Strawberry cutting machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a strawberry (4) cutting machine incorporating strawberry receiving cradles (10) that move between a loading area and a cutting area, where the cradle is intended for conveying and rotating about itself in a controlled manner to correct the orientation of the strawberry for subsequent cutting, and also incorporates in the cutting area at least one needle (21) that pierces the strawberry during cutting, facilitating the holding thereof. The strawberry cutting machine automatically cuts the calyx and halves the strawberries, regardless of the size and shape of the strawberry, thereby increasing the yield of hulled strawberry production by means of controlled holding and positioning.

Description

[0001] MILLING CUTTING MACHINE

[0002] DESCRIPTION OF THE OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a cutting machine that incorporates strawberry receiving cradles that move between a loading zone and a cutting zone, where the cradle is intended to transport and orient the strawberry for subsequent cutting, whether for the preparation of jam, compote or for consumption, as well as incorporating in the cutting zone at least one needle that pierces the strawberry during the cutting or cuts facilitating its holding.

[0004] The object of the invention is that the strawberry cutting machine performs the cutting of the calyx and halves of the strawberries automatically, regardless of the size and shape of the strawberry, thereby increasing the yield of the production of deburred strawberries through controlled clamping and positioning.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Strawberry cutting machines are known in the prior art for removing the calyx from strawberries so that the remaining fruit can be used for making jam, compote, or for consumption. These cutting machines receive the strawberries from a hopper onto a conveyor belt that transports them to a cutting area where a cutting element is located.

[0007] Among the aforementioned machines, European patent EP2923586B1 is known, relating to a milling cutter cutting machine comprising a hopper for receiving whole milling cutters, cross-cutting means that perform the cutting of the milling cutter's calyx in a calyx cutting position, and a set of receiving cradles where each receiving cradle is configured to receive a milling cutter and comprises:

[0008] • two positioning rollers, where at least one of the two positioning rollers is rotatable about its axis to position the milling cutter in a pre-calyx cutting position or in a calyx cutting position, and

[0009] • at least one lever that fixes the position of the milling cutter within the receiving cradle in the position prior to the calyx cutting position or in the calyx cutting position. On the other hand, document WO2021160900A1 discloses a cutting machine comprising:

[0010] • cross-cutting means that carry out the cutting of the bur calyx in a calyx cutting position,

[0011] • a first set of receiving cradles and a second set of receiving cradles parallel to the first set,

[0012] • means for advancing the set of receiving cradles that carry out the advancement of the receiving cradles,

[0013] where each receiving cradle is configured to receive a strawberry and comprises:

[0014] - two positioning rollers with different flanges, where at least one of the two positioning rollers is rotatable about its axis to position the milling cutter in a pre-cutting position or in a cutting position, and

[0015] - at least one lever that locks the position of the bur within the receiving cradle in the position prior to the calyx cutting position or in the calyx cutting position,

[0016] • displacement means that allow the burs to be moved within the receiving cradles from the pre-calyx cutting position to the calyx cutting position; and

[0017] • clamping means configured to hold at least a portion of the milling cutter in at least the calyx cutting position, wherein the displacement means and the clamping means are independently displaceable.

[0018] However, the machine identifies the initial position of the milling cutter relative to the cradle of the first set, moving it to the cradle of the second set if it is not already aligned with the collet in the space between sets. Therefore, in the cutting area, there is always an empty cradle, either from the first or second set, for each milling cutter being cut. This results in a duplication of cradles, meaning that for each milling cutter, one cradle with a cutter and one empty cradle advance, in addition to the problems that can arise from pushing a milling cutter from one cradle of one set to another cradle of the second set.

[0019] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The machine of the present invention overcomes all the aforementioned drawbacks while increasing the cutting speed of the milling cutters and reducing waste during calyx cutting. The milling cutter cutting machine comprises at least one chain that advances between a loading zone and a cutting zone. The chain includes cradles into which the milling cutter is loaded in the loading zone. These cradles can rotate to orient the cutter relative to a cutting element in the cutting zone. The milling cutters are positioned from a hopper in the loading zone so that, as the chain advances, each cradle carries a milling cutter along the chain.

[0021] The chain comprises cradle supports on which the cradles are mounted. Each cradle support holds a cradle, which is supported by a bearing-type coupling that allows the cradle to rotate freely while maintaining contact with the cradle support. Thus, the cradle support moves while carrying the cradle, allowing the cradle to rotate.

[0022] The chain can advance in different ways, including by means of motor elements that drag the cradle supports joined by rails as mentioned in the prior art.

[0023] In the cutting zone, cutting elements perform the cutting of the milling cutter. These cutting elements may comprise a calyx cutting element and a half-cutting element. The calyx cutting means cut the milling cutter transversely, sectioning the calyx and a minimal portion of the cutter. The half-cutting means cut the milling cutter longitudinally, splitting it into two independent halves.

[0024] These cradles comprise an upper section in which rollers are arranged upon which the milling cutter is loaded. These rollers are symmetrical, cylindrical with flanges at their ends of equal diameter, thus forming a recess in the central area of ​​the roller where the milling cutter sits. At least one of the rollers rotates on its longitudinal axis to position and orient the milling cutter in the cradle between the rollers, with the cutter's arbor facing one of the sides.

[0025] The coupling has a rotating upper track fixed to the upper sector and a lower track attached to the cradle support. The coupling is designed to allow the cradle to rotate freely and to advance on the cradle support, which is fixed to the chain and can be moved by a feed mechanism.

[0026] The cradle comprises a lower shaft fixed at one end to the upper section and at the other end equipped with at least two guide pivots offset from the longitudinal axis of the lower shaft, such that rotating the pivots rotates the entire cradle. This lower shaft passes through the cradle support and the coupling, allowing it to rotate freely about its longitudinal axis, thus preventing the cradle's rotation from interfering with its advance along the chain. Rotating the cradle on the cradle support allows for correcting the cutter's orientation and orienting the cutter's cup towards the cup-cutting element. This ensures that a single cradle corrects its position, and all cradles have cutters in the cutting zone with the cup oriented towards the cup-cutting element.

[0027] Furthermore, the lower shaft may have a bridge, which can be longitudinal and is fixed to the lower shaft at its center. In this way, the lower shaft and the bridge form an inverted "T". The bridge may have two ends with pivots designed to allow controlled rotation of the bridge, which causes rotation of the lower shaft to which it is fixed and the lower section of the cradle, thus correcting the position of the milling cutter.

[0028] The cutting machine also includes a control element connected to a chamber located between the loading and cutting zones. This element determines the position of the milling cutter and the orientation of its arbor. If the arbor is aligned with the arbor cutting element, the orientation is correct, and the cradle continues its forward movement with the pivots in a straight line. If the arbor is not aligned with the arbor cutting element, the orientation is incorrect, and the control element positions a lever that deflects the pivots during its advance, rotating the cradle 180 degrees. In this way, the milling cutter always reaches the cutting zone with the arbor correctly oriented.

[0029] Optionally, the chain may have a central guide and a swivel guide in which the pivots are driven as the chain advances. This swivel guide may be an auxiliary guide extending from the central guide, with a section parallel to it, and then rejoining it. The pivots can advance along the central guide without deviating if the control element determines that the chalice orientation is correct, and therefore without rotating the cradle. The pivots can be deflected by the lever controlled by the control element to the swivel guide, rotating the cradle 180 degrees and thus orienting the chalice. The cradle could also be rotated to other angles.

[0030] Since the cradle has only one degree of freedom, which is rotation about its longitudinal axis, when the pivot is deflected from its path, the cradle rotates, and the swivel guide drives at least one pivot to rotate the cradle. Optionally, two swivel guides drive both pivots. Furthermore, the coupling has a fix to the lower sector that allows it to rotate freely about the lower axis while being fixed to the cradle support to advance along the chain. The coupling may have a bearing or similar component that allows part of the coupling to rotate relative to a fixed part. This allows the cradle to be correctly oriented with the cutter relative to the cutting element while the cradle advances along the chain.

[0031] The movement of the cradle on the chain can be continuous at a certain speed, with the orientation of the milling cutter and the cup being carried out during the advance in an area between the loading zone and the cutting zone without stopping or reducing speed, ensuring that the machine maintains the same rhythm whether it is necessary to rotate all the cradles or not.

[0032] Preferably, the cradles are symmetrical, so the position in which the strawberry is placed on the cradle is irrelevant, and since the orientation of the calyx can be corrected, both sides of the cradle are identical. This symmetry is necessary because, as the cradle rotates to position the fruit's calyx relative to the cutting element, the calyx can be cut on either side of the cradle as needed.

[0033] Therefore, the cradle advances in the chain with two situations;

[0034] If the milling cutter is positioned in the loading zone of the cradle with the cup facing the cutting element, the control element detects this and the cradle advances with the chain without rotating. In this way, the pivots are not deflected and advance along the central guide, and the cradle does not rotate, being merely moved along the chain to the cutting zone.

[0035] If the milling cutter is positioned in the loading zone of the cradle without the collet facing the cutting element, the control element detects this, and the cradle advances and rotates between the loading and cutting zones. In this case, the pivots are deflected by the lever controlled by the control element, causing the cradle to rotate 180° and the collet to face the cutting element.

[0036] Additionally, in the cutting zone, once the milling cutter is oriented in the cradle with the cup facing the cutting element, the machine comprises at least one clamping needle that pierces the cutter from the side opposite the cup. This needle is inserted into the cutter and is intended to prevent its movement during cutting by the cutting element, with the clamping needle moving with the cradle in the cutting zone. Alternatively, there may be two parallel needles. In the cutting zone, a first drive is connected to a fixed support on which a frame is mounted, in which the needle that pierces the cutter is located. When the first drive moves horizontally toward the cutter, the needle pierces the cutter in a controlled manner.Optionally, a pressure roller presses the bur against the cradle during bur insertion, preventing bur movement during needle insertion in a simple and quick way, thus eliminating the need for adjustment elements in the cradles. Therefore, the cradles do not have bur clamping elements.

[0037] In the horizontal movement of the first drive, after the needle pierces the cutter, the frame makes contact with a wedge-shaped cam on its lower surface. This cam vertically displaces the frame relative to the fixed support, thus vertically displacing the needle mounted on the frame and the pierced cutter. By raising the cutter relative to the cradle, the cuts are improved by preventing resistance from the rollers. In this way, the cutter is cut while suspended by the needle above the rollers.

[0038] Optionally, the frame includes two parallel needles that pierce the cutter at two equally parallel points so that when the cutter is cut in half, each half is held by a needle. This allows the cut to be made at any angle.

[0039] In addition, the machine may have a cutting stop on which the milling cutter, pierced by the needle, is supported to cut the calyx correctly, limiting the horizontal movement of the milling cutter.

[0040] On the other hand, a second drive connected to a pusher moves horizontally toward the bur in parallel with and independently of the horizontal movement of the first drive. The second drive moves after the horizontal movement of the first drive, so that it begins its horizontal movement when the bur is inserted and suspended by the needle.

[0041] The pusher connected to the second actuator is shaped like a surface that horizontally moves the bur, which is embedded in the needle, towards the cutting stop. The bur moves along the needle but does not come off. In this way, the bur is trapped between the cutting stop and the pusher and held in place by the needle. Additionally, the second actuator can be connected to a half-cutting element. As it moves horizontally, the pusher pushes the bur against the cutting stop, and the cutting element partially cuts the bur in half. This halving may not be complete, so the halves remain joined near the calyx. The half-cutting element never impacts the cutting stop and retracts before contacting the calyx cutting element.Since the milling cutter is suspended by the needle, the cutting element does not contact the rollers or the cradle at any time.

[0042] Subsequently, the calyx cutting element cuts the cutter between the cutting stop and the needle end, near the calyx, where the cutter is split into two halves. Once the calyx is cut, the two halves are separated, and each half of the cutter can be suspended by a needle. The calyx cutting element can be static, with the cutting occurring as the cutter, mounted on the needle, moves during the chain's advance.

[0043] Optionally, only a calyx cut can be performed using the calyx cutting element, in which case the second actuator is connected only to a pusher. In this case, the pusher moves horizontally towards the cutter and can maintain the cutter's push towards the cutting stop during the calyx cut.

[0044] The position of the milling cutter and the orientation of the cradle can be determined using a camera connected to the control unit at the outlet of the loading zone. The camera captures an image of the cradle with the milling cutter, and the control unit compares the image of each milling cutter in each cradle to a predetermined image of the optimal milling cutter position. This comparison allows the control unit to determine the milling cutter's orientation and position, and correct the cradle orientation by rotating it if it is incorrect.

[0045] In this way, the cutting machine of the invention is more compact and avoids the need to use multiple cradles to orient the cutter head. Thus, a machine can have more than one chain, with all cradles advancing with their corresponding cutters, and the cutter cutting on all chains simultaneously and continuously. Conversely, the cutting machine could also be compact with a single chain where all the resulting cutters in the cutting zone have the same orientation once cut, regardless of how the cutters were loaded into the cradles in the loading zone. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] To complement the description being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is included as an integral part of said description, in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

[0047] Figure 1.- Shows a front view of the crib.

[0048] Figure 2.- Shows a side view of the crib.

[0049] Figure 3.- Shows a top view of an embodiment of the cutting machine that has two parallel chains between the loading zone and the cutting zone.

[0050] Figure 4.- Shows a top view of a detail of the chain at the beginning of the swivel guide from the central guide.

[0051] Figure 5 shows a side view of the chain between the loading zone and the cutting zone. Figure 6 shows a side view of the cutting zone.

[0052] Figure 7.- Shows a front view of the cutting zone in the initial position at the entrance of the cradle in said zone.

[0053] Figure 8.- Shows a front view of the cutting area in the cutting position.

[0054] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0055] The following describes a preferred embodiment of the milling cutter (4), which is the subject of this invention.

[0056] The milling cutter cutting machine comprises: at least one transport chain (2) between a loading zone and a cutting zone, and cutting elements (8,9) intended to cut the milling cutter (4) in the cutting zone, cradles (10) that transport, orient and position the milling cutters (4), cradle supports (7) intended to transport the cradles (10), a camera (23) behind the loading zone intended to display the position and orientation of the milling cutter (4) in each cradle (10), a control element (6) connected to the camera (23) intended to determine the correct orientation of the milling cutter (4) in the cradle (10) with respect to the cutting element (8,9) or the incorrect orientation, at least one clamping needle (21) with first actuators (22) in the cutting zone (4) intended to pierce the milling cutter (4) in the cutting zone.

[0057] The loading zone is an area, for example, where a hopper or similar device dispenses the milling cutters in bulk and, in a metered manner, allows the cutter (4) to pass one by one to the cradle (10) during the advance of the chain (2). In this loading zone, the milling cutters (4) pass through a slot from the hopper to the cradle (10) so that the milling cutters (4) are positioned in the cradles (10) in an indeterminate manner as the chain (2) advances, positioning one milling cutter (4) in each cradle (10).

[0058] The machine also comprises cradle supports (7) mounted on the chain (2) that are intended to transport each cradle (10). The cradle supports (7) provide a support on which the cradle (10) rests and is transported by the chain (2) from the loading area to the cutting area and back to the loading area.

[0059] Each cradle (10) comprises: an upper sector (11) intended to receive the milling cutter (4), two symmetrical rollers (20) of equal height arranged in the upper sector (11) intended to rotate and position the milling cutter (4), a rotary coupling (15) with a rotating upper track on which the upper sector (11) is mounted and a lower track fixed to the cradle support (7), a lower shaft (16) fixed to the upper sector (11) which passes through the coupling (15) and the cradle support (7), a bridge (17) fixed to the lower shaft (16) from which at least two pivots (18) originate internally, fixed off-center with respect to the lower shaft (16), in which at least one of the pivots (18) is intended to allow controlled rotation of the cradle (10).

[0060] The machine comprises a central guide (26) along the chain (2) and a swivel guide (19), which begins and ends at the central guide (26), between the loading zone and the cutting zone after the chamber (23), intended to guide the pivots (18) in the advancement of the cradle (10) on the chain (2). In this way, the pivots (18) are guided in the guides (19, 26) as determined by the control element (6).

[0061] In addition, between the central guide (26) and the rotation guide (19) there is a lever (25) controlled by the control element (6), intended to deflect the pivots (18) during the advance of the cradle (10) if the milling cutter is in the wrong position.

[0062] In the cutting zone, the machine comprises a fixed support (32) on which a frame (28) is mounted. This frame is vertically displaceable relative to the fixed support (32) and houses the needles (21), which are associated with the first actuators (22). Additionally, wedge-shaped cams (29) are designed to vertically displace the frames (28) during the final horizontal displacement produced by the first actuators (22). The cradle (10), square or rectangular in shape, has first sides parallel to the direction of travel of the cradle (10) on the chain (2) and second sides perpendicular to them. The second sides are interchangeable front and rear sides, which are replaced when the cradle (10) is rotated. The cutter (4) is loaded into the cradle (10) in the loading zone on the rollers (20), where at least one of the rollers (20) rotates about its longitudinal axis until the cup (5) is positioned towards one of the first sides.

[0063] Figure 1 shows a view of a first side of the cradle (10) in which the upper section (11) comprises the rollers (20) intended to rotate to adjust the position of the milling cutter (4) in the cradle (10). These rollers (20) are symmetrical with flanges at the ends that position the milling cutter (4) in the middle part between the rollers (20) between the first sides.

[0064] The upper section (11) houses the coupling (15) and the lower shaft (16), which passes through the coupling (15) and is suspended. The lower shaft (16) is fixed to a bridge (17) in the form of a plate perpendicular to the lower shaft (16), which has pivots (18) at its ends. Each of the pivots (18) has a bearing (14) that rotates freely upon contact, during the advancement of the cradle (10) on the chain (2), with the central guide (26) or with the swivel guide (19).

[0065] The lower shaft (16) and the coupling (15) are in the center of the cradle (10), so that the coupling (15), in the form of a bearing or similar, establishes a fixed support point of the cradle (10) with the cradle support (7) and a rotation axis about which to rotate the cradle (10).

[0066] Figure 2 shows a section of the chain (2) formed by the cradle (10) mounted on the cradle support (7). The chain (2) advances perpendicular to Figure 2, displacing the cradle support (7), which in turn drives the cradle (10). The coupling (15) is supported on one side by the cradle support (7) and on the other side is fixed to the upper section (11) designed to allow rotation of the cradle (10) relative to the cradle support (7). The coupling (15) is in the form of a bearing or similar.

[0067] During the chain's advance (2), the pivots (18) are longitudinally parallel to the direction of advance in the central guide (26), so that they are aligned as shown in Fig. 2. While the pivots (18) are aligned, the orientation of the cradle (10) is maintained, and at the moment when the pivots (18) deviate from the central guide (26) and from this direction of advance, the pivots (18) rotate about the lower axis (16) to which they are fixed, which produces the rotation of the entire cradle (10). The rollers (20) extend longitudinally between the first sides of the cradle (10), so that when rotating about its longitudinal axis, the cutter (4) is positioned in the center of the upper sector (11) on both rollers (20). Since the roller overhangs are equal at both ends, the milling cutter (4) when rotated is guided to the center, preventing both overhangs from coming out at the ends and placing the cup (5) towards one of the first sides.

[0068] The cradle support (7) is an extension that keeps the cradle (10) in the air during forward motion, so that the cradle (10) rotates freely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lower shaft (16) without contacting the cradle support (7).

[0069] According to an embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the cutting machine comprises two chains (2), each with a central guide (26) and a slewing guide (19). The slewing guides (19) and central guides (26) are in the form of a recess in which at least one of the pivots (18) of each cradle (10) is guided during the advance of the cradle (10) on the chain (2).

[0070] Some of the milling cutters (4) in the cradles (10) have been removed for better visualization of the cradle (10). The lower shaft (16), the bridge (17), and the pivots (18) that would be hidden by the upper section (11) are shown in the cradles (10).

[0071] During the advancement of the cradle (10) on the chain (2), the control element (6) determines the orientation of the cutter (4) in each cradle (10) after passing through the loading zone. The control element (6) is connected to the camera (23) intended to determine the position of the cutter (4) in the cradle (10) by comparing the image obtained of each cutter (4) in each receiving cradle (10) with a predetermined image of the optimal position of a cutter (4) within the receiving cradle (10) and determining the position of the lever (25).

[0072] The orientation is correct when the cutter (4) on the rollers (20) is positioned with respect to the cutting element (8,9), for example, when the cutter (4) positions the cup (5) towards the cutting element (8,9). The orientation is incorrect when the cutter is not positioned with respect to the cutting elements (8,9).

[0073] If the comparison yields a negative result, meaning there is no resemblance between the obtained image and the predetermined image, the control element (6) positions the lever (25) in the diverting position, interrupting the central guide (26). This causes the pivot (18) on the front of the cradle (10) to collide with the lever (25) as it advances along the central guide (26). In this way, the pivot (18) is inserted into the swivel guide (19), as seen in the cradles (10) of the upper chain (2) in Fig. 3.

[0074] The swivel guide (19) guides the pivot (18) in a direction transverse to the central guide (26), such that when the pivot (18) is separated, it lags behind the forward movement of the center of the cradle (10). "Lags behind" means that the pivot (18) moves more slowly in the forward direction than the center of the cradle (10) when the pivot (18) is displaced transversely. In this way, the second side pieces exchange positions when the cradle (10) rotates, and therefore the pivot (18), which was at the front when the swivel guide (19) entered, is now at the rear, and vice versa.

[0075] In the swivel guide (19) flexible obstacles (12) are positioned to contact the pivot (18) and facilitate the rotation of the cradle and fins (13) are arranged to guide the pivot (18) opposite the pivot (18) that is in the swivel guide (19) towards the central guide (26).

[0076] The coupling (15) allows the cradle (10) to rotate while holding the cradle (10) in the cradle support (7) which continues to advance linearly on the chain (2).

[0077] Given the deviation in the advance of the pivot (18) in the swivel guide (19), the bridge (17) rotates about its center, causing the rotation of the attached lower shaft (16) and therefore of the cradle (10) and the cutter (4) located in the upper sector (11). At the end of the swivel guide (19), the pivot (18) is reinserted into the central guide (26) to continue the advance of the cradle (10) in the chain (2) with the correct orientation of the cutter (4).

[0078] In the lower chain (2) of Fig. 3, if the comparison yields a positive result, i.e., there is a similarity between the obtained image and the predetermined image, the control element (6) positions the lever (25) in a parallel position along the central guide (26). Thus, the pivot (18) on the front of the cradle (10) advances along the central guide (26) without interruption from the lever (25).

[0079] The pivot (18) advances along the central guide (26) while positioned at the front of the second side, so that the cradle (10) maintains its position throughout the chain's (2) advance. In this way, the cradle (10) maintains its orientation during its entire passage between the loading zone and the cutting zone. Figure 4 shows in detail the beginning of the swivel guide (19) where the lever (25) is located. Once the control element (6) determines that the cutter (4) is incorrectly oriented in the cradle (10), the control element (6) positions the lever (25) in the deflection position shown. The pivot (18) at the front of the second side, during the cradle's (10) advance, is deflected by the lever (25) from the central guide (26) to the swivel guide (19).

[0080] The lever (25) is in the form of a plate displaced by a rotating element such as a motor or similar element. This rotating element is controlled by the control element (6) which moves the lever (25) between the diverter position and the step position.

[0081] Alternatively, if the lever (25) is in the position of passing through the control element (6), the lever (25) is arranged parallel to the central guide (26) so that it does not interrupt the pivots (18) in their advance, so that the pivots (18) advance in the central guide (26) between the loading and cutting zone and, therefore, the cradle (10) maintains its orientation without rotating.

[0082] Figure 5 shows a side view of the chain (2) between the loading zone and the cutting zone, where the chain (2) advances to the right. Each cradle (10) is carried by the cradle support (7), passing under the camera (23) which captures an image of the milling cutter (4) in the cradle (10) and transmits it to the control means (6) to determine whether or not it is necessary to rotate the cradle (10).

[0083] During the advance of the chain (2) from the loading zone to the cutting zone, the pivots (18) normally move along the central guide (26), so that the first lateral ones advance parallel to the displacement as explained.

[0084] The control element (6) connected to the camera (23) determines the position of the milling cutter (4) in the cradle (10) for correction, and thus determines the position of the lever (25) for the passage of each cradle (10). In this way, only the cradles (10) that have milling cutters (4) in incorrect positions are rotated.

[0085] Figure 6 shows the cutting zone according to the preferred embodiment, in which the chain (2) rotates. Furthermore, a rotating drum (3) comprises the needles (21) for clamping the cutter (4) in the cutting zone and associated elements.

[0086] At the entrance to the cutting zone, pressure rollers (27) are positioned on the chain (2), such that as the cradle (10) passes over it, one of the pressure rollers (27) presses the cutter (4) towards the cradle (10). The pressure rollers (27) are made of a flexible material that adapts to the geometry of the cutter (4), such as a foam material.

[0087] During the pressing of the bur (4) in the cradle (10) by the pressing rollers (27), the needle (21) pierces the bur (4). The pressing rollers (27) keep the bur (4) in the same position, preventing displacement by the piercing of the needle (21), thus ensuring the correct insertion of the needle (21) into the bur (4).

[0088] During the rotation of the chain (2), a calyx-cutting element (8) attached to the structure cuts the calyx (5) as the cutter (4), propelled by the needle (21), advances. Subsequently, the needle (21) is removed from the cutter (4), and the cut cutter (4) falls into a hopper (30) for further processing. The cradles (10) continue along the chain (2), returning to the loading area to restart the process.

[0089] Figure 7 shows the cutting area from the front in the initial position at the entrance of the cradle (10) in said area, showing the first drive (22), the fixed support (32), the second drive (31), the frame (28), the cam (29), the needle (21) and a cutting stop (24).

[0090] The first drive (22) and the second drive (31) are followers and displacement elements that can be moved horizontally along parallel paths. The first drive (22) is fixed to the support (32) on which the frame (28) is mounted and in which the needle (21) is located, such that when the first drive (22) moves, the needle (21) also moves. The second drive (31) is connected to the half-cutting element (9) and a pusher (34), such that when the second drive (31) moves horizontally, the half-cutting element (9) moves, cutting the cutter (4) into two halves and pushing the cutter (4) against the cutting stop (24) by the pusher (34).

[0091] The frame (28) has a lower contact surface (33) and a vertical displacement relative to the fixed support (32) in the direction perpendicular to the horizontal displacement towards the cutter (4). The cam (29) is a fixed, wedge-shaped element designed to contact the lower contact surface (33) of the frame (28) and displace it vertically at the end of the horizontal displacement. The cutting stop (24) is a fixed, plate-shaped element designed to contact the cup (5) of the cutter (4) mounted on the needle (21) at the end of the described horizontal displacement. First, when the cradle (10) with the cutter (4) on the chain (2) enters the cutting zone, the first actuator (22) horizontally displaces the fixed support (32), the frame (28), and the needle (21) towards the cutter (4). During this displacement, the pressure roller (27) of Fig. 6 presses the milling cutter (4) while the needle (21) is inserted into the milling cutter (4), piercing it.In this horizontal displacement, the needle (21) moves in a straight line towards the burr (4).

[0092] When the milling cutter (4) is inserted by the needle (21), the frame (28), in its horizontal movement, contacts the cam (29) via its lower contact surface (33). This causes the frame (28) to move horizontally by the first drive (22) and vertically relative to the fixed support (32) by the cam (29). As a result, the needle (21) with the inserted milling cutter (4) rises above the rollers (20) of the cradle (10). The advance of the first drive (22) stops when the milling cutter (4), inserted by the needle (21), is suspended above the rollers (20).

[0093] In a more preferred embodiment, the milling cutter (4) is pierced by two parallel needles (21) mounted on the same frame (28).

[0094] Subsequently, the second drive (31) moves horizontally so that the pusher (34) moves the cutter (4) inserted into the needle (21) towards the cutting stop (24). At the same time, the split-cutting element (9) connected to the second drive (31) cuts the cutter (4) into two halves that remain joined at the point near the calyx (5), each of which is inserted into a needle (21). Once the cut into two halves is made, the second drive (31) retracts horizontally away from the cutter (4), partially withdrawing the split-cutting element (9) and the pusher (34) from the cutter (4).

[0095] Figure 8 shows the cutting area in the cutting position of the milling cutter (4). On one side, the second drive (31) is retracted, so the halving cut has already been made in the figure shown. On the other side, the calyx cutting element (8) is in contact with the milling cutter (4) during the chain advance (2) when the milling cutter (4) is inserted by the needle (21) in a high position above the cradle (10), partially split into two halves, and with the calyx (5) in contact with the cutting stop (24).

[0096] The calyx cutting element (8) is parallel to the cutting stop (24) so ​​that the calyx (5) and the adjacent portion of the cutter (4) are sectioned and directed to a waste area. The remaining portion of the cutter (4) is held in place by the needle (21) as the chain (2) advances, thus ensuring a clean cut. The calyx is cut in both halves of the cutter (4), eliminating the portion adjacent to the calyx (5) where the half-cutting element (9) completes the cut, so the two halves are no longer joined.

[0097] In an alternative embodiment, the second actuator (31) is connected only to the pusher, so that the cup (5) of the cutter (4) is cut but not into two halves. In this embodiment, the pusher (34) remains in contact with the cutter (4) during the cutting of the cup (5).

[0098] Finally, the first drive (22) and the second drive (31) retract horizontally to their initial positions, so that the milling cutter halves (4) are removed from the needles (21) and fall into the hopper (30) shown in Fig. 6. First, the first drive (22) moves horizontally in the opposite direction to the milling cutter (4), and therefore the needle (21) and the pierced and cut milling cutter are also moved. Meanwhile, the pusher (34) remains in position, so that when the needle (21) retracts and contacts the milling cutter (4) or the halves, the milling cutter (4) or the halves are removed from the needles (21). Finally, the second drive (31) moves horizontally to its starting position shown in Fig. 7.

[0099] Just as the empty cradles (10) return to the loading zone on the chain (2) and the free needles (21) return to the entrance of the cutting zone on the drum (3) so that a continuous cycle is performed.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Milling cutter (1) comprising: at least one conveyor chain (2) that moves between a loading zone and a cutting zone, at least one cutting element (8,9) intended to cut the milling cutter (4) in the cutting zone, cradles (10) intended to transport, orient and position the milling cutters (4), cradle supports (7) intended to transport each cradle (10), which are mounted on the chain (2), a camera (23) behind the loading area intended to visualize the position and orientation of the milling cutter (4) in each cradle (10) a control element (6) connected to the camera (23) intended to determine the correct orientation of the milling cutter (4) in the cradle (10) with respect to the cutting element (8,9) or the incorrect orientation, a clamping needle (21) located parallel to each cradle (10) in the cutting zone and moved by a first actuator (22) towards the milling cutter (4) intended to pierce the milling cutter (4), characterized by; each crib (10) comprises: or an upper sector (11) intended to receive the milling cutter (4) in the loading zone, or two symmetrical rollers (20) of equal height arranged on the upper sector intended to rotate and position the milling cutter (4) in the center of the cradle (10), or a rotary coupling (15) with a rotating upper track on which the upper sector (11) is mounted and a lower track attached to the cradle support (7), or a lower shaft (16) integral with the upper sector (11) that passes through the coupling (15) and the cradle support (7) or a bridge (17) fixed to the lower axis (16) from which at least two pivots (18) originate internally, fixed off-center with respect to the lower axis (16), in which at least one of the pivots (18) is intended to allow controlled rotation of the cradle (10) a central guide (26) along the chain (2) and a swivel guide (19), which starts and ends at the central guide (26), between the loading zone and the cutting zone after the chamber (23), intended to guide the pivots (18) in the advance of the cradle (10) on the chain (2), a lever (25) controlled by the control element (6) connected to the chamber (23) which acts on the lever (25) pushing the pivot (18) towards the swivel guide (19) when the chamber detects that the cutter is in an incorrect position or remains stationary if the cutter is in a correct position facilitating the continuity of the movement of the pivot (18) in the central guide (26), and The cutting area includes: or fixed support (32) attached to the first actuator (22) intended to move horizontally towards the milling cutter (4) of the cradle (10) or a frame (28) in which the needle (21) is located, which is vertically displaceable with respect to the fixed support (32) on which it is mounted and which has a lower contact surface (33), and or a wedge-shaped cam (29) on which it displaces the lower contact surface (33) of the frame (28) in its horizontal displacement intended to vertically displace the frame (28) with respect to the fixed support (32) by raising the milling cutter (4) pierced by the needle (21) on the rollers (20).

2. Cutting machine of claim 1, wherein the lever (25) is located at the beginning of the rotating guide (19) intended to deflect the pivot (18) from the central guide (26) to the rotating guide (19). 3- Cutting machine of claim 1, wherein the pivots (18) comprise bearings (14) intended to contact the guides (19,26).

4. Cutting machine of claim 1, wherein the cutting elements (8,9) comprise a chalice cutting element (8) and a half cutting element (9).

5. Cutting machine of claim 1, further comprising pressure rollers (27) at the entrance to the cutting zone intended to hold the milling cutter (4) in the cradle (10) when the milling cutter (4) is inserted by the needle (21).

6. Cutting machine of claim 5, wherein the pressure rollers (27) are made of a flexible material that adapts to the geometry of the milling cutter (4).

7. Cutting machine of claim 1, further comprising a cutting drum (3) comprising the needle (21), the first actuator (22), the fixed support (32), the frame (28), the cam (29) and the second actuator (31) intended to rotate parallel to the chain (2) in the cutting zone. 8.- Milling cutter cutting machine of claim 1, wherein the control element (6) is connected to the camera (23) intended to determine the orientation and position of the milling cutter (4) in the cradle (10) by comparing the image obtained from each milling cutter (4) in each cradle (10) with a predetermined image of the optimal position of a milling cutter (4) within the cradle (10) to determine the position of the lever (25).

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