Apparatus for cutting a fruit

Abstract

 An apparatus for cutting fruit that allows:
1) the blades to first hold the fruit into position, imposing the same exact symmetry throughout the work process, and then to perform completion of the cut;
2) an operator to vary (extend or reduce) the movement path of the mobile frame, as is necessary, in a fast and simple way. FIG 2

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention refers to an apparatus for cutting fruit that significantly improves the cut, avoiding the typical damage to the fruit while achieving a precision that is not comparable to any apparatus, cited and/or until now noted, with a classic, known cut.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In reference to the research report I025436 of W02008011671A1 - DE29710471U1 - DE20115217U1 - EP1570961A1; varying the working height, signifies modifying the length of the levers coupled directly or indirectly to the blades or to the mobile frame with the blades,

[0003] The structure of the mechanisms and the automated devices present: the hydraulic mechanisms (WO2008011671A1), telescopic or vertical bars (DE20115217U1 - EP1570961A1), pinions or bars at high pressure (DE29710471U1) ; are completely different to the automated devices and the dynamic mechanisms contained in the present apparatus for cutting fruit. Regarding all that is described above, there is the need to reverse the direction of the drive means to move the blades and/or the supports with the blades from a raised position to a lowered position and vice versa.

[0004] All of the signalled apparatus WO2008011671Al - DE29710471U1 - DE20115217U1 - EP1570961A1 use a classical cutting method, or at least quite traditional settings of the blades.

[0005] The claims contained in the signalled apparatus of the research report I025436 make reference also to apparatus in which the cutting system is removable to allow it to be cleaned. In such systems the impracticality of disengaging or engaging the mechanisms is emphasised. There is no hydrophobic area, which enables the working area to be cleaned by applying liquid directly inside the area, in the claims or descriptions.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0006] The aim of the present invention is a new project that is developed and realised exclusively in the present invention due to all of the automated devices and the complex mechanisms used, that will lead to a future generation of new apparatus thought of and conceived in a different way to those cited in the report I025436 or in those until now noted, and capable of resolving the abovementioned problems and develop innovative concepts. In short, this apparatus is distinguished from preceding apparatus since it permits:

1) an operator to vary (extend or reduce) the movement path of the mobile frame, as is necessary, in a fast and simple way;

2) to perform a cutting stroke and return stroke without reversing the direction of the drive means that move the mobile frame along the predetermined movement path;

3) the blades carried by the mobile frame to first hold the fruit in position, , imposing the same exact symmetry throughout the work process, and then to perform completion of the cut.

[0007] Such technology, combined with the equilibrium of the forces on the blades obtained by the other mechanisms, significantly improves the cut, avoiding the typical damage to the fruit while achieving a precision that is not comparable to the apparatus, cited and/or until now noted, with a classic. Other than that which is described above, in the present apparatus the work area is hydrophobic, and therefore water-repellent, to render the area hygienically protected and to enable the application of detergents, disinfectants and water sprays directly inside the structure. This allows the operator of the apparatus to avoid any direct contact with the blades or mechanical pieces, effectively eliminating the risk of accidental injuries.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DIAGRAMS

[0008] 

• figure 1 illustrates a front view of the apparatus, the subject of the present invention;
• figure 2 illustrates a plan view of the apparatus, the subject of the present invention;
• figure 3 illustrates a view of the machine as in figure 2 according to the section plane III-III;
• figure 4 illustrates a view of the machine as in figure 3 according to the section plane IV-IV in which some components have been removed to show other components more clearly;
• figure 5 illustrates a view of the machine as in figure 3 according to the section plane V-V in which some components have been removed to show other components more clearly.

DESCRIPTION OF TEE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] In accordance with the attached diagrams, the number 1 refers to the apparatus for cutting fruit, in particular for cutting watermelons.

[0010] Note that the apparatus 1 can also be used to cut other food products, for example sweet edible products (cakes).

[0011] The apparatus 1 includes a fixed frame (8).

[0012] The apparatus 1 includes a base (2) to hold and support the product.

[0013] Note that in the shown illustration, which is illustrative but not limiting, the base (2) of hold and support is fixed to the fixed frame (8).

[0014] The support base (2) represents a concave region configured to retain the product.

[0015] Note that this concave region (18) is preferably positioned in the centre of the base (2).

[0016] This concave region (18) allows, by virtue of its shape, to hold the fruit in an erect position, even oval-shaped fruits, for example watermelons or melons.

[0017] In fact, watermelons or melons become positioned with their bottom inside the concave region (18) of the base (2), which is confirmation of the ability to hold a watermelon or a melon in an erect position (that is, with its most prevalent longitudinal axis in a substantially vertical position).

[0018] The apparatus includes a plurality of cutting blades (3).

[0019] Observe that in the shown illustration, eight blades (3) are present, referred to respectively by the numbers 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h.

[0020] Each cutting blade (3) is represented by a bar with a bottom cutting edge T.

[0021] Note that the cutting edge T of the blades (3) faces towards the holding/support base (2).

[0022] Note that, preferably, the blades (3) are angularly equidistant.

[0023] In the illustrated example the blades (3) are rigidly coupled and intersect each other at a mutual point C. Note also that the blades (3) define a radiating structure, developing along the radii of a circle centred at the point C.

[0024] In other words, the blades develop radially, starting from a centre C.

[0025] The blades (3) are carried by the mobile frame (9).

[0026] Note that, according to the shown illustration, the cutting edges T of four blades (3a, 3c, 3e and 3g) are closer to the support base (2), compared to the cutting edges of the other blades (3b, 3d, 3f, 3h).

[0027] The advantageous technical aspects connected to these characteristics will become clearer in the following. Note, however, that in another variation, the cutting edges T of the blades (3) are positioned all at equidistance from the base (2).

[0028] observe also that, according to yet another variation, one single cutting edge T of a blade (3) can be at a closer distance to the support base (2) than the other cutting edges T.

[0029] The structure of the mobile frame (9) will be described, as an example and not limitative; note that in fact the mobile frame (9) could also have, according to a form not illustrated, a different type of configuration/shape.

[0030] The frame (9), in the illustrated example, includes a ring-shaped structure (19) to which the blades (3) are fixed.

[0031] In the illustrated example the ring-shaped structure (19) has an octagonal shape.

[0032] The ring-shaped structure (19) is supported bilaterally by a pair of uprights (20) that hold it vertically.

[0033] Note that the uprights (20) are inserted - freely - into holes in the base (2), preferably in the periphery. The uprights (20) are inferiorly connected to (fixed to) a horizontal transverse (34).

[0034] Also note that the ring-shaped structure (19), the uprights (20) and the transverse (34) together define the mobile frame (9).

[0035] The illustrated coupling of the mobile frame (9) to the fixed frame (8) is purely an example, and is not limitative. It can have different forms or technical solutions to those shown but which are technically equivalent and consist of a pair of guides (7a, 7b), fixed to the fixed frame (8) to guide the same mobile frame (9) during its movement between the aforementioned positions (P1, P2).

[0036] Each guide (7a, 7b) is composed of an arm (22a, 22b) that develops longitudinally.

[0037] Observe that, in the described form, the direction of development of the arms is a vertical direction, Z.

[0038] Note that, according to a variation (not illustrated), the apparatus could also include a single guide (7).

[0039] Note that, according to the illustrated form, the transverse (34) contains a pair of slits (21a, 21b), each of which is movably coupled to one of the guides (7a, 7b).

[0040] The slits (21a, 21b) are configured to slide on the guides (7a, 7b) along the longitudinal direction Z of development of these guides.

[0041] Therefore the mobile frame (9) is mobile along a vertical direction Z between the aforementioned positions (P1, P2).

[0042] The apparatus 1 also comprises of driving means, kinematically coupled to the mobile frame (9) to activate movement of the mobile frame (9) between the aforementioned positions (P1, P2).

[0043] The driving means, according to the illustrated form, comprise of:

• a pair of gear wheels (12, 13), rotatably carried by the fixed frame (8);
• a chain (14), forming a closed ring around the gear wheels (12, 13);
• a motor part (11) coupled to one of the gear wheels (12, 13) to drive it into rotation.

[0044] Note that the mobile frame (9) is coupled to the chain (14).

[0045] In this regard, note that the driving means further comprise of a first element (15) and a second element (16), which are coupled together, to connect the mobile frame (9) to the chain (14).

[0046] The first element (15) is coupled to mobile frame (9) and the second element (16) is connected to the chain (14).

[0047] In particular, according to the illustrated example, observe that the first element (15) is hinged to a vertical rod (28) protruding from the top of the transverse (34) - the vertical rod (28) is in more or less a central position on the transverse (34) in correspondence to a first end point (23).

[0048] Also, the first element (15) is hinged to the second element (16) in correspondence to the other end point (25). It is also observed that the second element (16) is connected in correspondence to a first end point (24) to the chain (14) and in correspondence to the other end point (26) to the first element (15).

[0049] Observe that the rod-shaped element (15) is composed of two arms of connection and a central core that allows extension or reduction in the length of the external arms of connection.

[0050] It is emphasised that the element (15) could also have a realised form that is not illustrated, a different shape/configuration.

[0051] Observe that the rod-shaped element (15) and the second element (16 ) hinged each other, define the mechanism articulated (27)to connected mobile frame (9) to the chain (14)

[0052] Observe that the mechanism articulated (27) the chain (14) and the gear wheels (12, 13)define the mechanism 37 that 37 achieves the aim of being able to vary the extension or reduction of the movement path of the mobile frame (9).

[0053] The driving means, according to a realised form not illustrated, can also consist of other elements.

[0054] For example, according to a realised form not illustrated, the driving means can be composed of a pneumatically activated mechanism to raise/lower the mobile frame, such as hydraulic cylinders/pistons, however always in accordance with the articulated mechanism (12).

[0055] Further, according to an alternative form to the preferred form illustrated in the figures, there could be a strap in place of the chain to connect to the mobile frame (9).

[0056] Observe that, in general, the guides (7a, 7b), the mobile frame (9) and the driving means define the movement means of the blades (3) between the aforementioned positions (P1, P2).

[0057] According to a variation not illustrated, the means of movement can have a different configuration to that which is illustrated, to obtain the technical effect of movement of the blades (3) between the two positions; (P1) raised, and (P2) lowered.

[0058] According to the invention, the means of movement of the cutting blades (3) allow the movement of the blades (3) - in respect to the base (2) and the fixed frame (8) - between the raised position (P1) and the lowered position (P2) following a cutting stroke, and vice versa from a lowered position (P2) to a raised position (P1) following a return stroke that is preparatory to the cutting stroke of the blades (3).

[0059] Note that in figures 4 and 5 the blades (3) are shown in the raised position (P1).

[0060] According to the invention the apparatus 1 comprises of an action control unit (5), configured to receive a command (from the user or automatically), and is connected to the means of movement of the blades (3) to activate the movement of the blades (3) from the raised position (P1) to the lowered position (P2) to perform the cutting of the product.

[0061] Observe that the control and drive unit (5) is connected to the motor part (11) - this motor part (11) is, preferably, an electronic motor - to activate it into rotation.

[0062] In the illustrated form, the base (2) includes a plurality of holding recesses (6) for the blades (3) when in the lowered position (P2).

[0063] In other words when in the lowered position (P2) the blades are not visible, or stay positioned inside the recesses (6).

[0064] Also, advantageously, the blades are concealed inside the recesses (6).

[0065] According to yet another aspect, the apparatus 1 includes a collection of waste fluids created due to cutting the fruit (for example liquids or pieces of fruit) in a basket (33) or directly into special containers.

[0066] This basket (33) is positioned under the support base (2) for the product and preferably has an opening which is connectable to a container in order to unload/collect the waste fluids.

[0067] Observe that in the present apparatus the cutting area is hydrophobic and as such is water repellent to keep the area hygienically protected and to allow the use of detergents, disinfectants and water sprays directly inside the structure.

[0068] The functionality of the apparatus 1 will be described in the following, with reference to the preferred form and the cutting of a watermelon (P) and starting from the configuration in which the blades (3) are set in the lowered position (P2).

[0069] To perform a cut of the watermelon (P), the movement of the blades (3) is activated to move them to the raised position (P1).

[0070] The movement of the blades (3) comes from activating the motor (11) into rotation.

[0071] The activation of the motor (11) into rotation is driven by the rotation of the chain (14). Consequently, the mobile frame (9) moves, connected to the chain (14) by the connecting articulated mechanism (27).

[0072] After the positioning of the blades (3) into the raised position (P1), the watermelon (P) is positioned into the concave region (18) of the support base (2).

[0073] The blades (3) are moved from the raised position (P1) to the lowered position (P2), following the cutting path, to perform the cutting of the product.

[0074] Note that, in the preferred realised form, the blades (3a and 3e) and the blades (3c and 3g), during the movement from the raised position (P1) to the lowered position (P2), are the first to come into contact with the surface of the watermelon (P), when the other blades (3b, 3d, 3f, 3h) have not yet met the surface of the watermelon (P).

[0075] The blades (3a and 3e) and the blades (3c and 3g) are to say - paired - radially aligned.

[0076] Note also that the pairs of aligned blades (3a, 3e) and (3c, 3g) are positioned at right angles.

[0077] The fact that the two pairs of aligned blades (3a and 3e and 3c and 3g) penetrate inside the watermelon (P) allow to hold the watermelon (P) in the predetermined position during the cut, avoiding any loss in the position of equilibrium of the watermelon (P) and damage to the watermelon (P) during the impact of the blades (3) with the surface of the watermelon (P).

[0078] Note that, successively, the other blades (3b, 3d, 3f, 3h) also penetrate the inside of the surface of the watermelon (P) completing the cutting of the watermelon (P) into pieces.

[0079] With other types of fruit, it can be sufficient only that the cutting edge T of one of the blades (3) is nearer to the base (2) in respect to the other blades to achieve the technical effect explained above to hold the fruit in position during the cut and to avoid damage and achieve an asymmetric cut of the fruit.

[0080] Also, one or more blade (3) can be positioned in a way that the respective cutting edges are closer to the base (2) in respect to the cutting edges of the other blades to achieve the abovementioned technical effect.

[0081] For a particularly large fruit, such as a watermelon, it is suitable that at least two pairs of radially aligned blades - or alternatively diametrical blades - have the cutting edge nearer to the base (2) in respect to the other blades.

[0082] The blades (3) come to a stop when they reach the lowered position (P2).

[0083] Observe that, in the illustrated form, the watermelon (P) is divided into eight pieces.

[0084] The apparatus 1, advantageously, allows a watermelon (P) and other fruit (but not only fruit) to be cut in a fast and simple way.

[0085] The apparatus is also particularly compact and safe.

[0086] Note also that, preferably, to allow the blades (3) to be returned to the raised position (P1) from the lowered position (P2), the chain (14) always rotates in the same direction of rotation.

[0087] Therefore, in accordance with the above, the element (16) is moved along the closed, internal path of the chain (14) between the two positions (P1 and P2).

[0088] Note also that, according to another aspect, the apparatus 1 comprises of a wall cladding (29) - preferably in steel, but otherwise in a material that is compatible with food products), connected to the base (2).

[0089] That wall (29) has the functionality to avoid any undesirable splashes of materials during the cut. Observe also that, according to another aspect, the base (2) and the blades (3) are positioned inside an enclosed working area with containing walls (30) - forming part of the apparatus 1.

[0090] The containing walls (30) comprise of a fixed part and a mobile part (31) to give the operator access to the working area.

[0091] The mobile part (31) comprises of one or more doors (in the figures two doors (32a and 32b) are illustrated). Note that in the preferred realised form, the upper part of the doors (32a and 32b) of the containing walls (30) contain micro-safety (not illustrated) that prevent the opening of the doors (32a and 32b) while the diving means are in action or if the apparatus (masculine - in the part 32a, feminine in the part 32b) arrests abnormally. The lower part of the doors (32a and 32b) contain a further two micro-switches that verify if the doors are opened or closed, also connected to the driving means. All of these devices are designed to ensure the safety of the apparatus.

[0092] Observe that in figure 5 there is a hatched area on the mobile frame (9) in the lowered position (P2) - in this figure the blades (3) are not visible in the lowered position (P2) but they are depicted in the raised position (P1) - while in figure 4 the slits (21a and 21b) are shown in hatching in correspondence to the second position (P2).

[0093] The invention, being so conceptive, is suitable for evident industrial applications; it can also be subject to numerous modifications and variants all within the scope of the inventive concept; all of the details can be substituted, also ,with technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for cutting fruit, composed of:

- a motor part (11) activable in rotation

- an articulated mechanism (27) kinematically coupled to the motor part (11) to be moved and to the mobile frame (9)supporting blade (3) to move it between the aforementioned cutting positions (P1, P2).

2. An apparatus according to the preceding claim in which the mechanism (37) is comprised of an articulated mechanism (27) and at least one ring-shaped chain (14) closed around at least one pair of gear wheels (12, 13) rotatably carried by the fixed frame (8) and of which at least one of the gear wheels is coupled to the motor part (11) to activate the rotation.

3. An apparatus according to the preceding claim in which the articulated mechanism (27) is comprised of at least a first element (15) and a second element (16) hinged to each other, to connect the mobile frame (9) to the chain (14), the first element (15) being hinged also to the mobile frame (9) and the second element (16) being also connected to the chain (14).

4. An apparatus according to the preceding claim in which the articulated mechanism (27) is defined by the elements (15, 16) it is composed of the first rod-shaped element (15) is composed of two arms of connection and a central core that permits the extension or reduction in the length of the arms of connection between the central core of the element and the arms of connection, and being the first rod-shaped element (15) it is also hinged to the mobile frame (9) and to the second element (16) being kinematically coupled to the motor part (11) the mechanism (37) defines the extension/reduction path of the mobile frame (9) along the predetermined movement path and performs a cutting stroke and a return stroke of the mobile frame (9) without reversing the direction of rotation of the driving means that activate motion in the mobile frame (9).

5. An apparatus according to some of the preceding claims in which the cutting edge (T) of at least one blade (3) or of a pair of aligned blades (3a, 3e), is closer to the base (2) than the cutting edges (T) of the other blades (3) carried by the mobile frame (9).

Drawing