DE102011115564A1 - Shredding device for food and food waste, in particular in the gastronomic field, and method for operating such a crushing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a shredding device for food and food waste, especially in the catering sector, consisting of a feed vessel with a conical transition to a motor-driven cutting unit with at least one rotating cutting knife, a pump arrangement with a pump sump and a control unit. According to the invention, the cutting mechanism has a stationary, cage-like cutting body and a rotating cutting body. The stationary cutting body consists of an arrangement of at least two spaced circular rings with a top ring and a foot ring. There is a large number of cutting blocks between the top and bottom rings, between which a space remains. Furthermore, the cover ring and foot ring are mechanically connected to one another while fixing the cutting blocks. In addition, the rotating cutting body has a support disk which sandwiches at least one active disk deviating from the support disk shape, with main knives running parallel to the plane of the active disk and pre-shredding knives arranged at an angle to the plane of the active disk being detachably and interchangeably attached.

Description

The invention relates to a shredder for food and food waste, in particular in the gastronomic sector, consisting of a task vessel with conical transition to a motor-driven cutting unit with at least one rotating cutting blade, a pump assembly with sump and a control unit, according to claim 1 and a method of operation Such a comminution device according to claim 14.

From the EP 1 256 308 B1 is a waste crushing device, integrated previously known in a dishwasher, which is driven by a bidirectionally running electric motor. Furthermore, there are sensor means which are designed to detect the torque to be overcome which is applied to the rotor of the asbestos shredder and cause the rotor to reverse its direction of rotation when it is determined that the torque to be overcome is a predetermined one Threshold exceeds.

The apparatus for disposing of catering waste according to DE 101 59 602 A1 goes back to a controller that includes several modes.

To DE 34 11 918 C2 includes a device for crushing and compacting waste to the prior art. In this regard, would be complementary to the DE 196 33 734 A1 to mention.

The AT 000 453 U1 shows a cutting tool for use in food processing with a special cutting area and a chromium-containing, thermally coated, highly corrosion resistant and abrasion resistant material.

A cutting system for food crushers supplemented by a conveying and pumping device is in the DE 199 48 493 C2 described.

From the foregoing, it is an object of the invention to provide an advanced shredder for food and food waste, especially in the gastronomic field, as well as a related operating method. The solution to be created is intended to enable a reduction in the amount of dietary ester in a hygienic manner, with a pumpable mass being produced by a motor-driven cutting or grinding mechanism which can be discharged into a tank with the aid of a pump arrangement. The cutting unit of the crushing device to be specified is to meet the high demands of a wide variety of residues, ie. H. in addition to soft products such. As rice, pasta, potatoes, meat, fish, vegetables and fruits, also heavy substances such as pineapple stem, banana, melon peel and napkins mince. Likewise, there should be the possibility harder substances, eg. As animal bones, herringbone or mussels and egg or nutshells to process.

A modular design ensures that wear parts can be exchanged cost-effectively and quickly so that downtimes can be reduced to a minimum.

The object of the invention is achieved by a crushing device for food and food waste, especially in the gastronomic field, according to the combination of features according to claim 1 and by a method according to the teaching of claim 14, wherein the dependent claims include at least expedient refinements and developments.

It is therefore assumed that a shredder for food and food waste, especially in the gastronomic area, consisting of a task vessel with conical transition to a motor-driven cutting unit with at least one rotating cutting blade, a pump assembly with sump and a control unit.

According to the invention, the cutting mechanism has a stationary, in particular cage-like cutting body and a rotating cutting body.

The stationary cutting body consists of an arrangement of at least two spaced circular rings, each with cover and foot ring.

Between deck and foot ring is a variety of cutting blocks located between which a gap space remains. Furthermore deck and foot ring are mechanically connected to each other under fixing the cutting blocks, which z. B. can be realized by bolting or bolting.

The rotating cutting body has a support disk, preferably in circular form, which sandwiches at least one of the support disk shape deviating active disk. Thus, the support disk and the active disk are arranged one above the other, wherein above the active disk parallel to the active disk plane extending main blade and arranged at an angle to the active disk plane Vorzerkleiner are each releasably and replaceably attached.

The aforementioned angle can z. B. 45 ° or 90 ° relative to the Wirkscheibenebene or take appropriate intermediate values.

The design of the rotating cutting body is substantially rotationally symmetrical, so that imbalances are avoided or reduced during operation. The same applies to the execution of the stationary, cage-like cutting body.

At least the cover ring of the stationary cage-like cutting body is provided with center-oriented formations. These formations can be a z. B. kidney shape or be designed as a wing or wing section.

The respective spaces between the cutting blocks extend from the inner circumference to the outer circumference, d. H. from the inside out, especially conical.

In one embodiment, the cutting blocks have a cuboid shape with noses formed on the opposite upper and lower sides. The noses engage in complementary recesses of the top and bottom ring, so that a positive connection is formed and the cutting blocks are securely fixed.

On the side facing away from the support disk side of the effective disk a Kreisringflansch is attached, extend from the outer periphery substantially vertically oriented pre-comminuting.

The pre-shredders may have a V or A surface shape.

Outside the mounting surface for the annular flange a holder for the pair of opposite main blade is provided.

Pre-shredding knife and main blade are arranged offset from each other in plan view of the arrangement, d. H. A pre-comminuting knife is followed in the direction of rotation by a main knife, which in turn is followed by a pre-comminuting knife and a main knife.

The main knives have at least one cutting edge with teeth as well as projections and recesses. The pre-shredding knives have a cutting edge on all free edges.

In operation, the formations of the cover ring dive into the distance space between the support disk and the main blade.

The Schneidkörper- and knife assembly in turn at least partially immersed in the pump sump, the pump sump is provided as a flat cylindrical body with mounting flange for the task vessel and a radially or tangient-oriented suction.

According to the invention, the number and / or the shape of the Schneidflächenklötze used between deck and foot ring can be variable.

It is also possible to make variable number and / or shape of the knives and knitting disks in order to make an adjustment to the respective discontinued materials can.

In the method for operating the described comminution device, a predetermined amount of process water is first injected into the dispensing container through a nozzle provided in the upper edge region, in particular a fan nozzle.

After that, the cutting unit is activated by activating the motor drive. Time-shifted to drive the cutting unit of the drive, the pump arrangement is switched on.

In the course of the comminution process, a controlled change of the direction of rotation of the cutting unit takes place in order to bring about optimal comminution success.

Scheduled then a shutdown of the cutting unit and then switching off the pump assembly is initiated.

After switching off the pump assembly, the injection of the process water quantity is continued for a short time. Preferably, a defined amount of process water is added during the entire comminution process. Subsequently, the crushing process is terminated and z. B. electromagnetically released a lid of the crushing device for the purpose of opening.

In addition, according to the invention, a continuous monitoring of the load of the motor drive and the triggering of a change in the direction of rotation of the cutting unit are detected when a load overshoot has been detected. Also, a determination of the pressure of a tubing connected to the pump sump is continuously made to detect possible blockages.

The invention will be explained below with reference to an embodiment and the description of the operating method with the aid of figures.

Hereby show:

1 an assembly drawing of the cutting unit in the pump sump housing forming;

2 a detailed view of the stationary, cage-like cutting body;

3 a detailed view of the rotating cutting body, located on the support disc;

4 an exploded view of the modules housing, stationary cutting body and rotating cutting body and

5 a self-explanatory block diagram of the essential electronic and control assemblies for operating the crushing device according to the invention.

The 1 lets in its perspective representation of the essential functional components of the pump sump forming housing 10 together with a stationary cutting body 20 and the support disc 3.1 detect. The drive hub is denoted by the reference numeral 3.8 provided, being at the bottom of the housing 10 a flange 30 is provided for attaching the drive motor, not shown, in particular an electric motor. Tangentially oriented on the housing 10 another suction opening 40 formed in the form of a pipe section.

Like from the 2 it can be seen, consists of the stationary, cage-like cutting body of an array of at least two spaced circular rings, comprising a cover ring 2.1 as well as a foot ring 2.2 and several cutting blocks 2.3 ,

cover ring 2.1 and foot ring 2.2 are by bolts 2.6 braced together.

cutting blocks 2.3 are spaced apart between the cover ring 2.1 and foot ring 2.2 ,

Between the cutting blocks 2.3 there remains a clearly recognizable distance space.

The cover ring 2.1 of the stationary cage-like cutting body points to the center of the arrangement 2 oriented protrusions or formations 2.7 on.

In one embodiment of the invention, the respective spacing between a pair of cutting blocks expands 2.3 from the inside out, especially conical.

The cutting blocks 2.3 may have a cuboid shape with formed on the opposite upper and lower sides tabs 2.4 own, with the noses 2.4 in complementary recesses 2.5 of the bezel 2.1 or foot ring 2.2 engage to ensure a positive connection.

As shown 3 showing the rotating cutter body is a carrier disk 3.1 present, the z. B. has the shape of a circle and in this respect complementary to the hollow cylindrical opening in the housing 10 is formed (see also 4 ).

The support disk 3.1 sandwiches at least one deviating from the support disc shape Wirkscheibe 3.2 on. In the embodiment of two stacking a stack arrangement forming superposed Wirkscheiben 3.2 went out.

Above the Wirkscheibenanordnung 3.2 is parallel to the plane of the active disc an array of main knives 3.4 present, with further arranged at an angle to the active disc plane Vorzerkleinmesser 3.5 each releasably and interchangeably attached.

The main knife 3.4 have a pin 3.6 in the knife holder 3.3 and a complementary recess provided there engages. The main knife 3.4 can with the knife shots 3.3 by welding, ie to be connected materially.

At the Wirkscheibenanordnung 3.2 is a circular flange 3.9 with the help of a screw connection 3.7 fixable.

This annular flange has from the outer periphery substantially vertically upwardly extending, already mentioned pre-reduction blade 3.5 on.

The pre-shredder 3.5 own at all open spaces 3.10 a cutting edge.

The pre-shredder 3.5 can have a V or A surface shape.

Outside the mounting surface for the annular flange 3.9 is the holder for the main knife 3.4 available.

The main knife 3.4 have a gearing 3.11 as well as projections and recesses 3.12 on.

From the compilation drawing to 1 it can be seen that the formations 2.7 of the bezel 2.1 in the distance space between the support disk 3 , 1 and main knife 3.4 intervention.

As from the synopsis of 1 and 4 becomes clear, the cutting and knife assembly immersed in the sump at least partially, the pump sump as flat cylindrical body (housing 10 ) with mounting flange for the task vessel and the radially or tangentially oriented suction opening 40 is trained.

In summary, the top and bottom ring, as in the 2 shown in detail, parallel and congruent one above the other and arranged around a common imaginary central axis. The cutting blocks are coaxial and radiant from the common axis and are arranged on the circumference in equal sections to each other and are used to distancing the cover ring 2.1 and foot ring 2.2 , As a result, the rotationally symmetrical, stationary, cage-like body is formed.

The main knife 3.4 and the knives for pre-shredding are arranged one above the other around a common imaginary center axis, sandwiched. spigot 3.6 are on the one hand directly on the respective main knife 3.4 present and also extend vertically downwards and engage in recesses of the Wirkscheibenanordnung 3.2 a, so that the desired positive locking and secure attachment of the components of the cutting tool results. For the production of the cutting body and its components is used on stainless steel materials in the thickness range of 3 mm to 25 mm, the contours of the parts are preferably produced by laser cutting technology.

For cutting discs, cutting blocks and knives wear-resistant chromium-molybdenum steels can additionally be used.

The number of cutting blocks, but also the shape of the cutting blocks 2.3 is variable. Likewise, the number and shape of the knives and the active disks can be changed and it is possible to combine differently shaped knives or knives and knives together.

According to the block diagram after 5 Both monitoring of the operating current of the cutter motor and the pump motor is performed. An emergency stop evaluation module together with contactor can interrupt the operating current of the motor (s) in case of overload. On switching devices is also checked whether the control box and lid of the task vessel are closed. Only in its closed state, the device can be put into operation.

Signals about the level and the pressure after the pump arrangement of the supply line pressure as well as from a flow rate determination reach the central control, which is in communication with a remote maintenance module. The controller is also connected to a control panel, which represents the control and message level.

It thus includes the control of a control and power switching unit together with software as the operating system.

The controller has a load monitor that initiates appropriate countermeasures if the allowable working range of the cutterbar drive is exceeded by the substrate. For this purpose, use is made of fixed, situation-dependent subroutines in order to mitigate or eliminate the overload situation or, as a last measure, to abort the course of the comminution program after issuing a corresponding error message.

All relevant parameters of the sequence of both the main program and the additional functions or additional programs are set variably via an interface and can also be changed later.

The controller has an integrated blockage detection of the transport tube or transport hose between the internal pump and the collecting container for the food particles, z. As a storage tank to detect possible clogging of the piping early, signal and counteract these blockages automatically automated by z. B. a rinsing process is initiated.

The controller also has a program for cleaning the piping, for. B. prevent possible Subtrataushärten during longer breaks or eliminate the blockages as stated.

Also, a program is provided, which serves to pump out various fluids in the input cone without contained solids.

The status signal of the external collecting vessel reaches an input of the controller in order to stop the comminution process when overfilling or overflow of the collecting vessel is imminent.

All relevant operating parameters and statistics can be stored in an internal memory and queried. The analysis of errors or the detection of wrong operations is thereby greatly facilitated. With the help of a data connection, a remote diagnosis and remote maintenance can be performed, with all collected operating parameters to a central collection point, eg. B. reach a server and stored there. The utilization of the corresponding shredding device can be checked by this and set maintenance intervals are made.

Hereinafter, an exemplary operation of the crushing apparatus will be explained.

The material to be shredded after opening a lid of the device in the input cone, d. H. filled the task vessel with underlying cutting unit.

After closing the lid, an existing display indicates the readiness for operation. By pressing a switching device of the crushing process is started, which usually lasts about one minute. In this case, first via a matched in the upper region of the task vessel fan nozzle with a z. B. 100 ° cone for several seconds cold or hot water sprayed into the cone. This water presents as process water. a substantial support of the crushing process. The process water is usually added during the entire crushing process, in an amount of about 2 l / min.

The spraying direction of the fan nozzle is directed in the direction of the lid in order to keep it as free as possible of products.

Afterwards the cutting unit starts to shred the entered product. Approximately Two seconds later, then the built-in pump, in particular designed as an impeller pump, activated to suck the shredded product.

The delayed start of the pump prevents the suction process of the cutting unit is made even more difficult by the negative pressure of the pump.

The volume removed by the pump is compensated by the inflow of air through a nozzle secured to a check valve in the upper cone area of the feed vessel.

Depending on the programming, the cutting unit can repeatedly change the direction of rotation during the shredding process. After a preset time has elapsed, first stop the cutting unit, then the pump.

Water is sprayed on for a few seconds so that the pump does not run dry at the next start.

Following the crushing process is completed and the lid released. This can be signaled by a "cover open" indication.

Thereafter, the system is ready for use again and it can be filled again the task vessel.

All parameters of the cutting process are freely programmable according to customer requirements and the respective requirements. This programming is initially done during installation but can be updated later by Customer Service or via a remote maintenance port.

The crushing device according to the invention, in addition to normal food residues also problem substances, eg. B. bones, accidentally added packaging residues, cores, stones or the like. The crushability can also be improved by selecting a cutter geometry corresponding to the substrate.

The drive motor of the cutting unit is load-monitored, d. H. the system automatically detects a possible blockage of the cutting unit, z. B. cutlery, and tries to cut free by changing the direction of rotation several times. If this fails, the system switches off and a warning signal is output. However, to restart the cutting program, the input lid must be opened at least once to ensure manual reaming of the cone.

Even with a possible prolonged overload and their consequences, for. B. in large quantities abandoned dry-tough material, the load monitoring, in addition to the protection of the engine itself, prevents possible damage to the same.

On the pressure side, d. H. the output of the feed pump, is a pressure transducer, d. H. a pressure sensor is installed, which continuously measures the pressure in the piping to prevent possible clogging of the piping early. At a first, adjustable threshold value, an optical and acoustic signal is output, so that the user can counteract the blockage at least after the end of the comminution process. For this purpose, z. B. the pipeline flushing program can be activated. When a second pressure threshold is reached or exceeded, the system again issues an error message, but additionally stops the comminution process in order to prevent a further increase in the blockage.

A special line purging function is suitable for removing blockages in the piping. This process is triggered by pressing an appropriate button and takes between three and eight minutes, depending on the customization. Here, a certain amount of time water is sprayed into the task vessel and then without actuation of the cutting unit, the pump several times with further addition of water operated alternately in both transport directions. Subsequently, water is again sprayed for a predetermined time and the process is completed by finally pumping out the liquid in the input cone.

The water consumption of the crushing device is determined and stored via an electronically tapped water meter. Here, it is also possible to distinguish between the consumption of process water and manually added water by means of a pendulum spray. This is significant in that in each liter of additional, d. H. in itself to pay for unnecessary water corresponding supply costs.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1256308 B1 [0002]
• DE 10159602 A1 [0003]
• DE 3411918 C2 [0004]
• DE 19633734 A1 [0004]
• AT 000453 U1 [0005]
• DE 19948493 C2 [0006]

Claims (15)

Crushing device for food and food waste, especially in the gastronomic area, consisting of a task vessel with conical transition to a motor-driven cutting unit with at least one rotating cutting blade, a pump assembly with pump sump and a control unit, characterized in that the cutting a stationary cage-like cutting body and a having rotating cutting body, wherein the stationary cutting body consists of an array of at least two spaced circular rings with cover and foot ring, between the top and bottom ring a plurality of cutting blocks is befindlich, between which a clearance space remains and continue covering and foot ring with fixation of the cutting blocks are mechanically connected to each other, further, the rotating cutting body has a support plate which sandwiches at least one of the support disc shape deviating effective disc receives, wherein ob are mounted detachably and interchangeably fixed to the Wirkscheibe parallel to the plane of the active disc main knife and at an angle to the active disc plane angeordete Vorzerklein knife. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the cover ring of the stationary, cage-like cutting body to the center has oriented formations. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that expand the respective distance spaces between the cutting blocks from the inside to the outside, in particular conically. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting blocks have a parallelepiped shape with formed on the opposite upper and lower sides lugs, wherein the lugs engage in complementary recesses of the top and bottom ring to obtain a positive connection. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the side facing away from the support disk side of the active disk a Kreisringflansch is fixed, are formed on the outer periphery substantially vertically extending Vorzerklein knife. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the pre-comminuting blades have a V or an A-surface form. Apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that outside the mounting surface for the annular flange, a holder for the main blade is provided. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the main blades have a cutting edge with teeth and projections and recesses. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pre-comminuting blades have a cutting edge on all free edges. Apparatus according to claim 2 and 7, characterized in that immersed in the operating state, the formations of the cover ring in the distance space between the support disk and the main blade. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Schneidkörper- and knife assembly at least partially immersed in the pump sump, wherein the pump sump is formed as a flat cylindrical body with mounting flange for the task vessel and a radially or tangentially oriented suction. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number and / or shape of the cutting blocks used between deck and foot ring is variable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number and / or shape of the knives and the active disks is variable. Method for operating a shredder for food and food waste, in particular in the gastronomic sector, consisting of a feed hopper with conical transition to a motor-driven cutting unit with at least one rotating cutting blade, a pump assembly with pump sump and a control unit with the following steps: - Injecting a predetermined amount of process water in the task vessel; - Activation of the cutting unit by driving the motor drive; Time-delayed switching on of the pump arrangement; - controlled changing the direction of rotation of the cutting unit; - time-controlled shutdown of the cutting unit and then switching off the pump assembly; - After switching off the pump assembly short-term continuation of the injection of the process water quantity and - Stop the shredding process. A method according to claim 14, characterized by a continuous load monitoring of the motor drive and triggering a change of direction of rotation of the cutting unit when detected load exceeding and continuous determination of the pressure of a connected to the pump sump piping for detecting possible blockages.

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