DE202012102261U1 - Wetzwerkzeug, in particular sharpening steel or Wetzgerät with pivoting sharpening - Google Patents

Abstract

Sharpening tool (1) for honing and / or sharpening blades, in particular knife blades, characterized in that the sharpening tool (1) is provided with a radio identification means (5).

Description

The invention relates to a Wetzwerkzeug for removing and / or sharpening blades, in particular knife blades.

Such Wetzwerkzeuge are known for example as Sintered from the DE 20 2010 006 588 U1 , or as Wetzgeräte with pivoting sharpening from the DE 20 2011 051 400 U1 ,

High standards of hygiene must be respected in food processing establishments in order to prevent the spread of germs through the processed or processed food (in particular meat and fish, but also fruit and vegetables) and to exclude infections or even diseases of people consuming these foods.

From the EP 1 247 216 B1 It is known, in a slaughterhouse, to provide knives and gloves with RFID tags (RFID = radio frequency identification) and to pass through RFID readers arranged at treatment and storage stations, cleaning station and at room entrances automatically to register.

This system allows for a certain effort a very safe monitoring of the circulation of the knives and gloves, so that a contamination can be reliably detected by moving into a hygienically unsafe area or overdue cleaning.

However, it has been found that even with the application of this system it can lead to hygiene problems in a food processing plant, with germs can reach the food via the knife.

Object of the invention

The invention has for its object to make in a food processing plant, especially in a slaughterhouse, easily achievable an improved standard of hygiene.

Brief description of the invention

This object is achieved in a surprisingly simple but effective manner by a Wetzwerkzeug of the aforementioned type, which is characterized in that the Wetzwerkzeug is provided with a radio identification means.

With the cutting tool according to the invention, it is possible to monitor the circulation of cutting tools for knives in a food processing plant via radio identification. As a result, regular cleaning of the sharpening tools can be ensured, and, if appropriate, also a movement of sharpening tools into a hygienically unsafe (i.e., potentially contaminated) area can be revealed.

Wetzwerkzeuge come in many cases with knife blades in touch, in particular, various knives can be removed at the same Wetzwerkzeug. This allows germs on wetting tools to indirectly contaminate a variety of foods that are processed with the peeled knives. This source of danger has not been addressed by suitable monitoring, possibly because the tools do not even come into contact with the food.

By the invention, circumstances indicating a cleaning or special cleaning of a Wetzwerkzeugs can be easily detected; completed cleanings can be easily logged.

The wiping tool provided with a radio-monitoring means (such as an RFID tag) can be easily monitored for its location in a food processing facility by suitable transceiver units (readers). In particular, can be easily revealed by suitably positioned readers when a wrenching tool is improperly (ie without cleaning) from a hygienic unsafe area in a hygienic safe area (also called sanitary area) spent, and also can be registered if a cleaning of the Wetzwerkzeugs ( in accordance with regulations). For this purpose, readers are typically arranged at all access points of a hygienically safe area as well as at all cleaning systems. If desired, existing readers for monitoring the blade circulation can also be used to monitor the tool circulation.

If a worker inadvertently moves a cutting tool in an improper manner, for example from a hygienically unsafe area to a hygienically safe area without cleaning, an alarm message can be issued and the access for the cutting tool (including the worker, if applicable) blocked.

The identification by means of radio identification means can be done without contact and automatically and in particular in the background without a special verification action on the part of a worker. This makes the monitoring of the sharpening tools particularly safe.

Preferred embodiments of the invention

Particularly preferred is an embodiment of the Wetzwerkzeugs invention, in which the radio identification means is an RFID tag. RFID tags have proven to be radio frequency identification devices due to their high reliability and low cost. An RFID tag comprises at least one RF antenna (RF = radio frequency) and an RFID chip. Simple RFID tags are applied to a flexible carrier, often provided with an adhesive layer; however, the RFID tag preferably also includes a rigid plastic sheath for the RFID chip and the RF antenna. The RFID chip stores a code (for example a number) which can be uniquely identified by the wrenching tool and read out by an RFID reader. The RFID tag is preferably passive, d. H. it draws energy, if necessary, from irradiated high frequency (= HF) radiation of a read-out code RFID reader. As above trained RFID tags are commercially available. The RFID tag is preferably permanently attached to the Wetzwerkzeug.

In an advantageous embodiment, the wireless identification means is adhered to the outside of the Wetzwerkzeug. This attachment is particularly simple and requires no special design or adaptation of a Wetzwerkzeugs. As a rule, an edge-free, preferably substantially flat surface is selected for gluing the radio-frequency identification means. The reception of radio waves is not affected.

Alternatively, it is provided in one embodiment that the radio identification means is arranged in the interior of the Wetzwerkzeugs. This protects the radio-frequency identification device well against mechanical damage. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the radio identification means may be well hidden (i.e., not visible from outside) on the cutting tool to prevent wanton worker removal; Unfortunately, it has been found that workers in food processing plants, especially slaughter and cutting operations, feel constrained by radio monitoring and occasionally remove identifiable radio identification means. For a hidden attachment is particularly suitable attachment of the radio identification means in a handle part.

In a particularly preferred development of this embodiment, the radio-identification means is arranged within a part of the whetting tool made of plastic or predominantly of plastic. Plastics usually hinder penetration of radio waves only slightly, whereby a good readability can be ensured. Also, recordings for the radio identification means can be set up well in plastic.

It is preferred if the part made of plastic or predominantly made of plastic is a handle part of the Wetzwerkzeugs. The handle portion (to allow good access by a worker) is typically of sufficient diameter to accommodate a radio identification means such that the handle portion is well suited for receiving the radio identification means; The cutting tool is neither enlarged nor impaired by the recording.

It is also possible here that the radio identification agent is encapsulated by plastic. As a result, the radio identification means is kept very secure, and can not be removed without authorization.

In another development it is provided that the Wetzwerkzeug forms a cavity in which the radio identification means is inserted, and that the cavity is closed by a cover. This attachment is relatively easy, and in particular requires no interference with the injection molding of plastic parts. The cover member may be irreversibly attached, whereby unauthorized removal of the radio identification means can be prevented.

Preferably, the cover is locked in Wetzwerkzeug. This prevents inadvertent opening of the cavity and loss of the radio identification means. Alternatively, for example, a screw can be provided to facilitate replacement of the radio identification means.

Advantageously, a fastening ring is arranged on the cover part. This makes it possible to freely hang the whetting tool on a hook or the like so that it does not need to be deposited on a possibly soiled surface between uses. The sharpening tool is typically designed as a sharpening steel, and the cover is arranged at the rear end of the handle.

In another advantageous embodiment, the radio identification means is attached to the cutting tool with a crimp holder. This attachment is relatively simple, and does not hinder the reception of radio waves. The crimp-holder surrounds with several noses (usually metal nose) the radio identification means and keeps it captive on the Wetzwerkzeug.

In a preferred embodiment, the whetting tool is designed as a sharpening steel. The Blade of a knife can be removed at a flat angle (about 15 °) on an approximately rod-shaped sharpening steel to restore the sharpness of the knife. A sharpening steel is a particularly simple, yet proven wrenching tool.

In an alternative, advantageous embodiment it is provided that the sharpening tool is designed as a sharpening device with two pivotable sharpening stirrups which intersect in the region of a guide slot for the blade. With such Wetzgeräten sharpening a knife blade is easily possible for the layman.

The scope of the present invention also includes an identification system comprising at least one inventive sharpening tool described above and at least one transmitting / receiving unit for reading out the radio identification means. With the identification system, the circulation of the Wetzwerkzeugs can be tracked to ensure the timely provision of necessary cleaning measures (including special cleaning).

The invention further comprises a food processing plant, in particular slaughtering or cutting operation, with at least one inventive identification system described above, in particular for monitoring a hygiene area of the food processing plant. This can improve the hygiene standard in the food processing plant. Situations requiring cleaning or special cleaning of the sharpening tool can be reliably detected. In the hygiene sector, food (such as meat, fish, fruit or vegetables) is processed under low-germ and low-pollution conditions.

Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and the drawings. Likewise, according to the invention, the above-mentioned features and those which are still further developed can each be used individually for themselves or for a plurality of combinations of any kind. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as exhaustive enumeration, but rather have exemplary character for the description of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention and drawing

The invention is illustrated in the drawing and will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments. Show it:

1 a schematic exploded view of a first embodiment of a Wetzwerkzeugs invention, which is designed as sharpening steel, with a hollow handle part;

2 the whetting tool of 1 in the assembled state, in a schematic oblique view;

3 a schematic cross section through the Wetzwerkzeug of 2 at level III level (cf. 2 ) in the region of the handle part;

4 a schematic cross-section through a second embodiment of a Wetzwerkzeugs invention, which is designed as sharpening steel, with a longitudinally divided handle part;

5 a schematic cross-section through a third embodiment of a Wetzwerkzeugs invention, which is designed as sharpening steel, with a cast in the handle radio identification means;

6 a schematic plan view of a fourth embodiment of a Wetzwerkzeugs invention, which is designed as Wetzgerät with two sharpening, with glued radio identification means;

7a a schematic plan view of a fifth embodiment of a Wetzwerkzeugs invention, which is designed as Wetzgerät with two sharpening, with cast radio identification;

7b a schematic cross section through the Wetzgerät of 7a at level VIIb, in the area of a handle;

8th a schematic plan view of a sixth embodiment of a Wetzwerkzeugs invention, which is designed as Wetzgerät with two sharpening, with Crimpeding for a radio identification;

9 a schematic representation of a sanitary area of a slaughterhouse, which is monitored with an identification system according to the invention.

In 1 . 2 and 3 is a schematic wrench tool 1 illustrated, wherein the Wetzwerkzeug as a substantially rod-shaped sharpening steel 1a is trained. The sharpening steel 1a has a sharpening part 2 and a handle part 3 , the sharpener 2 is fastened.

The handle part 3 is made of plastic here and has a cavity 4 (see the cross section in 3 ), in which a radio identification means 5 , here an RFID tag 5a with an RFID chip 6 and a two-part antenna 7a . 7b , is inserted. RFID stands for "radio frequency identification". The RFID tag 5a can from the back end 8th in the handle part 3 be introduced. Said rear end 8th can then with a plug-like cover 9 to which a fastening ring 10 is formed to be closed, preferably wherein the plug-like cover member 9 permanently in the handle 3 locked. Inside the handle part 3 the RFID tag is well protected against mechanical damage.

4 illustrates in schematic cross-section an alternative embodiment of a handle portion of a sharpening steel similar to that in Figs 1 to 3 shown. The handle part 3 is here by two half-shells 11a . 11b trained, the by noses behind each other 12 locked together. Between the half-shells 11a . 11b is a cavity 4 for an inserted radio identification device 5 formed, wherein the cavity 4 through both half-shells 11a . 11b is limited. The in the 4 upper half shell 11a Can also be used as a cover for the cavity 4 be understood.

In the 5 is another alternative embodiment of a handle portion of a sharpening steel, similar to the 1 to 3 shown, shown in schematic cross section. Here is the radio identification device 5 in the plastic of the handle part 3 poured, whereby a particularly secure storage of the radio-frequency identification device 5 is guaranteed.

6 shows an embodiment of a Wetzwerkzeugs invention 1 as a sharpening device 1b with two swiveling sharpening bars 13a . 13b is trained. The actually of a plastic housing 14 concealed sharpening bow 13a . 13b are indicated by dashed lines in the figure. The sharpening bars 13a . 13b are in 6 shown in their initial position, from which they can each be swung out against a spring force when a knife blade (not shown) through a central guide slot 15 of the Wetzgeräts 1b is pulled with a slight downward movement; while the crossing point of the sharpening hanger wanders 13a . 13b along the guide slot 15 downward.

On the outside of the plastic housing 14 is a radio identification device 5 , here again an RFID tag 5a , by means of the RFID tag 5a comprehensive adhesive film 16 (For example, from a transparent plastic, such as Tesa ^® film) glued. This type of attachment to the sharpener 1b is particularly simple, and can also be retrofitted to existing Wetzgeräten 1b respectively.

7a shows an alternative attachment of a radio identification means 5 on a sharpening device 1b similar to in 6 shown. Here is in the range of one of the two handle parts 17a . 17b of the plastic housing 14 , namely the left handle part 17a , the radio identification device 5 together with a frame component 18 in the plastic of the handle part 17a cast in, see also the cross section of 7b at level VIIb. The frame component 18 , which is typically made of steel, just on the radio identification means 5 concern the readability of the radio-frequency identification device 5 can improve.

Because the radio identification means 5 is not visible from the outside, its position is in 7a indicated only by dashed lines.

The 8th illustrates another alternative mounting of a radio identification device 5 on a sharpening device 1b , again similar to the one in 6 shown Wetzgerät. In this embodiment is on the outside of the Wetzgeräts 1b a crimp holder 19 with here six metal nose 20 pointing to the radio identification device 5 bent, arranged.

9 shows a schematic representation of a room 21 of a slaughterhouse passing through walls 21a is limited and a sanitary area HB, in which a low germ count is to be met, represented. In the room 21 become pigs here 24 that have a transport system 25 be delivered by workers to workstations 26a - 26c disassembled. The slaughterhouse is with an identification system according to the invention for sharpening tools, here Wetzstähle 1a , fitted. The hygiene system HB is monitored with the identification system.

The space 21 has a single access 22 for workers (people), namely a door. At this door is a first transmitting / receiving unit 23a set up with the radio identification means attached to the steels 1a are attached, can be read out automatically. The radio identification means are all sharpening steels 1a clearly distinguishable from each other. The sharpening steels 1a should the room 21 basically not left. With the first transceiver 23a Therefore, when reading a wireless identification means of a sharpening steel 1a when passing the access 22 or the door is triggered an alarm. A sharpening steel accidentally brought through the door to the outside of the sanitary area HB 1a is subjected to a special cleaning.

In the room 21 is still a cleaning station (cleaning system) 27 especially for the sharpening steels 1a established. At the only, door-secured access opening here 28 of the cleaning station 27 is a second send / receive unit 23b arranged, with the every bringing of a sharpening steel 1a in the cleaning station 27 and from the cleaning station 27 is registered out with time. This can easily determine if a sharpening steel 1a is cleaned at prescribed intervals, or a cleaning was forgotten. If desired, an alert message may be issued if a particular sharpening steel 1a must be subjected to cleaning immediately, and / or a cleaning is already overdue.

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

• DE 202010006588 U1 [0002]
• DE 202011051400 U1 [0002]
• EP 1247216 B1 [0004]

Claims (15)

Whetting tool ( 1 ) for removing and / or sharpening blades, in particular knife blades, characterized in that the cutting tool ( 1 ) with a radio identification means ( 5 ) is provided. Whetting tool ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the radio identification means ( 5 ) an RFID tag ( 5a ). Whetting tool ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the radio identification means ( 5 ) outside on the Wetzwerkzeug ( 1 ) is glued. Whetting tool ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the radio identification means ( 5 ) inside the whetting tool ( 1 ) is arranged. Whetting tool ( 1 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the radio identification means ( 5 ) within a plastic or predominantly plastic part of the whetting tool ( 1 ) is arranged. Whetting tool ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the part made of plastic or mainly made of plastic, a handle part ( 3 ) of the whetting tool ( 1 ). Whetting tool ( 1 ) according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the radio identification means ( 5 ) is encapsulated by plastic. Whetting tool ( 1 ) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the cutting tool ( 1 ) a cavity ( 4 ) in which the radio identification means ( 5 ) is inserted, and that the cavity ( 4 ) by a cover ( 9 ) is closed. Whetting tool ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the cover part ( 9 ) in the sharpening tool ( 1 ) is locked. Whetting tool ( 1 ) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that on the cover ( 9 ) a fastening ring ( 10 ) is arranged. Whetting tool ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the radio identification means ( 5 ) with a crimp holder ( 19 ) on the sharpening tool ( 1 ) is attached. Whetting tool ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the cutting tool ( 1 ) as a sharpening steel ( 1a ) is trained. Whetting tool ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the cutting tool ( 1 ) as a sharpening device ( 1b ) with two pivoting sharpening bars ( 13a . 13b ) located in the region of a guide slot ( 15 ) for the blade, is formed. Identification system comprising at least one sharpening tool ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one transmitting / receiving unit ( 23a . 23b ) for reading out the radio identification means ( 5 ). Food processing plant, in particular slaughtering or cutting operation, with at least one identification system according to claim 14, in particular for monitoring a sanitary area (HB) of the food processing plant.

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