EP2976192B1 - Device for cutting a process material - Google Patents
Device for cutting a process material Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2976192B1 EP2976192B1 EP14733528.5A EP14733528A EP2976192B1 EP 2976192 B1 EP2976192 B1 EP 2976192B1 EP 14733528 A EP14733528 A EP 14733528A EP 2976192 B1 EP2976192 B1 EP 2976192B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- cutting
- blade
- coupling element
- drive shaft
- drive
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 title claims description 132
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 title claims description 42
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 38
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 52
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 52
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 52
- 238000002604 ultrasonography Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 24
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 4
- 235000008429 bread Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 235000013351 cheese Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- JXYWFNAQESKDNC-BTJKTKAUSA-N (z)-4-hydroxy-4-oxobut-2-enoate;2-[(4-methoxyphenyl)methyl-pyridin-2-ylamino]ethyl-dimethylazanium Chemical compound OC(=O)\C=C/C(O)=O.C1=CC(OC)=CC=C1CN(CCN(C)C)C1=CC=CC=N1 JXYWFNAQESKDNC-BTJKTKAUSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013622 meat product Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000015927 pasta Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013580 sausages Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005654 stationary process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013311 vegetables Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D7/08—Means for treating work or cutting member to facilitate cutting
- B26D7/086—Means for treating work or cutting member to facilitate cutting by vibrating, e.g. ultrasonically
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
- B26D1/01—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work
- B26D1/12—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis
- B26D1/25—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a non-circular cutting member
- B26D1/26—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a non-circular cutting member moving about an axis substantially perpendicular to the line of cut
- B26D1/28—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a non-circular cutting member moving about an axis substantially perpendicular to the line of cut and rotating continuously in one direction during cutting
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
- B26D1/01—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work
- B26D1/12—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis
- B26D1/25—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a non-circular cutting member
- B26D1/26—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a non-circular cutting member moving about an axis substantially perpendicular to the line of cut
- B26D1/30—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a non-circular cutting member moving about an axis substantially perpendicular to the line of cut with limited pivotal movement to effect cut
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D2210/00—Machines or methods used for cutting special materials
- B26D2210/02—Machines or methods used for cutting special materials for cutting food products, e.g. food slicers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D7/26—Means for mounting or adjusting the cutting member; Means for adjusting the stroke of the cutting member
- B26D7/2614—Means for mounting the cutting member
Definitions
- the invention relates to a device for cutting a process material, in particular of foods such as meat, cheese, vegetables, bread or pasta.
- cutting devices e.g. Provided devices with rotating round cutting discs, which are performed at high clock rates against the products to perform the necessary cuts.
- Such devices are expensive to manufacture, in operation and in maintenance. Due to the rotation of the cutting discs, which have to be reground on a regular basis, a massive effect on the process material takes place, so that particles are released and thrown away, resulting in contamination of the device.
- the cutting discs and the parameters for their operation are each adapted to the product to be processed, whereby the application is limited or an individual control is provided. If, for example, soft bread is to be cut, then high speeds are required so that it is not compressed when applying a cut. However, if products with different properties are to be processed at the same time, an individual adaptation is hardly possible.
- cutting devices with rotating cutting disks together with the drive devices take up a great deal of space, so that with regard to the means used, including the required premises, a low efficiency results.
- special requirements for the cutting unit result in products with large dimensions. If necessary, the cutting disc must be guided along a path to perform the desired cut in the required length.
- a cutting device in which a knife is connected via a coupling element and an energy converter with an ultrasonic generator. The knife is held on both sides and is moved upwards and downwards perpendicular to its orientation in order to cut a process material.
- This advantageous cutting device with the associated drive device is designed relatively complex and still takes a relatively large amount of space.
- the Drive device by means of the knife in two directions, to move up and down, requires a relatively high control effort. If particularly high clock cycles are to be realized, the demands placed on the drive and control device increase disproportionately. Note also the energy requirements of these devices, especially when high clock cycles are realized. It should also be noted that the cutting tools can not perform any cutting work during the return movement, which is why only 50% of the cutting cycle can be used.
- a device for cutting food with ultrasound-excited cutting tools which are pivotable, thus horizontally and vertically adjustable to Schneidgut.
- the transport and cutting of the material to be cut takes place on both sides of the stationary held cutting tool.
- This device thus uses the advantageous properties of ultrasonically excited cutting tools and leads them to the cut material.
- the kinetic energy required for the cutting process thus takes place by the supplied cutting material and not by the tilted in a desired position and held stationary there cutting tool.
- the throughput of the material to be cut is thus limited. Furthermore, unsatisfactory cutting results can occur, especially at high feed rates of the material to be cut.
- a device for cutting cakes which holds an ultrasonically excited knife above a conveyor belt.
- the knife is slidable and rotatable and can be lowered in a selected rotational position on the conveyor to make a cake in Split cake segments.
- This cutting device is therefore geared to a specific application and requires a suitably designed storage and drive device, which takes up much space due to the possible movements of the knife.
- This device differs from the device of EP1935592A1 in that the cutting tool can not only be turned into a desired position, but can also be guided against the material to be cut in order to divide it.
- the US6070509A discloses a device for cutting food products with a positioning device for an ultrasonic knife, which is mounted above a conveyor belt and can be guided against the conveyed on the conveyor belt food products.
- the positioning device makes it possible to move the knife along two axes in the cutting positions.
- the US2006260451A1 discloses another apparatus for cutting food products with a robotic arm that can selectively align an ultrasonic knife along one of several axes and cut a food product along a straight or curved line.
- the present invention is therefore based on the object to provide an improved device for cutting process material, in particular food.
- a cutting device is to be specified, which can be of compact construction and takes up only a small amount of space, so that it can be advantageously integrated into any production processes and production processes.
- the cutting device should be able to be operated with high efficiency and in particular in the range of high clock cycles with low power consumption.
- the cutting device should be simple and can be maintained with little effort. On the blade or on the blade of the cutting device no signs of wear should occur even after prolonged use.
- the process material should be able to be cut with high precision and high clock rates.
- the cut products, in particular food slices should have flat cut surfaces and uniform thicknesses. The precision should be maintained even when the strength properties of the supplied food or parallel supplied food units changes or when the cuttings are conveyed at a higher speed.
- the inventive cutting device should also be used advantageously in conjunction with extruders, which deliver a process material, in particular food, which is to be cut into individual parts.
- the device which serves to cut a process material or cutting material, in particular a food, comprises at least one cutting tool in the form of a blade which is connected on the one hand to a drive device and on the other hand via a coupling element and an energy converter with an ultrasonic generator.
- the coupling element and the energy converter are kept rotatable so that the blade which can be acted upon by ultrasound energy is rotatable.
- the coupling of the ultrasonic energy allows the blade to cut the process material with little energy and virtually no effort.
- the surface waves occurring on the blade separate the structure of the process material before the blade penetrates deeper into the process material. This allows a rapid penetration of the blade, without deformations occur in the process material.
- the energy required for the division of the process material is therefore made available exclusively by the cutting device, which is why the process material can be conveyed at high speed.
- the cut is therefore not made by the movement of the process material relative to a stationary blade, but by the movement of the blade of the inventive cutting device relative to the fully or largely stationary process material.
- the rotation speed of the blade can be selected in a wide range. In particular, for hard products, a rotational speed can be selected which is lower than the rotational speed of the round cutting discs. For softer products, the rotational speed can be chosen in a much higher range. Deep rotational speeds for hard or viscous products are for example in the range of 1-10 Rotations or 1-10 rotations by 360 ° of the blade per minute. High speeds of rotation for soft or soft liquids are for example in the range of a few hundred or a thousand revolutions per minute.
- the process material can therefore be processed or cut by the blade according to the properties of the process material.
- Process material can be passed through the area where the blade is rotated. It is therefore not necessary to guide the blade back and forth.
- the rotatable blade device is typically stationary and therefore simple in construction and requires less space.
- the blade instead of moving the blade back and forth to cut the process material, it is rotated in a plane that is perpendicular to the drive axis. Therefore, the blade does not have to be braked and accelerated again, but can be continuously rotated in the same direction without energy losses.
- the control of the working cycles of the knife can thus be done in a simple manner by controlling a drive motor.
- the maximum operating frequency is therefore not determined by the drive device, but by the maximum cutting speed with which the blade can be passed through the process material. Since this maximum cutting speed is very high in the inventive application of ultrasonic energy, very high clock cycles can be achieved.
- the application of ultrasonic energy for example, with an operating frequency of 35 kHz gives the inventively designed knife particularly advantageous properties.
- the ultrasonic energy is preferably over the large Side surfaces of the blade back transversely to the cutting direction of the knife coupled into the blade.
- a blade facing the end of the coupling element is preferably perpendicular to the blade.
- elastic waves result within and / or on the surface of the blade, which intensify towards the cutting edge.
- Suitable waves result in a curved or curved configuration of the coupling element, which is preferably designed U-shaped.
- the blade can only be provided with a cutting edge on one side or on opposite sides.
- the cutting device is designed such that the blade can be rotated in both directions. This doubles the amount of time a blade can be operated before it has to be re-ground. Also possible is the use of two or more blades, which are held by means of separate or interconnected coupling elements.
- the coupling element is preferably held by a drive shaft or rotor shaft.
- the drive shaft facing end portion of the coupling element is aligned coaxially with the drive shaft.
- the coupling element is integrated in the drive shaft.
- the drive shaft may be formed as a hollow shaft having an opening which is suitable for receiving the coupling element.
- the coupling element may be fixed within the hollow shaft by sliding blocks, adhesive or the like.
- the drive shaft is mounted on at least one bearing element and connected directly or indirectly via drive elements, such as gears and timing belt, with a drive unit, such as an electric motor.
- the drive shaft further carries the energy converter or the energy converter and the ultrasonic generator.
- the energy converter connected to the coupling element for example a piezoelectric element, is rotated together with the drive shaft.
- Only in preferred embodiments of the ultrasonic generator is also connected to the drive shaft and kept rotatable.
- Energy and / or control signals can be fed to the energy converter and / or the ultrasound generator or a control unit connected thereto and likewise rotatably held via an electrical coupling unit.
- Control signals can also be transmitted via a radio interface, for example according to the Bluetooth method. Also possible is the optical transmission of control signals.
- electrical energy and / or electrical control signals are transmitted by galvanic coupling or by inductive coupling.
- the galvanic coupling takes place for example via rotating contact rings, which are connected to the drive shaft, and stationary sliding contacts.
- the inductive coupling takes place by means of coils, via which alternating voltages are inductively transferable.
- FIG. 1 shows a device which is suitable for cutting a process material 8, in particular a food.
- the device comprises a cutting device 1 with four cutting tools 11A, ..., 11D, a pushing unit 95 with a pushing tool 94, two driving devices 12A, 12B for driving the cutting tools 11A,..., 11D, and a conveying table 3 on which the ACS is placed well 8 and by means of the pushing tool 94 towards the cutting tools 11A, ..., 11D can be pushed.
- the cutting device 1 is held by a mounting structure 5.
- the food 8 is fed in parallel to the four cutting tools 11A, ..., 11D in twelve cylindrical or bar-shaped units 8A, ..., 8L so that three each of the food units 8A, ..., 8L of one of the cutting tools 11A; ...; 11D cut simultaneously.
- the parallel-fed food units 8A, ..., 8L are held in a desired position by a hold-down while the cut is carried out.
- the cutting unit 1 comprises the four cutting tools 11A; ...; 11D, which are each connected to an ultrasonic generator 13 and can be vertically lowered by the driving devices 12A, 12B and raised again to cut food slices 89 from the food units 8.
- the food slices 89 fall on a conveyor belt 92 of a receiving conveyor 9, which has a drive motor 91.
- a control unit 6 which can control the cutting device 1, the conveying devices and the ultrasound generators 13.
- the control unit 6 is connected to the cutting device 1 via a first control line 61, a second control line 62 to the conveying devices, a third control line 63 to the ultrasonic generators 13 and a fourth control line 69 to the removal conveyor 9.
- the control unit 6 are Information can be fed via a keyboard 60 and from measuring devices 68, such as measurement formers and sensors, by means of which the cutting process and the conveying process can be controlled.
- measuring devices 68 such as measurement formers and sensors
- information about the positions of the food units 8 is determined by means of first sensors 68.
- second sensors 67 further process variables can be determined.
- the temperature and consistency of the foodstuffs are measured and, depending on this, the ultrasonic frequency, the cutting speed and the pushing speed are set.
- an application program is provided for controlling all processes, in particular the cutting processes and conveying processes.
- FIG. 2 shows the dismantled cutting device 1 of FIG. 1 comprising two identically constructed cutting modules held by a mounting plate which is part of the mounting structure 5 of the device.
- Each of the cutting modules comprises a drive unit 12A; 12B and a bearing device 128A connected to the mounting structure 5; 128B, which allows a respective first and second bearing block 129A, 129B to lower and raise vertically.
- At each storage block 129A; 129B are each two ultrasonic generators 13A, 13B and 13C, 13D arranged, which are each connected via a coupling element 15 with a cutting tool 11A, 11B, 11C or 11D.
- the cutting tools 11A, ..., 11D each comprise a blade, at the back of which the arcuate coupling elements 15 are welded, whereby the ultrasonic energy can be coupled into the blades.
- the drive units 12A; 12B are pillared to realize the linear drive of the cutting tools 11A, ..., 11D.
- the linear cutting movements require a corresponding control and a corresponding drive.
- the return movement of the cutting tools 11A, ..., 11D they can not perform any cutting work, which is why the cutting cycle can only be used to 50%.
- FIG. 3a shows a cutting device 1 according to the invention from the side.
- FIG. 3b shows the same cutting device 1 from the front.
- the cutting device 1 comprises a cutting tool in the form of a rotatably mounted blade 11, which is connected via a coupling element 15 and an energy converter 14 with an ultrasonic generator 13.
- the coupling element 15 is held by a rotor shaft or drive shaft 18, which is mounted rotatably within a housing 7 by means of bearing elements 180.
- the coupling element 15, which for example has a rectangular profile, is aligned with an end 151 coaxial with the drive shaft 18 and extends in an arc of 180 °.
- the second end 152 of the coupling element 15 is connected to the blade back of the blade 11, preferably welded, and extends perpendicular thereto.
- the first and second end pieces 151, 152 are formed in the length such that the blade 11 is freely rotatable in the front of the housing 7 in a plane which is perpendicular is aligned to the drive axis x and the drive shaft 18.
- the blade 11 can therefore be rotated in the plane with the blade 11 making a cut within a circle segment.
- the blade 11 during the entire rotation process material 8, 81, 82, 83 detect, which, for example, on the conveyor of FIG. 1 fed or from the in FIG. 3a shown extruder 90 is ejected.
- the extruder 90 is shown above the cutting device 1. Further extruders 90 can be arranged below and to the side of the cutting device 1.
- the cutting device 1 can be arranged at the level of the extruder 90 or between a plurality of extruders 90 and also in front of the extruder or extruder 90 and be directed against it.
- the rotational speed of the drive shaft 18 may be selected such that cut pieces 810 are cut to a desired length. Since the blade 11 is always rotated in the same direction, only little energy must be supplied, are compensated by means of the friction losses, which are caused in particular by the cutting process.
- the drive shaft 18 may be directly or indirectly coupled to a drive unit 12, such as an electric motor.
- a drive unit 12 such as an electric motor.
- the drive shaft 18 is provided with a gear 121, which is driven by a toothed belt 122, which is guided out of the housing 7 out to a drive unit.
- both the ultrasound generator 13 and the associated energy converter 14, which is connected to the coupling element 15, are connected to the drive shaft 18.
- a multi-core cable 160 (see FIG. 5 ), which is held by a holder 166 and connected to sliding contacts 161, which abut slip rings 162, which sit coaxially on the drive shaft 18. Control signals are output via the cable 160 to further sliding contacts 163 which rest against further slip rings 164.
- the sliding contacts 161, 163 and the slip rings 162, 164 form an electrical coupling device 16, which is arranged within a housing part 73.
- Electrical energy can also be supplied to the cutting device 1 in another way or even generated by it itself, by converting mechanical energy supplied by the drive unit 12 into electrical energy.
- electrical energy can be supplied inductively via coils 1600.
- permanent magnets 1601 may be arranged inside the housing 7, the magnetic fields of which are detected by coils 1600 which are held by the drive shaft 18.
- induced voltages are supplied to a power supply unit, which convert the supplied voltages and / or can rectify. In this way, power for the operation of the ultrasonic generator 13 can be provided.
- electrical signals in the frequency range of the ultrasound can be supplied by galvanic or inductive coupling directly to the energy converter 14, which converts electrical vibrations into mechanical vibrations.
- the ultrasonic generator 13 or the energy converter 14 may also be connected to semiconductor circuits, such as amplifiers, and / or a control unit 130. Therefore, the rotating blade 11 can be supplied with ultrasonic energy exactly like a stationary blade. Also with regard to the control, there are no restrictions.
- control signals can be transmitted wirelessly via a radio interface 600 to the control unit 130. Status messages of the cutting device 1 can also be transmitted from the control unit 130 back to a central control unit 6.
- FIG. 3a shows a particularly advantageous coupling to the blade 11.
- the coupling of ultrasonic energy to the blade 11, however, can also be done in other ways.
- the FIGS. 3a and 3b show that the coupling element 15 is held within the drive shaft 18, which in turn is mounted in a bearing device 180.
- two storage devices 180 are provided, between which the ultrasonic generator 13 is held.
- the ultrasonic generator 13 is seated in the form of a ring on the drive shaft 18, for example.
- the gear 121 and the slip rings 162 and 164 are seated on the end piece of the drive shaft 18 protruding into the housing part 73. In principle, it is also possible to move the ultrasonic generator 13 into this area ,
- FIG. 4 shows the cutting device 1 of FIG. 3a in a spatial representation from the front. It can be seen that the first end 151 of the coupling element 15 is guided into the drive shaft 18, which is optionally held only by a single bearing device 180. On the other hand, the slightly shorter second end 152 of the coupling element 15 is guided perpendicular to the front surface of the blade back 110 and connected thereto, preferably welded. The first and second end pieces 151, 152 are connected to each other by a U-shaped part 153 of the coupling element 15. The coupling element has a square cross-section in this embodiment. On the back of the cutting device 1, the electrical connection lines 160 are shown, which are held in a holder 166.
- cutting devices 1 can be used, which are controlled by the local control unit 6. It can be seen that the overall height of the system thereby significantly reduced.
- FIG. 4 also shows mounting elements 78, by means of which the housing part 73 is connected to the housing parts 71 and 72, which in turn are interconnected by mounting screws 79.
- FIG. 5 shows the cutting device 1 of FIG. 3a in spatial representation from behind.
- the sliding contacts 161, 163, slip rings 162, 164 and the gear 121 are clearly visible, which can be driven by a toothed belt 122.
- the blade 11 has two mutually opposite cutting edges 111, 112 and therefore can be advantageously rotated in both directions.
- FIG. 6 shows the cutting device 1 of FIG. 3a in a preferred embodiment with direct coupling of the blade 11 to a drive unit 12 or an electric motor which is integrated in the housing 7.
- the motor shaft of the electric motor 12 is aligned coaxially with the drive shaft 18 and preferably forms a unit therewith.
- the drive shaft 18 preferably forms the rotor of an electric generator with coils 1600 coupled thereto.
- the magnetic fields of the permanent magnets 1601 act on the coils 1600.
- the alternating magnetic fields occurring within the coils 1600 induce voltages and currents that are processed in a power supply unit 1650. For example, the induced AC voltages are rectified.
- the converted energy can be stored in an accumulator, so that the supply voltage required for operating the ultrasound generator is always available. With commissioning of the drive unit 12, it is thus possible to operate the rotating cutting device 1 autonomously.
- control signals 61 can also be transmitted by radio from a central control unit 6 to the cutting device 1 and back.
- FIG. 6 Furthermore, another embodiment of the blade 11 and the coupling element 15 is shown, which forms an arc of a quarter circle.
- the cutting edges 111, 112 of the blade 11 are aligned axially parallel to the drive axis x and describe a cylinder wall during the cutting cycle.
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Description
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum Schneiden eines Prozessguts, insbesondere von Nahrungsmitteln, wie Fleisch, Käse, Gemüse, Brot oder Teigwaren.The invention relates to a device for cutting a process material, in particular of foods such as meat, cheese, vegetables, bread or pasta.
In zahlreichen industriellen Anwendungen, insbesondere in der Nahrungsmittelindustrie, sind Produkte mit vorgesehenen Abmessungen bereitzustellen. Oft werden Brot, Fleischwaren, insbesondere Wurstwaren, oder Käse in Tranchen aufgeteilt und verpackt. Dazu werden Schneidevorrichtungen, z.B. Vorrichtungen mit rotierenden runden Schneidscheiben vorgesehen, welche mit hohen Taktfrequenzen gegen die Produkte geführt werden, um die erforderlichen Schnitte auszuführen. Derartige Vorrichtungen sind aufwendig in der Herstellung, im Betrieb und in der Wartung. Durch die Rotation der Schneidscheiben, die regelmässig neu geschliffen werden müssen, erfolgt eine massive Einwirkung auf das Prozessgut, so dass Partikel herauslöst und weggeschleudert werden, wodurch eine Verschmutzung der Vorrichtung resultiert.In many industrial applications, especially in the food industry, products of the intended dimensions must be provided. Often bread, meat products, in particular sausages, or cheese are divided into pieces and packed. For this purpose, cutting devices, e.g. Provided devices with rotating round cutting discs, which are performed at high clock rates against the products to perform the necessary cuts. Such devices are expensive to manufacture, in operation and in maintenance. Due to the rotation of the cutting discs, which have to be reground on a regular basis, a massive effect on the process material takes place, so that particles are released and thrown away, resulting in contamination of the device.
Weiterhin sind die Schneidscheiben und die Parameter für deren Betrieb jeweils an das zu verarbeitende Produkt anzupassen, wodurch der Einsatzbereich beschränkt ist oder eine individuelle Ansteuerung vorzusehen ist. Sofern beispielsweise weiches Brot geschnitten werden soll, so sind hohe Drehzahlen erforderlich, damit dieses bei der Applikation eines Schnittes nicht zusammengedrückt wird. Sofern gleichzeitig Produkte mit unterschiedlichen Eigenschaften verarbeitet werden sollen, ist eine individuelle Anpassung jedoch kaum möglich.Furthermore, the cutting discs and the parameters for their operation are each adapted to the product to be processed, whereby the application is limited or an individual control is provided. If, for example, soft bread is to be cut, then high speeds are required so that it is not compressed when applying a cut. However, if products with different properties are to be processed at the same time, an individual adaptation is hardly possible.
Oft wird Prozessgut auch durch einen Extruder geführt und an dessen Ausgang anhand einer Schneidevorrichtung periodisch geschnitten, um ein Langgut, wie Spaghetti-Stäbe, zu erhalten. Die Messer dieser Schneidevorrichtungen müssen normalerweise innerhalb kurzer Zeitabstände ersetzt und neu geschliffen werden, wodurch ein erheblicher Aufwand resultiert.Often process material is also passed through an extruder and periodically cut at its output by means of a cutting device to obtain a long goods, such as spaghetti rods. The blades of these cutting devices must normally be replaced within short intervals and re-ground, which results in a considerable effort.
Zudem nehmen Schneidevorrichtungen mit rotierenden Schneidscheiben zusammen mit den Antriebsvorrichtungen viel Raum in Anspruch, so dass hinsichtlich der eingesetzten Mittel, einschliesslich der benötigten Räumlichkeiten, eine geringe Effizienz resultiert. Ferner resultieren bei Produkten mit grossen Abmessungen besondere Anforderungen an die Schneideeinheit. Gegebenenfalls muss die Schneidscheibe entlang einer Bahn geführt werden, um den gewünschten Schnitt in der erforderlichen Länge auszuführen.In addition, cutting devices with rotating cutting disks together with the drive devices take up a great deal of space, so that with regard to the means used, including the required premises, a low efficiency results. Furthermore, special requirements for the cutting unit result in products with large dimensions. If necessary, the cutting disc must be guided along a path to perform the desired cut in the required length.
Mit steigender Präzision bei der Bearbeitung eines Produkts steigt üblicherweise auch die Bearbeitungszeit. Da beim Schneiden von Nahrungsmitteln die Durchsatzrate Vorgang hat, verzichtet der Produzent üblicherweise auf einen idealen Schnittverlauf. Dafür muss das Schnittgut vor dem Abpacken in einem weiteren Arbeitsgang gegebenenfalls gewogen werden.With increasing precision when processing a product usually also increases the processing time. Since the throughput rate has process during the cutting of food, the producer usually dispenses with an ideal cutting process. If necessary, the clippings must be weighed before packaging in a further operation.
Aus der Offenlegungsschrift
Ferner ist zu beachten, dass die Schneidewerkzeuge während der Rückbewegung keine Schneidearbeit ausführen können, weshalb der Schneidezyklus nur zu 50 % genutzt werden kann.From the publication
It should also be noted that the cutting tools can not perform any cutting work during the return movement, which is why only 50% of the cutting cycle can be used.
Aus der
Aus der
From the
Aus der
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Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine verbesserte Vorrichtung zum Schneiden von Prozessgut, insbesondere Nahrungsmitteln, zu schaffen.The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide an improved device for cutting process material, in particular food.
Insbesondere ist eine Schneidevorrichtung anzugeben, die kompakt aufgebaut werden kann und nur wenig Raum in Anspruch nimmt, so dass sie in beliebige Fertigungsprozesse und Produktionsprozesse vorteilhaft integriert werden kann.In particular, a cutting device is to be specified, which can be of compact construction and takes up only a small amount of space, so that it can be advantageously integrated into any production processes and production processes.
Mittels der erfindungsgemässen Schneidevorrichtung sollen hohe Taktzyklen realisierbar sein, wobei ein Mehraufwand für die Antriebs- und Steuerungsvorrichtung bei der Erhöhung der Taktzyklen vermieden werden soll. Ferner soll vorzugsweise während mehr als 50 % eines Taktzyklus Schneidearbeit ausgeführt werden können.By means of the inventive cutting device high clock cycles should be feasible, with an extra effort for the drive and control device to be avoided in increasing the clock cycles. Furthermore, it is preferable to be able to carry out cutting work for more than 50% of a clock cycle.
Die Schneidevorrichtung soll mit hoher Effizienz und insbesondere auch im Bereich hoher Taktzyklen mit geringem Energieverbrauch betrieben werden können.The cutting device should be able to be operated with high efficiency and in particular in the range of high clock cycles with low power consumption.
Die Schneidevorrichtung soll einfach aufgebaut sein und mit geringem Aufwand gewartet werden können. Am Messer bzw. an der Klinge der Schneidevorrichtung sollen auch nach längerem Gebrauch keine Verschleisserscheinungen auftreten.The cutting device should be simple and can be maintained with little effort. On the blade or on the blade of the cutting device no signs of wear should occur even after prolonged use.
Das Prozessgut soll mit hoher Präzision und hohen Taktraten geschnitten werden können. Die geschnittenen Produkte, insbesondere Nahrungsmittelscheiben sollen ebene Schnittflächen und gleichmässige Dicken aufweisen. Die Präzision soll dabei auch dann erhalten bleiben, wenn die Festigkeitseigenschaften des zugeführten Nahrungsmittels oder parallel zugeführter Nahrungsmitteleinheiten ändert oder wenn das Schneidgut mit höherer Geschwindigkeit gefördert wird.The process material should be able to be cut with high precision and high clock rates. The cut products, in particular food slices should have flat cut surfaces and uniform thicknesses. The precision should be maintained even when the strength properties of the supplied food or parallel supplied food units changes or when the cuttings are conveyed at a higher speed.
Mittels der Schneidevorrichtung soll auch ein Prozessgut, welches in Form eines Langguts vorliegt, präzise geschnitten werden können.By means of the cutting device and a process material, which is in the form of a long product to be cut precisely.
Die erfindungsgemässe Schneidevorrichtung soll auch vorteilhaft in Verbindung mit Extrudern eingesetzt werden können, welche ein Prozessgut, insbesondere Nahrungsmittel, abgeben, das in Einzelteile geschnitten werden soll.The inventive cutting device should also be used advantageously in conjunction with extruders, which deliver a process material, in particular food, which is to be cut into individual parts.
Diese Aufgabe wird mit einer Schneidevorrichtung gelöst, welche die in Anspruch 1 angegebenen Merkmale aufweist. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in weiteren Ansprüchen angegeben.This object is achieved with a cutting device having the features specified in
Die Vorrichtung, die dem Schneiden eines Prozessguts bzw. Schneidguts, insbesondere eines Nahrungsmittels, dient, umfasst wenigstens ein Schneidewerkzeug in Form einer Klinge, die einerseits mit einer Antriebsvorrichtung und die andererseits über ein Kopplungselement und einen Energiewandler mit einem Ultraschallgenerator verbunden ist.The device, which serves to cut a process material or cutting material, in particular a food, comprises at least one cutting tool in the form of a blade which is connected on the one hand to a drive device and on the other hand via a coupling element and an energy converter with an ultrasonic generator.
Erfindungsgemäss sind das Kopplungselement und der Energiewandler, gegebenenfalls auch der Ultraschallgenerator, rotierbar gehalten, so dass die mit Ultraschallenergie beaufschlagbare Klinge rotierbar ist.According to the invention, the coupling element and the energy converter, if appropriate also the ultrasound generator, are kept rotatable so that the blade which can be acted upon by ultrasound energy is rotatable.
Die Einkopplung der Ultraschallenergie erlaubt es der Klinge, das Prozessgut mit geringem Energieaufwand und praktisch ohne Kraftaufwand zu schneiden. Die auf der Klinge auftretenden Oberflächenwellen trennen die Struktur des Prozessguts auf, bevor die Klinge tiefer in das Prozessgut eindringt. Dies erlaubt ein rasches Eindringen der Klinge, ohne dass Deformationen beim Prozessgut auftreten.The coupling of the ultrasonic energy allows the blade to cut the process material with little energy and virtually no effort. The surface waves occurring on the blade separate the structure of the process material before the blade penetrates deeper into the process material. This allows a rapid penetration of the blade, without deformations occur in the process material.
Die für die Aufteilung des Prozessguts erforderliche Energie wird daher ausschliesslich durch die Schneidvorrichtung zur Verfügung gestellt, weshalb das Prozessgut mit hoher Geschwindigkeit gefördert werden kann. Der Schnitt erfolgt daher nicht durch die Bewegung des Prozessguts relativ zu einer stationären Klinge, sondern durch die Bewegung der Klinge der erfindungsgemässen Schneidvorrichtung relativ zum vollständig oder weitgehend stationären Prozessgut.The energy required for the division of the process material is therefore made available exclusively by the cutting device, which is why the process material can be conveyed at high speed. The cut is therefore not made by the movement of the process material relative to a stationary blade, but by the movement of the blade of the inventive cutting device relative to the fully or largely stationary process material.
Im Vergleich zu rotierenden Scheiben, die mit hohen Drehzahlen drehen und so gegen das Prozessgut geführt werden, resultiert mit dem rotierenden Messer ein sanfter Schnitt, welcher das Prozessgut auftrennt, aber nicht schädigt. Die Rotationsgeschwindigkeit der Klinge kann in einem weiten Bereich gewählt werden. Insbesondere für harte Produkte kann eine Rotationsgeschwindigkeit gewählt werden, die tiefer ist als die Rotationsgeschwindigkeit der runden Schneidscheiben. Für weichere Produkte kann die Rotationsgeschwindigkeit in einem deutlich höheren Bereich gewählt werden. Tiefe Rotationsgeschwindigkeiten für harte oder zähflüssige Produkte liegen beispielsweise in einem Bereich von 1-10 Umdrehungen bzw. 1-10 Drehungen um 360° der Klinge pro Minute. Hohe Rotationsgeschwindigkeiten für weiche oder weichflüssige liegen beispielsweise in einem Bereich von einigen hundert oder tausend Umdrehungen pro Minute.Compared to rotating disks, which rotate at high speeds and are thus guided against the process material, the rotating knife results in a gentle cut which separates but does not damage the process material. The rotation speed of the blade can be selected in a wide range. In particular, for hard products, a rotational speed can be selected which is lower than the rotational speed of the round cutting discs. For softer products, the rotational speed can be chosen in a much higher range. Deep rotational speeds for hard or viscous products are for example in the range of 1-10 Rotations or 1-10 rotations by 360 ° of the blade per minute. High speeds of rotation for soft or soft liquids are for example in the range of a few hundred or a thousand revolutions per minute.
Das Prozessgut kann von der Klinge daher entsprechend den Eigenschaften des Prozessguts bearbeitet bzw. geschnitten werden.The process material can therefore be processed or cut by the blade according to the properties of the process material.
Prozessgut kann durch den Bereich geführt werden, in dem die Klinge rotiert wird. Es ist daher nicht erforderlich, die Klinge vor und zurück zu führen. Die Vorrichtung mit der rotierbaren Klinge ist typischerweise stationär angeordnet und daher einfach aufgebaut und benötigt weniger Raum.Process material can be passed through the area where the blade is rotated. It is therefore not necessary to guide the blade back and forth. The rotatable blade device is typically stationary and therefore simple in construction and requires less space.
Anstatt die Klinge vor und zurück zu bewegen, um das Prozessgut zu schneiden, wird diese in einer Ebene rotiert, die senkrecht zur Antriebsachse steht. Die Klinge muss daher nicht abgebremst und wieder beschleunigt werden, sondern kann ohne Energieverluste kontinuierlich in dieselbe Richtung rotiert werden. Die Steuerung der Arbeitszyklen des Messers kann durch Steuerung eines Antriebsmotors somit in einfacher Weise erfolgen. Die maximale Arbeitsfrequenz wird daher nicht durch die Antriebsvorrichtung, sondern durch die maximale Schneidegeschwindigkeit bestimmt, mit der die Klinge durch das Prozessgut hindurchgeführt werden kann. Da diese maximale Schneidegeschwindigkeit bei der erfindungsgemässen Anwendung von Ultraschallenergie sehr hoch ist, können sehr hohe Taktzyklen erreicht werden.Instead of moving the blade back and forth to cut the process material, it is rotated in a plane that is perpendicular to the drive axis. Therefore, the blade does not have to be braked and accelerated again, but can be continuously rotated in the same direction without energy losses. The control of the working cycles of the knife can thus be done in a simple manner by controlling a drive motor. The maximum operating frequency is therefore not determined by the drive device, but by the maximum cutting speed with which the blade can be passed through the process material. Since this maximum cutting speed is very high in the inventive application of ultrasonic energy, very high clock cycles can be achieved.
Die Anwendung von Ultraschallenergie beispielsweise mit einer Arbeitsfrequenz von 35 kHz verleiht dem erfindungsgemäss ausgestalteten Messer besonders vorteilhafte Eigenschaften. Die Ultraschallenergie wird vorzugsweise über die grossen Seitenflächen des Klingenrückens quer zur Schnittrichtung des Messers in die Klinge eingekoppelt. Ein der Klinge zugewandtes Endstück des Kopplungselements verläuft dabei vorzugsweise senkrecht zur Klinge. Bei der Einwirkung der Ultraschallenergie resultieren elastische Wellen innerhalb und/oder auf der Oberfläche der Klinge, die sich zur Schneide hin intensivieren. Geeignete Wellen resultieren bei gekrümmter oder gebogener Ausgestaltung des Kopplungselements, welches vorzugsweise U-förmig ausgestaltet ist.The application of ultrasonic energy, for example, with an operating frequency of 35 kHz gives the inventively designed knife particularly advantageous properties. The ultrasonic energy is preferably over the large Side surfaces of the blade back transversely to the cutting direction of the knife coupled into the blade. A blade facing the end of the coupling element is preferably perpendicular to the blade. Upon application of the ultrasonic energy, elastic waves result within and / or on the surface of the blade, which intensify towards the cutting edge. Suitable waves result in a curved or curved configuration of the coupling element, which is preferably designed U-shaped.
Die Klinge kann nur auf einer Seite oder auch auf einander gegenüberliegenden Seiten mit einer Schneidekante versehen werden. Die Schneidevorrichtung ist dabei derart ausgestaltet, dass die Klinge in beide Richtungen rotiert werden kann. Auf diese Weise verdoppelt sich die Dauer, mit der eine Klinge betrieben werden kann bevor sie neu geschliffen werden muss. Möglich ist auch der Einsatz von zwei oder mehreren Klingen, die mittels voneinander getrennter oder miteinander verbundener Kopplungselemente gehalten sind.The blade can only be provided with a cutting edge on one side or on opposite sides. The cutting device is designed such that the blade can be rotated in both directions. This doubles the amount of time a blade can be operated before it has to be re-ground. Also possible is the use of two or more blades, which are held by means of separate or interconnected coupling elements.
Das Kopplungselement wird vorzugsweise von einer Antriebswelle bzw. Rotorwelle gehalten. Vorzugsweise ist das der Antriebswelle zugewandte Endstück des Kopplungselements koaxial zur Antriebswelle ausgerichtet. Vorzugsweise ist das Kopplungselement in die Antriebswelle integriert. Dazu kann die Antriebswelle als Hohlwelle ausgebildet sein, die eine Öffnung aufweist, die zur Aufnahme des Kopplungselements geeignet ist. Das Kopplungselement kann innerhalb der Hohlwelle durch Nutensteine, Klebstoff oder dergleichen fixiert sein.The coupling element is preferably held by a drive shaft or rotor shaft. Preferably, the drive shaft facing end portion of the coupling element is aligned coaxially with the drive shaft. Preferably, the coupling element is integrated in the drive shaft. For this purpose, the drive shaft may be formed as a hollow shaft having an opening which is suitable for receiving the coupling element. The coupling element may be fixed within the hollow shaft by sliding blocks, adhesive or the like.
Die Antriebswelle ist auf wenigstens einem Lagerelement gelagert und direkt oder indirekt über Antriebselemente, wie Zahnräder und Zahnriemen, mit einer Antriebseinheit, beispielsweise einem Elektromotor, verbunden.The drive shaft is mounted on at least one bearing element and connected directly or indirectly via drive elements, such as gears and timing belt, with a drive unit, such as an electric motor.
Die Antriebswelle trägt ferner den Energiewandler oder den Energiewandler und den Ultraschallgenerator. Grundsätzlich ist nur erforderlich, dass der mit dem Kopplungselement verbundene Energiewandler, beispielsweise ein Piezoelement, zusammen mit der Antriebswelle gedreht wird. Lediglich in vorzugsweisen Ausgestaltungen wird der Ultraschallgenerator ebenfalls mit der Antriebswelle verbunden und rotierbar gehalten.The drive shaft further carries the energy converter or the energy converter and the ultrasonic generator. In principle, it is only necessary that the energy converter connected to the coupling element, for example a piezoelectric element, is rotated together with the drive shaft. Only in preferred embodiments of the ultrasonic generator is also connected to the drive shaft and kept rotatable.
Energie und/oder Steuersignale sind dem Energiewandler und/oder dem Ultraschallgenerator bzw. einer damit verbundenen und ebenfalls rotierbar gehalten Steuereinheit über eine elektrische Kopplungseinheit zuführbar. Steuersignale können auch über eine Funkschnittstelle, beispielsweise nach dem Bluetooth-Verfahren, übertragen werden. Möglich ist auch die optische Übertragung von Steuersignalen.Energy and / or control signals can be fed to the energy converter and / or the ultrasound generator or a control unit connected thereto and likewise rotatably held via an electrical coupling unit. Control signals can also be transmitted via a radio interface, for example according to the Bluetooth method. Also possible is the optical transmission of control signals.
Beispielsweise werden elektrische Energie und/oder elektrische Steuersignale durch galvanische Ankopplung oder durch induktive Ankopplung übertragen. Die galvanische Ankopplung erfolgt beispielsweise über drehende Kontaktringe, die mit der Antriebswelle verbunden sind, und stationäre Schleifkontakte. Die induktive Ankopplung erfolgt durch Spulen, über die Wechselspannungen induktiv übertragbar sind.For example, electrical energy and / or electrical control signals are transmitted by galvanic coupling or by inductive coupling. The galvanic coupling takes place for example via rotating contact rings, which are connected to the drive shaft, and stationary sliding contacts. The inductive coupling takes place by means of coils, via which alternating voltages are inductively transferable.
In besonders bevorzugten Ausgestaltungen umfasst die Schneidevorrichtung einen Stromgenerator, mittels dessen rotorseitig eine Versorgungsspannung erzeugt wird. Dazu vorgesehen, deren Magnetfelder Spannungen in Spulen induzieren, die mit der Antriebswelle rotiert werden. In dieser Ausgestaltung genügt es, die Antriebswelle mechanisch zu drehen, um eine Versorgungsspannung für den Betrieb des Ultraschallgenerators zur Verfügung zu stellen. Damit die Versorgungsspannung permanent zur Verfügung steht, wird die Antriebswelle vorzugsweise auch mit einem Stromspeicher gekoppelt. Ferner wird vorzugsweise wenigstens eine Stromversorgungseinheit vorgesehen, mittels der Gleichspannungen in Wechselspannungen oder Wechselspannungen in Gleichspannungen bedarfsweise gewandelt werden können.
Die Antriebswelle und gegebenenfalls der Ultraschallgenerator werden vorzugsweise innerhalb eines Gehäuses angeordnet, welches zwei oder mehr Gehäuseteile aufweisen kann und aus dem das rotierbar gehaltene Kopplungselement hervor tritt.
Die erfindungsgemässe Schneidevorrichtung kann mit beliebigen Vorrichtungen gekoppelt werden, um ein Prozessgut zu schneiden. Beispielsweise wird die Schneidevorrichtung am Ende einer Förderkette angeordnet, an der ein Prozessgut in Einzelteile zu schneiden ist. Besonders vorteilhaft kann die erfindungsgemässe Schneidevorrichtung auch am Ausgang eines Extruders angeordnet werden, so dass das extrudierte Material wahlweise in kürzere oder längere Elemente aufgeteilt werden kann. Eine einzige Schneidevorrichtung kann dabei mehrere Extruder oder Fördervorrichtungen bedienen.
Nachfolgend wird die Erfindung anhand von Zeichnungen näher erläutert. Dabei zeigt:
- Fig. 1
- eine Vorrichtung zum Schneiden eines Prozessguts 8, die nicht unter den Schutzbereich der Ansprüche fällt, umfassend eine Schneidevorrichtung 1
mit vier Schneidewerkzeugen 11A, ..., 11D, mittels denendas Prozessgut 8, welches inForm von Stangen 8A, ..., 8L auf einem Fördertisch 93 zugeführt wird, inScheiben 89 geschnitten wird; - Fig. 2
- die
Schneidevorrichtung 1von Figur 1 , 12A, 12B mittels denen diemit zwei Antriebseinheiten Schneidewerkzeuge 11A, ..., 11D in linearen Bewegungen nach unten und wieder nach oben verschiebbar sind; - Fig. 3a
- eine erfindungsgemässe Schneidevorrichtung 1 mit wenigstens einem rotierbar gehalten Schneidewerkzeug in Form einer
Klinge 11, die einerseits mit einer Antriebsvorrichtung und andererseits überein Kopplungselement 15 und einen Energiewandler 14mit einem Ultraschallgenerator 13 verbunden ist; - Fig. 3b
- die
Schneidevorrichtung 1 vonFigur 3a von vorn; - Fig. 4
- die
Schneidevorrichtung 1 vonFigur 3a in räumlicher Darstellung von vorn; - Fig. 5
- die
Schneidevorrichtung 1 vonFigur 3a in räumlicher Darstellung von hinten; und - Fig. 6
- die
Schneidevorrichtung 1 vonFigur 3a in einer weiteren vorzugsweisen Ausgestaltung mit direkter Ankopplung derKlinge 11 aneine Antriebseinheit 12 bzw. einen Elektromotor.
The drive shaft and optionally the ultrasonic generator are preferably arranged within a housing, which may have two or more housing parts and from which the rotatably held coupling element protrudes.
The inventive cutting device can be coupled with any devices to cut a process material. For example, the cutting device is arranged at the end of a conveyor chain, on which a process material is to be cut into individual parts. Particularly advantageously, the inventive cutting device can also be arranged at the outlet of an extruder, so that the extruded material can optionally be divided into shorter or longer elements. A single cutting device can serve several extruders or conveyors.
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings. Showing:
- Fig. 1
- a device for cutting a
process material 8, which does not fall under the scope of the claims, comprising aCutting device 1 with fourcutting tools 11A, ..., 11D, by means of which theprocess material 8, which is supplied in the form ofrods 8A, ..., 8L on a conveyor table 93, is cut intoslices 89; - Fig. 2
- the
cutting device 1 ofFIG. 1 with two 12A, 12B by means of which thedrive units cutting tools 11A, ..., 11D are displaceable in linear movements downwards and upwards again; - Fig. 3a
- an
inventive cutting device 1 with at least one rotatably held cutting tool in the form of ablade 11, which is connected on the one hand with a drive device and on the other hand via acoupling element 15 and anenergy converter 14 with anultrasonic generator 13; - Fig. 3b
- the
cutting device 1 ofFIG. 3a from the beginning; - Fig. 4
- the
cutting device 1 ofFIG. 3a in a spatial representation from the front; - Fig. 5
- the
cutting device 1 ofFIG. 3a in spatial representation from behind; and - Fig. 6
- the
cutting device 1 ofFIG. 3a in a further preferred embodiment with direct coupling of theblade 11 to adrive unit 12 or an electric motor.
Das Nahrungsmittel 8 wird den vier Schneidewerkzeugen 11A, ..., 11D in zwölf zylinderförmigen oder stangenförmigen Einheiten 8A, ..., 8L parallel zugeführt, so dass jeweils drei der Nahrungsmitteleinheiten 8A, ..., 8L von einem der Schneidewerkzeuge 11A; ...; 11D gleichzeitig geschnitten werden. Frontseitig sind die parallel zugeführten Nahrungsmitteleinheiten 8A, ..., 8L von einem Niederhalter in einer gewünschten Position gehalten, während der Schnitt ausgeführt wird.The
Die Schneideeinheit 1 umfasst die vier Schneidewerkzeuge 11A; ...; 11D, die je mit einem Ultraschallgenerator 13 verbunden sind und von den Antriebsvorrichtungen 12A, 12B vertikal abgesenkt und wieder angehoben werden können, um Nahrungsmittelscheiben 89 von den Nahrungsmitteleinheiten 8 abzuschneiden. Die Nahrungsmittelscheiben 89 fallen auf ein Förderband 92 eines Aufnahmeförderers 9, welcher einen Antriebsmotor 91 aufweist.The
Ferner ist eine Steuereinheit 6 vorgesehen, welche die Schneidevorrichtung 1, die Fördervorrichtungen und die Ultraschallgeneratoren 13 steuern kann. Die Steuereinheit 6 ist über eine erste Steuerleitung 61 mit der Schneidevorrichtung 1, eine zweite Steuerleitung 62 mit den Fördervorrichtungen, eine dritte Steuerleitung 63 mit den Ultraschallgeneratoren 13 und eine vierte Steuerleitung 69 mit dem Abnahmeförderer 9 verbunden. Der Steuereinheit 6 sind über eine Tastatur 60 und von Messgeräten 68, wie Messungsformern und Sensoren, Informationen zuführbar, mittels denen der Schneideprozess und der Förderprozess gesteuert werden können. Mittels ersten Sensoren 68 werden beispielsweise Informationen zu den Positionen der Nahrungsmitteleinheiten 8 ermittelt. Mittels zweiten Sensoren 67 können weitere Prozessgrössen ermittelt werden. Vorzugsweise werden die Temperatur und die Konsistenz der Nahrungsmittel gemessen und in Abhängigkeit davon die Ultraschallfrequenz, die Schnittgeschwindigkeit und die Schubgeschwindigkeit eingestellt. Zur Steuerung aller Prozesse, insbesondere der Schneidprozesse und Förderprozesse ist ein Anwendungsprogramm vorgesehen.Furthermore, a
Die Schneidewerkzeuge 11A, ..., 11D umfassen je eine Klinge, an deren Rücken die in einem Bogen verlaufenden Kopplungselemente 15 angeschweisst sind, wodurch die Ultraschallenergie in die Klingen eingekoppelt werden kann.The
Mit diesen Schneidewerkzeugen 11A, ..., 11D können die Nahrungsmitteleinheiten 8A, ..., 8L praktisch ohne Kraftaufwand geschnitten werden. Während des Schneidevorgangs wirken daher praktisch keine Kräfte auf das Nahrungsmittel ein, weshalb eine maximale Präzision erzielt wird.With these
Nachteilig bei der in
Die Schneidevorrichtung 1 umfasst ein Schneidewerkzeug in Form einer rotierbar gelagerten Klinge 11, die über ein Kopplungselement 15 und einen Energiewandler 14 mit einem Ultraschallgenerator 13 verbunden ist. Das Kopplungselement 15 ist von einer Rotorwelle bzw. Antriebswelle 18 gehalten, die innerhalb eines Gehäuses 7 mittels Lagerelementen 180 rotierbar gelagert ist. Das Kopplungselement 15, welches beispielsweise ein Rechteckprofil aufweist, ist mit einem Endstück 151 koaxial zur Antriebswelle 18 ausgerichtet und verläuft in einem Bogen von 180°. Das zweite Endstück 152 des Kopplungselements 15 ist mit dem Klingenrücken der Klinge 11 verbunden, vorzugsweise verschweisst, und verläuft senkrecht dazu. Das erste und das zweite Endstück 151, 152 sind in der Länge derart ausgebildet, dass die Klinge 11 in Front des Gehäuses 7 in einer Ebene frei rotierbar ist, die senkrecht zur Antriebsachse x bzw. zur Antriebswelle 18 ausgerichtet ist.The
Die Klinge 11 kann daher in der Ebene gedreht werden, wobei die Klinge 11 innerhalb eines Kreissegments einen Schnitt ausführt. Grundsätzlich kann die Klinge 11 während der gesamten Umdrehung Prozessgut 8, 81, 82, 83 erfassen, welches beispielsweise auf der Fördervorrichtung von
Die Drehzahl der Antriebswelle 18 kann derart gewählt werden, dass Schnittstücke 810 mit einer gewünschten Länge geschnitten werden. Da die Klinge 11 stets in dieselbe Richtung gedreht wird, muss nur wenig Energie zugeführt werden, mittels der Reibungsverluste kompensiert werden, die insbesondere durch den Schneidvorgang verursacht werden.The rotational speed of the
Sofern die Klinge 11 beidseitig mit Schneiden 111, 112 (siehe
Die Antriebswelle 18 kann direkt oder indirekt mit einer Antriebseinheit 12, beispielsweise einem Elektromotor gekoppelt werden. In der Ausgestaltung von
In der gezeigten Ausgestaltung sind sowohl der Ultraschallgenerator 13, als auch der damit verbundene Energiewandler 14, der mit dem Kopplungselement 15 verbunden ist, mit der Antriebswelle 18 verbunden.In the embodiment shown, both the
Elektrische Energie wird der Schneidevorrichtung 1 über ein mehradriges Kabel 160 (siehe
Elektrische Energie kann der Schneidevorrichtung 1 auch auf andere Weise zugeführt oder von dieser sogar selbst erzeugt werden, indem von der Antriebseinheit 12 zugeführte mechanische Energie in elektrische Energie umgewandelt wird. Beispielsweise kann elektrische Energie induktiv über Spulen 1600 zugeführt werden. Alternativ können innerhalb des Gehäuses 7 Permanentmagneten 1601 angeordnet werden, deren Magnetfelder von Spulen 1600 erfasst werden, die von der Antriebswelle 18 gehalten sind. In den Spulen 1600 induzierte Spannungen werden einer Stromversorgungseinheit zugeführt, welche die zugeführten Spannungen wandeln und/oder gleichrichten kann. Auf diese Weise kann Energie für den Betrieb des Ultraschallgenerators 13 bereitgestellt werden. Alternativ können elektrische Signale im Frequenzbereich des Ultraschalls durch galvanische oder induktive Kopplung direkt dem Energiewandler 14 zugeführt werden, welcher elektrische Schwingungen in mechanische Schwingungen wandelt.Electrical energy can also be supplied to the
Der Ultraschallgenerator 13 oder der Energiewandler 14 können auch mit Halbleiterschaltungen, beispielsweise Verstärkern, und/oder einer Steuereinheit 130 verbunden werden. Die rotierende Klinge 11 kann daher genau gleich, wie eine stationäre Klinge mit Ultraschallenergie versorgt werden. Auch hinsichtlich der Steuerung resultieren keine Einschränkungen. In vorzugsweisen Ausgestaltungen können Steuersignale drahtlos über eine Funkschnittstelle 600 zur Steuereinheit 130 übertragen werden. Auch Statusmeldungen der Schneidevorrichtung 1 können von der Steuereinheit 130 zurück zu einer zentralen Steuereinheit 6 übertragen werden.The
Anstelle der Schneidevorrichtungen 1, die in die in den
In
Claims (14)
- Device (1) for cutting a process material, particularly foodstuff (8), with at least one cutting tool in the embodiment of a blade (11), which is connected on the one hand with a drive device (12) and on the other hand via a coupling element (15) and an energy converter (14) with an ultrasound generator (13), characterised in that the coupling element (15) and the energy converter (14), optionally the ultrasound generator (13) as well, are held by a drive shaft (18) such, that for cutting the process material the blade (11), to which ultrasound energy is applicable, is continuously rotatable in the same direction around the drive axis (x) of the drive shaft (18), that the coupling element (15) is designed curved and that the coupling element (15) is welded to the front side or back side of the blade body (110).
- Device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the blade (11) exhibits on one side or on both sides a cutting edge (111; 112).
- Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the blade (11) is held by the coupling element (15) such, that it is rotatable in a plane, which stands perpendicular to the drive axis (x) of a drive shaft (18) .
- Device (1) according to one of the claims 1 - 3, characterised in that the end of the coupling element (15) facing the blade body (110) stands perpendicular on the blade body (110).
- Device (10) according to one of the claims 1 - 4, characterised in that the coupling element (15) is integrated into the drive shaft (18), optionally a sleeve shaft, or forms a part thereof and/or that the drive shaft (18) is supported by at least one bearing device (180) and is connected directly or indirectly via drive elements (121, 122), such as tooth wheels and tooth belts, with a drive unit (12).
- Device (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that the drive shaft (18) holds the energy converter (14) or the energy converter (14) and the ultrasound generator (13) as well as the coupling element (15), which is connected to the energy converter (14).
- Device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that energy and/or control signals are transferable to the ultrasound generator (13) or to the energy converter (14) via an electrical coupling unit (16).
- Device (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that the ultrasound generator (13) or the energy converter (14) comprise a control unit (130), to which commands for controlling the ultrasound generator (13) or the energy converter (14) are transferable.
- Device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the electrical coupling unit (16) comprises elements (161, 162, 163, 164) for galvanic coupling and/or elements (1600) for inductive coupling.
- Device (1) according to one of the claims 1 - 9, characterised in that the cutting device 1 comprises a current generator, with which at the side of the rotor a supply voltage is generated, wherefore preferably stationary arranged permanent magnets (1601) are provided, whose magnetic fields induce voltages in coils (1600), which are rotatable together with the drive shaft (18).
- Device (1) according to one of the claims 1 - 10, characterised in that the drive shaft (18) and optionally the ultrasound generator (13) are arranged within a preferably two-part housing (7), out of which the coupling element (15) is extending.
- Device (1) according to claim 11, characterised in that the housing 7 is connected such, directly or indirectly, with a conveyor device (9) or an extruder (90), with which process material is transportable into the operating range of the at least one blade (11).
- Device (1) according to one of the claims 1 - 12, characterised in that the blade (11) is rotatable into the one or the other direction.
- Device (1) according to one of the claims 1 - 13, characterised in that the blade (11) is rotatable with a selectable frequency continuously and/or in preferably selectable intervals.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP14733528.5A EP2976192B1 (en) | 2013-03-21 | 2014-03-19 | Device for cutting a process material |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP13160353.2A EP2781322A1 (en) | 2013-03-21 | 2013-03-21 | Device for cutting a process material |
EP14733528.5A EP2976192B1 (en) | 2013-03-21 | 2014-03-19 | Device for cutting a process material |
PCT/EP2014/055557 WO2014147156A1 (en) | 2013-03-21 | 2014-03-19 | Device for cutting an item for processing |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2976192A1 EP2976192A1 (en) | 2016-01-27 |
EP2976192B1 true EP2976192B1 (en) | 2017-12-13 |
Family
ID=47901861
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP13160353.2A Withdrawn EP2781322A1 (en) | 2013-03-21 | 2013-03-21 | Device for cutting a process material |
EP14733528.5A Active EP2976192B1 (en) | 2013-03-21 | 2014-03-19 | Device for cutting a process material |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP13160353.2A Withdrawn EP2781322A1 (en) | 2013-03-21 | 2013-03-21 | Device for cutting a process material |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP2781322A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014147156A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6070509A (en) * | 1997-09-18 | 2000-06-06 | Colbourne Corporation | Method for ultrasonic cutting of food products |
US20060260451A1 (en) * | 2005-04-13 | 2006-11-23 | Roberto Capodieci | Robotically driven ultrasonic tools |
DE102006059940A1 (en) * | 2006-12-19 | 2008-07-10 | Dr. Wolf & Partner Ingenieurbüro Für Lebensmitteltechnik Gmbh | Device for cutting foods with ultrasound and ultrasonically excited cutting tools |
EP2551077A1 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2013-01-30 | A O Schallinox GmbH | Blade for splitting goods for processing using ultrasound energy and device |
-
2013
- 2013-03-21 EP EP13160353.2A patent/EP2781322A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2014
- 2014-03-19 EP EP14733528.5A patent/EP2976192B1/en active Active
- 2014-03-19 WO PCT/EP2014/055557 patent/WO2014147156A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2781322A1 (en) | 2014-09-24 |
EP2976192A1 (en) | 2016-01-27 |
WO2014147156A1 (en) | 2014-09-25 |
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