EP0842018B1 - Ultrasonic cutting device - Google Patents

Ultrasonic cutting device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0842018B1
EP0842018B1 EP96922938A EP96922938A EP0842018B1 EP 0842018 B1 EP0842018 B1 EP 0842018B1 EP 96922938 A EP96922938 A EP 96922938A EP 96922938 A EP96922938 A EP 96922938A EP 0842018 B1 EP0842018 B1 EP 0842018B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cutting
disk
disks
coupled
coupling element
Prior art date
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Expired - Lifetime
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EP96922938A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0842018A1 (en
Inventor
Henri Michoud
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Unir
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Unir
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Classifications

    • 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
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B06—GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS IN GENERAL
    • B06B—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, e.g. FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL
    • B06B3/00—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for transmitting mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency
    • 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
    • B26D1/0006—Cutting members therefor
    • 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
    • B26D1/14—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 circular cutting member, e.g. disc cutter
    • B26D1/143—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 circular cutting member, e.g. disc cutter rotating about a stationary axis
    • B26D1/15—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 circular cutting member, e.g. disc cutter rotating about a stationary axis with vertical cutting member
    • B26D1/151—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 circular cutting member, e.g. disc cutter rotating about a stationary axis with vertical cutting member for thin material, e.g. for sheets, strips or the like
    • 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
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06M—TREATMENT, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN CLASS D06, OF FIBRES, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR FIBROUS GOODS MADE FROM SUCH MATERIALS
    • D06M10/00—Physical treatment of fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics, or fibrous goods made from such materials, e.g. ultrasonic, corona discharge, irradiation, electric currents, or magnetic fields; Physical treatment combined with treatment with chemical compounds or elements
    • D06M10/02—Physical treatment of fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics, or fibrous goods made from such materials, e.g. ultrasonic, corona discharge, irradiation, electric currents, or magnetic fields; Physical treatment combined with treatment with chemical compounds or elements ultrasonic or sonic; Corona discharge
    • 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
    • B26D1/0006—Cutting members therefor
    • B26D2001/0053—Cutting members therefor having a special cutting edge section or blade section
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S83/00—Cutting
    • Y10S83/929—Particular nature of work or product
    • Y10S83/932—Edible
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S83/00—Cutting
    • Y10S83/956—Ultrasonic
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T83/00—Cutting
    • Y10T83/768—Rotatable disc tool pair or tool and carrier
    • Y10T83/7872—Tool element mounted for adjustment
    • Y10T83/7876—Plural, axially spaced tool elements
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T83/00—Cutting
    • Y10T83/97—Miscellaneous

Definitions

  • the subject of the present invention is a ultrasonic cutting device comprising a ultrasonic generator with natural frequency data, coupled with a cutting tool.
  • the vibrating blade cutting technique ultrasonic ensures a clean cut, but at the expense of speed, given that speed linear displacement of products and therefore speed linear cutting is limited to a speed which does not in practice hardly exceeds one meter per minute.
  • the GB 2219245 patent application concerns a ultrasonic cutting device which implements at least one blade, possibly rotatable, and corresponds in the preamble to claim 1. This device is not not optimal.
  • the subject of the present invention is a improved ultrasonic cutting device, which allows in particular to reach linear speeds cutting several meters per minute, and can reach 10 meters / minute.
  • Another object of the invention is a cutting device allowing cutting without removal of material.
  • Another object of the invention is a cutting device which can be used for products known to be difficult to cut, such as pastry, bread or even sandwich bread, found in the hot state at the exit of a baking oven.
  • Another object of the invention is a cutting device which can be easily cleaned, and which in particular can be cleaned by continuous, so as to allow cutting in high cleanliness conditions.
  • Another object of the invention is a cutting device with improved coupling between the ultrasound generator and the cutting tool.
  • the cutting device according to the invention is defined in claim 1.
  • the device according to the invention thus presents a cutting tool which is a disc driven in rotation, and the ultrasound generator is coupled to a central region of the disc by means coupling, said central region being arranged on a amplitude belly of the ultrasonic vibrations produced by the ultrasound generator in a given mode.
  • Such device is simpler than the complex set described in GB patent application 2282559 which has two synchronous ultrasonic generators coupled to the periphery of cutting discs by flared parts in bell.
  • the cutting device according to the invention therefore uses a conventional ultrasonic generator, and the coupling means according to the invention has the function of transform a movement directed along the axis of the disc into a movement which vibrates the surface of the disc perpendicular to this axis, either in a radial mode, preferably in a bending mode.
  • the coupling means comprises a bar, the length of which is advantageously equal to half the wavelength ( ⁇ ) corresponding, for the material making up the bar, to the natural frequency f of the ultrasound generator.
  • Said bar has an upstream end coupled to the ultrasonic generator, as well as a downstream end coupled to the disc, the bar having a non-constant and decreasing section from upstream to downstream.
  • the bar preferably has an upstream region of length ⁇ / 4, a downstream region of length ⁇ / 4, the downstream region having a constant section, less than that, also constant, of the upstream region.
  • the coupling means also includes a coupling element of length ⁇ / 2 which extends the bar and which has a free end so as to ensure the wave return.
  • This coupling element can be a cylindrical resonator, the central region of the disc then being placed on an amplitude belly longitudinal, so as to allow the preferred mode excitation of the disc by bending vibrations.
  • the central region of the disc is advantageously sandwiched between the downstream end of the bar and the upstream end of the coupling element.
  • the invention also relates to a device characterized in that the cutting unit includes a plurality of disks comprising at least one upstream disk coupled to the downstream end of the bar and a downstream disc coupled to the upstream end of said coupling element, the coupling element having a free downstream end, and in that the discs are spaced apart by intermediate coupling spacers so as to be placed on bellies of vibrations inducing their displacement in bending mode.
  • the invention finally relates to a device characterized in that the cutting unit includes a plurality of disks comprising at least one upstream disk coupled to the downstream end of the bar and a downstream disc coupled to the upstream end of said coupling element, the coupling element having a free downstream end, and in that the discs are spaced apart by intermediate coupling spacers so as to be arranged with a pitch p substantially equal to a quarter of the wavelength and shifted by an eighth in length wave compared to bellies of inducing vibrations their displacement in bending mode.
  • the unit cutting machine has a central axis on which are mounted the spacers and the ultrasound generator and a clamping device cooperating with the axis for clamping the discs positioned between the spacers.
  • the discs may have recesses in a ring retaining the symmetry of revolution of discs. This allows the weight to be reduced without altering device performance.
  • the cutting unit can include a device for adjusting, preferably individually, the disc clamping force.
  • the device can be characterized in that it comprises n said cutting units each having a plurality of discs spaced between them by nxa and which are offset with respect to each other so as to produce cuts of equal thickness a .
  • Said given mode is preferably essentially devoid of flexion of the coupling elements, in particular spacers.
  • the coupling element is a profiled part
  • the diameter is preferably substantially equal to ⁇ / 2
  • the central region of the disc is arranged on a belly of radial amplitude, that is to say on a node of longitudinal amplitude.
  • the region disc center can be arranged between two regions of equal length of the profiled part, these so-called regions of equal length which can then be symmetrical by compared to the disc, and have a diameter going decreasing as the distance to the disc increases.
  • the invention also relates to a use of the device as defined above, for cutting products such as bread, sliced bread or pastry more particularly in the hot state, especially when removing these products from the oven.
  • the device according to the invention can also be used in particular for cutting raw meat products or cooked, or salting products.
  • the frequency of the ultrasonic generator is advantageously between 20 and 40 KHz and the speed disc rotation between 100 and 800 revolutions / minute.
  • the vibrational amplitude of the disc is advantageously between 15 and 25 ⁇ .
  • the linear speed of product movement to be cut is advantageously between 2 and 10 meters / minute, which ensures industrial rates significantly improved compared to cutting tools known ultrasound, using a knife or a reciprocating saw.
  • the invention also relates to a method of ultrasonic cutting of a product, characterized in that it implements a device as defined above.
  • the cutting is carried out on a product out of the oven and in the state hot, the cutting being followed by a conditioning of the product, which provides very high quality of cleanliness.
  • a conditioning of the product which provides very high quality of cleanliness.
  • white bread we can avoid the step previously necessary cooling and bleeding which involves a fairly long time during which the product is exposed in the open air, resulting in microbial contamination, weight loss of the product, a loss of softness of this one, and the need to submit the product before drying at a specific decontamination stage to ensure its subsequent conservation.
  • the invention therefore relates to a device for cutting which can be used in conditions of relatively difficult cutting, especially in the case of pastry or sandwich bread leaving hot from oven.
  • it is particularly difficult, for example, to cut thin slices out of a loaf of bread crumb which has just been cooked.
  • sweating up to 24 hours and during which the loaf looses part of its humidity.
  • the sliced bread is then cut and put in a bag.
  • This operation has the disadvantage, besides exposing the product in the open air and contaminate it, drive to a product that is less mellow than it could have been cut immediately and, although subject to specific decontamination step, including the duration of conservation is relatively limited.
  • the fact of cut the product in the hot state and bag it immediately after avoids all aforementioned drawbacks and leads to a product whose organoleptic qualities are improved and whose duration conservation is significantly increased.
  • the cutting of a solid material is obtained at the continuation of three phenomena occurring successively, namely elastic deformation, deformation plastic and the spread of a breaking line.
  • the energy is used to advance the crack and it's therefore completely consumed by the creation of new surfaces.
  • the interest of the cutting technique by ultrasound according to the invention as described below is to change this behavior and allow, through the use of a tool, preferably circular, devoid of teeth, and set in vibration, to arrive at a regular spacing of the material to be cut and at a clean cutting of the product preferably without removal matter.
  • the cutting being carried out by a disc which is always rotating avoids the disadvantages of ultrasonic knives which since they are subject with reciprocating motion, have their own speed which is canceled with each reversal of the direction of movement, this which is a major drawback in the case of "sticky" products which quickly tend to clog the knife blade, which cannot be cleaned without interrupt cutting.
  • products such as sandwich loaves, designated by the general reference 1 are baked in an oven 2 and then are brought to an advancing device 3, such as a conveyor belt, moving longitudinally in the direction of arrow F 1 to a cutting installation comprising one or more discs 5 rotated in the direction of arrow F 2 around their central part 4.
  • the installation optionally includes a guillotine cutting device 6 actuated in the direction of arrow F 3 and intended to perform a transverse slicing upstream or, as shown, downstream of the disc 5.
  • the product cut in the hot state is then placed on a second feed device 7 towards a bagging installation 9 during which the products 1 are packaged in sachets 8.
  • the rotating disc 5 is subjected to ultrasonic vibrations generated by a device that will be described below and which makes it possible to achieve high linear speeds of the transport device 3, while allowing cutting of thin slices in sliced bread from the oven.
  • the disc is not in contact with the product to be cut only on part of its circumference, it can be cleaned and / or permanently disinfected by a device 50 known in itself.
  • FIG. 2 a represents an ultrasonic transmitter known per se, designated by the general reference 10. It consists of a sandwich of piezoelectric ceramics 11, composed for example of two discs, prestressed between two metallic masses, namely a horn 12 and a counter-mass 14. The whole vibrates in mechanical resonance with the electrical excitation supplied by the generator 11.
  • an alternating voltage dV is applied to ceramics to which corresponds an alternative variation of the electric field dE, d 'resulting in an alternative thickness variation of dT ceramics.
  • Each variation in thickness dT then corresponds to a variation in pressure dP.
  • the application of an alternating voltage dV across the terminals of the transmitter thus formed induces pressure waves which, from the two ceramic discs, are reflected at the ends 16 and 18 of the transmitter.
  • the length of a bar is dimensioned to a value such that the frequency of the longitudinal vibrations of it corresponds exactly to the frequency f of electrical excitation, the bar becomes the seat of standing waves and vibrates in resonance with the electrical excitation.
  • This condition is obtained for a bar 10 whose total length, between the end faces 16 and 18, is equal to ⁇ / 2, ⁇ denoting the wavelength in the bar corresponding to the frequency f .
  • the ceramics 11 are placed in the center and the pavilion 12 and the counterweight 13 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the ceramics 11.
  • vibrations of the transmitter 11 that we can obtain in practice are of the order of 10 to 14 ⁇ peak to peak depending on the type of generator used, it amplification of these vibrations is necessary to obtain sufficient amplitudes.
  • a metal bar of length ⁇ / 2 is attached to the transmitter, tuned to the natural frequency of the transmitter, for example 20KHz.
  • the bar 20 comprises a first section 22 of length ⁇ / 4 having a constant section S 1 which is larger than the also constant section S 2 of the second section 24, also of length ⁇ / 4.
  • the face 26 of the section 22 is attached to the face 18 of the counter-mass 14.
  • the diagram of the amplitudes and the stresses is represented in FIG. 2 c , on which the movement of the face 16 is represented by the curve x O , the movement of the faces 18 and 26 by the curve x 1 and the movement of the face 28 of the section 24 by the curve x 2 .
  • Disc 5 can only be excited from its center 4, i.e. from its axis of rotation, it is imperative to transform the movement initial axial in radial movement oriented in the plane of the disk.
  • the disc 5 is sandwiched between the face 28 of the section 24 and the face 32 of a resonator 30 which is a cylindrical bar of length ⁇ / 2 which ends in a free end face 34.
  • the bar 30 acts as a resonator and its role is to ensure the return of waves under the mechanical resonance conditions of the assembly.
  • the transformation of movement is ensured by the fact that the disc 5 is located, as shown by the curve a 1 of longitudinal amplitude, on a belly of longitudinal amplitude v 1 . It vibrates in a bending mode regardless of its diameter.
  • FIG. 3b implements an element 40 intended to ensure the transformation of the axial movement into radial movement. It is fixed in the vicinity of a belly of radial amplitude V r corresponding to a node of axial amplitude.
  • the element 40 is generally cylindrical in shape and has an upstream section 46 whose face 42 is contiguous to the face 28 of the section 24 and a downstream section 48 having a free face 44.
  • the disc 5 is disposed in the center of the element 40 between two crown regions 45 and 47 of larger diameter than that of regions 46 and 48 to which they are connected by rounded profiles 41 and 43. Regions 46 and 48 have a diameter greater than that of region 24, and in the example shown, substantially equal to that of region 22.
  • the length of element 40, comprised between these faces 42 and 44 is equal to ⁇ / 2 and the disc 5 is therefore placed at a distance ⁇ / 4 of the face 28. Under these conditions, it is fixed in the vicinity of a belly of radial amplitude V r , as shown by the curve a r of FIG. 3 c .
  • a conical profile. should be adopted for a thickness at the base of the order of 10 mm.
  • the regions 45 and 47 of the element 40 have a diameter close to ⁇ / 2, which thus creates radially resonance conditions. This is what makes it possible to obtain a radial amplitude sufficient to excite the disc 5.
  • parts 12, 14, 20 and 30 can advantageously be carried out TA6V titanium alloy which has excellent elastic properties and which, being biocompatible, is therefore chemically inert towards the products to cut.
  • this alloy is stainless, easily machinable and affordable for applications to consider.
  • the alloy aforementioned may of course be recommended, but it is better to use for this wear part which is likely to be replaced, a less expensive alloy such as a stainless steel alloy of the type used for conventional cutting tools, in particular the Z200C13 alloy which combines all the qualities sought to know: chemical inertia, machinability, high hardness and acceptable cost. Its properties elastic are lower than those of the alloy of aforementioned titanium, but are sufficient for the application to consider.
  • a cutting disc diameter 600 mm allows to cut a product of 280 mm height. It is possible to cut products even higher, to the detriment of the finesse of cutting, since in this case you have to increase the thickness of the blade.
  • the assembly in radial mode has a resonant frequency which depends on the diameter of the disc 5.
  • the diameter resonating at 4OKHz is around 200 mm.
  • Figures 4a and 4b show two variants machines especially for slicing bread products or pastries, for example to determine a soft bread whose height is approximately 120 mm, the thickness of the slices to be produced is 12 mm ⁇ 1 mm.
  • the blades (discs 5) being offset, the cutting front is no longer parallel and can pose difficulties when product engagement.
  • the spacing between the discs 5 allows to use a lower frequency more compatible with the dimensions of the discs 5. Difficulties that may arise during bread engagement is not important. Attempts on the single disc prototype showed penetration of the blade in the bread markedly improved by the presence of ultrasound. For systems sufficiently nested, the bread does not separate unexpectedly. Of more, ultrasound greatly reduces the coefficient of apparent friction of the material on the discs in vibration therefore a priori the discs 5 do not tend to remember the bread during its passage.
  • the set of disks 5 of each unit of cutting is coupled to the same axis vibrated by an ultrasound generator.
  • Discs 5 are positioned at a belly of longitudinal vibrations (or near a belly of vibrations).
  • the clamping force of the discs 5 so as to ensure good coupling of ultrasound and in particular a homogeneous displacement amplitude on all discs, which can be advantageously obtained by an adjustment individual tightening of discs 5, for example the flanges 92 are threaded and can be tightened on the centering region 98 itself threaded.
  • the discs are mounted on an axis 97 by means of spacers 90 which slide along axis 97 and which come sandwich the discs 5, a tightening of the whole being provided by a plug 99 so as to obtain good support of the discs 5 and a surface of increased transmission in contact with discs 5.
  • a first mode is around 30kHz and allows from a good displacement in translation to level of the spacers 90 to induce a movement of disc bending 5.
  • the second mode which is around 36 kHz puts against the same bending of the spacers 90 in contact with the discs 5.
  • the shape of the blade has some influence on the frequency: the lighter it is and especially the more elastic, the more significant the drop in frequency.
  • the blade diameter being fixed at 300 mm, we can lighten disc 5 by hollowing it out regularly according to rings 101 (see box in Figure 5).
  • the blade in disc shape remains symmetrical in revolution.
  • the thickness of the blade of 2.5 mm at the start is set at 2 mm for reasons of mass to vibrate and improved elasticity.
  • spacers 90 having straight tubular shapes, provided at their ends of additional flanges 91 and 92 are centering on each other and also centering the discs 5 (figure 5). 5 disc-shaped blades are regularly spaced so as to be located at vibration bellies, corresponding to a setting vibration of the discs 5 in bending mode.
  • the nominal operating frequency is 32.2 kHz.
  • a nodal plan 21 in the amplifier part 22 allows to come fix if necessary is, a stainless steel plate which will isolate the slicing for ultra-cleanliness issues.
  • An embodiment for lowering the operating frequency consists in placing the blades or discs 5 with a constant pitch p substantially equal to a quarter wavelength, these being at this effect offset longitudinally by about an eighth of wavelength ( ⁇ / 8) relative to the bellies of longitudinal vibrations (see fig. 6). With a step of 50 mm, the frequency is around 22 kHz, for the example shown in Figure 5.
  • the diameter of the blades we choose the diameter of the blades, their pitch and the geometric characteristics of the parts that compose it (spacers, etc ).
  • a calculation for example by the finite element method allows to determine the value of the wavelength ⁇ corresponding to the structure.
  • This wavelength ⁇ depends on the configuration of the rooms, i.e. in its determination comes in a form factor.
  • the cutting unit shown in Figure 5 uses 90 tubular spacers and a rod 97 tightened by a plug 99, this situation influencing the wavelength value.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Forests & Forestry (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Surgical Instruments (AREA)
  • Food-Manufacturing Devices (AREA)
  • Perforating, Stamping-Out Or Severing By Means Other Than Cutting (AREA)
  • Knives (AREA)
  • Control And Other Processes For Unpacking Of Materials (AREA)
  • Apparatuses For Generation Of Mechanical Vibrations (AREA)

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/FR96/00932 Sec. 371 Date Mar. 25, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Mar. 25, 1998 PCT Filed Jun. 18, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO97/00159 PCT Pub. Date Jan. 3, 1997The invention relates to an ultrasound cutting device comprising an ultrasound generator having a given natural frequency, coupled to a cutting tool. The cutting tool is a disk that is driven in rotation, and the ultrasound generator is coupled to a central region of the disk by a coupling means, said central region being disposed on an amplitude antinode of the ultrasound vibration produced by the ultrasound generator.

Description

La présente invention a pour objet un dispositif de découpage par ultrasons comportant un générateur d'ultrasons présentant une fréquence propre donnée, couplé à un outil de découpe.The subject of the present invention is a ultrasonic cutting device comprising a ultrasonic generator with natural frequency data, coupled with a cutting tool.

Le découpage industriel, en particulier de produits alimentaires, peut être réalisé à l'aide d'un certain nombre de techniques disponibles incluant des dispositifs traditionnels, tels que les dispositifs de découpe à guillotine, ou bien encore des dispositifs qui ont fait l'objet-de développements relativement récents, tels que la découpe des aliments au jet d'eau supersonique. Cette dernière technique fait en particulier l'objet d'un Article de Jean-Luc BOUTONNIER, publié dans la Revue des ENIL (n° 163), pages 5 à 12.Industrial division, in particular of food products, can be achieved with a number of techniques available including traditional devices, such as guillotine cutting, or even devices that have been the subject of relatively recent developments, such as waterjet cutting of food supersonic. The latter technique does especially the subject of an article by Jean-Luc BOUTONNIER, published in the ENIL Review (n ° 163), pages 5 to 12.

Une autre technique connue et relativement récente est celle du couteau à ultrasons. En particulier, une unité de découpage qui est décrite dans la Demande de Brevet japonais n°4-75898, déposée par la Société NIGATA et publiée le 10 mars 1992, met en oeuvre des couteaux à ultrasons qui sont animés de mouvements alternatifs, chaque couteau étant mis en vibrations par un générateur d'ultrasons qui est simplement couplé à une extrémité de la lame du couteau de manière à faire vibrer celle-ci. Une technique similaire est décrite dans la Demande de Brevet japonais JP-122 2892, également de la Société NIGATA, publiée le 6 septembre 1989.Another known and relatively recent is that of the ultrasonic knife. In particular, a cutting unit which is described in the Application for Japanese patent n ° 4-75898, registered by the company NIGATA and published on March 10, 1992, implements knives to ultrasounds which are driven by alternative movements, each knife being vibrated by a generator of ultrasound which is simply coupled to one end of the blade of the knife so as to vibrate it. A similar technique is described in the Application for Japanese patent JP-122 2892, also from the Company NIGATA, published September 6, 1989.

La technique de découpage par lames vibrantes par ultrasons permet d'assurer une découpe propre, mais au détriment de la rapidité, étant donné que la vitesse linéaire de déplacement des produits et donc la vitesse linéaire de découpage est limitée à une vitesse qui ne dépasse guère en pratique un mètre par minute.The vibrating blade cutting technique ultrasonic ensures a clean cut, but at the expense of speed, given that speed linear displacement of products and therefore speed linear cutting is limited to a speed which does not in practice hardly exceeds one meter per minute.

La demande de Brevet GB 2219245 concerne un dispositif de découpe par ultrasons et qui met en oeuvre au moins une lame, éventuellement rotative, et correspond au préambule de la revendication 1. Ce dispositif n'est pas optimal.The GB 2219245 patent application concerns a ultrasonic cutting device which implements at least one blade, possibly rotatable, and corresponds in the preamble to claim 1. This device is not not optimal.

La présente invention a pour objet un dispositif amélioré de découpage par ultrasons, et qui permet en particulier d'atteindre des vitesses linéaires de découpage de plusieurs mètres par minute, et pouvant atteindre 10 mètres/minute.The subject of the present invention is a improved ultrasonic cutting device, which allows in particular to reach linear speeds cutting several meters per minute, and can reach 10 meters / minute.

Un autre objet de l'invention est un dispositif de découpage permettant un découpage sans enlèvement de matière.Another object of the invention is a cutting device allowing cutting without removal of material.

Un autre objet de l'invention est un dispositif de découpage qui puisse être utilisé pour des produits réputés difficiles à découper, tels que la pâtisserie, le pain ou bien encore le pain de mie, se trouvant à l'état chaud à la sortie d'un four de cuisson.Another object of the invention is a cutting device which can be used for products known to be difficult to cut, such as pastry, bread or even sandwich bread, found in the hot state at the exit of a baking oven.

Un autre objet de l'invention est un dispositif de découpage qui puisse être facilement nettoyé, et qui en particulier puisse être nettoyé en continu, de manière à permettre un découpage dans des conditions de propreté élevées.Another object of the invention is a cutting device which can be easily cleaned, and which in particular can be cleaned by continuous, so as to allow cutting in high cleanliness conditions.

Un autre objet de l'invention est un dispositif de découpage présentant un couplage amélioré entre le générateur d'ultrasons et l'outil de découpage.Another object of the invention is a cutting device with improved coupling between the ultrasound generator and the cutting tool.

Le dispositif de découpe selon l'invention est défini dans la revendication 1.The cutting device according to the invention is defined in claim 1.

Le dispositif selon l'invention présente ainsi un outil de découpage qui est un disque entraíné en rotation, et le générateur d'ultrasons est couplé à une région centrale du disque par l'intermédiaire d'un moyen de couplage, ladite région centrale étant disposée sur un ventre d'amplitude des vibrations ultrasonores produites par le générateur d'ultrasons selon un mode donné. Un tel dispositif est plus simple que l'ensemble complexe décrit dans la demande de Brevet GB 2282559 qui compte deux générateurs d'ultrasons synchrones couplés à la périphérie de disques de découpes par des pièces évasées en cloche.The device according to the invention thus presents a cutting tool which is a disc driven in rotation, and the ultrasound generator is coupled to a central region of the disc by means coupling, said central region being arranged on a amplitude belly of the ultrasonic vibrations produced by the ultrasound generator in a given mode. Such device is simpler than the complex set described in GB patent application 2282559 which has two synchronous ultrasonic generators coupled to the periphery of cutting discs by flared parts in bell.

Le dispositif de découpage selon l'invention utilise donc un générateur d'ultrasons classique, et le moyen de couplage selon l'invention a pour fonction de transformer un mouvement dirigé selon l'axe du disque en un mouvement mettant en vibrations la surface du disque perpendiculairement à cet axe, soit dans un mode radial, soit de préférence dans un mode de flexion.The cutting device according to the invention therefore uses a conventional ultrasonic generator, and the coupling means according to the invention has the function of transform a movement directed along the axis of the disc into a movement which vibrates the surface of the disc perpendicular to this axis, either in a radial mode, preferably in a bending mode.

Le moyen de couplage comporte un barreau dont la longueur est avantageusement égale à la moitié de la longueur d'onde (λ) correspondant, pour le matériau qui compose le barreau, à la fréquence propre f du générateur d'ultrasons. Ledit barreau a une extrémité amont couplée au générateur d'ultrasons, ainsi qu'une extrémité aval couplée au disque, le barreau ayant une section non constante et décroissante de l'amont vers l'aval. Le barreau présente de préférence une région amont de longueur λ/4, une région aval de longueur λ/4, la région aval ayant une section constante, inférieure à celle, également constante, de la région amont.The coupling means comprises a bar, the length of which is advantageously equal to half the wavelength (λ) corresponding, for the material making up the bar, to the natural frequency f of the ultrasound generator. Said bar has an upstream end coupled to the ultrasonic generator, as well as a downstream end coupled to the disc, the bar having a non-constant and decreasing section from upstream to downstream. The bar preferably has an upstream region of length λ / 4, a downstream region of length λ / 4, the downstream region having a constant section, less than that, also constant, of the upstream region.

Le moyen de couplage comporte également un élément de couplage de longueur λ/2 qui prolonge le barreau et qui présente une extrémité libre de manière à assurer le retour d'onde. Cet élément de couplage peut être un résonateur cylindrique, la région centrale du disque étant alors disposée sur un ventre d'amplitude longitudinale, de manière à permettre le mode préféré d'excitation du disque par des vibrations de flexion. Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, la région centrale du disque est avantageusement disposée en sandwich entre l'extrémité aval du barreau et l'extrémité amont de l'élément de couplage.The coupling means also includes a coupling element of length λ / 2 which extends the bar and which has a free end so as to ensure the wave return. This coupling element can be a cylindrical resonator, the central region of the disc then being placed on an amplitude belly longitudinal, so as to allow the preferred mode excitation of the disc by bending vibrations. According to a preferred embodiment, the central region of the disc is advantageously sandwiched between the downstream end of the bar and the upstream end of the coupling element.

L'invention concerne également un dispositif caractérisé en ce que l'unité de découpe comporte une pluralité de disques comportant au moins un disque amont couplé à l'extrémité aval du barreau et un disque aval couplé à l'extrémité amont dudit élément de couplage, l'élément de couplage ayant une extrémité aval libre, et en ce que les disques sont espacés entre eux par des entretoises de couplage intermédiaires de manière à être disposés sur des ventres de vibrations induisant leur déplacement en mode flexion.The invention also relates to a device characterized in that the cutting unit includes a plurality of disks comprising at least one upstream disk coupled to the downstream end of the bar and a downstream disc coupled to the upstream end of said coupling element, the coupling element having a free downstream end, and in that the discs are spaced apart by intermediate coupling spacers so as to be placed on bellies of vibrations inducing their displacement in bending mode.

L'invention concerne enfin un dispositif caractérisé en ce que l'unité de découpe comporte une pluralité de disques comportant au moins un disque amont couplé à l'extrémité aval du barreau et un disque aval couplé à l'extrémité amont dudit élément de couplage, l'élément de couplage ayant une extrémité aval libre, et en ce que les disques sont espacés entre eux par des entretoises de couplage intermédiaires de manière à être disposés avec un pas p sensiblement égal à un quart de la longueur d'onde et décalés d'un huitième de longueur d'onde par rapport à des ventres de vibrations induisant leur déplacement en mode flexion.The invention finally relates to a device characterized in that the cutting unit includes a plurality of disks comprising at least one upstream disk coupled to the downstream end of the bar and a downstream disc coupled to the upstream end of said coupling element, the coupling element having a free downstream end, and in that the discs are spaced apart by intermediate coupling spacers so as to be arranged with a pitch p substantially equal to a quarter of the wavelength and shifted by an eighth in length wave compared to bellies of inducing vibrations their displacement in bending mode.

Il est particulièrement avantageux que l'unité de découpe comporte un axe central sur lequel sont montés les entretoises et le générateur d'ultrasons et un dispositif de serrage coopérant avec l'axe pour serrer les disques positionnés entre les entretoises.It is particularly advantageous that the unit cutting machine has a central axis on which are mounted the spacers and the ultrasound generator and a clamping device cooperating with the axis for clamping the discs positioned between the spacers.

Les disques peuvent présenter des évidements en anneau conservant la symétrie de révolution des disques. Ceci permet d'en réduire le poids sans altérer les performances du dispositif.The discs may have recesses in a ring retaining the symmetry of revolution of discs. This allows the weight to be reduced without altering device performance.

L'unité de découpe peut comporter un dispositif d'ajustement, de préférence individuel, de la force de serrage des disques.The cutting unit can include a device for adjusting, preferably individually, the disc clamping force.

Le dispositif peut être caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte n dites unités de découpe ayant chacune une pluralité de disques espacés entre eux de n x a et qui sont décalés l'un par rapport à l'autre de manière à produire des découpes d'égale épaisseur a.The device can be characterized in that it comprises n said cutting units each having a plurality of discs spaced between them by nxa and which are offset with respect to each other so as to produce cuts of equal thickness a .

Ledit mode donné est, de préférence, essentiellement dépourvu de mise en flexion du ou des éléments de couplage, notamment des entretoises.Said given mode is preferably essentially devoid of flexion of the coupling elements, in particular spacers.

Selon une deuxième variante relative à une excitation du disque par des vibrations radiales, l'élément de couplage est une pièce profilée dont le diamètre est de préférence sensiblement égal à λ/2 et la région centrale du disque est disposée sur un ventre d'amplitude radiale, c'est-à-dire sur un noeud d'amplitude longitudinale. En particulier, la région centrale du disque peut être disposée entre deux régions d'égale longueur de la pièce profilée, ces dites régions d'égale longueur pouvant alors être symétriques par rapport au disque, et présenter un diamètre allant en diminuant lorsque la distance au disque augmente.According to a second variant relating to a excitation of the disc by radial vibrations, the coupling element is a profiled part, the diameter is preferably substantially equal to λ / 2 and the central region of the disc is arranged on a belly of radial amplitude, that is to say on a node of longitudinal amplitude. In particular, the region disc center can be arranged between two regions of equal length of the profiled part, these so-called regions of equal length which can then be symmetrical by compared to the disc, and have a diameter going decreasing as the distance to the disc increases.

L'invention concerne également une utilisation du dispositif telle que défini ci-dessus, pour la découpe de produits tels que du pain, du pain de mie ou de la pâtisserie plus particulièrement à l'état chaud, notamment lors de la sortie du four de ces produits. Le dispositif selon l'invention peut être également utilisé en particulier pour la découpe de produits carnés, crus ou cuits, ou bien de produits de salaison.The invention also relates to a use of the device as defined above, for cutting products such as bread, sliced bread or pastry more particularly in the hot state, especially when removing these products from the oven. The device according to the invention can also be used in particular for cutting raw meat products or cooked, or salting products.

La fréquence du générateur d'ultrasons est avantageusement comprise entre 20 et 40 KHz et la vitesse de rotation du disque entre 100 et 800 tours/minute.The frequency of the ultrasonic generator is advantageously between 20 and 40 KHz and the speed disc rotation between 100 and 800 revolutions / minute.

L'amplitude vibratoire du disque est avantageusement comprise entre 15 et 25 µ.The vibrational amplitude of the disc is advantageously between 15 and 25 μ.

La vitesse linéaire de déplacement du produit à découper est avantageusement comprise entre 2 et 10 mètres/minute, ce qui assure des cadences industrielles nettement améliorées par rapport aux outils de découpe à ultrasons connus, mettant en oeuvre un couteau ou une scie alternative.The linear speed of product movement to be cut is advantageously between 2 and 10 meters / minute, which ensures industrial rates significantly improved compared to cutting tools known ultrasound, using a knife or a reciprocating saw.

L'invention concerne également un procédé de découpe par ultrasons d'un produit, caractérisé en ce qu'il met en oeuvre un dispositif tel que défini ci-dessus. Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, la découpe est réalisée sur un produit sortant du four et à l'état chaud, la découpe étant suivie d'un conditionnement du produit, ce qui permet d'obtenir une très grande qualité de propreté. En particulier, pour des produits tels que du pain de mie, on peut éviter l'étape précédemment nécessaire de refroidissement et de ressuage qui implique un temps assez long au cours duquel le produit est exposé à l'air libre d'où une contamination microbienne, une perte de poids du produit, une perte de moelleux de celui-ci, et la nécessité de soumettre le produit avant séchage à une étape spécifique de décontamination permettant d'assurer sa conservation ultérieure.The invention also relates to a method of ultrasonic cutting of a product, characterized in that it implements a device as defined above. According to a preferred embodiment, the cutting is carried out on a product out of the oven and in the state hot, the cutting being followed by a conditioning of the product, which provides very high quality of cleanliness. In particular, for products such as white bread, we can avoid the step previously necessary cooling and bleeding which involves a fairly long time during which the product is exposed in the open air, resulting in microbial contamination, weight loss of the product, a loss of softness of this one, and the need to submit the product before drying at a specific decontamination stage to ensure its subsequent conservation.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaítront mieux à la- lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée à titre d'exemple non limitatif, en liaison avec les dessins ci-annexés, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente schématiquement le procédé selon l'invention appliqué à la fabrication de pain de mie ;
  • les figures 2a et 2b représentent respectivement un générateur d'ultrasons et les diagrammes respectifs de contrainte et d'élongation ;
  • la figure 2c représente le générateur d'ultrasons de la figure 2a auquel est adjoint un barreau amplificateur servant à amplifier l'amplitude des vibrations ultrasoniques, cette figure représentant également les diagrammes des contraintes et des amplitudes correspondants ;
  • les figures 3a, 3b et 3c représentent respectivement un mode de réalisation préféré du dispositif de découpage selon l'invention, mettant en oeuvre une excitation d'un disque par flexion, un mode de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention mettant en oeuvre une excitation radiale du disque, et enfin les diagrammes illustrant les amplitudes longitudinales et radiales le long du dispositif de découpage précité ;
  • les figures 4a et 4b représentent deux variantes d'unités de découpe multilames selon l'invention,
  • la figure 5 représente un premier mode de réalisation d'une unité de découpe multilames selon l'invention,
  • et la figure 6 représente un mode de réalisation préféré d'une unité de découpe multilames selon l'invention.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear better on reading the description which follows, given by way of nonlimiting example, in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which:
  • Figure 1 schematically shows the method according to the invention applied to the manufacture of sliced bread;
  • FIGS. 2 a and 2 b respectively represent an ultrasound generator and the respective stress and elongation diagrams;
  • FIG. 2 c represents the ultrasonic generator of FIG. 2 a to which is added an amplifier bar used to amplify the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrations, this figure also representing the diagrams of the stresses and the corresponding amplitudes;
  • FIGS. 3 a , 3 b and 3 c respectively represent a preferred embodiment of the cutting device according to the invention, implementing an excitation of a disc by bending, an embodiment of the device according to the invention putting in place operates a radial excitation of the disc, and finally the diagrams illustrating the longitudinal and radial amplitudes along the aforementioned cutting device;
  • FIGS. 4a and 4b represent two variants of multi-blade cutting units according to the invention,
  • FIG. 5 represents a first embodiment of a multi-blade cutting unit according to the invention,
  • and FIG. 6 represents a preferred embodiment of a multi-blade cutting unit according to the invention.

L'invention a donc pour objet un dispositif de découpage qui soit utilisable dans des conditions de découpage relativement difficiles, en particulier dans le cas de pâtisserie ou de pain de mie sortant chaud du four. On sait qu'il est particulièrement difficile, par exemple, de découper des tranches minces dans un pain de mie qui vient d'être cuit. Dans la pratique, il faut laisser celui-ci reposer, lors d'une étape dite de ressuage, pouvant atteindre 24 heures et au cours de laquelle le pain de mie perd une partie de son humidité. Le pain de mie est ensuite découpé et mis en sachet. Cette opération présente l'inconvénient, outre d'exposer le produit à l'air libre et de le contaminer, de conduire à un produit moins moelleux que s'il avait pu être découpé immédiatement et, bien qu'il soit soumis à une étape spécifique de décontamination, dont la durée de conservation est relativement limitée. Comme on le montrera dans la suite de la description, le fait de découper le produit à l'état chaud et de l'ensacher immédiatement après, permet d'éviter tous les inconvénients précités et conduit à un produit dont les qualités organoleptiques sont améliorées et dont la durée de conservation est notablement augmentée.The invention therefore relates to a device for cutting which can be used in conditions of relatively difficult cutting, especially in the case of pastry or sandwich bread leaving hot from oven. We know that it is particularly difficult, for example, to cut thin slices out of a loaf of bread crumb which has just been cooked. In practice, let it rest, during a stage called sweating, up to 24 hours and during which the loaf looses part of its humidity. The sliced bread is then cut and put in a bag. This operation has the disadvantage, besides exposing the product in the open air and contaminate it, drive to a product that is less mellow than it could have been cut immediately and, although subject to specific decontamination step, including the duration of conservation is relatively limited. As we will show in the following description, the fact of cut the product in the hot state and bag it immediately after, avoids all aforementioned drawbacks and leads to a product whose organoleptic qualities are improved and whose duration conservation is significantly increased.

Les difficultés de découpage peuvent être expliquées de la manière suivante.The cutting difficulties can be explained as follows.

Quand une lame entre dans un matériau avec une certaine vitesse et une certaine masse, on peut considérer qu'il se produit essentiellement deux types de phénomènes qui ont été décrits par les auteurs DAURSKIJ et MATCHIKHINE :

  • établissement d'une contrainte qui déforme le produit, puis provoque sa rupture,
  • contact entre deux entités animées de mouvements relatifs opposés, d'où apparition de forces de frottement qui tendent à ralentir l'entrée de l'outil dans le produit.
When a blade enters a material with a certain speed and a certain mass, we can consider that there occur essentially two types of phenomena which have been described by the authors DAURSKIJ and MATCHIKHINE:
  • establishment of a stress which deforms the product, then causes it to rupture,
  • contact between two entities animated by opposite relative movements, hence the appearance of friction forces which tend to slow the entry of the tool into the product.

Le découpage d'un matériau solide est obtenu à la suite de trois phénomènes intervenant successivement, à savoir une déformation élastique, une déformation plastique et la propagation d'une ligne de rupture.The cutting of a solid material is obtained at the continuation of three phenomena occurring successively, namely elastic deformation, deformation plastic and the spread of a breaking line.

Trois notions sont donc essentielles pour décrire les différents comportements de déformation des matériaux solides :

  • déformation élastique : la déformation est réversible,
  • déformation plastique ou visqueuse : la déformation est irréversible et le matériau s'écoule par glissement des couches les unes sur les autres. Pour la plupart des matériaux solides, ce phénomène se traduit par- un écoulement à partir d'un certain seuil de contrainte supérieur à la limite de leur phase élastique, .
  • rupture : si on continue d'augmenter la contrainte ou la déformation du matériau alors qu'il est dans sa phase plastique ou visqueuse, on augmente le glissement des couches les unes par rapport aux autres, et il arrive un moment où certaines couches ne se touchent plus et où une fissure apparaít. Cette fissure dont la propagation se fait suivant des lois très complexes conduit à la rupture sur toute l'épaisseur du matériau.
Three concepts are therefore essential to describe the different deformation behaviors of solid materials:
  • elastic deformation: the deformation is reversible,
  • plastic or viscous deformation: the deformation is irreversible and the material flows by sliding the layers on top of each other. For most solid materials, this phenomenon results in a flow from a certain stress threshold higher than the limit of their elastic phase,.
  • rupture: if one continues to increase the stress or the deformation of the material while it is in its plastic or viscous phase, one increases the sliding of the layers compared to the others, and there comes a moment when certain layers do not touch more and where a crack appears. This crack, the propagation of which is done according to very complex laws, leads to rupture over the entire thickness of the material.

Aboutir à la rupture contrôlée d'un matériau est l'objectif du découpage.Result in the controlled rupture of a material is the purpose of the breakdown.

Dans la phase élastique, l'énergie est emmagasinée et elle est complètement restituée dès que la contrainte s'annule de sorte que le matériau récupère sa forme initiale.In the elastic phase, the energy is stored and completely restored as soon as the stress is canceled so that the material recovers its initial form.

Dans la phase visqueuse ou plastique, l'énergie est utilisée pour déformer le matériau par glissement des couches les unes sur les autres et elle est donc consommée pour vaincre les forces de frottement et la déformation persiste quand la contrainte ou la déformation cesse. In the viscous or plastic phase, energy is used to deform the material by sliding layers on top of each other and she is therefore consumed to overcome the friction forces and the deformation persists when the stress or the deformation ceases.

Dans la phase de rupture, l'énergie est utilisée pour faire progresser la fissure et elle est donc complètement consommée par la création de nouvelles surfaces.In the rupture phase, the energy is used to advance the crack and it's therefore completely consumed by the creation of new surfaces.

Quand on réalise un découpage, on applique au matériau, pendant un temps très court, une contrainte supérieure à sa résistance à la rupture. On ne prend pas toujours en compte les paramètres caractérisant la phase élastique parce qu'elle est souvent négligeable devant la phase plastique et ceci d'autant plus que les déformations sont rapides. Les paramètres les plus importants sont ceux qui caractérisent la phase d'écoulement du matériau.When we carry out a cutting, we apply to the material, for a very short time, a constraint superior to its breaking strength. We don't take always take into account the parameters characterizing the phase elastic because it is often negligible in front of the plastic phase, especially since the deformations are rapid. The most important are those that characterize the phase material flow.

En pratique, les trois phases, élastique, plastique et rupture, se succèdent toujours lorsque l'on réalise la découpe d'un matériau solide, mais leur manifestation est plus ou moins visible suivant la nature du matériau. Par exemple, la gélose a essentiellement un comportement élastique, le beurre a essentiellement un comportement plastique et le chocolat a essentiellement un comportement de propagation de fracture.In practice, the three phases, elastic, plastic and rupture, always succeed each other when cuts a solid material, but their manifestation is more or less visible depending on the nature of the material. For example, agar basically has a elastic behavior, butter basically has a plastic behavior and chocolate has basically fracture propagation behavior.

Dans la plupart des matériaux, on a souvent une combinaison de ces trois comportements types.In most materials, we often a combination of these three typical behaviors.

Lors d'un découpage, on veut rester maítre de la géométrie du trait de coupe pour obtenir des morceaux de forme voulue. Or, il arrive que pour un matériau donné, on ne maítrise pas toujours sa déformation pour un niveau de contrainte donné. Ceci est d'autant plus vrai pour les produits alimentaires dont de nombreuses caractéristiques évoluent dans le temps avant d'atteindre un état d'équilibre. De plus, l'apparition des fissures au sein du matériau reste assez aléatoire. Pour éviter cela, on pratique généralement le découpage par érosion ou abrasion, c'est-à-dire qu'on utilise un outil tranchant dont le meilleur exemple est la scie. Le tranchant est usiné perpendiculairement à l'outil et l'on procède ainsi par déformation en surface de petites quantités de matériau, ce qui est plus facile à maítriser, mais il y a alors découpage avec enlèvement de matière.During a cutting, we want to remain master of the geometry of the cutting line to obtain pieces of desired shape. Now, it happens that for a material given, we do not always control its deformation for a given stress level. This is all the more true for food products including many characteristics evolve over time before reaching a state of equilibrium. In addition, the appearance of cracks within the material remains quite random. To avoid this, we generally practice cutting by erosion or abrasion, that is to say that we use a tool cutting edge whose best example is the saw. The cutting edge is machined perpendicular to the tool and this is done by surface deformation of small amounts of material which is easier to control, but there is then cutting with removal of material.

Avec un outil tranchant, on applique donc très rapidement au matériau une contrainte supérieure à sa résistance à la rupture et il se produit en chaque point situé sur le trait de coupe une succession de trois phases de déformation, élastique, plastique et rupture, mais pendant la durée du découpage, ces trois phases coexistent dans toute l'épaisseur du matériau.With a sharp tool, we therefore apply very quickly to the material a stress higher than its breaking strength and it occurs at every point located on the section line a succession of three deformation, elastic, plastic and rupture phases, but during the cutting period, these three phases coexist throughout the thickness of the material.

Si l'on s'en tient au cas du pain de mie sortant du four, on constate que ce produit est difficile à découper en tranches -minces en raison du fait qu'il tend à devenir collant et à engendrer des fractures irrégulières par blocs.If we stick to the case of sandwich bread out of the oven, we find that this product is difficult to cut into thin slices due to the fact that it tends to become sticky and cause fractures irregular by blocks.

L'intérêt de la technique de découpage par ultrasons selon l'invention telle que décrite ci-après est de modifier ce comportement et de permettre, grâce à la mise en oeuvre d'un outil, circulaire de préférence, dépourvu de dents, et mis en vibrations, d'arriver à un écartement régulier de la matière à découper et à un découpage franc du produit de préférence sans enlèvement de matière. Le découpage étant effectué par un disque qui est toujours en rotation évite les inconvénients des couteaux à ultrasons qui, étant donné qu'ils sont soumis à un mouvement alternatif, présentent une vitesse propre qui s'annule à chaque inversion du sens du mouvement, ce qui constitue un inconvénient majeur dans le cas de produits "collants" qui tendent rapidement à encrasser la lame du couteau, laquelle ne peut être nettoyée sans interrompre le découpage.The interest of the cutting technique by ultrasound according to the invention as described below is to change this behavior and allow, through the use of a tool, preferably circular, devoid of teeth, and set in vibration, to arrive at a regular spacing of the material to be cut and at a clean cutting of the product preferably without removal matter. The cutting being carried out by a disc which is always rotating avoids the disadvantages of ultrasonic knives which since they are subject with reciprocating motion, have their own speed which is canceled with each reversal of the direction of movement, this which is a major drawback in the case of "sticky" products which quickly tend to clog the knife blade, which cannot be cleaned without interrupt cutting.

Conformément à la figure 1, des produits tels que des pains de mie, désignés par le repère général 1, sont cuits dans un four 2 puis sont ensuite amenés sur un dispositif d'avancée 3, tel qu'un tapis roulant, se déplaçant longitudinalement dans le sens de la flèche F1 jusqu'à une installation de coupe comportant un ou plusieurs disques 5 entraínés en rotation dans le sens de la flèche F2 autour de leur partie centrale 4. L'installation comporte éventuellement un dispositif de découpe à guillotine 6 actionné dans le sens de la flèche F3 et destiné à réaliser un tranchage transversal en amont ou, comme représenté, en aval du disque 5. Le produit découpé à l'état chaud est ensuite disposé sur un deuxième dispositif d'amenée 7 vers une installation d'ensachage 9 au cours de laquelle les produits 1 sont conditionnés dans des sachets 8.In accordance with FIG. 1, products such as sandwich loaves, designated by the general reference 1, are baked in an oven 2 and then are brought to an advancing device 3, such as a conveyor belt, moving longitudinally in the direction of arrow F 1 to a cutting installation comprising one or more discs 5 rotated in the direction of arrow F 2 around their central part 4. The installation optionally includes a guillotine cutting device 6 actuated in the direction of arrow F 3 and intended to perform a transverse slicing upstream or, as shown, downstream of the disc 5. The product cut in the hot state is then placed on a second feed device 7 towards a bagging installation 9 during which the products 1 are packaged in sachets 8.

Le disque rotatif 5 est soumis à des vibrations ultrasoniques engendrées par un dispositif qui va être décrit ci-après et qui permet d'atteindre des vitesses linéaires élevées du dispositif de transport 3, tout en permettant un découpage de tranches minces dans des pains de mie sortant du four.The rotating disc 5 is subjected to ultrasonic vibrations generated by a device that will be described below and which makes it possible to achieve high linear speeds of the transport device 3, while allowing cutting of thin slices in sliced bread from the oven.

On remarquera également que le disque n'étant en contact avec le produit à découper que sur une partie de sa circonférence, il peut être nettoyé et/ou désinfecté en permanence par un dispositif 50 connu en soi.Note also that the disc is not in contact with the product to be cut only on part of its circumference, it can be cleaned and / or permanently disinfected by a device 50 known in itself.

La figure 2a représente un émetteur d'ultrasons connu en soi, désigné par le repère général 10. Il est constitué d'un sandwich de céramiques piézoélectriques 11, composé par exemple de deux disques, en précontrainte entre deux masses métalliques, à savoir un pavillon 12 et une contre-masse 14. L'ensemble vibre en résonance mécanique avec l'excitation électrique fournie par le générateur 11. On applique à cet effet aux céramiques une tension alternative dV à laquelle correspond une variation alternative de champ électrique dE, d'où résulte une variation alternative d'épaisseur des céramiques dT. A chaque variation d'épaisseur dT correspond alors une variation de pression dP. L'application d'une tension alternative dV aux bornes de l'émetteur ainsi constitué induit des ondes de pression qui, à partir des deux disques de céramique, se réfléchissent aux extrémités 16 et 18 de l'émetteur.FIG. 2 a represents an ultrasonic transmitter known per se, designated by the general reference 10. It consists of a sandwich of piezoelectric ceramics 11, composed for example of two discs, prestressed between two metallic masses, namely a horn 12 and a counter-mass 14. The whole vibrates in mechanical resonance with the electrical excitation supplied by the generator 11. For this purpose, an alternating voltage dV is applied to ceramics to which corresponds an alternative variation of the electric field dE, d 'resulting in an alternative thickness variation of dT ceramics. Each variation in thickness dT then corresponds to a variation in pressure dP. The application of an alternating voltage dV across the terminals of the transmitter thus formed induces pressure waves which, from the two ceramic discs, are reflected at the ends 16 and 18 of the transmitter.

Si on dimensionne la longueur d'un barreau à une valeur telle que la fréquence des vibrations longitudinales de celui-ci correspondent exactement à la fréquence f d'excitation électrique, le barreau devient le siège d'ondes stationnaires et vibre en résonance avec l'excitation électrique. Cette condition est obtenue pour un barreau 10 dont la longueur totale, comprise entre les faces d'extrémité 16 et 18, est égale à λ/2, λ désignant la longueur d'ondes dans le barreau correspondant à la fréquence f. Les céramiques 11 sont disposées au centre et le pavillon 12 et la contre-masse 13 sont disposés symétriquement de part et d'autre des céramiques 11.If the length of a bar is dimensioned to a value such that the frequency of the longitudinal vibrations of it corresponds exactly to the frequency f of electrical excitation, the bar becomes the seat of standing waves and vibrates in resonance with the electrical excitation. This condition is obtained for a bar 10 whose total length, between the end faces 16 and 18, is equal to λ / 2, λ denoting the wavelength in the bar corresponding to the frequency f . The ceramics 11 are placed in the center and the pavilion 12 and the counterweight 13 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the ceramics 11.

Comme les vibrations de l'émetteur 11 que l'on peut obtenir en pratique sont de l'ordre de 10 à 14 µ crête à crête suivant le type de générateur utilisé, il faut procéder à une amplification de ces vibrations pour obtenir des amplitudes suffisantes.Like the vibrations of the transmitter 11 that we can obtain in practice are of the order of 10 to 14 µ peak to peak depending on the type of generator used, it amplification of these vibrations is necessary to obtain sufficient amplitudes.

A cet effet et comme représenté à la figure 2c, on fixe à l'émetteur un barreau métallique de longueur λ/2 accordé à la fréquence propre de l'émetteur soit par exemple 20KHz. Le barreau 20 comporte un premier tronçon 22 de longueur λ/4 présentant une section constante S1 qui est plus importante que la section également constante S2 du deuxième tronçon 24, également de longueur λ/4. La face 26 du tronçon 22 est accolée à la face 18 de la contre-masse 14. Le diagramme des amplitudes et des contraintes est représenté à la figure 2c, sur laquelle le mouvement de la face 16 est représenté par la courbe xO, le mouvement des faces 18 et 26 par la courbe x1 et le mouvement de la face 28 du tronçon 24 par la courbe x2. To this end and as shown in FIG. 2 c , a metal bar of length λ / 2 is attached to the transmitter, tuned to the natural frequency of the transmitter, for example 20KHz. The bar 20 comprises a first section 22 of length λ / 4 having a constant section S 1 which is larger than the also constant section S 2 of the second section 24, also of length λ / 4. The face 26 of the section 22 is attached to the face 18 of the counter-mass 14. The diagram of the amplitudes and the stresses is represented in FIG. 2 c , on which the movement of the face 16 is represented by the curve x O , the movement of the faces 18 and 26 by the curve x 1 and the movement of the face 28 of the section 24 by the curve x 2 .

On a vu précédemment que l'ensemble émetteur-amplificateur produit des vibrations ultrasoniques longitudinales. Le disque 5 ne pouvant être excité qu'à partir de son centre 4, c'est-à-dire de son axe de rotation, il faut impérativement transformer le mouvement axial initial en mouvement radial orienté dans le plan du disque.We saw previously that the transmitter-amplifier assembly produces ultrasonic vibrations longitudinal. Disc 5 can only be excited from its center 4, i.e. from its axis of rotation, it is imperative to transform the movement initial axial in radial movement oriented in the plane of the disk.

Suivant l'invention, deux modes de réalisation sont envisagés.According to the invention, two embodiments are being considered.

Conformément à la figure 3a, le disque 5 est monté en sandwich entre la face 28 du tronçon 24 et la face 32 d'un résonateur 30 qui est un barreau cylindrique de longueur λ/2 qui se termine par une face terminale libre 34. Le barreau 30 fait office de résonateur et son rôle est d'assurer le retour d'ondes dans les conditions de résonance mécanique de l'ensemble. La transformation de mouvement est assurée par le fait que le disque 5 est situé, comme le montre la courbe a1 d'amplitude longitudinale, sur un ventre d'amplitude longitudinale v1. Il vibre selon un mode de flexion indépendamment de son diamètre. En pratique, son épaisseur reste comprise entre 2 et 4 mm afin de rester le plus proche possible du point théorique de ventre d'amplitude longitudinale V1 et de permettre une déformation maximale en flexion. On a représenté en encadré le profil agrandi du bord du disque 5. Au voisinage du bord du disque, l'épaisseur diminue au fur et à mesure que l'on se rapproche du bord du disque, étant entendu que, pour une découpe sans enlèvement de matière, le profil est lisse et dépourvu de dents.In accordance with FIG. 3 a , the disc 5 is sandwiched between the face 28 of the section 24 and the face 32 of a resonator 30 which is a cylindrical bar of length λ / 2 which ends in a free end face 34. The bar 30 acts as a resonator and its role is to ensure the return of waves under the mechanical resonance conditions of the assembly. The transformation of movement is ensured by the fact that the disc 5 is located, as shown by the curve a 1 of longitudinal amplitude, on a belly of longitudinal amplitude v 1 . It vibrates in a bending mode regardless of its diameter. In practice, its thickness remains between 2 and 4 mm in order to remain as close as possible to the theoretical point of the belly of longitudinal amplitude V 1 and to allow maximum deformation in bending. The enlarged profile of the edge of the disc 5 is shown in the box. In the vicinity of the edge of the disc, the thickness decreases as one approaches the edge of the disc, it being understood that for cutting without removal in material, the profile is smooth and devoid of teeth.

Le mode de réalisation de la figure 3b met en oeuvre un élément 40 destiné à assurer la transformation du mouvement axial en mouvement radial. Il est fixé au voisinage d'un ventre d'amplitude radiale Vr correspondant à un noeud d'amplitude axiale. L'élément 40 est de forme généralement cylindrique et présente un tronçon amont 46 dont la face 42 est accolée à la face 28 du tronçon 24 et un tronçon aval 48 présentant une face libre 44. Le disque 5 est disposé au centre de l'élément 40 entre deux régions de couronne 45 et 47 de diamètre plus grand que celui des régions 46 et 48 auxquelles elles se raccordent par des profils arrondis 41 et 43. Les régions 46 et 48 ont un diamètre supérieur à celui de la région 24, et dans l'exemple représenté, sensiblement égal à celui de la région 22. La longueur de l'élément 40, comprise -entre ces faces 42 et 44 est égale à λ/2 et le disque 5 est donc disposé à une distance λ/4 de la face 28. Dans ces conditions, il est fixé au voisinage d'un ventre d'amplitude radiale Vr, comme le montre la courbe ar de la figure 3c. En pratique, un profil conique. devrait être adopté pour une épaisseur à la base de l'ordre de 10 mm. Les régions 45 et 47 de l'élément 40 présentent un diamètre voisin de λ/2, ce qui crée ainsi radialement des conditions de résonance. C'est ce qui permet d'obtenir une amplitude radiale suffisante pour exciter le disque 5.The embodiment of FIG. 3b implements an element 40 intended to ensure the transformation of the axial movement into radial movement. It is fixed in the vicinity of a belly of radial amplitude V r corresponding to a node of axial amplitude. The element 40 is generally cylindrical in shape and has an upstream section 46 whose face 42 is contiguous to the face 28 of the section 24 and a downstream section 48 having a free face 44. The disc 5 is disposed in the center of the element 40 between two crown regions 45 and 47 of larger diameter than that of regions 46 and 48 to which they are connected by rounded profiles 41 and 43. Regions 46 and 48 have a diameter greater than that of region 24, and in the example shown, substantially equal to that of region 22. The length of element 40, comprised between these faces 42 and 44 is equal to λ / 2 and the disc 5 is therefore placed at a distance λ / 4 of the face 28. Under these conditions, it is fixed in the vicinity of a belly of radial amplitude V r , as shown by the curve a r of FIG. 3 c . In practice, a conical profile. should be adopted for a thickness at the base of the order of 10 mm. The regions 45 and 47 of the element 40 have a diameter close to λ / 2, which thus creates radially resonance conditions. This is what makes it possible to obtain a radial amplitude sufficient to excite the disc 5.

En ce qui concerne les matériaux, les pièces 12, 14, 20 et 30 peuvent être avantageusement réalisées en alliage de titane TA6V qui présente d'excellentes propriétés élastiques et qui, étant biocompatible, est donc chimiquement inerte vis à vis des produits à découper. En outre, cet alliage est inoxydable, facilement usinable et de coût abordable pour les applications à envisager.Regarding materials, parts 12, 14, 20 and 30 can advantageously be carried out TA6V titanium alloy which has excellent elastic properties and which, being biocompatible, is therefore chemically inert towards the products to cut. In addition, this alloy is stainless, easily machinable and affordable for applications to consider.

En ce qui concerne le disque 5, l'alliage précité peut être bien entendu préconisé mais, il est préférable d'utiliser pour cette pièce d'usure qui est susceptible d'être remplacée, un alliage moins coûteux tel qu'un alliage d'acier inoxydable du type utilisé pour les outils de découpe classiques, en particulier l'alliage Z200C13 qui réunit l'ensemble des qualités recherchées à savoir : inertie chimique, usinabilité, dureté élevée et coût acceptable. Ses propriétés élastiques sont inférieures à celles de l'alliage de titane précité, mais sont suffisantes pour l'application à envisager.Regarding disc 5, the alloy aforementioned may of course be recommended, but it is better to use for this wear part which is likely to be replaced, a less expensive alloy such as a stainless steel alloy of the type used for conventional cutting tools, in particular the Z200C13 alloy which combines all the qualities sought to know: chemical inertia, machinability, high hardness and acceptable cost. Its properties elastic are lower than those of the alloy of aforementioned titanium, but are sufficient for the application to consider.

A titre indicatif, on rappelera que la vitesse du son dans l'alliage TA6V est 4900 mètres/seconde alors qu'il est de 5200 mètres/seconde dans l'acier inoxydable Z200C13.As an indication, it will be recalled that the speed of sound in TA6V alloy is 4900 meters / second then that it is 5200 meters / second in stainless steel Z200C13.

Les essais effectués montrent que les systèmes qui fonctionnent selon le mode flexion (figure 3a) ont une fréquence résonnante d'ensemble imposée par le résonateur terminal 30. De ce fait, le diamètre du disque 5 influe peu sur la fréquence d'ensemble. Son épaisseur doit par contre être prise en compte puisqu'elle fait partie intégrante de l'empilage axial, émetteur 10, amplificateur 20 et résonateur 30.The tests carried out show that the systems which operate according to the flexion mode (FIG. 3 a ) have an overall resonant frequency imposed by the terminal resonator 30. As a result, the diameter of the disc 5 has little influence on the overall frequency. Its thickness must however be taken into account since it is an integral part of the axial stack, emitter 10, amplifier 20 and resonator 30.

En mode flexion, un disque de découpe de diamètre 600 mm permet de découper un produit de 280 mm de hauteur. Il est possible de découper des produits encore plus hauts, au détriment de la finesse de découpe, étant donné que dans ce cas, il faut augmenter l'épaisseur de la lame.In bending mode, a cutting disc diameter 600 mm allows to cut a product of 280 mm height. It is possible to cut products even higher, to the detriment of the finesse of cutting, since in this case you have to increase the thickness of the blade.

A l'inverse du montage flexion, le montage en mode radial, représenté sur la figure 3b, présente une fréquence de résonance qui dépend du diamètre du disque 5. Par exemple, le diamètre résonnant à 4OKHz se situe autour de 200 mm.Unlike the bending assembly, the assembly in radial mode, shown in FIG. 3b , has a resonant frequency which depends on the diameter of the disc 5. For example, the diameter resonating at 4OKHz is around 200 mm.

Les figures 4a et 4b représentent deux variantes de machines permettant plus particulièrement de trancher des produits de panification ou des viennoiseries, par exemple pour trancher un pain de mie dont la hauteur est d'environ 120 mm, l'épaisseur a des tranches à réaliser étant de 12 mm ± 1 mm.Figures 4a and 4b show two variants machines especially for slicing bread products or pastries, for example to determine a soft bread whose height is approximately 120 mm, the thickness of the slices to be produced is 12 mm ± 1 mm.

En pratique, il faut une vingtaine de lames.In practice, twenty blades are required.

Cette configuration est cependant difficile à mettre en oeuvre car une lame de diamètre 300 mm et d'épaisseur 2mm a une masse de l'ordre du kilogramme : pour 20 lames il faut mettre en vibration 20 kg qui vont se répartir sur le diamètre.This configuration is however difficult to use because a blade with a diameter of 300 mm and 2mm thick has a mass of the order of a kilogram: for 20 blades it is necessary to vibrate 20 kg which go spread over the diameter.

Deux possibilités sont envisagées à titre d'exemple selon l'invention :

  • disposer de plusieurs systèmes de lames (61 à 64) équipés d'autant de générateurs ultrasoniques (65 à 68) avec un intervalle inter-lames de 12 mm (figure 4a),
  • disposer de n systèmes de lames (71 à 75) équipés d'autant de générateurs ultrasoniques (76 à 80) avec un intervalle inter-lames de n x 12 mm (figure 4b où n = 5).
Two possibilities are envisaged by way of example according to the invention:
  • have several blade systems (61 to 64) equipped with as many ultrasonic generators (65 to 68) with an inter-blade interval of 12 mm (Figure 4a),
  • have n blade systems (71 to 75) equipped with as many ultrasonic generators (76 to 80) with an inter-blade interval of nx 12 mm (Figure 4b where n = 5).

Dans le premier cas (figure 4a), il n'y a pas de décalage du front de coupe entre chaque tranche. Cette solution présente cependant un problème de mise en oeuvre ultrasonore car la distance inter-lames de 12 ± 1 mm est en relation directe avec la fréquence de l'excitation du système. Ceci amène pour cet entre-axe de 12 mm à une fréquence supérieure à 100 kHz, fréquence trop élevée pour assurer un transfert de puissance vibratoire efficace sur les lames qui sont des disques 5.In the first case (Figure 4a), there is no offset of the cutting front between each slice. This solution, however, presents an implementation problem ultrasonic because the inter-blade distance of 12 ± 1 mm is directly related to the frequency of excitation of the system. This brings for this 12 mm center distance to a frequency above 100 kHz, frequency too high to ensure a transfer of vibratory power effective on blades which are discs 5.

Dans le cas préféré (figure 4b), les lames (disques 5) étant décalées, le front de coupe n'est plus parallèle et peut poser des difficultés lors de l'engagement du produit. Cependant, l'écartement entre les disques 5 permet d'utiliser une fréquence plus basse davantage compatible avec les dimensions des disques 5. Les difficultés qui pourraient se présenter lors de l'engagement du pain ne sont pas importantes. Les essais sur le prototype mono-disque ont montré une pénétration de la lame dans le pain nettement améliorée par la présence des ultrasons. Pour des systèmes suffisamment imbriqués, le pain ne se sépare pas intempestivement. De plus, les ultrasons diminuent fortement le coefficient de frottement apparent de la matière sur les disques en vibration donc a priori les disques 5 n'ont pas tendance à retenir le pain lors de son passage. In the preferred case (Figure 4b), the blades (discs 5) being offset, the cutting front is no longer parallel and can pose difficulties when product engagement. However, the spacing between the discs 5 allows to use a lower frequency more compatible with the dimensions of the discs 5. Difficulties that may arise during bread engagement is not important. Attempts on the single disc prototype showed penetration of the blade in the bread markedly improved by the presence of ultrasound. For systems sufficiently nested, the bread does not separate unexpectedly. Of more, ultrasound greatly reduces the coefficient of apparent friction of the material on the discs in vibration therefore a priori the discs 5 do not tend to remember the bread during its passage.

Aussi bien dans le cas de la figure 4a, que de la figure 4b, l'ensemble des disques 5 de chaque unité de découpe est couplé à un même axe mis en vibration par un générateur d'ultra-sons. Les disques 5 sont positionnés à un ventre de vibrations longitudinales (ou près d'un ventre de vibrations). Il convient de régler la force de serrage des disques 5 de manière à assurer un bon couplage des ultrasons et en particulier une amplitude de déplacement homogène sur tous les disques, qui peut être avantageusement obtenue par un réglage individuel du serrage des disques 5, par exemple les collerettes 92 sont filetées et peuvent être serrées sur la région de centrage 98 elle-même filetée.In the case of Figure 4a, as well as FIG. 4b, the set of disks 5 of each unit of cutting is coupled to the same axis vibrated by an ultrasound generator. Discs 5 are positioned at a belly of longitudinal vibrations (or near a belly of vibrations). The clamping force of the discs 5 so as to ensure good coupling of ultrasound and in particular a homogeneous displacement amplitude on all discs, which can be advantageously obtained by an adjustment individual tightening of discs 5, for example the flanges 92 are threaded and can be tightened on the centering region 98 itself threaded.

Comme le montre la figure 5, les disques sont montés sur un axe 97 par l'intermédiaire d'entretoises 90 qui coulissent le long de l'axe 97 et qui viennent prendre les disques 5 en sandwich, un serrage de l'ensemble étant prévu grâce à un bouchon 99 de manière à obtenir un bon maintien des disques 5 et une surface de transmission augmentée au contact des disques 5.As shown in Figure 5, the discs are mounted on an axis 97 by means of spacers 90 which slide along axis 97 and which come sandwich the discs 5, a tightening of the whole being provided by a plug 99 so as to obtain good support of the discs 5 and a surface of increased transmission in contact with discs 5.

Il existe plusieurs modes permettant de faire travailler les disques 5 en flexion. Pour une distance inter-lames de 60 mm, un premier mode se situe vers 30kHz et permet à partir d'un bon déplacement en translation au niveau des entretoises 90 d'induire un mouvement de flexion des disques 5.There are several modes to do work the discs 5 in bending. For a distance 60 mm inter-blades, a first mode is around 30kHz and allows from a good displacement in translation to level of the spacers 90 to induce a movement of disc bending 5.

Le second mode, qui se situe vers 36 kHz met en oeuvre par contre la flexion même des entretoises 90 en contact avec les disques 5.The second mode, which is around 36 kHz puts against the same bending of the spacers 90 in contact with the discs 5.

Or, par expérience, on observe que lorsque la transmission des ultrasons s'effectue par l'intermédiaire d'interfaces mises en flexion, la transmission est de qualité inférieure. En effet, comme la- liaison n'est pas parfaite, les différentes parties ne sont plus intimement liées. However, from experience, we observe that when the ultrasound transmission takes place via interfaces flexed, the transmission is inferior quality. Indeed, as the link is not perfect, the different parts are no longer intimately linked.

C'est donc le mode autour de 30 kHz qui est essentiellement dépourvu de mise en flexion de l'interface 90 qui est préféré.It is therefore the mode around 30 kHz which is essentially devoid of bending of interface 90 which is preferred.

On constate qu'à entretoise identique, le mode exploité pour un système 2 à 4 lames reste inchangé quasiment à la même fréquence. On peut observer qu'un système conçu pour un nombre pair (ou impair) de lames reste utilisable pour un nombre supérieur ou inférieur de lames dès l'instant où ce nombre reste pair (ou impair).We note that at identical spacing, the mode operated for a 2 to 4 blade system remains unchanged almost the same frequency. We can observe that a system designed for an even (or odd) number of blades remains usable for a higher or lower number of blades from the moment this number remains even (or odd).

La forme de la lame a une certaine influence sur la fréquence : plus elle est légère et surtout plus élastique, plus la baisse en fréquence est appréciable. Le diamètre de la lame étant fixé à 300 mm, on peut alléger le disque 5 en l'évidant régulièrement suivant des anneaux 101 (voir encadré de la figure 5). La lame en forme de disque reste à symétrie de révolution.The shape of the blade has some influence on the frequency: the lighter it is and especially the more elastic, the more significant the drop in frequency. The blade diameter being fixed at 300 mm, we can lighten disc 5 by hollowing it out regularly according to rings 101 (see box in Figure 5). The blade in disc shape remains symmetrical in revolution.

L'épaisseur de la lame de 2,5 mm au départ, est fixée à 2 mm pour des raisons de masse à faire vibrer et d'élasticité améliorée.The thickness of the blade of 2.5 mm at the start, is set at 2 mm for reasons of mass to vibrate and improved elasticity.

En ce qui concerne l'influence de la distance inter-lames, on observe les points suivants :

  • avec les lames envisagées ( 300 - épaisseur 2 mm), on peut travailler sans trop de problème avec une distance interlames de 48 mm (soit un pas de 50 mm),
  • plus la distance inter-lames est petite, plus la dissymétrie de l'entretoise est à prendre en compte : les deux extrémités de l'entretoise se rapprochent l'une de l'autre et il est plus difficile de placer un noeud (équilibre) à égale distance de ces dernières,
  • plus la distance inter-lames est petite, plus le nombre de lames à mettre en oeuvre par système est important. L'amortissement et les pertes non pris en compte dans les calculs peuvent devenir prépondérants et risquent d'induire un dysfonctionnement important des lames extrêmes.
Regarding the influence of the inter-blade distance, the following points are observed:
  • with the blades envisaged ( 300 - thickness 2 mm), it is possible to work without too much problem with a gap distance of 48 mm (i.e. a pitch of 50 mm)
  • the smaller the inter-blade distance, the more the asymmetry of the spacer must be taken into account: the two ends of the spacer come closer to each other and it is more difficult to place a knot (balance) equidistant from these,
  • the smaller the inter-blade distance, the greater the number of blades to be used per system. Depreciation and losses not taken into account in the calculations can become preponderant and risk inducing a major malfunction of the extreme blades.

On pourra en pratique utiliser des entretoises 90 ayant des formes tubulaires droites, munies à leurs extrémités de collerettes complémentaires 91 et 92 se centrant l'une sur l'autre et centrant également les disques 5 (figure 5). Les lames 5 en forme de disques sont régulièrement espacées de manière à se situér à des ventres de vibrations, correspondant à une mise en vibration des disques 5 en mode flexion.We can in practice use spacers 90 having straight tubular shapes, provided at their ends of additional flanges 91 and 92 are centering on each other and also centering the discs 5 (figure 5). 5 disc-shaped blades are regularly spaced so as to be located at vibration bellies, corresponding to a setting vibration of the discs 5 in bending mode.

Il est particulièrement avantageux de découpler mécaniquement le générateur d'ultrasons (11, 12, 14) et l'ensemble porte-outils (97, 90, 5) de la partie maintien et mise en rotation de l'unité de découpe, par exemple en couplant le dispositif de maintien et de mise en rotation au boítier du transducteur de génération d'ultrasons. De la sorte, la partie mise en excitation est beaucoup plus courte, l'excitation ultra-sonore est plus directe, ce qui permet de minimiser la perte d'ultrasons dans les supports (tels que les paliers et les courroies) entre le dispositif excitateur et les disques 5, et en outre le démontage est facilité tant pour le nettoyage que pour la réparation.It is particularly advantageous to mechanically decouple the ultrasonic generator (11, 12, 14) and the tool holder assembly (97, 90, 5) of the maintenance and rotation part of the cutting, for example by coupling the holding and rotating the housing of the ultrasonic generation transducer. In this way, the the excited part is much shorter, the ultrasonic excitation is more direct, which allows minimize the loss of ultrasound in the supports (such as than bearings and belts) between the device exciter and discs 5, and further disassembly is facilitated for both cleaning and repair.

Le cas d'un nombre impair (5 lames) implique des modifications dimensionnelles sur la première 94 et la dernière 95 entretoises qui sont, de toute façon, géométriquement différentes des autres de par leur appui côté générateur ultrasonore (14, 11, 12) et côté bouchon 99 (extrémité de l'outil).The case of an odd number (5 blades) implies dimensional changes on the first 94 and the last 95 spacers which are, anyway, geometrically different from the others by their support ultrasonic generator side (14, 11, 12) and plug side 99 (end of the tool).

L'ensemble excitateur + outil se compose :

  • d'un moteur ultrasonore (14, 11, 12, cf. Fig.3a),
  • d'une partie mécanique d'adaptation (amplificateur) 24,
  • d'un axe 97 qui vient se fixer dans l'amplificateur 24,
  • de 5 lames en forme de disques 5,
  • d'une entretoise 94 côté générateur ultrasonore,
  • de 4 entretoises 90 assurant un écartement de lames de 48 mm bord à bord (50 mm centre à centre),
  • d'une entretoise 95 côté bouchon qui peut être intégrée au bouchon 99, cette entretoise étant dimensionnée pour assurer le retour d'onde,
  • d'un bouchon 99 qui se vise sur l'axe 97 permettant le serrage de l'ensemble.
The exciter + tool assembly consists of:
  • an ultrasonic motor (14, 11, 12, see Fig. 3a),
  • a mechanical adaptation part (amplifier) 24,
  • an axis 97 which is fixed in the amplifier 24,
  • 5 disc-shaped blades 5,
  • a spacer 94 on the ultrasonic generator side,
  • 4 spacers 90 ensuring a blade spacing of 48 mm edge to edge (50 mm center to center),
  • a spacer 95 on the plug side which can be integrated into the plug 99, this spacer being dimensioned to ensure wave return,
  • a plug 99 which is aimed on the axis 97 allowing the tightening of the assembly.

La fréquence nominale de fonctionnement est 32,2 kHz.The nominal operating frequency is 32.2 kHz.

Sur toutes ces pièces sont prévus des éléments de centrage, des états de surface et des tolérances rigoureux de façon à permettre la meilleure qualité de montage et d'assemblage.On all these parts are provided elements of centering, surface finish and tolerances rigorous so as to allow the best quality of assembly and assembly.

L'identification d'un plan nodal 21 dans la partie amplificateur 22 permet de venir fixer si besoin est, une plaque inox qui permettra d'isoler la zone de tranchage pour des questions d'ultra-propreté.The identification of a nodal plan 21 in the amplifier part 22 allows to come fix if necessary is, a stainless steel plate which will isolate the slicing for ultra-cleanliness issues.

On peut envisager de travailler par exemple avec des unités de 7 lames de diamètre extérieur 210 mm avec une distance inter-lames de 36 mm ou bien encore avec des unités de 11 lames de diamètre extérieur égal à 150 mm avec une distance inter-lames de 24 mm, les fréquences étant dans ces deux cas par exemple comprises entre 35 et 40 kHz pour un pas des lames sensiblement égal à une demi-longueur d'onde.We can consider working for example with units of 7 blades with outside diameter 210 mm with an inter-blade distance of 36 mm or even with units of 11 blades with an outside diameter equal to 150 mm with an inter-blade distance of 24 mm, the frequencies being in these two cases for example understood between 35 and 40 kHz for a pitch of the blades substantially equal to half a wavelength.

Un mode de réalisation permettant d'abaisser la fréquence de fonctionnement consiste à disposer les lames ou disques 5 avec un pas constant p sensiblement égal à un quart de longueur d'onde, ceux-ci étant à cet effet décalés longitudinalement d'environ un huitième de longueur d'onde (λ/8) par rapport aux ventres de vibrations longitudinales (voir fig. 6). Avec un pas de 50 mm, la fréquence est de l'ordre de 22kHz, pour l'exemple représenté à la figure 5.An embodiment for lowering the operating frequency consists in placing the blades or discs 5 with a constant pitch p substantially equal to a quarter wavelength, these being at this effect offset longitudinally by about an eighth of wavelength (λ / 8) relative to the bellies of longitudinal vibrations (see fig. 6). With a step of 50 mm, the frequency is around 22 kHz, for the example shown in Figure 5.

Pour déterminer une unité multi-lames, on choisit le diamètre des lames, leur pas et les caractéristiques géométriques des pièces qui la composent (entretoises, etc...). Un calcul par exemple par la méthode des éléments finis, permet de déterminer la valeur de la longueur d'onde λ correspondant à la structure. Cette longueur d'onde λ dépend de la configuration des pièces, c'est-à-dire que dans sa détermination intervient un facteur de forme. En particulier, l'unité de découpe représentée à la figure 5 met en oeuvre des entretoises 90 tubulaires et une tige 97 serrée par un bouchon 99, cette situation influant sur la valeur de la longueur d'onde.To determine a multi-blade unit, we choose the diameter of the blades, their pitch and the geometric characteristics of the parts that compose it (spacers, etc ...). A calculation for example by the finite element method, allows to determine the value of the wavelength λ corresponding to the structure. This wavelength λ depends on the configuration of the rooms, i.e. in its determination comes in a form factor. In particular, the cutting unit shown in Figure 5 uses 90 tubular spacers and a rod 97 tightened by a plug 99, this situation influencing the wavelength value.

Claims (19)

  1. A device for cutting by ultrasound, the device comprising at least one cutting unit including an ultrasound generator having a given natural frequency, coupled to at least one cutting tool, in which cutting unit the cutting tool is a disk (5) driven in rotation, and the ultrasound generator (10, 11) is coupled to a central region (4) of the disk (5) via a coupling means (30, 40), said central region (4) being disposed on an amplitude antinode of the ultrasound vibration produced by the ultrasound generator (10, 11) in a given mode, or in the vicinity of said antinode, the device being characterized in that the coupling means includes a bar (20) of length λ/2 equal to half the wavelength λ corresponding to the natural frequency F of the ultrasound generator (10, 11), and having an upstream end (26) coupled to the ultrasound generator (10, 11) and a downstream end (28) coupled to the disk (5), the bar (20) being of non-constant section that decreases from the upstream end towards the downstream end, and in that the coupling means also includes a coupling element (30, 40, 95) of length λ/2 which extends the bar and which presents a free end so as to ensure that waves are returned.
  2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the bar (20) has an upstream region (22) of length λ/4 and a downstream region (24) of length λ/4, the downstream region (24) being of constant section smaller than the section of the upstream region (22) which is also constant.
  3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling element (30) is a cylindrical resonator, and in that the central region (4) of the disk (5) is located on a longitudinal amplitude antinode, being sandwiched between the downstream end (28) of the bar (20) and the upstream end of the coupling element (30).
  4. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that the coupling unit includes a plurality of disks (5) including at least one upstream disk coupled to the downstream end (28) of the bar (20) and a downstream disk coupled to the upstream end of said coupling element (95), the coupling element (30) having a free downstream end, and in that the disks are spaced apart from one another by intermediate coupling spacers (90) in such a manner as to be located on vibration antinodes causing them to be moved in bending mode.
  5. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that the cutting unit includes a plurality of disks (5) including at least one upstream disk coupled to the downstream end (28) of the bar (20) and a downstream disk coupled to the upstream end of said coupling element (95), the coupling element (30) having a free downstream end, and in that the disks are spaced apart from one another by intermediate coupling spacers (90) in such a manner as to be disposed at a pitch p substantially equal to one-fourth of the wavelength, and offset substantially by one-eighth of the wavelength relative to the vibration antinodes causing them to move in bending mode.
  6. A device according to claim 4 to 5, characterized in that the cutting unit includes a central shaft (97) on which there are mounted the spacers (90) and the ultrasound generator (11, 12, 14), and a clamping device (99) cooperating with the shaft (97) to clamp the disks (5) that are positioned between the spacers (90).
  7. A device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the disks (5) have ring-shaped recesses that conserve circular symmetry of the disks.
  8. A device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that it includes a preferably individual adjustment device (99) for adjusting the clamping force on the disks (5).
  9. A device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that it includes n of said cutting units, each having a plurality of disks that are spaced apart relative to one another by n×a and that are offset relative to one another so as to produce slices of equal thickness a.
  10. A device according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that said given mode is essentially lacking in the coupling element(s) being put into bending.
  11. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling element is a shaped piece (40) extending radially, and in that the central region (4) of the disk (5) is placed on a radial amplitude antinode, and in that the central region (4) of the disk (5) is located between two equal-length regions of the shaped piece (40).
  12. A device according to claim 11, characterized in that said two equal-width regions are symmetrical about the disk (5) and of a diameter that decreases as distance from the disk increases.
  13. A device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the shaped piece (40) has a diameter substantially equal to λ/2.
  14. The use of a device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that a product to be cut is bread, a sandwich loaf, or confectionery, and more particularly while in the hot state.
  15. The use of a device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the product to be cut is a raw or cooked meat product, or indeed a salted product.
  16. A use according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the frequency of the ultrasound generator (10, 11) lies in the range 20 kHz to 40 kHz, and in that the speed of rotation of the disk lies in the range 100 rpm to 800 rpm.
  17. A use according to claim 16, characterized in that the vibration amplitude of the disk (5) lies in the range 15 microns to 25 microns.
  18. A use according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the linear travel speed of the product to be cut (1) lies in the range 2 m/min to 10 m/min.
  19. A method of cutting a product by ultrasound, the method being characterized in that it implements a device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and in that cutting is performed on a product leaving the oven and in the hot state, and in that cutting is followed by the product being packaged before it has cooled.
EP96922938A 1995-06-19 1996-06-18 Ultrasonic cutting device Expired - Lifetime EP0842018B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9507285A FR2735412B1 (en) 1995-06-19 1995-06-19 ULTRASONIC CUTTING DEVICE
FR9507285 1995-06-19
PCT/FR1996/000932 WO1997000159A1 (en) 1995-06-19 1996-06-18 Ultrasonic cutting device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0842018A1 EP0842018A1 (en) 1998-05-20
EP0842018B1 true EP0842018B1 (en) 2002-05-08

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US (1) US6058823A (en)
EP (1) EP0842018B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH11514935A (en)
KR (1) KR19990022945A (en)
CN (1) CN1191503A (en)
AT (1) ATE217241T1 (en)
DE (1) DE69621134T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2175107T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2735412B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1997000159A1 (en)

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KR19990022945A (en) 1999-03-25
US6058823A (en) 2000-05-09
FR2735412A1 (en) 1996-12-20
FR2735412B1 (en) 1997-08-22
CN1191503A (en) 1998-08-26
WO1997000159A1 (en) 1997-01-03
EP0842018A1 (en) 1998-05-20
DE69621134D1 (en) 2002-06-13
JPH11514935A (en) 1999-12-21
ATE217241T1 (en) 2002-05-15
ES2175107T3 (en) 2002-11-16
DE69621134T2 (en) 2002-11-14

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