Supporting element for a rocker table of a foodstuffs conveyor

Abstract

The invention relates to a supporting element (3) for at least one rocker table (2) of a foodstuffs conveyor (1), wherein the supporting element (3) has at least one piston rod (31), a cylinder tube (32) and a securing mechanism, wherein at least part of the piston rod (31) is arranged in the cylinder tube (32) and the cylinder tube (32) or the piston rod (31) is connected to the rocker table (2), wherein the securing mechanism comprises a latching element (33) and a locking element (34), wherein either the piston rod (31) has the locking element (34) and the cylinder tube (32) has the latching element (33) or the piston rod (31) has the latching element (33) and the cylinder tube (32) has the locking element (34), wherein the latching element (33) is connected to the locking element (34) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner and is configured such that the latching element (33) engages with the locking element (34) by way of a predefined force, wherein, if the predefined force is exceeded, the latching element (33) is moved relative to the locking element (34) and the piston rod (31) can be moved relative to the cylinder tube (32).

Description

[0001] Support element for a rocker table of a food conveyor machine

[0002] The invention relates to a support element for at least one rocker table of a food conveyor machine with a piston rod, a cylinder tube and a securing mechanism.

[0003] Food conveyor machines are primarily used in the industrial processing of food. Such machines are used to transport sliced ​​food to a packaging machine for the portioned food. Furthermore, food conveyor machines can be positioned in front of the respective slicing machines or anywhere else to enable any type of food transport (packaged or unpackaged, portioned or unportioned). With increasing demands, particularly regarding the profitability of such a machine, food conveyor machines are becoming increasingly larger, faster, more efficient, and more powerful. For example, it is desirable to equip a food conveyor machine with several parallel conveyor belts, and to design these so that they are height-adjustable or rotatable or pivotable about an axis.This means that a larger quantity of food can be transported at the same time with the conveyor machine and, in addition, the food can be transferred over different heights.

[0004] However, larger and especially heavier machines pose a risk to the user from an occupational safety perspective. Height-adjustable food conveyors, in particular, pose a potential danger to careless users. For example, the user may reach into the running food conveyor for cleaning purposes during operation. With a height-adjustable food conveyor, this poses a high risk to the user, as fingers or even entire limbs can become trapped in the food conveyor. Powerful machines can cause serious injuries to the user.

[0005] Against this background, the task arises to provide a safer food conveyor machine for a user.

[0006] The object is achieved by a support element for at least one rocker table of a food conveyor machine, wherein the support element has at least one piston rod, a cylinder tube and a securing mechanism, wherein the piston rod is at least partially arranged in the cylinder tube and the cylinder tube or the piston rod is connected to the rocker table, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a locking element and a counter element, wherein either the piston rod has the counter element and the cylinder tube has the locking element or the piston rod has the locking element and the cylinder tube has the counter element, wherein the locking element is positively and / or non-positively connected to the counter element and is configured such that the locking element engages with the counter element with a predefined force,When the predefined force is exceeded, the locking element is moved relative to the counter element and the piston rod is movable relative to the cylinder tube.

[0007] The support element according to the invention has the advantage that the food conveyor machine has a force limitation. In this way, the food conveyor machine itself can be protected, but the safety of the user can be substantially increased. According to the invention, the locking element engages with the counter element with a predefined force, wherein if this force is exceeded, the engagement of the locking element with the counter element is lost, so that the two elements are moved relative to each other and the piston rod is freely movable relative to the cylinder tube. In the case of a height-adjustable or about a rotation axis rotatable rocker table of a food conveyor machine, the adjustability is preferably achieved via the support element, wherein if, for example, the support element works against an unplanned resistance (e.g.If the force applied to the locking element (e.g., a user's arm) is exceeded and the predefined force is exceeded, the locking element is moved relative to the counter element. This allows the piston rod to be moved relative to the cylinder barrel without generating further movement against the resistance force. Depending on the design of the predefined force of the locking element, injuries can be reduced and the safety of the food conveyor machine can be increased.

[0008] According to the invention, the support element is connected to at least one rocker table of a food conveyor machine. Preferably, the food conveyor machine has several, in particular parallel, rocker tables, each of which is connected to a support element. The support element has at least one piston rod, a cylinder tube, and a securing mechanism in order to achieve the advantages according to the invention. The piston rod is arranged at least partially in the cylinder tube, with one of the two elements being in direct connection with the rocker table of the food conveyor machine. The arrangement of the piston rod at least partially within the cylinder tube enables the piston rod to be guided through the cylinder tube. Furthermore, the support element has a securing mechanism, which essentially comprises a locking element and a counter element. The locking element can be arranged either on or in the piston rod or on or in the cylinder tube.The locking element is arranged on the respective other element. If the piston rod has the locking element, the cylinder tube has the locking element and vice versa. According to the invention, the locking element engages with the locking element with a predefined force. For this purpose, the piston rod must be arranged in the cylinder tube at least far enough that the locking or locking element on the piston rod can engage with the matching element in the cylinder tube. According to the invention, the engagement of the locking element with the locking element comprises a force-locking and / or form-locking connection. If the predefined force present on the locking element is exceeded, the force-locking and / or form-locking connection between the locking element and the locking element is released. The locking element is moved relative to the locking element by exceeding the predefined force, so that the piston rod is movable relative to the cylinder tube.

[0009] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the support element is arranged between a rocker table and a base frame of the food conveyor machine, wherein the base frame is preferably stationary. Preferably, the cylinder tube is arranged on the rocker table, and the piston rod is arranged on the base frame of the food conveyor machine. Furthermore, a food conveyor machine can have several rocker tables and only one base frame, wherein each rocker table has a support element.

[0010] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the rocker table is height-adjustable or pivotable about a rotational axis by means of the support element, wherein the piston rod is preferably driven mechanically or pneumatically. The piston rod of the support element can be height-adjustable relative to the base frame of the food conveyor machine, wherein this can be accomplished in particular by means of a pneumatic or mechanical actuator. The piston rod is preferably partially arranged in a cylinder unit, which is particularly preferably arranged in the base frame of the food conveyor machine. The cylinder unit can have the drive for the piston rod, for example a pneumatic cylinder, a mechanical spring, or a mechanical transmission driven by an electric drive.The inventive engagement of the locking element with the counter element in combination with the adjustable piston rod can enable the height adjustment or pivotability of the rocker table about a rotational axis. Advantageously, this can protect the user of the food conveyor machine when adjusting the rocker table. The alignment of the rocker table via the piston rod is essentially achieved through the engagement of the locking element with the counter element. The change in the length of the piston rod can thus be transmitted to the rocker table by the two engaged elements via the cylinder tube. If the user has limbs in the food conveyor machine and the rocker table is moved at the same time, the user can be protected by the safety mechanism and serious injuries can be avoided.If the predefined force is exceeded, the locking element loses engagement with the counter element, and the rocker table cannot be adjusted any further, as the piston rod is freely movable relative to the cylinder tube. The height adjustability of the piston rod, or the change in the length of the piston rod, can also be colloquially understood as extending or retracting the piston rod from the cylinder unit, whereby this cylinder unit preferably includes the drive for the piston rod.

[0011] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the locking element is arranged substantially perpendicular to the counter element. Arranging the locking element substantially perpendicular to the counter element can enable the most optimal force transfer from the locking element to the counter element. Furthermore, the design of the predefined force is simpler because, upon upward or downward movement or rotation of the rocker table, the predefined force of the locking element acts on the counter element with approximately the same force. Thus, the user of the food conveyor machine can be equally protected regardless of the movement of the rocker table. Furthermore, the movement of the rocker table is not restricted more in one direction than in the other.

[0012] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cylinder tube is connected to the rocker table by means of a guide element, in particular one that is movable relative to the rocker table. The cylinder tube preferably has the guide element, which is particularly preferably designed as a slotted hole. Alternatively, the guide element can be an additional element that is arranged either between the cylinder tube and the rocker table or between the cylinder tube and the base frame. Advantageously, the guide element enables compensation for an offset between the cylinder tube and the rocker table or the base frame, which can arise during a rotational movement of the rocker table. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the counter element is designed as a recess, in particular a groove, in the piston rod or the cylinder tube.The piston rod is preferably a cylindrical body, with the recess particularly preferably being located on a lateral surface of the piston rod and extending in the circumferential direction entirely or partially over the circumference of the lateral surface. Preferably, the lateral surface can have a plurality of counter elements, which are arranged equidistant from one another in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, the cylinder tube can have a cylindrical recess for the piston rod, with the internal recess being able to have a lateral surface, with this lateral surface having the counter element in the circumferential direction entirely or partially over the circumference of the lateral surface.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the recess of the locking element tapers radially inward if the locking element is arranged on the piston rod, or radially outward if the locking element is arranged in the cylinder tube. The recess of the locking element preferably has a semicircular or triangular cross-sectional area. Advantageously, the locking element can slide out of the locking element if the maximum predefined force of the locking element is exceeded.

[0014] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the predefined force is mechanically adjustable, particularly by means of a pressure piece or a spring. The pressure piece or spring is preferably provided with a preload, whereby the locking element is pressed into the counter element with this preload. The predefined force can be adjusted depending on the respective spring and the preload travel. Advantageously, springs and pressure pieces can be designed compactly. Furthermore, the generated force and the behavior of the spring can be easily determined and predicted.

[0015] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cylinder tube has a protective cap, wherein the locking element is partially arranged in the protective cap. This embodiment is preferably used when the locking element is arranged in the cylinder tube. The cylinder tube can be of compact design, wherein the locking element is arranged essentially perpendicular to the cylinder tube. Here, the locking element can extend over the cylinder tube and be accessible for manipulation by outsiders. The protective cap can protect the locking element and thus also the securing mechanism from unwanted influences. Preferably, the protective cap is connected to the cylinder tube by means of a threaded connection, or is simply plugged on, or fixed by means of a simple plug-in connection. Furthermore, the part of the locking element which is located outside the cylinder tube is preferably located in the protective cap.

[0016] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the piston rod is designed in multiple parts, in particular in two parts, wherein the piston rod has a piston which is arranged substantially within the cylinder tube and has the counter element, and a rod, wherein the piston is detachably connected to the rod. It is conceivable for the piston to have a larger diameter in order to accommodate the counter element or the locking element. The rod can be designed more narrowly due to the multi-part design. Furthermore, the multi-part design enables components to be replaced without, for example, removing the piston from the cylinder tube. Furthermore, the disassembly of the locking mechanism can be simplified because the entire piston rod does not have to be removed as a whole. Preferably, the rod of the piston rod can also be in two parts.The respective parts of the piston rod are preferably connected by means of a threaded connection and are advantageously detachable again.

[0017] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the locking element is detachably connected to the cylinder tube, in particular by means of a threaded connection. For convenience, the locking element can be screwed into the cylinder tube, particularly after the piston rod or piston has been inserted. The detachable connection also allows for easy replacement of the locking element in the event of wear or for a different application, for example, if a different preload is desired.

[0018] Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Herein:

[0019] Fig. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the support element in connection with a food conveyor machine;

[0020] Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the first embodiment with a detailed view of the support element; and

[0021] Fig. 3 is a detailed view of a support element arranged between a base frame and a rocker table of a food conveyor machine. Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a food conveyor machine 1, wherein the exemplary embodiment of a food conveyor machine 1 shown in Fig. 1 has a base frame 10 and here two essentially parallel rocker tables 2, which are in particular height-adjustable or pivotable about a rotation axis. In the present exemplary embodiment, each rocker table 2 has a support element 3, wherein the support element 3 is arranged between the rocker table 2 and the base frame 10. The support element 3 is preferably arranged centrally, relative to the food conveying direction, under a rocker table 2.Thus, the support element 3 can absorb the weight forces from the rocker table 2 as effectively as possible, and when pivoting the rocker table 2, the risk of jamming caused by one-sided movement of the rocker table 2 can be reduced. According to the invention, the support element 3 has a safety mechanism. This safety mechanism enables the advantage according to the invention of protecting a user from serious injuries, particularly when adjusting the height or rotating the rocker table 2 about a rotation axis, especially if limbs become trapped in the food conveyor machine 1.

[0022] The support element 3 can be connected to the rocker table 2 by means of a guide element 4 directly or by means of another element. In Fig. 1, the support element 3 has, in addition to the guide element 4, which is designed in particular as a slotted hole, a bolt 5, wherein this bolt 5 connects the support element 3 to the rocker table 2. It is entirely conceivable for a bolt 5 to connect several rocker tables 2 and at least one support element 3 to one another. The guide element 4 enables the support element 3 to be at least partially movable relative to the rocker table 2. If the rocker table 2 is rotatable about a rotation axis or height-adjustable, an axial offset can arise between the support element 3 and the rocker table 2. This offset can also lead to jamming and thus make the behavior of the food conveyor machine 1 more difficult to predict.Designing the guide element 4 preferably as a slotted hole makes it possible to at least partially compensate for this axial offset between the support element 3 and the rocker table 2.

[0023] Fig. 2 shows a side sectional view of the embodiment from Fig. 1. Firstly, the food conveying machine 1 comprises a conveyor belt 12 and a drive shaft 11, wherein the drive shaft 11 drives the conveyor belt 12 and thus food can be transported in a conveying direction. The food conveying machine 1 further comprises the base frame 10, wherein the support element 3 is arranged between the rocker table 2 and the base frame 10. The support element 3 comprises a cylinder tube 32, a piston rod 31 and a securing mechanism, which has a locking element 33 and a counter element 34. The piston rod 31 is arranged substantially, in the present embodiment almost entirely, in the cylinder tube 32 and in the cylinder unit, wherein the cylinder tube 32 can have a recess for the respective piston rod 31.In addition, the cylinder tube 32 has the guide element 4, which is directly connected to the rocker table 2 via a bolt 5. It is conceivable that Fig. 2 shows a starting position, with the piston rod 31 maximally retracted. The rocker table 2 can be moved to any desired position by extending the piston rod 31. Preferably, the rocker table 2 moves or falls back to this starting position if the predefined force is exceeded. In this starting position, there is sufficient space between the base frame 10 and the rocker table 2 so that a user and their limbs can be safely removed from the food conveyor machine 1.

[0024] According to the invention, the safety mechanism comprises a locking element 33 and a counter element 34, wherein the locking element 33 engages the counter element 34 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner with a predefined force. If this force is exceeded, the locking element 33 can detach from the counter element 34 and the piston rod 31 can move freely relative to the cylinder tube 32. This can significantly increase the safety of the food conveyor machine 1. For example, a user can reach into the food conveyor machine 1 during operation, while the rocker table 2 can be rotated about a rotation axis by the support element 3, which can lead to the user becoming trapped. The support element 3 is subjected to a resistance force which, depending on the design, can be greater than the predefined force of the locking element 33.This means that further rotation of the rocker table 2 is no longer possible and the user can escape from the clamping position.

[0025] In order to rotate or adjust the rocker table 2, the piston rod 31 can be driven mechanically or pneumatically. Fig. 2 shows a cylinder unit 13, which can comprise a pneumatic cylinder or a mechanical or electromechanical drive. This can extend or retract the piston rod 31, whereby the movement of the piston rod 31 can be transmitted via the locking mechanism to the cylinder tube 32 and thus to the rocker table 2. The predefined force with which the locking element 33 engages the counter element 34 depends, among other things, on the position of the locking element 33 relative to the counter element 34. To ensure that the predefined force is approximately the same when extending or retracting the piston rod, it is preferable for the locking element 33 to be arranged substantially perpendicular to the counter element 34. Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of the support element 3.The locking element 33 is preferably designed as part of the cylinder tube 32, with the counter element 34 preferably being encompassed by the piston rod 31. It is conceivable for the locking element 33 to be arranged in the piston rod 31 and the counter element 34 to be arranged in the cylinder tube 32. In the present case, the counter element 34 is arranged as a recess around the entire circumference of the cylindrical body of the piston rod 31. Preferably, the recess can also comprise only part of the circumference. The recess preferably has a semicircular or triangular cross-sectional area, with the recess tapering inwards in the radial direction. Thus, the locking element 33 can slip out of the recess or out of the counter element 34 if the predefined force is exceeded. Alternatively, the recess can be arranged internally in the cylinder tube 34, with the recess tapering outwards in the radial direction.

[0026] To generate the predefined force of the locking element 33, the locking element 33 can have a spring or pressure piece 35, whereby the force of these can be adjusted by means of preload. These two variants are not very complex and the behavior is easy to predict. To prevent or reduce manipulation or external influences on the locking element 33, the cylinder tube 32 can have a protective cap 36, whereby the locking element 33 is at least partially enclosed by the protective cap 36. It can be seen from Fig. 3 that the locking element 33 protrudes partially beyond the cylinder tube 32, whereby this part is covered by the protective cap 36. The protective cap 36 can either be slipped on or connected to the cylinder tube 32 via a thread.

[0027] Fig. 3 further shows a detachable connection between the locking element 33 and the cylinder tube 32, which is preferably a threaded connection. Furthermore, it is evident that the piston rod 31 can be constructed in multiple parts, particularly two parts. The piston rod 31 can comprise a piston 31" and a rod 3T, which preferably have different diameters. The rod 3T can be detachably connected to the piston 31" by means of a threaded connection, which simplifies the assembly and disassembly of the support element 3 and can ensure better interchangeability. The piston 31" can have a larger diameter than the rod, since the piston 31" comprises the counter or locking element 34, 33. No stringent requirements are placed on the rod 3T—other than a desired strength for force transmission—so that it can preferably be designed to be lightweight. List of Reference Symbols

[0028] 1- Food conveyor machine

[0029] 2 - Rocker table

[0030] 3 - Support element 4 - Guide element

[0031] 5 - Bolt

[0032] 10 - Base frame

[0033] 11 - Drive shaft

[0034] 12 - Conveyor belt 13 - Cylinder unit

[0035] 31 - Piston rod

[0036] 31 ' - pole

[0037] 31" piston

[0038] 32 - Cylinder tube 33 - Locking element

[0039] 34 - Counter element

[0040] 35 - Pressure piece

[0041] 36 - Protective cap

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1 . Support element (3) for at least one rocker table (2) of a food conveyor machine (1), wherein the support element (3) has at least one piston rod (31), a cylinder tube (32) and a securing mechanism, wherein the piston rod (31) is at least partially arranged in the cylinder tube (32) and the cylinder tube (32) or the piston rod (31) is connected to the rocker table (2), characterized in that the securing mechanism comprises a locking element (33) and a counter element (34), wherein either the piston rod (31) has the counter element (34) and the cylinder tube (32) has the locking element (33) or the piston rod (31) has the locking element (33) and the cylinder tube (32) has the counter element (34), wherein the locking element (33) is connected to the counter element (34) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner and is configured such that the locking element (33) engages with the Counter element (34) is,wherein, when the predefined force is exceeded, the locking element (33) is moved relative to the counter element (34) and the piston rod (31) is movable relative to the cylinder tube (32).

2. Support element (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rocker table (2) is height-adjustable or pivotable about a rotation axis by means of the support element (3), wherein preferably the piston rod (31) is driven mechanically or pneumatically.

3. Support element (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (33) is arranged substantially perpendicular to the counter element (34).

4. Support element (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cylinder tube (32) is connected to the rocker table (2) by means of a guide element (4), in particular movable relative to the rocker table (2).

5. Support element (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the counter element (34) is designed as a recess, in particular a groove, in the piston rod (31) or the cylinder tube (32).

6. Support element (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the predefined force is mechanically adjustable, in particular by means of a pressure piece or a spring.

7. Support element (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cylinder tube (32) has a protective cap (36), wherein the locking element (33) is partially arranged in the protective cap (36).

8. Support element (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the piston rod (31) is designed in several parts, in particular in two parts, wherein the piston rod (31) has a piston (31") which is arranged substantially within the cylinder tube (32) and has the counter element (34), and has a rod (3T), wherein the piston (31") is detachably connected to the rod (31').

9. Support element (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (33) is detachably connected to the cylinder tube (32), in particular by means of a threaded connection.

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