FR2775429A1 - Automatic cutter for vegetables such as squashes and pumpkins - Google Patents

Abstract

The vegetable cutter has multiple blades (1) which descend onto the vegetable (19) to cut into portions of predetermined shape. The cutter has inlet and outlet panels (13,16) which can tilt to move the vegetables.

Description

 The invention relates to a machine for quartering pumpkins, squash and other plants or similar products.

The main purpose of this
invention is to drastically reduce the time of
cutting by slicing the product in one
surgery.

 Another object is to thus form quarters having a smooth cut surface of very good quality according to a predetermined size.

 Another object is to perform this cutting operation quickly and safely for operators.

 Another object is to easily introduce the vegetable to be cut into the operating room.

 Another object is to eject the portions formed towards the outside by tilting the bottom of the cutting chamber.

 Another object is to collect waste, splashes in an underlying tank to keep the machine environment clean.

 In summary, the proposed equipment cuts into portions of variable size a vegetable or other similar product which runs horizontally; equipment comprising a set of blades which descend vertically onto the vegetable or other similar product at the chosen time and passes completely through it to define the portions.

 Another aspect of the invention relates to the presence of a central cutting tube on which the blades arranged radially are fixed.

 Another aspect of the invention relates to the fixing of the cutting blades on a circular support where they are tensioned or compressed. They can also be welded to the central cylinder and the outer ring to form a rigid assembly, the sharp edges of which will be sharpened.

 Another aspect of the invention relates to the possibility of choosing for each knife holder tool different inclinations of the knives relative to the axis of the cutting movement.

The inclination and the number of blades will be defined according to the desired result. Each set thus defined constitutes an original and removable cutting tool.

 The invention consists of a set of constructive features and a judicious combination of many of them described completely and illustrated by the attached drawings.

The characteristic points are shown particularly in the claims.

 It is obvious that modifications of details can be made without changing the spirit of the invention or sacrificing the advantages of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
To allow a better understanding of the invention, a series of drawings illustrating a preferred version of the equipment are used to describe the essential constructive points as well as the numerous advantages which result therefrom.
FIG 1: Side view in elevation of the machine
portion cutting showing the whole
characteristics
FIG 2: Perspective view of the knife holder tool
multiple showing the cookie cutter tube
central and the cutting blades mounted in
fan
FIG 3: Top view in a cross section of
the cutting chamber showing the tool holder
FIG 2 knives mounted on the carriage
tool holder guided by columns and
actuated in this particular case by 2 cylinders
symmetrically mounted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERENTIAL VERSION
Referring to the drawings, we describe a cutting machine more particularly suited to squash and pumpkin and making slices or portions. It is understood that this cutting equipment can cut other similar products to make slices and / or portions.

 The apparatus comprises a series of radially installed blades which move vertically and cut the vegetable which crosses the machine perpendicular to this movement of ascent of the blades.

 The vegetable enters whole on one side of the equipment (for example on the right) and comes out on the other side (for example on the left) in slices or portions.

The apparatus comprises according to FIG 1 four
Columns (6) which guide a carriage (4) animated by a vertical up and down movement. The vertical movement is obtained according to the applications by one or more cylinders as well as mechanical endless screws actuated by geared motors.

 The columns are supported in a tank (12) (15) which serves as a frame for the machine and as a receptacle for splashes and cutting waste.

The vegetable to be cut is placed on the train of rollers (13) to be introduced by horizontal translation into the cutting chamber (20). The end of translation is confirmed by the pivoting P of the train of rollers (13) in the vertical position. This transport element thus closes the entrance to the cutting chamber
Arriving at the end of the race, in the vertical position it triggers the cutting cycle provided that the exit door to the chamber is also closed.

 The carriage (4) can then begin its descent towards the pumpkin (19). The cookie cutter tube (10) of the cutting tool (21) penetrates the vegetable (19) because it substantially exceeds the cone formed by the blades. This tube having cutouts in the form of teeth which incise the vegetable and immobilize it on the perforated bottom (21. The knives then begin their work of cutting which ends when the authorized race has been completed.

When the race is over, the carriage rises in the upper part known as the rest. The arrival in the upper part of the carriage (4) which carries the cutting tool (3) authorizes the tilting R of the bottom (21) around the horizontal axis of rotation (17)
This tilting causes the portions that have just been cut to slide or fall. The inclination is variable between 90 "(vertical bottom) and 45" depending on the size of the knife holder tool and the height of the cutting chamber. The inclination must be sufficient to allow the elimination of all the portions before returning to the horizontal position.

 This inclination will largely depend on the nature of the cut portions and their adhesion to the perforated bottom (21). It will also depend on the speed of rotation R.

 The bottom (21) is extended by a discharge mat (16) which extracts the portions of the machine. This mat (16) can be made integral with the bottom (21) and pivot with it.

Thus when the bottom is in the horizontal position the ejection mat (16) is in the raised position thereby obstructing the exit from the cutting chamber and preventing any manual intervention.

In the inclined position of the bottom (21) the mat (16) is horizontal and rids the pile of portions formed by sliding on the bottom (21).

 The rotational movement around the axis (17) can be obtained by a geared motor secured to the axis of rotation, by a jack raising the belt (16) or any other suitable mechanical device.

 The tool seen in perspective in FIG 2 describes a current variant suitable for cutting butternut squash. We see a ferrule (3) on which the various knives are fixed.

This ferrule has 4 fixing lugs receiving the crosspieces (5) for fixing to the tool carriage. Depending on the applications, therefore the forces applied to the knives, the crosspieces (5) may be 3,4 or 6. The crosspieces meet on the sleeve (22) in which is fixed after adjustment the grooved tube (10) or cylindrical with teeth and die cut
The multi-blade cutting tool (3) is fixed by means of a cross-member (5) on the translation carriage; these crosspieces allow the positioning of the tool and its locking.

 If one chooses to weld the knives on the ferrule and on the punch tube, the rigid assembly thus formed could be gripped differently, for example laterally to transmit to this assembly the movement of ascent and descent.

Knives that cannot be changed the cutting edges should be sharpened regularly
Likewise, in a simpler version, the multi-knife cutting tool can be operated cantilevered by a bracket outside the chamber.

Similarly, in a simplified version, the perforated bottom (21) can remain fixed and the cut portions are then unloaded manually. I1 can even be considered a very simplified version where there would be no ejection mat or train of loading rollers. This very simplified version could be devoid of receiving tray (15); this would be replaced by a tubular chassis responsible for transmitting mechanical forces to the ground
These mechanical simplifications are compensated by labor.

 The side walls determine with the 2 pivoting entry and exit doors a closed set on the 4 sides.

 These walls prohibit any access to the chamber, in particular during cutting, but will be removable with suitable tools to allow easy quality cleaning. When these side walls are removed, the machine cannot be put into service thanks to electrical safety devices. In a simplified version, these walls could be fixed, for example welded in a stainless steel mesh with a low mesh. The cleaning will of course remain possible and of quality but will be more tedious.

Claims (1)

 l) Apparatus for quartering fruit, vegetables and similar products equipped with a carriage (11) carrying a removable and interchangeable cutting tool (4) comprising multiple blades (1) installed according to the radii of a wheel, driven by an up and down movement, guided by vertical (6) or oblique uprights which support jacks (8) or mechanical devices actuating this carriage (11) which in its movement passes the cutting blades (1 ) through the object to be cut (19) which rests on an openwork support (21) allowing these same knives (1) to be released entirely from the object to be cut (19) at the end of the stroke and then to go back into position high which will allow the openwork support (21) to swing freely to make it eliminate the formed portions, all taking place in a cutting chamber (20) closed during movements.  2) Apparatus according to claim 1) characterized in that the entry doors (13) and exit (16) which define 2 sides of the cutting chamber pivot about an axis of rotation (17).  3) Apparatus according to claim 1) characterized in that the side walls (9) which define the other 2 sides of the cutting chamber (20) are transparent or perforated but removable to facilitate cleaning of the machine and its maintenance.  4) Apparatus according to claim 2) characterized in that the exit door (16) is integral with the perforated bottom (21) by forming a dihedral of variable angle but allowing this door when it is horizontal to evacuate the portions formed in the cutting chamber (20).  5) Apparatus according to claim 2) characterized in that the entry door (13) when it is horizontal serves as a loading support for the object to be cut and facilitates its loading.  6) Apparatus according to claim 1) characterized in that the guide supports (6) of the tool-holder carriage (11) for cutting are integral with a tank (15) with inclined bottom (14) making it possible to mechanically stiffen the together, collect the various waste and liquids formed during the cutting operation and facilitate cleaning of the machine and its movement or transport.  7) Apparatus according to claim 1) characterized in that the cutting tool (4) with multiple blades comprises in the central part a cookie cutter tube (10) having large teeth 3 or 4 which first touch l object to be cut and in 1 incising the immobilizer before the blades (l) in the radial position cut it.  8) Apparatus according to claim 7) characterized in that the cutting tool (4) with multiple blades (1) easily uncouples from the carriage (11) when that is in the low position thus allowing the tool (4) to be removed blade holder by the machine loading door and easily replace it with another cutting tool (4), optimizing safety during this intervention