-energized position, the tension release device 50 causes the first rotating wheel 21 to displace along the virtual axis L to release the tension of the saw blade 23. The tension release device 50 includes a slide 51, an electromagnetic component 52, and a plurality of guide posts 53. The slide 51 allows the first rotating shaft 211 to pass through. The slide 51 and the electromagnetic component 52 can attract each other due to the magnetic field effect, so that the saw blade 23 is in a taut state. One end of the guide post 53 is fixed to the slide 51, and the other end extends through the electromagnetic component 52. Furthermore, a plurality of tension members 54, which are tension springs, are provided between the slide 51 and the upper housing 11.

[0023] When the electromagnetic actuator 31 is in the de-energized position, the electromagnetic component 52 and the slide 51 simultaneously separate due to the disappearance of the magnetic field, forcing the slide 51 to move downward (the tensioning component 54 pulls the slide 51 down), thereby relaxing the saw blade 23. In this way, during operation, in addition to the aforementioned protective action of the saw blade 23 being clamped, the tension of the saw blade 23 can also be released through the tension release device 50, making the saw blade 23 slack, thereby preventing the saw blade 23 from instantly cutting the worker's hand.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the adjustment device 60 includes a rotating component 61 exposed in the upper housing 11, a transmission rod 62, a first bevel gear 63, a second bevel gear 64, and a lifting rod 65. One end of the transmission rod 62 is connected to the rotating component 61, and the other end is connected to the first bevel gear 63. The second bevel gear 64 meshes orthogonally with the first bevel gear 63. One end of the lifting rod 65 is axially mounted on the second bevel gear 64, and the other end is connected to the electromagnetic component 52. The lifting rod 65 can magnetically engage the electromagnetic component 52 with the slide block 51 along the virtual axis L as the second bevel gear 64 rotates. Thus, through the operation of the adjustment device 60, the tension of the saw blade 23 can be adjusted to the working state to facilitate subsequent processing operations.

[0025] As shown in Figures 7 and 10, when the braking device 70 is in the de-energized position, it controls the first rotating wheel 21 to stop rotating. The braking device 70 includes a brake seat 71 sleeved on the first rotating shaft 211, a brake pad 72 fixed to the first rotating shaft 211 and located inside the brake seat 71, a friction pad 73 slidably sleeved on one side of the brake pad 72, a coil 74 located on the brake seat 71 and on the back side of the friction pad 73, and two springs 75 located on the brake seat 71 and normally pushing the friction pad 73 toward the brake pad 72. The friction pad 73 is made of magnetic material.

[0026] When coil 74 is energized, friction plate 73 is attracted by coil 74, preventing friction plate 73 from contacting brake pad 72 and allowing the first rotating shaft 211 to rotate freely. When coil 74 is de-energized, the two springs 75 cause friction plate 73 to contact brake pad 72, preventing the first rotating shaft 211 from rotating. Thus, when electromagnetic actuator 31 is in the de-energized position, coil 74 is immediately and synchronously de-energized, causing frictional contact between friction plate 73 and brake pad 72 to stop the first rotating shaft 211 from rotating, preventing displacement of saw blade 23 and potential injury to workers.

[0027] In summary, this disclosure, through the installation of the saw blade protection device 30, the tension release device 50, and the braking device 70, ensures that when a worker's hand accidentally touches the saw blade 23 during operation, the saw blade 23 can be immediately clamped, the tension of the saw blade 23 is relaxed, and the saw blade 23 stops its displacement, thereby achieving multiple safety protection effects.

[0028] Although this disclosure is based on a preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art can make various modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0029] 100: Food cutting machine 10: Base 11: Upper chassis 111: Fixed base 12: Lower chassis 13: Column 14: Work Platform 20: Cutting device 21: First Wheel 211: First pivot 22: Second Rotating Wheel 221: Second pivot 23: Saw blade 24: Drive motor 30: Saw blade protection device 31: Electromagnetic actuator 311: Iron Plate 312: Electromagnet 32: Actuator rod 321: First end 322: Second end 33: Clamping mechanism 331: Force-applying component 3311:convex part 332: Elastic component 333: Linkage component 3331: Positioning axis 334: Drive shaft 335: Clamping jaw 3351: Auxiliary clamping component 3352: Clamping plane 336: Crossbar 337: Linkage 34: Pivot 40: Reset device 41: Cylinder block 42: Rod 50: Tension release device 51: Slide 52: Electromagnetic components 53: Guide column 54: Tension components 60: Adjustment device 61: Rotating component 62: Transmission rod 63: First bevel gear 64: Second bevel gear 65: Lifting boom 70: Braking device 71: Brake mount 72: Order Card 73: Friction Plate 74: Coil 75: Spring L: Virtual axis L1: First Settings Area L2: Second Settings Area

Claims

1. A food cutting machine with safety protection functions, comprising: A base; A cutting device is mounted on the base. The cutting device includes a first rotating wheel and a second rotating wheel that are separated from each other. A saw blade is arranged around the first rotating wheel and the second rotating wheel. A virtual axis is defined by the center of the first rotating wheel and the center of the second rotating wheel. A first setting area and a second setting area are separated by the virtual axis. A saw band protection device is mounted on the base. The saw band protection device has an electromagnetic actuator, an actuator rod, and a clamping mechanism disposed on the moving path of the saw band. The electromagnetic actuator is disposed in the first mounting area and operates between an energized position and an de-energized position. The clamping mechanism is disposed in the second mounting area. One end of the actuator rod is connected to the electromagnetic actuator, and the other end passes over the virtual axis and is connected to the clamping mechanism. In the energized position, the actuator rod causes the clamping mechanism to relax relative to the saw band. In the de-energized position, the actuator rod causes the clamping mechanism to clamp the saw band. A reset device is also disposed on the base and located in the first mounting area. The reset device can cause the actuator rod to swing and displace, allowing the actuator rod and the electromagnetic actuator to return to a mutually attracted state.

2. The food cutting machine with safety protection function as described in claim 1 further includes a tension release device disposed on the base. When the electromagnetic actuator is in the power-off position, the tension release device causes the first rotating wheel to displace along the virtual axis direction to release the tension of the saw blade.

3. A food cutting machine with safety protection function as described in claim 2, wherein, The base has an upper housing, a lower housing, and a column connecting the upper housing and the lower housing. The first rotating wheel is rotatably mounted on the upper housing with a first rotating shaft, and the second rotating wheel is rotatably mounted on the lower housing with a second rotating shaft. The tension release device includes a slide and an electromagnetic component. The slide is through which the first rotating shaft passes. The slide and the electromagnetic component can attract each other due to the magnetic field effect, so that the saw band is in a taut state. When the electromagnetic actuator is in the de-energized position, the electromagnetic component and the slide are separated due to the disappearance of the magnetic field, thereby relaxing the saw band.

4. A food cutter with safety protection function as described in claim 3, wherein, The tension release device includes a plurality of guide posts, one end of which is fixed to the slide and the other end of which extends through the electromagnetic component; a plurality of tension members are provided between the slide and the upper housing.

5. The food cutting machine with safety protection function as described in claim 3 further includes an adjustment device, which includes a rotating component exposed in the upper housing, a transmission rod, a first bevel gear, a second bevel gear, and a lifting rod. One end of the transmission rod is connected to the rotating component, and the other end of the transmission rod is connected to the first bevel gear. The second bevel gear meshes orthogonally with the first bevel gear. One end of the lifting rod is axially mounted on the second bevel gear, and the other end of the lifting rod is connected to the electromagnetic component. The lifting rod can magnetically engage the electromagnetic component with the slide block along the virtual axis direction as the second bevel gear rotates.

6. A food cutter with safety protection functions as described in claim 5, wherein, The actuating rod is pivotally mounted on the upper housing around a pivot. The actuating rod has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the electromagnetic actuator, and the second end is connected to the clamping mechanism. The distance from the first end to the pivot is greater than the distance from the second end to the pivot.

7. A food cutter with safety protection function as described in claim 6, wherein, The upper housing has a fixed base located in the second mounting area. The clamping mechanism includes a force-applying member, a spring member, two linkage members, two drive shafts, and two clamping jaws. The second end of the actuating rod passes through the fixed base. The force-applying member is located in the fixed base and has a protrusion that is in contact with the second end. The spring member is located in the fixed base and holds the force-applying member against the second end. The two drive shafts extend through the fixed base. The two linkage members are connected to one end of the two drive shafts. The two clamping jaws are connected to the other end of the two drive shafts and are located on both sides of the saw blade. The two linkage members are linked to the end of the force-applying member away from the spring member. The force-applying member can be lifted by the actuating rod and generate a displacement parallel to the virtual axis direction, causing the two linkage members to swing, which causes the two drive shafts to drive the two clamping jaws to clamp relative to the saw blade.

8. A food cutter with safety protection functions as described in claim 7, wherein, The clamping mechanism includes a crossbar and two connecting rods. Each of the two connecting rods includes a positioning shaft that is away from the two drive shafts. One end of each connecting rod is fixed to the force-applying member, and the other end of each connecting rod is slidably connected to the crossbar. The force-applying member and the crossbar are clamped and connected to the two positioning shafts. Each of the two clamping jaws is provided with an auxiliary clamping member facing each other. Each of the two auxiliary clamping members has a clamping plane to clamp the saw blade.

9. A food cutter with safety protection function as described in claim 1, wherein, The electromagnetic actuator includes an iron plate attached to the actuating rod and an electromagnet positioned face-to-face with the iron plate; the reset device is an electric cylinder having a cylinder body and a rod extending from the cylinder body, the rod being positioned parallel to the virtual axis and capable of pushing the actuating rod to a side opposite to the iron plate, so that the iron plate and the electromagnet are magnetically attracted to each other.

10. The food cutting machine with safety protection function as described in claim 3 further includes a braking device that controls the first rotating wheel to stop rotating when the power is off. The braking device includes a brake seat sleeved on the first rotating shaft, a brake pad fixed to the first rotating shaft and located in the brake seat, a friction pad slidably sleeved on one side of the brake pad, a coil disposed on the brake seat and located on the back side of the friction pad, and two springs disposed on the brake seat and normally pushing the friction pad toward the brake pad. When the coil is energized, the friction pad is attracted by the coil, so that the friction pad does not contact the brake pad, allowing the first rotating shaft to rotate freely. When the coil is de-energized, the two springs cause the friction pad to contact the brake pad, preventing the first rotating shaft from rotating.

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