Meat-cutting machine, in particular for cutting meat with bone

The invention discloses a meat-cutting machine used in particular for cutting meat with bone, including a containment channel 10 holding a piece of meat 20 to be cut, the walls 11, 12, 13, 14 of which form a guide for feeding the piece of meat 20 to an outlet opening 15. At the opening 15, cutting device 30 cuts the piece of meat 20 in a timing sequence established by a user control unit 80.

APPLICATION FIELD

The present invention relates to a meat-cutting machine.

In particular, the present invention relates to a meat-cutting machine for cutting meat with bone and the following specification refers to this application field.

KNOWN ART

Meat-cutting machines are known in which a piece of meat to be cut is constrained in motion by a clamp to be then pushed towards a blade.

This method has a series of drawbacks.

First, the portion of the piece of meat that is retained by the clamp cannot be cut; consequently, this portion cannot be packaged by a packaging machine downstream of the meat-cutting machine. Generally this portion is not at all used and packaged and therefore is wasted.

It is apparent that this involves higher production costs.

Secondly, the clamp does not ensure a reliable grip of the piece of meat that, accidentally, can move and therefore turn a wrong side thereof towards the cutting blade, bringing about an inaccurate cut.

Consequently, the slice can be cut with uneven thickness or the cut can be oriented in an incorrect manner relative to the meat fibres; in some cases, crushing of the bone can even occur or the blade can be blocked due to the strong resistance of the piece of meat in an incorrect position.

The present invention aims at providing a meat-cutting machine, in particular for cutting meat with bone, that overcomes or at least limits the drawbacks of the known art.

It is a particular aim of the invention to provide a meat-cutting machine, specifically for cutting meat with bone, that is more reliable in terms of quality and amount of the meat cuts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing and further aims are achieved by a meat-cutting machine, in particular for cutting meat with bone, as described in the appended claims.

The meat-cutting machine according to the invention achieves the following main technical effects:reliable locking of the meat in the machine;more accurate control of the cutting features;more reliable cut;cut of better quality.

The above and other technical effects of the invention will be better detailed in the following specification concerning embodiments given by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to the invention, a meat-cutting machine particularly used for cutting meat with bone comprises a containment channel for a piece of meat to be cut the walls of which create a guide for advancing or feeding of the piece of meat to an outlet opening.

At the opening, cutting means cuts the piece of meat following a timed sequence established by a control unit.

Referring particularly toFIGS. 1 and 2, the meat-cutting machine of the invention comprises a base2on which a machine structure1is mounted.

The meat-cutting machine in the machine structure1comprises a housing structure18for receiving mechanical/electronic components interacting in the machine.

The meat-cutting machine in the machine structure1comprises a channel10inside which a piece of meat20to be cut is positioned.

The piece of meat20is adapted to move forward in an advancing or feeding direction d in channel10.

According to the invention. channel10is defined by faced walls11,12and13,14.

According to the invention, walls11,12and13,14are movable relative to each other in respective directions d1, d2transverse to the feeding direction of the piece of meat20.

The technical effect thus achieved is a better constraint of the piece of meat in the cutting channel. Preferably, the faced walls11,12and13,14are opposite and can be mutually translated in respective directions d1, d2perpendicular to the feeding direction d of the piece of meat20.

Still with reference toFIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first pair of opposite walls11,12comprises a first fixed main wall11.

The first main wall11is fixed because it is integral with the base2of the meat-cutting machine.

The first pair of opposite walls11,12further comprises a first secondary wall12, in motion relative to the first main wall11and adapted to push the piece of meat20towards the first main wall11.

The first fixed main wall11and the first movable secondary wall12are mounted on the meat-cutting machine on opposite sides relative to channel10in substantially parallel planes.

Preferably, the first fixed wall11is mounted to the meat-cutting machine at a proximal position relative to channel10and a distal position relative to the housing structure18.

Referring particularly toFIG. 2, the first movable secondary wall12is adapted to move in the direction d1perpendicular to the movement direction d of the piece of meat20; direction d1further appears to be perpendicular to the planar extension of the first fixed wall11.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second pair of opposite walls13,14comprises a second fixed main wall13.

The second main wall13is fixed because it is integral with the base2of the meat-cutting machine2.

The second pair of opposite walls13,14further comprises a second secondary wall14in motion relative to the second main wall13and adapted to push the piece of meat20towards the second main wall13.

The second fixed main wall13and second movable secondary wall14are mounted to the meat-cutting machine on opposite sides relative to channel10in substantially parallel planes.

Preferably, the second fixed wall13is mounted to a proximal position relative to base2, while the second movable wall14is mounted to a distal position relative to base2.

The second movable wall14is integral with a closing lid150of channel10.

Lid150is hinged on the housing structure18and is adapted to carry out a rotary motion between two positions:a closed position at which it lies in a plane parallel to the second fixed wall13.

In this case, the second movable wall14is adapted to be moved so as to constrain the piece of meat20in channel10pushing it towards the second fixed wall13.an open position at which it lies in a plane transverse to the second fixed wall13enabling access to channel10.

The faced walls further form an outlet opening15for exit from frame1of the meat-cutting machine. In other words, the faced walls form an outlet opening for exit of the piece of meat20from channel10.

The technical effect achieved by the presence of the faced walls that are movable relative to each other is their forming a guide for feeding the piece of meat20in channel10. In this manner, feeding of the piece of meat in the feeding direction d towards the outlet opening15is uniform and therefore a meat cut of better quality can be obtained.

With particular reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, the meat-cutting machine according to the invention comprises a main thrust unit50,60associated with the movable secondary wall12,14. In other words, the main thrust unit50,60is mounted on the same side of channel10relative to the movable secondary wall12,14.

According to the invention, the main thrust unit50,60is suitable to act on the secondary wall12,14to determine movement thereof relative to the fixed main wall11,13.

Preferably, the main thrust unit50,60comprises a primary pinion-rack assembly510,610adapted to directly act on the secondary wall12,14.

The primary pinion-rack assembly510,610comprises a primary rack511,611meshing with a primary pinion512,612.

The main thrust unit50,60further comprises a secondary pinion-rack assembly520,620adapted to act on the primary pinion-rack assembly510,610.

The secondary pinion-rack assembly520,620comprises a secondary rack521,621meshing with a secondary pinion522,622.

The main thrust unit50,60further comprises pneumatic means530,630adapted to act on the secondary pinion-rack assembly520,620. In other words, the pneumatic means530,630is adapted to determine a linear movement of the secondary rack521,621that, in turn, is adapted to determine a corresponding rotary movement of the secondary pinion522,622.

The secondary pinion522,622and primary pinion521,621are fitted on the same rod.

The rotary motion of the secondary pinion522,622gives rise to a corresponding rotary motion of the primary pinion512,612causing displacement of the primary rack511,611.

Preferably, the pneumatic means530,630comprises a pneumatic cylinder.

In particular, with reference toFIG. 3, the first main thrust unit50acts on the first secondary wall12in such a manner as to move it towards the first main wall11. In other words, the first main thrust unit50gives rise to mutual approaching of the first main11and secondary12walls.

According to the invention, a user control unit80(to be described in detail in the following) controls the action of the pneumatic means530causing displacement of the first secondary wall12and consequent constraint of the piece of meat20in channel10along the constraint direction d1.

In particular, with reference toFIG. 4, the second main thrust unit60acts on the second secondary wall14. In other words, the second main thrust unit60gives rise to mutual approaching of the second main13and secondary14walls.

According to the invention, a user control unit80(to be described in detail in the following) controls the action of the pneumatic means630giving rise to displacement of the second secondary wall14and consequent constraint of the piece of meat20in channel10, along the constraint direction d2.

Referring particularly toFIG. 6, the meat-cutting machine comprises cutting means30adapted to cut the piece of meat20coming out of the outlet opening15. According to the invention, the cutting means30comprises a blade31.

Preferably, blade31is mounted to the meat-cutting machine in such a manner that its sharp edge is oriented perpendicular to the piece of meat20coming out of the outlet opening15.

The cutting means30further comprises a cutting unit32adapted to drive blade31in such a manner that it cuts the piece of meat20coming out of the outlet opening15.

The cutting unit32comprises an electric motor301acting on a first drive shaft (not shown in the figure) generating the rotary motion of the shaft.

Preferably, the electric motor301is associated with a reduction motor302.

The cutting unit32further comprises a pair of pulleys303,304synchronised in their rotary motion by a belt305.

The cutting unit32comprises a second drive shaft306adapted to receive the rotary motion from pulley304and transmit it to blade31.

According to the invention, a user control unit80(to be described in detail in the following) controls operation of the electric motor301according to a plurality of operating parameters.

According to the invention, referring particularly toFIG. 5, the meat-cutting machine comprises thrust means40adapted to exert a thrust on the piece of meat20in the feeding direction d.

Preferably, the thrust means40comprises a planar abutment (FIGS. 2,5and7) adapted to push the piece of meat20towards the outlet opening15.

The thrust means40further comprises a secondary thrust means43connected to the planar abutment41.

The secondary thrust unit43is adapted to cause displacement of the planar abutment41in channel10, along the feeding direction d of the piece of meat10. Preferably, the planar abutment41comprises a contact surface42for contact with the piece of meat20.

According to the invention, this contact is without grip. In other words, the planar abutment41rests on the piece of meat20without the piece of meat being stuck.

Differently said, the contact surface42is configured to exert a bearing and thrust action on the piece of meat20.

Referring particularly toFIG. 5, the secondary thrust unit43comprises a pusher carriage44suitable to act on the planar abutment41.

The pusher carriage44comprises a plurality of wheels442adapted to enable the carriage to run along rails parallel to the sliding direction d of the piece of meat20.

Preferably, these rails are made in the meat-cutting machine in a region under channel10.

Pairs of wheels442constrain sliding of the pusher carriage44through rolling thereof over and below the rails.

Sliding of the pusher carriage44gives rise to a corresponding movement of the planar abutment41along the feeding direction d.

In particular, the pusher carriage44comprises a folded-down wing441such shaped that it transmits the advancing movement of the pusher carriage44to the planar abutment41.

Preferably, the folded-down wing441is mounted on the side of channel10defined by the first main wall11, so that it does not at all interfere with the movement of the first secondary wall12.

The secondary thrust unit43further comprises an electric motor401, preferably associated with a reduction motor402and connected by a pulley402and belt403system to wheels442, so as to cause sliding of the pusher carriage44.

The meat-cutting machine is provided with an interface81for inputting all cutting parameters that are deemed to be optimal by the user.

In other words, in the meat-cutting machine of the invention, the user control unit80is configured to time an action of one or more of said cutting means30and thrust means40, as a function of cutting parameters that the user deems to be optimal, which can be inputted through the interface81.

The interface can be a conventional user interface comprising a display and a series of commands susceptible of selection.

In addition or alternatively, the interface can be used for data communication with an additional automated system from which the value of the desired thickness is automatically taken.

In a variant of the invention (FIG. 10), the meat-cutting machine comprises retaining means71,72,73,74provided in the vicinity of the outlet opening15.

In particular, these retaining means71,72,73,74are mounted on the machine structure1in such a manner that they can act in the vicinity of the outlet opening15.

The retaining means71,72,73,74are configured to retain the piece of meat20coming out of channel10for the time required for the cutting operation.

In other words, the retaining means71,72,73,74can be removably associated with the piece of meat20, in the vicinity of the outlet opening15as a function of predetermined cutting parameters Pt.

In particular, the retaining means will act on the piece of meat20close to the final part of the piece of meat to be cut so as to enable safe retention of the last portion of the piece of meat that is more subjected to movements and consequently to inexact cuts.

Preferably, the retaining means71,72,73,74comprise fixed components271,272,273,274and movable components171,172,173,174, the latter being configured to block and tighten the piece of meat20to be cut.

According to the invention, the fixed components271,272,273,274are integral with the respective walls14,12,13,11.

The fixed components271,272,273,274are made in the form of small blocks containing pneumatic cylinders; these cylinders are configured to determine movement of the respective fixed components171,172,173,174.

According to the invention, the movable components171,172,173,174are provided with clamps configured to be stuck into the piece of meat20to be cut.

According to the invention, based on the thickness that the cut meat slice must have, the interface81is configured to receive a value of the cutting parameter Pt from a user, so that the control unit80sets the necessary instructions for carrying out the cut.

The technical effect achieved is an accurate cut of the piece of meat20coming out of the outlet opening15reproducing in a precise manner the settings defined by the user.

A further technical effect is minimisation of the amount of meat rejected from the piece of meat20, as it is not appropriate for packaging being of sizes not in accordance with the necessary requirements.

In alternative forms of the invention one or more of the described retaining means may be provided.

According to the invention, the control unit80is configured to process the parameters Pt inputted by the user and drive a corresponding action of the meat-cutting machine.

In particular, the meat-cutting machine comprises detecting means75detecting the position of the piece of meat20in channel10.

The control unit80comprises a processing unit90configured to process the data detected by the detecting means75so as to synchronise the cutting means30with the thrust means40.

In other words, the user control unit80is configured to synchronise the cutting means with the thrust means40.

More specifically, the user control unit80is configured to time the action of the cutting means as a function of a movement of the thrust means40.

Timing can take place by means of suitable kinematic mechanisms and substantially mechanical components. Alternatively or in addition, the user control unit80is provided with a specific control.

In particular, the processing unit90comprises a first calculation module91configured to receive a first signal S1from the detecting means75, which first signal is representative of the sizes of the piece of meat20introduced into the channel.

The first calculation module91is further configured to receive a second signal from the interface81or from a preset configuration C1, which second signal is representative of the thickness of a slice of meat to be cut starting from the piece of meat20.

The first calculation module91is further configured to emit a third signal S3for the cutting means30and a fourth signal S4for the thrust means40, obtained as a function of the input signals S1and S2.

In other words, depending on the length of the piece of meat20introduced into the channel and the thickness/number of slices required by the user (cutting parameter Pt), the calculation module90actuates a motor, in particular a brushless motor, determining advancing of the thrust means40and the cut by the cutting means30synchronised with the advancing of the thrust means40.

In addition, the processing unit90is configured to process the data detected by the detecting means75so as to synchronise the cutting means30with the thrust means40and with the retaining means71,72,73,74.

More specifically, the user control unit80is further configured to time the action of the retaining means71,72,73,74and of the cutting means as a function of a movement of the thrust means40.

In particular, the user control unit80is configured to time the action of the movable components171,172,173,174with the cutting means30as a function of a movement of the thrust means40.

To this aim, in particular, the first calculation module91is further configured:to receive a fifth signal S5representative of a reached limit position P of the piece of meat20, beyond which a cut cannot be carried out without retention by the retaining means71,72,73,74through the respective movable components171,172,173,174;to transmit to a second calculation module92, a signal S6representative of the reached limit position P.

The processing unit90therefore comprises the second calculation module92configured to receive signal S6from the first calculation module91, and to actuate the retaining means71,72,73,74, in particular the movable components171,172,173,174, in synchronism with the cutting means30and the thrust means40.

In other words, the calculation module92is configured:to actuate the retaining means71,72,73,74, in particular the movable components171,172,173,174, in such a manner that they may retain the piece of meat20, after the thrust means40has caused a portion of the piece of meat20to come out of the outlet opening15;to actuate the cutting means30so that said means cuts the aforesaid emerged and retained portion;to actuate the retaining means71,72,73,74, in particular the movable components171,172,173,174, in such a manner that said means release the piece of meat20after the cutting means30has cut the aforesaid portion;if the piece of meat20is not finished, to actuate the thrust means40so that said means makes a new portion of the piece of meat20come out of the outlet opening15.

In the specification, when reference is made to “modules” the term is understood as indifferently indicating hardware or routine software cards configured for operation in a programmed, centralised or distributed, microprocessor device, locally and/or remotely.

As already said, timing between the thrust means, cutting means and retaining means can be also obtained by suitable kinematic mechanisms and substantially mechanical components.