EP2327519A1 - Disc cutting machine with air-cooled electric motor - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine (20) has an electric motor (23) for driving a cutting device connected with an on-off switch (S), and a ventilation device for producing cooling airflow during operation of the machine. The ventilation device has a closure device for closing an outlet opening (24b) of the ventilation device in a splash water tight manner when the electric motor is switched off. The closure device opens the outlet opening for the airflow when the electric motor is switched on, where actuation of the closure device is coupled with actuation of the on-off switch.

Description

The invention relates to a disc cutting machine for cutting slices of, in particular, stranded cutting material, preferably foodstuffs, having a cutting device comprising a circular blade mounted rotatably in a machine housing, with an electric motor completely enclosed by the machine housing for driving the cutting device, which is provided with an on / off Switch is electrically connected, and with a ventilation device, by means of which at least during operation of the disc cutting machine entering through an inlet opening into the machine housing, directed to the electric motor, this streichender and again through an outlet opening from the machine housing exiting cooling air flow can be generated.

Such disk cutting machines are known, for example from the EP 0 115 788 A1 ,

The material to be cut, in particular in automatically operated slicing machines for rope-shaped foods, such as sausages, ham, salmon, cheese, etc., is moved by means of a feed device on a feed surface against the cutting device, usually in the direction perpendicular to the cutting plane, in which usually one or more rotating blades rotate to cut off slices of conveyed material. The drive of the cutting device is carried out by an electric motor, which is completely enclosed to protect against splashing water and pollution and for mechanical protection against external interference from the machine housing.

As a result, of course, the waste heat generated by the electric motor during operation of the disc cutting machine is dammed up within the machine housing. Especially in professional continuous operation continuously in continuous machines whose electric motor is usually not switched off even if no discs are cut from the cutting material, there is a significant problem due to the risk of overheating sensitive parts of the device.

In order to dissipate this congestion heat at least partially to the outside, a ventilation device of the type described above is provided in these disc cutting machines, which, however, on the one hand relatively complex in construction and on the other hand a simple and thorough cleaning of the disc cutting machine by spraying with water even in the off state of the electric motor not allowed, because too much inlet and outlet openings splashing into the water Inside the machine housing could occur and could cause damage to the electric motor.

To avoid such water damage and for hygienic reasons, only relatively small ventilation slots are provided, which also usually within the machine housing only a sealing labyrinth connects before the supply air to the electric motor and the exhaust air from there comes back to the outside. Often, a fan wheel is provided, which generates a pressure gradient and thus an air flow through the air ducts of the ventilation device. Nevertheless, there are hardly any disc cutting machines on the market whose machine housing may be sprayed even outside the operating condition.

Object of the present invention is in contrast to improve a generic disc cutting machine of the type described above cost and with the simplest possible technical means to the effect that they can be easily cleaned at least in non-operating condition by spraying with water, but with sufficient heat dissipation of the waste heat the electric motor is ensured in the operating state.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in a surprisingly simple and effective manner in that the ventilation device comprises a closure device, which closes the outlet opening of the ventilation device at least splash-tight with the electric motor switched off, while the electric motor is open for the exiting cooling air flow, the actuation of the Closure device is coupled to the operation of the on / off switch.

This can be elegantly meet two actually diametrically opposed requirements for industrial slicing machines at the same time, namely on the one hand to ensure good cooling of electric motor and temperature-sensitive electronics and on the other hand, a sufficient tightness of the machine housing against splashing water, so that the slicer easily by simply spraying with a water jet, but nevertheless can be thoroughly cleaned, which is an important requirement especially for the processing of food for hygienic reasons.

Another advantage of the proposed measures according to the invention is that is always ensured by the coupling of the closure device to the on / off switch without the intervention of an operator that when the electric motor sufficient cooling air flow enters the machine housing, while the electric motor, the engine housing automatically closed to the outside splash-proof.

In a simple embodiment of the disc cutting machine according to the invention, an air duct with a - known per se - labyrinth guide is provided following the inlet opening, through which the entering into the machine housing cooling air flow is directed before its contact with the electric motor.

Alternatively or additionally closes in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the closure device not only the outlet opening, but also the inlet opening with the electric motor of the ventilation device at least splash-proof and holds the inlet opening with the electric motor for the entering cooling airflow open. Thus, the mechanically somewhat complex and space-demanding labyrinth guide behind the inlet opening can also be saved.

In a first class of embodiments of the disc cutting machine according to the invention, the actuation of the closure device takes place electrically, wherein preferably the actuation of the closure device is electronically coupled to the actuation of the on / off switch.

The actuation of the closure device can take place in further developments of this embodiment by means of a lifting magnet.

Other developments provide for an actuation of the closure device by an electric motor, in particular by the drive motor of the cutting device.

Alternatively, in another class of embodiments, a mechanical actuator for the closure device is provided, wherein in particular the closure device comprises one or more sealing plunger with which at least the outlet opening, preferably also the inlet opening for the cooling air flow can be opened and closed and wherein the / Seal plunger is coupled in particular via a linkage mechanically to the on / off switch is / are. This mechanical operation has the advantage that it still works reliably even in case of faults or failure of the electrical system.

In developments of these embodiments, a possible realization is that the actuating device a Reversing linkage with pinion.

Alternative developments are characterized in that the actuating device comprises a gear wheel with a rack and an elongate bolt, which is guided in a guide groove, in particular in an obliquely extending with respect to the bolt axis slot.

Particularly preferred embodiments of the disc cutting machine according to the invention, in which the closure device has a sealing arrangement for watertight sealing of the outlet opening and optionally the inlet opening. Thus, the machine housing can then be hosed for cleaning purposes in the off state of the electric motor without hesitation with a water jet.

Simple to handle and safe in function are developments of these embodiments, in which the sealing arrangement comprises an actuable sealing plunger for watertight sealing of a sealing opening.

In a preferred and easy to manufacture variant of these developments of the sealing plunger and the seal opening are conical.

Also advantageous are variants in which the sealing arrangement has at least one sealing lip and / or an O-ring seal on the sealing plunger and / or on the sealing opening. Particularly preferably, the sealing plunger and the sealing opening are geometrically designed so that in the sealed operating state of the sealing plunger is recessed without joints in the recessed relative to their environment seal opening. This results in the closed state of the seal assembly a smooth, seamless surface.

Another particularly advantageous embodiment of the disc cutting machine according to the invention is characterized in that the ventilation device is geometrically designed so that the cooling air flow in the machine housing flows from bottom to top, wherein preferably the outlet opening is arranged above the inlet opening. When using the slicing machine in a grocery store can be sucked in this way cooled air from a arranged below the cutting plane cooling counter and blown up into the environment. In contrast, many disc cutting machines with ventilation devices according to the prior art, the polluted and heated exhaust air discharged just down, which refers to the usually below the disc cutting machine stacked in a laying area and the operation of a down there arranged cooling counter both in technical as well as in terms of hygiene rather negative effect. However, this arrangement is necessary in the known disc cutting machines, because of hygienic reasons, a smooth surface for easier cleaning of the particularly polluting areas in operation is required. Vents, however, would break this smooth surface.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the Invention with reference to the figures of the drawing showing essential to the invention details, and from the claims. The individual features may be implemented individually for themselves or for a plurality of combinations in variants of the invention.

In the schematic drawing embodiments of the invention are shown, which are explained in more detail in the following description.

Fig. 1a

einen schematischen Vertikalschnitt in Horizontalsicht von der Seite durch eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Scheibenschneidemaschine mit Labyrinthführung des Kühlungsluftstroms hinter der Einlassöffnung und außen liegendem Dichtungsstößel;

Fig. 1b

einen schematischen Vertikalschnitt durch die Ausführungsform nach Fig. 1a in Horizontalsicht von hinten mit Blickrichtung zur Schneideeinrichtung;

Fig. 1c

wie Fig. 1a jedoch mit innen liegendem Dichtungsstößel;

Fig. 1d

einen schematischen Vertikalschnitt durch die Ausführungsform nach Fig. 1c in Horizontalsicht von hinten mit Blickrichtung zur Schneideeinrichtung;

Fig. 2a

einen schematischen Vertikalschnitt durch eine weitere Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Scheiben- schneidemaschine mit Abdichtung sowohl der Auslass- als auch der Einlassöffnung in Horizontalsicht von der Seite;

Fig. 2b

einen schematischen Vertikalschnitt durch den Bereich der Auslassöffnung mit Dichtungsanordnung mit konischem Stößel bei einer Scheibenschneidemaschine nach Fig. 2a im vergrößerten Detail in einer Horizontalsicht von der Seite;

Fig. 2c

eine schematische Horizontalsicht von vorn aus der Richtung der Schneideeinrichtung auf den Bereich der Auslassöffnung nach Fig. 2b;

Fig. 2d

einen schematischen Vertikalschnitt durch den Bereich der Einlassöffnung bei einer Scheibenschneidemaschine nach Fig. 2a im vergrößerten Detail in einer Horizontalsicht von der Seite;

Fig. 3a

einen schematischen Vertikalschnitt durch die geschlossene Belüftungseinrichtung im Maschinengehäuse einer Scheibenschneidemaschine nach Fig. 2a im vergrößerten Detail mit Umlenk-Gestänge und Ritzel in einer Horizontalsicht von der Seite;

Fig. 3b

wie Fig. 3a, aber mit der Belüftungseinrichtung im geöffneten Betriebszustand;

Fig. 4a

einen schematischen Vertikalschnitt durch die geschlossene Belüftungseinrichtung einer Scheibenschneidemaschine nach Fig. 2a im vergrößerten Detail mit Zahnrad, Zahnstange und schräg geführtem Bolzen in einer Horizontalsicht von der Seite; und

Fig. 4b

wie Fig. 4a, aber mit der Belüftungseinrichtung im geöffneten Betriebszustand.

Show it:

Fig. 1a

a schematic vertical section in horizontal view from the side by an embodiment of the disc cutting machine according to the invention with labyrinth guide of the cooling air flow behind the inlet opening and outer sealing plunger;

Fig. 1b

a schematic vertical section through the embodiment according to Fig. 1a in horizontal view from the rear with view towards the cutting device;

Fig. 1c

as Fig. 1a but with internal seal plunger;

Fig. 1d

a schematic vertical section through the embodiment according to Fig. 1c in horizontal view from the rear with view towards the cutting device;

Fig. 2a

2 shows a schematic vertical section through a further embodiment of the disk device according to the invention. cutting machine with sealing of both the outlet and inlet ports in horizontal view from the side;

Fig. 2b

a schematic vertical section through the region of the outlet opening with sealing arrangement with conical plunger in a slicing machine after Fig. 2a in enlarged detail in a horizontal view from the side;

Fig. 2c

a schematic horizontal view from the front from the direction of the cutting device to the region of the outlet opening Fig. 2b ;

Fig. 2d

a schematic vertical section through the region of the inlet opening in a disc cutting machine according to Fig. 2a in enlarged detail in a horizontal view from the side;

Fig. 3a

a schematic vertical section through the closed ventilation device in the machine housing of a slicer after Fig. 2a in enlarged detail with deflection linkage and pinion in a horizontal view from the side;

Fig. 3b

as Fig. 3a but with the ventilation device in the open operating state;

Fig. 4a

a schematic vertical section through the closed ventilation device of a disc cutting machine after Fig. 2a in enlarged detail with gear, rack and obliquely guided bolt in a horizontal view from the side; and

Fig. 4b

as Fig. 4a but with the ventilation device in the open operating state.

In the FIGS. 1a, 1b and 2a are in schematic vertical section from the side and from the rear respectively embodiments of an electrically operated, preferably automatic disc cutting machine 10 according to the invention ; 20 shown. This each has a machine housing 11; 21 and a cutting device, which in the machine housing 11; 21 rotatably mounted, flat circular blade 12; 22 with circumferential circular cutting blade includes. From the machine housing 11; 21 completely enclosed is an electric motor 13; 23 for driving the cutting device, which with an on / off switch S (in the FIGS. 1a and 1b not shown, but according to the invention available) is electrically connected. In addition, a ventilation device is provided, by means of at least during operation of the disc cutting machine 10; 20 a through an inlet opening 14 a; 24a in the machine housing 11; 21 entering, the electric motor 13; 23 steered, sweeping past this and through an outlet opening 14 b; 14b '; 24b from the machine housing 11; 21 again emerging cooling air flow can be generated.

For reasons of hygiene - if this is technically easy to implement - the ventilation device will be geometrically designed so that the cooling air flow in the machine housing 11; 21 flows from the bottom to the top, preferably the outlet opening 14b; 14b '; 24b above the inlet port 14a; 24a is arranged. However, other - not shown in the drawing - geometric configurations of the disc cutting machine according to the invention are possible, if this should be necessary for other reasons.

According to the invention, in the embodiments illustrated in the drawing, the slicing machine 10; 20, the ventilation device in each case a closure device, which when the electric motor 13; 23, the outlet port 14b; 14b '; 24b of the ventilation device closes at least splash-tight, when the electric motor 13; 23, however, holds open for the exiting cooling air flow, wherein the actuation of the closure device is coupled to the actuation of the on / off switch S.

In the in the FIGS. 1a and 1b In the embodiment shown, an air duct with a labyrinth guide is provided following the inlet opening 14a, through which the cooling air flow entering the machine housing 11 is directed before its contact with the electric motor 13.

According to the embodiment Fig. 2a is such a labyrinth seal is not required, because here the closure device and the inlet opening 24a at least with the electric motor 23 of the ventilation device at least splash-tight closes and holds open when the electric motor 23 for the incoming cooling air flow.

In general, the splash-proof closure of the ventilation device by means of one or more sealing plunger 15; 15 '; 25a, 25b are effected, with which at least the outlet opening 14b; 14b '; 24b, or as in the embodiments of the FIGS. 2a to 4b Also, the inlet opening 24a for the cooling air flow can be opened and closed.

The actuation of the closure device can take place in different embodiments of the disc cutting machine according to the invention in different ways.

In case of in the FIGS. 1a and 1b shown embodiment, an electrical or magnetic actuation by means of an actuating unit E is provided, which may be configured as a solenoid or as an electric motor. Also possible is a direct power coupling to the drive motor 13 of the cutting device. According to the invention, the actuation of the closure device is coupled to the actuation of the on / off switch, wherein an electronic coupling is preferred for the electrical or magnetic actuation, which can also take into account environmental influences readily, such as by supplying the electrical signals of an external temperature sensor For example, to avoid overheating of parts of the slicing machine 10 safely.

In contrast to the embodiment of the FIGS. 1a and 1b , Where the sealing plunger 15 is disposed on the machine housing 11 lying outside, provide the Figures 1c and 1d a variant with the inside of the machine housing 11 fitting arrangement of the sealing plunger 15 ', which upon appropriate operation, the associated outlet opening 14b' opens or closes. In this variant, an additional fan 14b " in a channel formed in the machine housing 11 14b "' provided to the heated exhaust air from the outlet port 14b' through the channel 14b "' from the machine housing 11 to pull or press. The somewhat more complex structure of this variant is justified by even further improved hygiene properties: fat and meat remains can not penetrate into the interior of the machine housing 11 and even with open seal plunger 15 'and contribute to undesirable nucleation.

In the in the FIGS. 2a to 4b illustrated embodiments of the disc cutting machine 20 according to the invention, however, in each case a mechanical actuating device for the closure device is provided. Here, in particular - as shown in the figures - the sealing plunger 25a, 25b via a linkage 26; 26 '; 26 "can likewise be coupled directly mechanically to the on / off switch S; S1; S2 . However, in the case of possible embodiments of the invention which are not shown in the drawing, a magnetic, electrical or electronic coupling is also conceivable.

Preferably, the closure device of the slicing machine 10 according to the invention; 20, a seal assembly for watertight sealing of the outlet port 14b; 14b '; 24b and optionally also the inlet opening 24a. In particular, the seal plunger 15 shown in the drawing; 15 '; 25a, 25b each be suitable for watertight sealing of the corresponding seal opening.

In this case, the sealing plunger 15; 15 '; 25b and the associated sealing openings be conically shaped, as in the FIGS. 1a . 2a . 2 B and 3a to 4b shown. In this case, preferably the sealing plunger 15; 15 '; 25b and the respective seal openings 14b; 14b '; 24b geometrically be designed so that in the sealing operating state of the sealing plunger 15; 15 '; 25b in the opposite of its surroundings recessed seal opening is recessed seamless.

However, other geometrical configurations are possible, such as the example of the sealing plunger 25a and the associated sealing opening 24a in the FIGS. 2a, 2d and 3a to 4b is clarified.

Possible realizations of the sealing arrangement are in the FIGS. 2b to 2d In detail, the sealing plunger 25a has a sealing lip 29a for the inlet opening 24a, while the sealing plunger 25b for the outlet opening 24b is provided with an O-ring seal 29b .

Various design options of a mechanical actuator for the closure device are finally in the FIGS. 3a to 4b shown:

In the in the FIGS. 3a (closed operating state) and 3b (open operating state) shown embodiment, the actuator comprises a deflection linkage 26 'with a pinion 27' on. A mechanical actuation can take place here by means of a handle configured as a toggle lever 31 which acts via a spacer device 32a, 32b on a first rod 36a , which is mounted in a nut plate 33 provided with an internal thread and in its corresponding section an external thread 33 ' with a corresponding pitch wearing.

Upon axial rotation of the rod 36 a, which carries at its opposite end to the toggle lever 31, the sealing plunger 25 b for the outlet opening 24 b, via the pinion 27 ', which engages in a toothed portion 37 of a rack 36 b, the latter moved in the axial direction, whereby the arranged at its lower end seal plunger 25a, the inlet opening 24a opens or closes. In the open operating state, a cam 35 mounted on the toothed rack 36b actuates the on / off switch S1. For safe mechanical guidance of the rack 36b, a bearing 34 is provided.

Finally, in which in the FIGS. 4a (Closed operating state) and 4b (open operating state) shown embodiment, the actuator a gear 27a " and a rack 27b" and an elongated pin 28a ", which is guided in a guide groove 28b" in a oblique with respect to the bolt axis slot. By means of a rotary switch 41 can here via the in a toothed portion of the rack 27b "engaging gear 27a" a mechanical actuation of the bearing 43 in a longitudinally guided rack 27b "take place in the form of an axial displacement, whereby the at the opposite end of the rack 27b" arranged Seal plunger 25b, the outlet opening 24b opens or closes.

The elongated bolt 28a "movable in the oblique slot of the guide groove 28b" is rigidly connected to another rod 46b which extends vertically downward with respect to the horizontally mounted rack 27b "and at its lower end supports the seal plunger 25a for the inlet port 24a. Thereby, a horizontal displacement of the rack 27b "is deflected into a vertical displacement of the further rod 46b, so that the inlet opening 24a and the outlet opening 24b - as well as in the in Figs FIGS. 3a and 3b shown embodiment - each can be opened or closed simultaneously.

In addition to the embodiments shown in the drawings, many other geometric and mechanical embodiments of the disc cutting machine according to the invention and the invention prescribed closure device are possible, in particular combinations of individual features of embodiments of different figures - combined, for example, a labyrinth seal following the inlet opening with a linkage for actuating the closure device - are conceivable.

Claims (15)

An electrically operated disc cutting machine (10; 20) for cutting off slices of, in particular, stranded cutting material, preferably foodstuffs, with a cutting device comprising a circular blade (12; 22) rotatably mounted in a machine housing (11; 21), with a machine housing (11 21) for driving the cutting device, which is electrically connected to an on / off switch (S; S1; S2), and to a ventilation device, by means of which at least during operation of the disc cutting machine (10 20) passing through an inlet opening (14a; 24a) into the machine housing (11; 21), steered past the electric motor (13; 23) and passing out of the machine housing through an outlet opening (14b; 14b '; 24b) (11; 21) again emerging cooling air flow can be generated
characterized,
that the ventilation device comprises a closure device which closes the outlet opening (14b; 14b '; 24b) of the ventilation device at least splash-tight when the electric motor (13; 23) is switched off, while the electric motor (13; 23) is kept open for the exiting cooling air flow; Operation of the closure device to the operation of the on / off switch (S; S1, S2) is coupled. Slice cutting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that following the inlet opening (14a) an air duct with labyrinth guide is provided, through which the cooling air flow entering the machine housing (11) is directed before its contact with the electric motor (13). Slice cutting machine according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the closure device also closes the inlet opening (24a) with the electric motor (23) of the ventilation device at least splash-tight and holds open when the electric motor (23) for the incoming cooling air flow. Slice cutting machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the actuation of the closure device takes place electrically, wherein preferably the actuation of the closure device is electronically coupled to the actuation of the on / off switch. Slice cutting machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the actuation of the closure device takes place by means of a lifting magnet. Slice cutting machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the actuation of the closure device is effected by an electric motor. Slicing machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a mechanical In particular, the closure device has one or more sealing tappets (15, 15 ', 25a, 25b), with which at least the outlet opening (14b, 14b', 24b), preferably also the inlet opening (24a) for the Cooling air flow can be opened and closed and whereby the sealing plunger (15, 15 ', 25a, 25b) is mechanically connected to the on / off switch (S, S1, S2), in particular via a linkage (26, 26', 26 "). is coupled / are. Slice cutting machine according to claim 7, characterized in that the actuating device comprises a deflection linkage (26 ') with pinion (27'). Slice cutting machine according to claim 7, characterized in that the actuating device comprises a gear (27a ") with rack (27b") and an elongated bolt (28a "), in a guide groove (28b"), in particular in a respect to the bolt axis inclined Long hole is guided. Slice cutting machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure device has a sealing arrangement for watertight sealing of the outlet opening (14b; 14b '; 24b) and optionally the inlet opening (24a). Slicing machine according to claim 10, characterized in that the sealing arrangement comprises an actuatable sealing ram (15; 15 '; 25a, 25b) for watertight sealing a sealing opening comprises. Slice cutting machine according to claim 11, characterized in that the sealing ram (15; 15 '; 25b) and the sealing opening are conically shaped. Slice cutting machine according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the sealing arrangement at least one sealing lip (29a) and / or an O-ring seal (29b) on the sealing plunger (25a, 25b) and / or on the sealing opening (24a, 24b ) having. Slice cutting machine according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the sealing ram (15; 15 '; 25b) and the sealing opening (14b; 14b'; 24b) are geometrically designed such that in the sealing operating state the sealing ram (15; ; 25b) is recessed without joints in the recessed relative to their environment seal opening. Slice cutting machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ventilation device is geometrically designed so that the cooling air flow in the machine housing (11; 21) flows from bottom to top, wherein preferably the outlet opening (14b; 14b '; 24b) above the inlet opening ( 14a, 24a) is arranged.

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