Food material supply device

Abstract

Provided is a food material supply device capable of operating continuously while ensuring safety of an operator. A food material supply device (1) comprises: a hopper (2) having an inlet (2C) and an outlet (2D) for a food material (D); a screw (3) disposed at the outlet; a first safety guard (5) disposed at the inlet of the hopper; a second safety guard (6, 66) disposed closer to the outlet than the first safety guard; and a safety mechanism (5B, 6BB, 7, 66G, 77A) interposed between the first safety guard and the second safety guard. The safety mechanism prevents the second safety guard from opening to a fully open position thereof when the first safety guard is in a fully open position thereof, and prevents the first safety guard from opening to the fully open position when the second safety guard is in the fully open position.

Description

food material supply equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a food material supplying device equipped with a safety mechanism that ensures the safety of workers and allows continuous operation, and to a food forming device and a food dispensing device that include such a food material supplying device.

[0002] Various food forming devices including food ingredient supply devices have been proposed. The food forming device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a device for transporting food ingredients and includes a screw device and a pump device for delivering the food ingredients. Patent Document 2 discloses a food forming device for producing noodles, which includes a lid attached to an ingredient inlet of a body for kneading ingredients, and the lid is equipped with a detection means that functions as a safety device.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 241273 Publication JP 03-155739 Publication

[0004] To operate the food molding machine of Patent Document 1 continuously, an operator must periodically feed food materials into the hopper. If the screw device in the hopper is rotating, the operator must keep their hands away from the screw device to ensure their safety. In the machine of Patent Document 2, the electric motor of the screw device is stopped when the cover provided on the material inlet is removed to feed the material, ensuring the safety of the operator. However, stopping the electric motor prevents continuous operation and does not improve productivity.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a food material supplying device equipped with a safety device that ensures the safety of workers and allows for continuous operation by supplying food materials without stopping the supplying device, and also aims to provide a food forming machine that includes such a food material supplying device.

[0006] In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides a food material supply device comprising a hopper having an inlet and an outlet for the food material and for storing the food material, and a safety device including a first safety guard and a second safety guard provided at the inlet of the hopper, wherein the first safety guard and the second safety guard are openable and closable, and when the first safety guard is in a fully open position, the second safety guard is in a fully closed position, and when the first safety guard is in a fully closed position, the second safety guard is in a fully open position.

[0007] In the above embodiment, the safety device preferably includes a linkage device that opens and closes the first safety guard and the second safety guard in conjunction with each other, and is configured so that when the first safety guard opens, the second safety guard closes, and when the first safety guard closes, the second safety guard opens.

[0008] In addition, in the above embodiment, it is preferable that the first safety guard includes a first rotating shaft rotatably supported on the hopper, and the second safety guard includes a second rotating shaft rotatably supported on the hopper, the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft are connected by a connecting member of the interlocking device, and the first safety guard and the second safety guard are configured to open and close in conjunction with each other.

[0009] In the above embodiment, the second safety guard preferably includes a rod-shaped member extending in a direction intersecting the second rotation axis.

[0010] In the above embodiment, the safety device preferably includes a restricting member that restricts opening and closing of the first safety guard when the first safety guard is in the fully open position.

[0011] In addition, in the above embodiment, the safety device preferably includes a regulating device configured so that the second safety guard can be opened and closed when the first safety guard is in the fully closed position, and so that the first safety guard can be opened and closed when the second safety guard is in the fully closed position.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it is preferable that the first safety guard includes a first rotating shaft rotatably supported on the hopper, the second safety guard includes a slide shaft slidably supported on the hopper, and the regulating device includes a regulating member provided on the first rotating shaft, and the regulating member is configured so that the second safety guard can be opened and closed when the first safety guard is in the fully closed position, and so that the first safety guard can be opened and closed when the second safety guard is in the fully closed position.

[0013] In the above embodiment, it is preferable that a detection device be included that detects that the hopper has been installed at a predetermined position.

[0014] In the above-described embodiment, the food forming apparatus preferably includes the food material supply device.

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to ensure the safety of workers and to supply food materials without stopping the supply device, thereby enabling the food material supply device and the food forming device to operate continuously.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a food material forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a schematic left side view of the food material forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a food material supplying apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of the food material supplying apparatus of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the food material supplying apparatus of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of the food material supplying apparatus of FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of the food material supplying apparatus of FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of the food material supplying apparatus of FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of the food material supplying apparatus of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of the food material supplying apparatus of FIG. 9A. FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of the food material supplying apparatus of FIG. 11A. FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of a food material supplying apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12A is a schematic front view of the food material supplying apparatus of FIG. 12A. FIG. 12A is a schematic front view of the food material supplying apparatus of FIG. 12A. FIG. 14A is a schematic front view of the food material supplying apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a schematic front view of the food material supplying apparatus of FIG. 14A. FIG. 14B is a schematic front view of the food material supplying apparatus of FIG. 14A. FIG. 14C is a schematic front sectional view of the food material supplying apparatus of FIG. 14A. FIG. 16 is a schematic front sectional view of the food material supplying apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a schematic front sectional view of the food material supplying apparatus of FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a schematic front sectional view of the food material supplying apparatus of FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a schematic front sectional view of the food material supplying apparatus of FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a schematic front view of a food dispensing apparatus. FIG. 16 is a schematic front view of a food dispensing apparatus.

[0017] 1 and 2, food forming apparatus 10 is an encrusting machine that forms food products by encasing an inner wrapping material in an outer wrapping material, and includes food material supplying apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Food material supplying apparatus 1 is a device for conveying stored food material D (inner wrapping material, outer wrapping material) to pump 8A. Food material D is, for example, bread dough, red bean paste, etc.

[0018] The food product forming apparatus 10 further includes a pump 8A that sends the food material D (inner wrapping material, outer covering material) supplied from the food material supplying apparatus 1, a polymerization nozzle 8B that dispenses stick-shaped food products consisting of inner wrapping material covered with outer covering material, a cutting device 8C that forms the food product by cutting the stick-shaped food products dispensed from the polymerization nozzle 8B, a conveying device 8D that conveys the food product, and a support member 8E that secures an upper hopper 2A (described later) to the frame of the food product forming apparatus 10. These are well known components, so their description will be omitted.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, the food material supplying device 1 includes a hopper 2 that stores food material D, a screw 3 that transports the food material D stored in the hopper 2, a safety device 4 that prevents an operator's hand from entering the hopper 2, and a control device 9.

[0020] The hoppers 2 include an upper hopper 2A and a lower hopper 2B located below the upper hopper 2A. The upper hopper 2A has an inlet 2C for food material D, and the lower hopper 2B has an outlet 2D for the food material D stored in the hopper 2. The upper and lower hoppers 2A and 2B abut each other via a sealing member (not shown) to prevent the food material D from leaking from the abutting point. Both outer surfaces of the upper hopper 2A have pins 2E that function as opening and closing restriction members for the first safety guard 5 (described below). The upper hopper 2A is located above the lower hopper 2B and is fixed to the frame of the food product forming apparatus 10 via a support member 8E.

[0021] The screw 3 is disposed at the discharge port 2D and includes a pair of screws (a first screw 3A and a second screw 3B). These screws 3A and 3B are disposed parallel to each other inside the bottom of the lower hopper 2B and are configured to rotate in opposite directions by a screw drive unit 8F of the food product forming apparatus 10.

[0022] The safety device 4 includes a first safety guard 5 that is positioned to cover the inlet 2C of the upper hopper 2A from above and that can be opened and closed, a second safety guard 6 that is positioned inside the hopper 2 below the first safety guard 5 and that can be opened and closed, and a linkage device (safety mechanism) 7 that links the opening and closing of the first safety guard 5 with the opening and closing of the second safety guard 6.

[0023] Hereinafter, the terminal position of the opening operation of the first safety guard 5 will be referred to as the fully open position (FIGS. 6 to 8), and the terminal position of the closing operation will be referred to as the fully closed position (FIGS. 3 to 5). Also, the terminal position of the opening operation of the second safety guard 6 will be referred to as the fully open position (FIGS. 3 to 5), and the terminal position of the closing operation will be referred to as the fully closed position (FIGS. 6 to 8).

[0024] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the first safety guard 5 includes a cover member 5A, a first rotation shaft 5B that forms the rotation center of the cover member 5A, and two first arms 5C that connect the cover member 5A and the first rotation shaft 5B.

[0025] The cover member 5A is a flat plate-like member that is larger than the insertion port 2C and includes a handle 5I attached so that an operator can open and close the first safety guard 5. The cover member 5A may be provided with a plurality of rectangular holes of a size that prevents an operator's hands or fingers from passing through. The size of the rectangular holes can be changed as appropriate as long as the safety of the operator is ensured, and in this embodiment, the size is, for example, 10 mm x 30 mm.

[0026] The first rotating shaft 5B has an axis extending horizontally, both ends extending outward through the side of the hopper 2 (upper hopper 2A), and is rotatably supported by the hopper 2 (upper hopper 2A). Both ends of the first rotating shaft 5B have protrusions 5G. The width of the protrusions 5G is approximately the same as the elongated hole 5E of the first arm 5C, which will be described later. The first rotating shaft 5B also serves as a proximal second rotating shaft 6BB, which will be described later.

[0027] The first arm 5C has a linear slot 5E and an arc-shaped slot 5F. Furthermore, a linear slot 5H is formed extending outward from one end of the arc-shaped slot 5F. The two first arms 5C are attached to both ends of the cover member 5A, and the protrusions 5G on both ends of the first rotating shaft 5B are slidable along the slot 5E. Furthermore, the pin 2E fixed to the upper hopper 2A is movable along the arc-shaped slot 5F and the slot 5H.

[0028] The cover member 5A, first rotating shaft 5B, and first arm 5C can rotate together around the first rotating shaft 5B. The elongated holes 5E and 5H of the first arm 5C extend in the same direction, and when the first safety guard 5 (cover member 5A) is in the fully open position (see FIGS. 6 and 7), the cover member 5A and first arm 5C can move in the direction of the elongated hole 5E (elongated hole 5H) relative to the first rotating shaft 5B. When the pin 2E, which serves as a restricting member, is located within the elongated hole 5H, the rotation of the cover member 5A and first arm 5C is restricted (blocked), and the first safety guard 5 (cover member 5A) is held in the fully open position.

[0029] Therefore, the first safety guard 5 (lid member 5A) is rotatable relative to the hopper 2 (upper hopper 2A) and can be opened and closed from the fully open position (the position shown in FIGS. 6 to 8) to the fully closed position (the position shown in FIGS. 3 to 5), or from the fully closed position to the fully open position. In the fully open position, food materials D can be introduced into the inlet 2C, and in the fully closed position, food materials D cannot be introduced. In the fully closed position, the lid member 5A (first safety guard 5) covers the inlet 2C, so the first safety guard 5 prevents an operator's hands or fingers from entering the hopper 2, ensuring the safety of the operator.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the second safety guard 6 includes a plurality of guard members 6A (distal guard member 6AA, proximal guard member 6AB), a second rotation shaft 6B (distal second rotation shaft 6BA, proximal second rotation shaft 6BB) that forms the rotation center of the guard members 6A, and a distal second arm 6C connected to the distal second rotation shaft 6BA.

[0031] The distal second rotation shaft 6BA has an axis extending horizontally, has both ends extending outward through the side of the hopper 2 (upper hopper 2A), and is rotatably supported by the hopper 2 (upper hopper 2A). The proximal second rotation shaft 6BB also serves as the first rotation shaft 5B (safety mechanism) as described above. The distal second rotation shaft 6BA and the proximal second rotation shaft 6BB (first rotation shaft 5B) are arranged parallel to each other at the same height on both sides of the hopper 2 (upper hopper 2A). The guard members 6A (distal guard member 6AA, proximal guard member 6AB) are rod-shaped members that extend in a direction intersecting (perpendicular to) the axial direction of the second rotation shaft 6B (distal second rotation shaft 6BA, proximal second rotation shaft 6BB). When the second safety guard 6 is in the fully closed position, the multiple guard members 6A (distal guard member 6AA, proximal guard member 6AB) attached to the second rotating shaft 6B (distal second rotating shaft 6BA, proximal second rotating shaft 6BB) along the axial direction are raised and positioned adjacent to each other at a distance that prevents an operator's hands or fingers from passing through. In this embodiment, the distance between adjacent guard members 6A (distal guard member 6AA, proximal guard member 6AB) is, for example, 19 mm. When the second safety guard 6 is in the fully open position, the guard members 6A (distal guard member 6AA, proximal guard member 6AB) are lowered.

[0032] The two distal second arms 6C have one end attached to each end of the distal second rotation shaft 6BA. The distal guard member 6AA, the distal second rotation shaft 6BA, and the distal second arms 6C are configured to rotate together around the distal second rotation shaft 6BA as a fulcrum. The proximal guard member 6AB, the proximal second rotation shaft 6BB (first rotation shaft 5B), the cover member 5A, and the first arms 5C are configured to rotate together around the proximal second rotation shaft 6BB (first rotation shaft 5B).

[0033] Therefore, the second safety guard 6 (guard member 6A) is rotatable relative to the hopper 2 (upper hopper 2A) and can be opened or closed from the fully open position (the position shown in FIGS. 3 to 5) to the fully closed position (the position shown in FIGS. 6 to 8), or from the fully closed position to the fully open position. In the fully open position, food materials D can be loaded into the lower hopper 2B, i.e., can be supplied toward the discharge opening 2D. In the fully closed position, the second safety guard 6 covers the upper part of the lower hopper 2B, and food materials D cannot be loaded (supplied). In the fully closed position, the second safety guard 6 covers (blocks) the hopper 2 (the upper part of the lower hopper 2B), so the second safety guard 6 prevents an operator's hands or fingers from entering the hopper 2, ensuring the safety of the operator. In addition, when the second safety guard 6 (guard member 6A) is in the fully closed position, it holds the food material D on the upper surface of the guard member 6A, and when the second safety guard 6 (guard member 6A) is in the fully open position, it supplies the food material D toward the discharge opening 2D (lower hopper 2B), so the second safety guard 6 also has the function of holding the food material D.

[0034] The interlocking device (safety mechanism) 7 includes a connecting member 7A and a connecting pin 7B. The connecting member 7A connects the first arm 5C of the first safety guard 5 and the distal second arm 6C of the second safety guard 6 via the connecting pin 7B.

[0035] In the front view shown in Fig. 4, when the first safety guard 5 is in the fully closed position, the connecting pin 7B connecting the first arm 5C and the connecting member 7A is located diagonally above and to the left of the first rotating shaft 5B (proximal second rotating shaft 6BB), and the connecting pin 7B connecting the distal second arm 6C and the connecting member 7A is located diagonally below and to the right of the distal second rotating shaft 6BA. With this configuration, when the first safety guard 5 is opened from the fully closed position (Fig. 4) to the fully open position (Fig. 7), the first rotating shaft 5B and the first safety guard 5 rotate clockwise in the front view shown in Fig. 5, thereby opening the first safety guard 5. In conjunction with this, the proximal second rotating shaft 6BB and the proximal guard member 6AB rotate clockwise, and the distal second rotating shaft 6BA and the distal guard member 6AA rotate counterclockwise, thereby closing the second safety guard 6. Furthermore, when the first safety guard 5 is closed from the fully open position ( FIG. 7 ) to the fully closed position ( FIG. 4 ), the first rotation shaft 5B and the first safety guard 5 rotate counterclockwise in the front view shown in FIG. 8 . In conjunction with this, the proximal second rotation shaft 6BB and the proximal guard member 6AB rotate counterclockwise, and the distal second rotation shaft 6BA and the distal guard member 6AA rotate clockwise, thereby opening the second safety guard 6. In other words, because the first rotation shaft 5B (proximal second rotation shaft 6BB) of the first safety guard 5 and the second rotation shaft 6B (distal second rotation shaft 6BA) of the second safety guard 6 are connected by the connecting member 7A, the first safety guard 5 and the second safety guard 6 can be opened and closed in conjunction with each other. Therefore, when the first safety guard 5 is in the fully open position, the second safety guard 6 is in the fully closed position, and when the first safety guard 5 is in the fully closed position, the second safety guard 6 is in the fully open position.

[0036] The control device 9 includes a detector 9A that detects when the upper hopper 2A is placed in a predetermined position and transmits a signal, a control unit 9B, and an operation panel 9C. The control unit 9B controls the food product forming device 10 so that it does not operate when the detector 9A does not detect the upper hopper 2A, and so that it operates when the detector 9A detects the hopper 2A.

[0037] Next, the operation and effects of the food material supplying device 1 and the food material forming device 10 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0038] The lower hopper 2B is installed in the frame of the food product forming apparatus 10, and the screw 3 is placed inside the bottom of the lower hopper 2B. The upper hopper 2A is placed on top of the lower hopper 2B and secured to the support member 8E. Next, the pump 8A, polymerization nozzle 8B, cutting device 8C, and conveying device 8D are installed in the frame of the food product forming apparatus 10, and the pump 8A is connected to the lower hopper 2B. When the detector 9A detects that the upper hopper 2A is in the specified position, it transmits a signal. The controller 9B receives the signal and makes the food product forming apparatus 10 ready for operation. The operation panel 9C is then operated to operate the food product forming apparatus 10 and rotate the screw 3.

[0039] The first safety guard 5 (cover member 5A, first rotating shaft 5B, and first arm 5C) is rotated from the fully closed position ( FIGS. 3 to 5 ) to the fully open position ( FIGS. 6 to 8 ). When the first safety guard 5 is rotated to the fully open position, the position of the pin 2E of the hopper 2 relative to the first arm 5C moves from one end of the arc-shaped hole 5F to the other end connected to the elongated hole 5H. Because the first safety guard 5 and the second safety guard 6 are connected by the interlocking device 7, the second safety guard 6 rotates from the fully open position to the fully closed position in conjunction with the opening operation of the first safety guard 5. Next, the cover member 5A and the first arm 5C are moved together toward the elongated hole 5E relative to the hopper 2 (first rotating shaft 5B), and the position of the pin 2E of the hopper 2 relative to the first arm 5C enters the elongated hole 5H, thereby restricting (preventing) the first safety guard 5 from opening or closing. Therefore, the first safety guard 5 is held in the fully open position, and the second safety guard 6 is held in the fully closed position.

[0040] As shown in Figure 8, when the first safety guard 5 is in the fully open position, food material D is placed through the inlet 2C onto the upper surfaces of the multiple guard members 6A of the second safety guard 6, which is in the fully closed position. When the first safety guard 5 is in the fully open position, the worker's hands and fingers can only reach up to the second guard.

[0041] Next, the cover member 5A and the first arm 5C are moved together toward the elongated hole 5E relative to the hopper 2 (first rotating shaft 5B), and the position of the pin 2E of the hopper 2 relative to the first arm 5C is moved from the elongated hole 5H to the arc-shaped hole 5F, thereby making the first safety guard 5 rotatable. This also makes the first rotating shaft 5B (proximal second rotating shaft 6BB) rotatable. Therefore, it becomes possible to close the first safety guard 5 from the fully open position, and to open the second safety guard 6, which is connected to the first safety guard 5 by the interlocking device 7, from the fully closed position.

[0042] When the first safety guard 5 is closed, the second safety guard 6 opens. The first safety guard 5 is placed in the fully closed position, and the second safety guard 6 is placed in the fully open position (FIGS. 3 to 5). As a result, the food material D placed on the upper surface of the second safety guard 6 is fed into the lower hopper 2B (downward toward the discharge opening 2D) and then discharged from the discharge opening 2D by the screw 3.

[0043] By repeating the same operation thereafter, food material D can be continuously supplied without stopping the food material supplying apparatus 1 (food material forming apparatus 10). Furthermore, the first safety guard 5 and the second safety guard 6 are never in the fully open position at the same time (a function of the safety mechanism), and the first safety guard 5 or the second safety guard 6 prevents the worker's hands or fingers from entering the hopper 2, ensuring the worker's safety. The safety mechanism in this embodiment is configured such that the first rotation shaft 5B of the first safety guard 5 and the proximal second rotation shaft 6BB of the second safety guard 6 are common, and is configured with an interlocking device 7.

[0044] Next, a food material supplying apparatus 21 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9A to 10B. Components similar to those described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and a description of such components will be omitted. The food material supplying apparatus 21 is generally obtained by separately providing a first rotation shaft 5B of the first safety guard 5 and a proximal second rotation shaft 6BB of the second safety guard 6 in the food material supplying apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.

[0045] The first safety guard 5 includes a cover member 5A, a first rotation shaft 5B that forms the rotation center of the cover member 5A, and a first arm 5D that connects the cover member 5A to the first rotation shaft 5B. The two first arms 5D have one end attached to each end of the first rotation shaft 5B and the other end attached to the cover member 5A. The cover member 5A, first rotation shaft 5B, and first arm 5D are configured to rotate together with the first rotation shaft 5B as a fulcrum.

[0046] The second safety guard 6 includes a guard member 6A (distal guard member 6AA, proximal guard member 6AB), a second rotation shaft 6B (distal second rotation shaft 6BA, proximal second rotation shaft 6BB) that constitutes the rotation center of the guard member 6A, a distal second arm 6C connected to the distal second rotation shaft 6BA, a stopper pin 6D that is a regulating member that regulates the opening and closing of the first safety guard 5, a support member 6E, a pin receiving member 6F, and a proximal second arm 6G connected to the proximal second rotation shaft 6BB.

[0047] The two distal second arms 6C are attached to both ends of the distal second rotating shaft 6BA. The distal guard member 6AA, the distal second rotating shaft 6BA, the distal second arm 6C, and the pin receiving member 6F are configured to rotate together around the distal second rotating shaft 6BA as a fulcrum. The two proximal second arms 6G are attached to both ends of the proximal second rotating shaft 6BB. The proximal guard member 6AB, the proximal second rotating shaft 6BB, and the proximal second arm 6G are configured to rotate together around the proximal second rotating shaft 6BB as a fulcrum. A pin receiving member 6F is attached to one end of the distal second rotating shaft 6BA. A support member 6E is attached above the pin receiving member 6F on the outer side surface of the upper hopper 2A, and supports a stopper pin 6D inside the support member 6E so that it can slide up and down. The stopper pin 6D is configured so that the tip of the stopper pin 6D is exposed from the lower surface of the support member 6E at the lower end, and the side surface of the pin receiving member 6F has a receiving hole into which the stopper pin 6D is inserted.

[0048] The interlocking device (safety mechanism) 7 includes a second connecting member 7C and a connecting pin 7B. The second connecting member 7C connects the distal second arm 6C and the proximal second arm 6G of the second safety guard 6 via the connecting pin 7B. The interlocking device (safety mechanism) 7 also includes a first connecting member 7D and a connecting pin 7B. The first connecting member 7D connects the proximal second arm 6G and the first arm 5D via the connecting pin 7B. Therefore, the first rotating shaft 5B, the distal second rotating shaft 6BA, and the proximal second rotating shaft 6BB are configured to rotate in conjunction with each other.

[0049] With this configuration, when the first safety guard 5 is opened from the fully closed position ( FIG. 9 ) to the fully open position ( FIG. 10 ), the first rotating shaft 5B and the first safety guard 5 rotate clockwise in the front view shown in FIG. 9 to open the first safety guard 5. In conjunction with this, the proximal second rotating shaft 6BB and the proximal guard member 6AB rotate clockwise, and the distal second rotating shaft 6BA and the distal guard member 6AA rotate counterclockwise, thereby closing the second safety guard 6. In addition, when the first safety guard 5 is closed from the fully open position ( FIG. 10 ) to the fully closed position ( FIG. 9 ), the first rotating shaft 5B and the first safety guard 5 rotate counterclockwise in the front view shown in FIG. 10 to close the first safety guard 5. In conjunction with this, the proximal second rotation shaft 6BB and the proximal guard member 6AB rotate counterclockwise, and the distal second rotation shaft 6BA and the distal guard member 6AA rotate clockwise, thereby opening the second safety guard 6. In other words, because the first rotation shaft 5B of the first safety guard 5 and the proximal second rotation shaft 6BB and the distal second rotation shaft 6BA of the second safety guard 6 are connected by the second connecting member 7C and the first connecting member 7D, the first safety guard 5 and the second safety guard 6 can be opened and closed in conjunction with each other. Therefore, when the first safety guard 5 is in the fully open position, the second safety guard 6 is in the fully closed position, and when the first safety guard 5 is in the fully closed position, the second safety guard 6 is in the fully open position.

[0050] The operation and effects of the food material supplying device 21 will be described below. Explanations that overlap with the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

[0051] The first safety guard 5, which is in the fully closed position ( FIG. 9 ), is rotated to the fully open position ( FIG. 10 ). Because the first safety guard 5 and the second safety guard 6 are connected by the interlocking device 7, the second safety guard 6 rotates from the fully open position to the fully closed position in conjunction with the opening of the first safety guard 5. The stopper pin 6D is moved downward, exposing its tip from the underside of the support member 6E and inserting it into the receiving hole on the side of the pin receiving member 6F, thereby restricting (blocking) the rotation of the distal second rotating shaft 6BA. By restricting (blocking) the rotation of the distal second rotating shaft 6BA, the rotation of the first rotating shaft 5B and the proximal second rotating shaft 6BB, which are connected by the interlocking device 7, is also restricted (blocked). Therefore, the first safety guard 5 is held in the fully open position, and the second safety guard 6 is held in the fully closed position.

[0052] As shown in Figure 10, when the first safety guard 5 is in the fully open position, food material D is placed from the inlet 2C onto the upper surface of the guard member 6A (distal guard member 6AA, proximal guard member 6AB) of the second safety guard 6, which is in the fully closed position.

[0053] The stopper pin 6D is moved upward to remove its tip from the receiving hole on the side of the pin receiving member 6F, thereby enabling the distal second rotating shaft 6BA to rotate. This also enables the first rotating shaft 5B and the proximal second rotating shaft 6BB, which are connected by the interlocking device 7, to rotate, making it possible to close the first safety guard 5 from the fully open position and open the second safety guard 6 from the fully closed position.

[0054] When the first safety guard 5 is closed, the second safety guard 6 opens. The first safety guard 5 is placed in the fully closed position, and the second safety guard 6 is placed in the fully open position (FIG. 9). As a result, the food material D placed on the upper surface of the second safety guard 6 is fed (downward) into the lower hopper 2B and then discharged by the screw 3 to the discharge opening 2D.

[0055] Next, a food material supplying apparatus 31 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 11A and 11B. Components similar to those described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and a description of such components will be omitted. The food material supplying apparatus 31 can be generally obtained by deleting the proximal guard member 6AB of the second safety guard 6 in the food material supplying apparatus 1 of the first embodiment and extending the distal guard member 6AA.

[0056] The first safety guard 5 includes a cover member 5A, a first rotation shaft 5B that forms the rotation center of the cover member 5A, and two first arms 5C that connect the cover member 5A and the first rotation shaft 5B. The second safety guard 6 includes a distal guard member 6AA, a distal second rotation shaft 6BA that forms the rotation center of the distal guard member 6AA, and a distal second arm 6C connected to the distal second rotation shaft 6BA. A connecting member 7A connects the first arm 5C of the first safety guard 5 to the distal second arm 6C of the second safety guard 6 via a connecting pin 7B. As a result, when the first safety guard 5 is in the fully open position, the second safety guard 6 is in the fully closed position, and when the first safety guard 5 is in the fully closed position, the second safety guard 6 is in the fully open position. This configuration allows for simplification of the device.

[0057] The operation and effects of the food material supplying device 31 are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0058] Next, a food material supplying apparatus 41 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12A to 13B. Components similar to those described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of such components will be omitted. The food material supplying apparatus 41 can be roughly obtained by deleting the distal guard member 6AA, distal second rotation shaft 6BA, distal second arm 6C, and connecting member 7A of the second safety guard 6 from the food material supplying apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, and by extending the proximal guard member 6AB.

[0059] The first safety guard 5 includes a cover member 5A, a first rotation shaft 5B that forms the rotation center of the cover member 5A, and two first arms 5C that connect the cover member 5A and the first rotation shaft 5B. The first rotation shaft 5B also functions as a proximal second rotation shaft 6BB (described later). The two first arms 5C are attached to both ends of the cover member 5A, and protrusions 5G on both ends of the first rotation shaft 5B are slidable along elongated holes 5E. Furthermore, the pin 2E of the upper hopper 2A is movable along the arc-shaped hole 5F and the elongated hole 5H. The second safety guard 6 includes a proximal guard member 6AB and a proximal second rotation shaft 6BB (first rotation shaft 5B). In this embodiment, the first rotation shaft 5B is also the proximal second rotation shaft 6BB and functions as an interlocking device 7 (safety mechanism) between the first safety guard 5 and the second safety guard 6. As a result, when the first safety guard 5 is in the fully open position, the second safety guard 6 is in the fully closed position, and when the first safety guard 5 is in the fully closed position, the second safety guard 6 is in the fully open position. This configuration can simplify the device. The safety mechanism in this embodiment is configured so that the first rotation shaft 5B of the first safety guard 5 and the proximal second rotation shaft 6BB of the second safety guard 6 are common.

[0060] The operation and effects of the food material supplying device 41 are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] Next, a food material supplying apparatus 51 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 14A to 15B. Components similar to those described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of such components will be omitted. The food material supplying apparatus 51 can be obtained by, in general, deleting the distal guard member 6AA, distal second rotating shaft 6BA, and distal second arm 6C of the second safety guard 6, and the second connecting member 7C of the interlocking device 7 from the food material supplying apparatus 21 of the second embodiment, and extending the proximal guard member 6AB.

[0062] The first safety guard 5 includes a cover member 5A, a first rotation shaft 5B that forms the rotation center of the cover member 5A, and a first arm 5D that connects the cover member 5A to the first rotation shaft 5B. The second safety guard 6 includes a proximal guard member 6AB, a proximal second rotation shaft 6BB that forms the rotation center of the proximal guard member 6AB, a second proximal arm 6H connected to the proximal second rotation shaft 6BB, a stopper pin 6D, a support member 6E, and a pin receiving member 6F. The two second proximal arms 6H are attached to both ends of the proximal second rotation shaft 6BB. The proximal second rotation shaft 6BB and the second proximal arm 6H are configured to rotate integrally. The first arm 5D and the second proximal arm 6H are connected via a connecting pin 7B by a first connecting member 7D of the interlocking device 7. Therefore, the first rotation shaft 5B and the proximal second rotation shaft 6BB are configured to rotate in conjunction with each other. As a result, when the first safety guard 5 is in the fully open position, the second safety guard 6 is in the fully closed position, and when the first safety guard 5 is in the fully closed position, the second safety guard 6 is in the fully open position.

[0063] The operation and effects of the food material supplying device 51 are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0064] In the configurations of the food material supplying apparatuses 1, 21, 31, 41, and 51 described above, the first safety guard 5 and the second safety guard 6 are never in the fully open position at the same time (a safety mechanism function). This prevents an operator from reaching into the hopper 2 through the inlet 2C (especially the lower hopper 2B, past the second safety guard in the fully closed position). Furthermore, by opening the first safety guard 5, the second safety guard 6 can be closed, allowing food material D to be placed on top of the second safety guard 6 in the fully closed position. Subsequently, by closing the first safety guard 5, the second safety guard 6 is placed in the fully open position, allowing food material D to be supplied toward the discharge opening 2D of the hopper 2. This ensures operator safety and allows food material D to be supplied without stopping the operation of the food material supplying apparatus 1 (food material forming apparatus 10). As a result, continuous operation of the food material supplying apparatus 1 (food material forming apparatus 10) is possible.

[0065] Next, a food material supplying apparatus 61 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 21. Components similar to those described above are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions of such components will be omitted.

[0066] The safety device 4 includes a first safety guard 5 that is positioned to cover the inlet 2C of the upper hopper 2A from above and that can be opened and closed, a second safety guard 66 that is positioned inside the hopper 2 (upper hopper 2A) below the first safety guard 5 and that can be opened and closed, and a regulating device (safety mechanism) 77 that regulates the opening and closing of the first safety guard 5 and the second safety guard 66.

[0067] The first safety guard 5 includes a cover member 5A, a first rotation shaft 5K that forms the rotation center of the cover member 5A, and two first arms 5L that connect the cover member 5A and the first rotation shaft 5K. The first rotation shaft 5K has an axis that extends horizontally and has both ends that extend outward through the side of the hopper 2 (upper hopper 2A), and is rotatably supported on the hopper 2 (upper hopper 2A). The two first arms 5L have one end fixed (attached) to both ends of the first rotation shaft 5K and the other end attached to the cover member 5A. The cover member 5A, the first rotation shaft 5K, and the first arms 5L are configured to rotate together with the first rotation shaft 5K as a fulcrum. Therefore, the first safety guard 5 (lid member 5A) rotates from the fully open position (FIGS. 20 and 21) to the fully closed position (FIGS. 16 to 19) relative to the hopper 2 (upper hopper 2A), or from the fully closed position to the fully open position, and at the fully open position (FIGS. 20 and 21), food materials D can be inserted into the inlet 2C, and at the fully closed position (FIGS. 16 to 19), the inlet 2C is covered and it is not possible to insert food materials D. At the fully closed position, the first safety guard 5 covers the inlet 2C, and the first safety guard 5 or the second safety guard 66 prevents an operator's hands or fingers from entering the hopper 2, ensuring the safety of the operator.

[0068] The second safety guard 66 includes two slide shafts 66A extending horizontally and perpendicular to the first rotation shaft 5K, multiple guard members 66B extending parallel to the slide shafts 66A, a plate 66C, a receiving member 66D, a support plate 66E, and a handle 66F. The plate 66C has two ends to which the slide shafts 66A are attached, and multiple guard members 66B are attached in series between the ends. In this embodiment, adjacent multiple guard members 66B are spaced apart at a distance that prevents an operator's hands or fingers from passing between them, e.g., 19 mm. The receiving member 66D is attached to the side of the upper hopper 2A and slidably supports the slide shafts 66A and the guard members 66B. The slide shaft 66A has an upwardly opening recess 66G in its axially intermediate portion. The recess 66G has an arc-shaped cross-sectional contour extending parallel to the first rotation shaft 5K. This cross section follows the cross-sectional shape of a regulating member 77A, which will be described later. The support plate 66E is disposed inside the hopper 2 (upper hopper 2A) and has both end portions attached to the slide shaft 66A and a middle portion attached to an end portion of the guard member 66B. The slide shaft 66A, guard member 66B, plate 66C, and support plate 66E are slidable horizontally and integrally with respect to the hopper 2 (upper hopper 2A).

[0069] Therefore, the second safety guard 66 (guard member 66B) slides horizontally relative to the hopper 2 (upper hopper 2A) and can be opened or closed from the fully open position (FIGS. 16 and 17) to the fully closed position (FIGS. 18 to 21), or from the fully closed position to the fully open position. In the fully open position, food materials D can be loaded into the lower hopper 2B, i.e., can be supplied toward the discharge opening 2D. In the fully closed position, the second safety guard 66 covers the upper part of the lower hopper 2B, and food materials D cannot be loaded (supplied). In the fully closed position, the second safety guard 66 covers (blocks) the hopper 2 (upper part of the lower hopper 2B), so the second safety guard 66 prevents an operator's hands or fingers from entering the hopper 2, ensuring the safety of the operator. In addition, when the second safety guard 66 (guard member 66B) is in the fully closed position, it holds the food material D on the upper surface of the guard member 66B, and when the second safety guard 66 (guard member 66B) is in the fully open position, it supplies the food material D toward the discharge opening 2D (to the lower hopper 2B), so the second safety guard 66 also has the function of holding the food material D.

[0070] The regulating device 77 includes two regulating members 77A attached to the middle of the first rotating shaft 5K inside the hopper 2 (upper hopper 2A) and positioned above the slide shaft 66A. When the second safety guard 66 is in the fully closed position, the recess 66G of the slide shaft 66A is positioned below the regulating members 77A. The regulating members 77A have an outer peripheral surface with a circular contour that fits into the recess 66G of the slide shaft 66A. Thus, when the second safety guard 66 is in the fully closed position, the first rotating shaft 5K is rotatable. The regulating members 77A also have a recess 77B that opens downward when the first safety guard 66 is in the fully closed position. The recess 77B has a circular contour that fits into the slide shaft 66A. Thus, when the first safety guard 66 is in the fully closed position, the slide shaft 66A is slidable.

[0071] With this configuration, when the first safety guard 5 is in the fully closed position (FIGS. 16 to 19), the recess 77B of the regulating member 77A opens downward, allowing the slide shaft 66A to slide within the recess 77B, thereby enabling the second safety guard 66 to open and close. On the other hand, when the second safety guard 66 is moved from the fully closed position, the first safety guard 5 is held in the fully closed position. Furthermore, when the second safety guard 66 is in the fully closed position (FIGS. 18 to 21), the recess 66G of the slide shaft 66A allows the first rotation shaft 5K to rotate, thereby enabling the first safety guard 5 to open and close. On the other hand, when the first safety guard 5 is rotated from the fully closed position, the second safety guard 66 is held in the fully closed position. The safety mechanism in this embodiment is configured with the regulating member 77A having the recess 77B and the slide shaft 66A having the recess 66G.

[0072] The operation and effects of the food material supply device 61 will now be described.

[0073] The second safety guard 66, which is in the fully open position shown in Figures 16 and 17, is slid to the fully closed position shown in Figures 18 and 19. This positions the recess 66G of the slide shaft 66A below the restricting member 77A, allowing the first rotation shaft 5K to rotate, thereby enabling the first safety guard 5 to open and close. Then, as shown in Figures 20 and 21, the first safety guard 5 is opened to the fully open position, and food material D is placed on the upper surface of the second safety guard 66 (guard member 66B). At this time, the recess 77B of the restricting member 77A does not open downward, preventing the slide shaft 66A from sliding, and thus preventing the second safety guard 66 from sliding from the fully closed position. Next, when the first safety guard 5 is rotated to the fully closed position, the recess 77B of the restricting member 77A opens downward, allowing the slide shaft 66A to slide. The second safety guard 66 is placed in the fully open position, and the food material D is dropped into the lower hopper 2B.

[0074] In the above-described configuration, the first safety guard 5 and the second safety guard 66 are never in the fully open position at the same time (a safety mechanism function). This prevents an operator from reaching inside the hopper 2 through the inlet 2C (especially the lower hopper 2B, past the second safety guard in the fully closed position). Furthermore, by opening the first safety guard 5, the second safety guard 66 can be closed, allowing food material D to be placed on top of the second safety guard 66 in the fully closed position. Subsequently, by closing the first safety guard 5, the second safety guard 66 is placed in the fully open position, allowing food material D to be fed toward the discharge opening 2D of the hopper 2. This ensures operator safety and allows food material D to be fed without stopping the operation of the food material feeding apparatus 1 (food material forming apparatus 10). As a result, continuous operation of the food material feeding apparatus 1 (food material forming apparatus 10) is possible.

[0075] The food product forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention has been generally described above, but various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims, and needless to say, these modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. In the above embodiment, the guard member of the second safety guard is a rod-shaped member, but this is not limited to this, and any structure that prevents the worker's hands from passing through may be used, such as a plate-shaped member or a mesh-shaped member.

[0076] Furthermore, the safety mechanism is not limited to the structure described above, as long as it ensures worker safety by preventing the first and second safety guards from being in the fully open position simultaneously. For example, a photoelectric sensor such as an area sensor may be installed instead of the first safety guard described above. Specifically, the photoelectric sensor is controlled so that it does not operate when the second safety guard is in the closed position and operates when the second safety guard is in the open position, thereby ensuring worker safety and allowing food materials to be supplied. Furthermore, a sensor that detects the open / closed positions of the first and second safety guards and an opening / closing operation restricting device that restricts their opening / closing operation may also be installed. Specifically, a structure may be adopted in which the opening or closing of one safety guard is prevented when the other safety guard is not in the fully closed position.

[0077] In the above description, a pair of horizontally arranged screws 3 are used to convey the food material, but a screw with a vertical axis may also be used. Furthermore, a conveying device other than a screw may also be used as long as it is capable of conveying the food material.

[0078] In the above description, the food material supplying device 1 is a food forming device 10, but the device is not limited to this and may be, for example, a food material discharging device as shown in Figures 22 and 23. In the food material discharging device shown in Figure 22, a nozzle is connected to the outlet of the pump 8A, and food material D is discharged from the nozzle onto the conveyor. In the food material discharging device shown in Figure 23, a pipe is connected directly to the discharge port 2D of the hopper 2 of the food material supplying device 1, and food material D is discharged from the pipe onto the conveyor.

[0079] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61 Food material supply device 2 Hopper 2C Inlet 3 Screw 5 First safety guard 5B, 5K First rotating shaft 6, 66 Second safety guard 6AA, 6AB Guard member 6BA, 6BB Second rotating shaft 66A Slide shaft 66B Guard member 7 Interlocking device 7A, 7C Connecting member 7D First connecting member 77 Restricting device 77A Restricting member 10, 11, 12 Food product forming device D Food material

Claims

1. A food material supplying device (1, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61) comprising: a hopper (2) having an inlet (2C) and an outlet (2D) for a food material (D); a screw (3) arranged at the outlet (2D) for conveying the food material (D) contained in the hopper (2); a first safety guard (5) arranged at the inlet (2C) of the hopper (2); and a second safety guard (6, 66) arranged closer to the outlet (2D) than the first safety guard (5), wherein the first safety guard (5) and the second safety guard (6, 66) are movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to the hopper (2); The food material supply device (1, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61) further comprises a safety mechanism (5B, 6BB, 7, 66G, 77A) interposed between the first safety guard (5) and the second safety guard (6, 66), the safety mechanism (5B, 6BB, 7, 66G, 77A) preventing the second safety guard (6, 66) from being opened to the fully open position when the first safety guard (5) is in the fully open position, and preventing the first safety guard (5) from being opened to the fully open position when the second safety guard (6, 66) is in the fully open position.

2. The food material supply device (1, 21, 31, 51) of claim 1, wherein the safety mechanism (7) includes a linkage device (7) that links and opens and closes the first safety guard (5) and the second safety guard (6) when the first safety guard (5) is in the fully open position, and is configured to close the second safety guard (6) when the first safety guard (5) is opened, and open the second safety guard (6) when the first safety guard (5) is closed.

3. A food material supplying device (1, 21, 31, 51) as set forth in claim 2, wherein the first safety guard (5) includes a first rotating shaft (5B) rotatably supported on the hopper (2), the second safety guard (6) includes a second rotating shaft (6BA) rotatably supported on the hopper (2), and the interlocking device (7) includes connecting members (7A, 7C, 7D) connecting the first rotating shaft (5B) and the second rotating shaft (6BA), and the connecting members (7A, 7C, 7D) cause the first rotating shaft (5B) and the second rotating shaft (6BA) to rotate in opposite directions to each other.

4. A food material supplying device (1, 21, 31, 51) as described in claim 3, wherein the second safety guard (6) includes a rod-shaped guard member (6AA, 6AB) extending in a direction intersecting the second rotation axis (6BA, 6BB).

5. A food material supplying device (1, 21, 31, 41, 51) as described in claim 1, further comprising a regulating member (2E, 5H) that regulates the opening and closing of the first safety guard (5) when the first safety guard (5) is in the fully open position.

6. The food material supply device (61) of claim 1, wherein the safety mechanism (66G, 77A) includes a regulating device (77) that allows the second safety guard (66) to be opened and closed when the first safety guard (5) is in the fully closed position, and that allows the first safety guard (5) to be opened and closed when the second safety guard (66) is in the fully closed position.

7. A food material supply device (61) as described in claim 6, wherein the first safety guard (5) includes a first rotating shaft (5K) rotatably supported on the hopper (2), the second safety guard (66) includes a slide shaft (66A) slidably supported on the hopper (2), and the regulating device (77) includes a regulating member (77A) fixed to the first rotating shaft (5K), which allows the second safety guard (66) to slide when the first safety guard (5) is in the fully closed position, and allows the first safety guard (5) to be opened or closed when the second safety guard (66) is in the fully closed position.

8. A food material supplying device (1, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61) according to claim 1, further comprising a detection device (9A) for detecting that the hopper (2) has been placed in a predetermined position.

9. A food forming apparatus (10, 11, 12) comprising the food material supplying apparatus (1, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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