Patent Application
20220402156
This application claims benefit to European Patent Application No. 21 179 803.8, filed on Jun. 16, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
The present disclosure relates to a whetting device for a slicer for slicing off slices from in particular a length of material to be sliced, having a positioning aid.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,134,937 B1 (=reference [1]) relates to a slicing machine for food products, comprising a rotatable slicing blade. The slicing machine comprises a whetting instrument and an associated blade guard assembly having a guard element which is positioned on a blade guard ring such as to protect the cutting edge of the blade when the whetting instrument is in its stand-by or non-sharpening state. During whetting, a part of the blade guard ring is opened in order for the whetting instrument to be able to touch the cutting edge of the blade.
EP 1 922 189 B1 (=reference [2]) relates to a food slicing unit comprising a rotating slicing blade and a sharpening mechanism for sharpening the slicing blade, the sharpening mechanism being releasably fastened to a portion of a product table in order to move together with the product table and provide sharpening of the slicing blade. The sharpening mechanism has a rotating sharpening element and a deburring element, the sharpening element and the deburring element being mounted independently of one another. The sharpening mechanism is detachably fastened in a cavity formed in a bottom portion of the food product table facing the blade.
To ensure operationally reliable functioning of the whetting device and a satisfactory whetting operation, the whetstone and the hone are aligned with the circular blade at very low tolerances. For this reason, the whetting device is able to be fitted on the slicer with low tolerances in relation to the circular blade.
Because components, such as the blade guard ring and carriage, do not satisfy these tolerance specifications, in order to ensure the whetstone and the hone are positioned properly geometrically in relation to the circular blade of the slicer, all the whetting devices known to the inventors have to be adjusted to and aligned with the slicer during production. Hitherto, this adjustment had to be carried out during production, for example via slots. A whetting device is thus always allocated to one specific, individual slicing machine. Particularly when the whetting device has to be fastened to a blade guard ring or uses the blade guard ring as a stop for the mounted position, a whetting device has to be allocated to a specific slicer since the blade guard ring is generally arranged on the slicer only within a rough geometric tolerance in relation to the circular blade. In this case, allocation to a very specific slicer is necessary; allocating a whetting device to a slicer of a particular type is insufficient in this regard.
Therefore, without first being re-adjusted, a whetting device for a slicer of a particular type cannot ever be used immediately for a different slicer, even if the other slicer is exactly the same type as the first.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a whetting device that is for a slicer for slicing off slices from a length of material to be sliced. The whetting device has: a whetstone configured to sharpen a rotating circular blade of the slicer; a hone configured to deburr the circular blade; a handle configured to move the whetstone or the hone toward the circular blade; and a mount configured to be fastened to a stop plate of the slicer, the mount having an insertion apparatus configured to be form-fittingly inserted into the stop plate, the mount having a U-shaped plate receptacle, which has a gap for introducing the stop plate into the gap in a state where the whetting device is pushed onto the stop plate. The insertion apparatus has at least one lug configured to engage in an associated recess in the stop plate, or the stop plate has the at least one lug configured to engage in an associated recess in the insertion apparatus.
Subject matter of the present disclosure will be described in even greater detail below based on the exemplary figures. All features described and/or illustrated herein can be used alone or combined in different combinations. The features and advantages of various embodiments will become apparent by reading the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate the following:
The present disclosure relates to a whetting device for a slicer for slicing off slices from in particular a length of material to be sliced, preferably food, the whetting device having a whetstone for sharpening a rotating circular blade of the slicer, and a hone for deburring the circular blade, the whetting device having a handle for moving the whetstone and/or the hone toward the circular blade. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a slicing system comprising a whetting device of this kind and a slicer.
Aspects of the present disclosure addresses the problem, which is relatively challenging when considered in detail, of providing a whetting device for whetting a circular blade that, owing to the way in which it is positioned on a slicer, can be used in a simple manner for many different slicers of the same type without any additional complex adjustment before the actual whetting operation. Another problem addressed by aspects of the present disclosure is to provide a slicing system comprising a whetting device of this kind and a slicer.
Aspects of the present disclosure solve this problem in both a surprisingly simple and also effective way in that a whetting device has a mount for being fastened to a stop plate of the slicer, the mount having an insertion apparatus for being form-fittingly inserted into the stop plate, the mount having a U-shaped plate receptacle which has a gap for introducing the stop plate into the gap when the whetting device is pushed onto the stop plate, and in that the insertion apparatus has at least one lug, preferably two lugs, for engaging in an associated recess in the stop plate or in that the stop plate has at least one lug, preferably two lugs, for engaging in an associated recess in the insertion apparatus.
The severe restrictions, which have always applied up to now, whereby a whetting device could only be used on one specific slicer allocated to the whetting device are thus overcome.
The lugs are secured by being inserted into the recesses, the recesses thereby in particular forming form-fitting receptacles for the lugs. Once inserted into the recesses, the lugs prevent the whetting device from being displaced along the stop plate. By way of the lugs and the associated recesses, the whetting instrument is oriented on the stop plate.
In general, the stop plate is aligned with the circular blade to a relatively high degree of accuracy during production of the slicer, this positioning being the same for many different slicers, in particular for those of the same type. In the process, the stop plate is generally fastened to the slicer housing using slots and is thus adjusted to the circular blade. Due to the accurate positioning of the stop plate, the position of the stop plate has no or relatively low tolerances relative to the circular blade, and in particular is the same in many different slicers, even when the type varies slightly. Owing to the precise positioning of the whetting device on the stop plate, the positioning being determined by the lugs and the associated recesses, the whetting device can be fitted on each of the slicers at sufficiently low tolerances, without the need for any precise re-adjustment. As a result, due to its accurate positioning relative to the slicing blade, a single whetting device can be used for whetting the blade of different slicers immediately after being mounted. In other words, this has the favorable effect whereby adjustment during the production of a whetting device for a first slicer of a particular type simultaneously also includes adjustment of the whetting device for a second slicer of the same type. The whetting device can thus be used for a plurality of slicers of the same or a similar type, without having to be re-adjusted again and again.
Particularly, in embodiments of the slicer in which the stop plate thereof can move relative to the circular blade in a direction of the axis of rotation of the circular blade, the whetting device can be fastened to the stop plate by means of the mount or detached from the stop plate when the distance between the stop plate and the blade guard ring is shorter than a predetermined distance in the direction of the axis of rotation of the circular blade, i.e., in particular when the stop plate is in a closed position. The whetting device can then be aligned to a high degree of precision in different slicers by moving the stop plate relative to the circular blade. In the process, as a result of being moved, the stop plate switches into an open position.
The slicer can in particular be configured as a vertical slicing machine or a gravity feed slicing machine.
In a first step, the whetstone of the whetting device touches the cutting edge from one side and thus sharpens the cutting edge. In a second step, the hone of the whetting device touches the cutting edge from the other side and hones the blade, removing burrs for example.
The context of the present disclosure also includes a slicing system comprising a slicer for slicing off slices from in particular a length of material to be sliced, preferably food, comprising a slicer housing, which retains a drive motor and a rotating circular blade that is driven by the drive motor, a cutting edge of the circular blade being covered in a first portion by a blade guard ring, the slicer comprising a stop plate and a displaceably arranged carriage, by means of which the material to be sliced is fed to the circular blade, the stop plate being movable in the direction of the axis of rotation of the circular blade, the slicing system having a whetting device for whetting the circular blade, the whetting device having a whetstone for sharpening the circular blade and a hone for deburring the circular blade, the whetting device having a handle for moving the whetstone and/or the hone toward the circular blade.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, this slicing system is characterized in that the whetting device has a mount for being fastened to the stop plate, the mount having an insertion apparatus for being form-fittingly inserted into the stop plate, the mount having an in particular U-shaped plate receptacle which has a gap for introducing the stop plate into the gap when the whetting device is pushed onto the stop plate, and in that the insertion apparatus has at least one lug, preferably two lugs, for engaging in an associated recess in the stop plate or in that the stop plate has at least one lug, preferably two lugs, for engaging in an associated recess in the insertion apparatus.
Due to the way in which they are positioned, the whetting devices of slicing systems of this kind can be used for a multiplicity of slicers, in particular those of the same type. The stop plates are generally positioned to a high degree of accuracy in relation to the circular blade, this positioning in particular being the same for many different slicers. By being fastened to the stop plate, therefore, the whetting device fastened to the stop plate is also arranged with little or no tolerance in relation to the circular blade. In this way, the positioning and the alignment of the whetting device relative to the circular blade is in particular the same in many different slicers. As a result, one whetting device having precise positioning can be used for different slicers.
One category of advantageous embodiments of the whetting device according to the present disclosure is characterized in that the at least one lug is in particular configured for engaging in a recess on a rear face of the stop plate, and the rear face of the stop plate facing away from a carriage of the slicer in the direction of the axis of rotation of the circular blade. In this embodiment, the whetting device in particular abuts the stop-plate front face facing the carriage so as to whet the circular blade, and is also fastened to the rear face of the stop plate by means of the lug. In the process, the mount engages around the stop-plate edge that is at the top when the stop plate is in the mounted state. By being arranged on both faces of the stop plate, the whetting device is held in position on the stop plate in a particularly stable manner.
Also advantageous are embodiments of the whetting device according to the present disclosure in which the mount for fastening the whetting device to a stop plate of the slicer has a threaded spindle for clamping the stop plate. Owing to the threaded spindle, the stop plate can be connected to the whetting device in a stable but manually releasable manner. In particular, the threaded spindle is located on one side of the gap of the U-shaped plate receptacle, so as to press the stop plate against the opposite side of the U-shaped plate receptacle and thus firmly clamp the whetting device on the stop plate.
Also advantageous are embodiments of the whetting device that are characterized in that the insertion apparatus is formed on the inner surface of the gap of the plate receptacle. In particular, the stop plate is guided along the inner surface of the gap when inserted into the gap. The insertion apparatus is in particular formed on the inner surface of the gap in the form of the aforementioned lugs. Whereas the plate receptacle engages around the stop plate during insertion so as to prevent the whetting device being displaced in the direction of the axis of rotation of the circular blade, the insertion apparatus on the inner surface of the gap prevents the whetting device being displaced along the stop plate as early as when the stop plate is inserted.
In further configurations of the whetting device, the insertion apparatus has a tapering shape, in particular a U shape, in a direction of the insertion. As a result, the insertion apparatus is centered when inserted into the receptacle in the stop plate, thereby simplifying insertion.
A further embodiment of the whetting device is characterized in that a receptacle of the whetting device is present for form-fittingly engaging around an end of a blade guard ring of the slicer, the receptacle being configured to engage around the end of the blade guard ring when the stop plate is at least at a predetermined distance from the circular blade in the direction of an axis of rotation of the circular blade, and not to engage around the end of the blade guard ring when the distance between the stop plate and the blade guard ring is shorter than the predetermined distance in the direction of the axis of rotation of the circular blade.
Consequently, a risk of injury when the whetting device is being mounted and removed, and poor hygiene when the whetting device is in use, are avoided. When the distance between the stop plate and the blade guard ring is shorter than the predetermined distance in the direction of the axis of rotation of the circular blade, i.e., in particular when the stop plate is in a closed position, the receptacle does not engage around the end of the blade guard ring.
The whetting device can then be fastened to the stop plate by means of the mount, or can be detached from the stop plate. In the closed position, the circular blade covered by the stop plate and the blade guard ring cannot be touched, so there is no risk of injury. As a result, the whetting device can advantageously be fitted on the stop plate as early as when it is still in the closed position and the slicer still poses no injury risk. To ensure user safety during whetting, the whetting device is mounted on the slicer as early as when the slicer is in the safe state, i.e., when the slicing blade is completely covered. When in the closed position, the stop plate in particular covers a portion of the slicing-blade cutting edge that is not covered by the blade guard ring.
Once the whetting device has been mounted, with the stop plate in the closed position, the stop plate is displaced out of the closed position in order to whet the circular blade, such that the stop plate is at least at a predetermined distance from the circular blade in the direction of an axis of rotation of the circular blade, i.e., the stop plate is in an open position. The whetting device is thus brought close to the now-accessible cutting edge of the circular blade. When the stop plate is displaced, the end of the blade guard ring is introduced into the receptacle in the direction of the axis of rotation of the circular blade, which receptacle engages around the end of the blade guard ring when the stop plate is in the open position. In the process, the receptacle in particular has a guide for introducing the blade guard ring.
When the stop plate is open, the whetting device interacts with the blade guard ring. Together with the whetting-device insertion apparatus, which is inserted into the stop plate, when the stop plate is in the open position the receptacle prevents the whetting device from being able to be demounted during whetting of the circular blade, which poses the risk of the user cutting themselves. In particular, when the stop plate is open, the whetting device cannot be demounted either in a direction along the stop plate or perpendicularly to that direction. By means of the receptacle in the whetting device for the blade guard ring, the blade guard ring secures the whetting device when the stop plate is open, but not when the stop plate is closed.
The blade guard ring is preferably C-shaped so as to cover the circular blade.
A development of the aforementioned embodiment of the whetting device according to the present disclosure is characterized in that the receptacle is formed as a cut-out for introducing the end of the blade guard ring. The receptacle engages around the end of the blade guard ring, thereby providing a secure hold for the whetting device on the end of the blade guard ring. Forming the receptacle as a cut-out is also particularly material-efficient.
In an advantageous configuration, the whetting device has a frame for covering at least one portion of a cutting edge of the circular blade and for pivoting the whetting device from an installation position into a working position. The frame reduces the risk of a user cutting themselves on the circular blade. In particular, the whetting device is mounted on the slicer in the installation position whereas the working position of the whetting device is used for the whetting of the circular blade by the whetting device.
In a development of the aforementioned configuration, the frame of the whetting device comprises cover plates for covering the cutting edge of the circular blade, the whetstone and the hone in particular being arranged between the cover plates. Due to their extent, the cover plates protect users against cutting themselves on the cutting edge of the circular blade while the stop plate is in motion. The cover plates, the whetstone, and the hone are in particular arranged in the circumferential direction of the circular blade, the whetstone and the hone being positioned between the cover plates.
Further embodiments of the whetting device according to the present disclosure are characterized by a latching mechanism for locking the whetting device in the working position and/or in the installation position. As a result, the whetting device is held in each position in a stable but manually releasable manner. By way of example, the latching mechanism is formed by a latching pin and resilient elements on the whetting device.
A preferred variant of the whetting device according to the present disclosure is characterized by a pivot mechanism for pivoting the whetting device from the working position into the installation position. Preferably, the pivot mechanism has a guide groove and/or a guide rail for guiding the whetting device during pivoting, and/or a rotating pin about which the whetting device can pivot in its entirety or in part. Particularly preferably, the aforementioned latching pin engages in the guide groove and/or is guided along the guide rail, whereby the whetting device can be pivoted between the latching positions from the working position into the installation position.
A development of the aforementioned variant is characterized by a stop for the pivot mechanism. The stop brakes the pivoting in a stable manner and acts as a buffer to protect the whetting device from mechanical damage resulting from the pivoting.
A further preferred embodiment of the whetting device according to the present disclosure is characterized in that the handle for moving the whetstone and/or the hone toward the circular blade of the slicer is formed as a wheel of the frame of the whetting device, the wheel being configured, when turned, to move the whetstone and/or the hone relative to the circular blade, such that they can be arranged on the circular blade and/or moved away from the circular blade. Owing to the wheel and a rotary mechanism connected thereto, the whetstone and/or the hone can be shifted in a space-saving manner.
An advantageous configuration of the above-described slicing system according to the present disclosure is characterized in that the recess is preferably formed on a rear face of the stop plate, the rear face facing away from a carriage of the slicer in the direction of the axis of rotation of the circular blade. In this embodiment, the whetting device in particular abuts both faces of the stop plate and is thus held in position on the stop plate in a particularly stable manner.
Further advantages of the present disclosure become apparent from the description and the drawings. According to the present disclosure, the aforementioned features and those yet to be stated can likewise each be used either in isolation or together in any combinations. The embodiments shown and described should not be taken to be an exhaustive list, but rather are intended as examples for outlining the present disclosure.
The present disclosure concerns a whetting device for a slicer for slicing off slices from in particular a length of material to be sliced, preferably food.
The slicer 10′ further comprises a stop plate 16 and a displaceably arranged carriage 17, by means of which material to be sliced is fed to the circular blade 13. In the process, the stop plate 16 can be moved in the direction of the axis of rotation RA (see
As an alternative to a gravity feed slicing machine 10′ according to
To whet the circular blade 13, which is mounted so as to be rotatable about the axis of rotation RA, the whetting device 22 is used, which is mounted in an installation position 23 (shown in
In particular, the installation position 23 can be recognized in that a housing 26 for protecting the operating mechanism of the whetting device 22 is pivoted away from the circular blade 13, whereas in a working position (see
The pivoting from the working position into the installation position 23 is carried out by means of a pivot mechanism 30. The pivot mechanism 30 has a guide 31 for guiding the whetting device 22 during the pivoting. The housing 26 is pivoted about a rotating pin 32 of the pivot mechanism. The pivoting motion of the whetting device 22 toward the installation position 23 is stopped by a stop 33 acting as a buffer.
The whetting device 22 has a handle 34 for moving a whetstone 39 and a hone 40 (see
By comparison with
To whet the circular blade 13, the whetting device 22 assumes a working position 38, which is shown in
The whetting device 22 has the whetstone 39 for sharpening the circular blade 13 (see
The receptacle 43 in the whetting device 22 is configured to form-fittingly engage around the end 20, which is formed as a projection, of the blade guard ring 15 (see
The mount 24 for fastening the whetting device 22 to the stop plate 16 (see
Two recesses 50a, 50b in the stop plate 16 (which are shown in
While subject matter of the present disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. Any statement made herein characterizing the invention is also to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive as the invention is defined by the claims. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made, by those of ordinary skill in the art, within the scope of the following claims, which may include any combination of features from different embodiments described above.
The terms used in the claims should be construed to have the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the use of the article “a” or “the” in introducing an element should not be interpreted as being exclusive of a plurality of elements. Likewise, the recitation of “or” should be interpreted as being inclusive, such that the recitation of “A or B” is not exclusive of “A and B,” unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing description that only one of A and B is intended. Further, the recitation of “at least one of A, B and C” should be interpreted as one or more of a group of elements consisting of A, B and C, and should not be interpreted as requiring at least one of each of the listed elements A, B and C, regardless of whether A, B and C are related as categories or otherwise. Moreover, the recitation of “A, B and/or C” or “at least one of A, B or C” should be interpreted as including any singular entity from the listed elements, e.g., A, any subset from the listed elements, e.g., A and B, or the entire list of elements A, B and C.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 179 803.8 | Jun 2021 | EP | regional |
