DE102014116232B4 - Individual transport of food portions - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for moving portions (24), each comprising at least one slice cut from a food product, having a plurality of individually movable transport movers (22), each having a drive unit (26), and having a transport device (10) having an at least essentially has a flat support (12) over which the transport movers (22) can be moved, and a guide unit (14) which is arranged below the support (12) or encompasses the support (12) and which interacts with the transport movers (22) in this way with the aid of an electromagnetic force that the transport movers (22) move on the support (12) in a transport direction on a path specified by a control device (20), the transport movers (22) being at least essentially contact-free by means of a magnetic levitation device or a magnetic levitation device that generates an air cushion are movable over the support (12), wherein a loading area of the support (12) is designed to receive portions (24) coming from a conveyor system by means of the transport mover (22) and/or an unloading area of the support (12) is designed to do this, delivering portions (24) to a conveyor system by means of the transport mover (22), characterized in that a transfer device with belts engaging in the transport mover (22) is provided for receiving and/or delivering the portions (24).

Description

The invention relates to the movement of portions, each comprising at least one slice cut from a food product, in particular by means of a slicing device, in particular a high-speed slicer.

Particularly in the production of one- or multi-type packaging, which contains one or more portions of sausage and/or cheese slices, for example, conveyor systems are required in order to feed the food slices produced by means of one or more slicing devices, in particular so-called slicers, and forming portions or at least partial portions, to a packaging machine.

In practice, the conveyor line is not only used to transport the portions from the slicer to the packaging machine, but also has to fulfill additional functions dependent on the respective application, which are known to the person skilled in the art and of which buffering and formatting should only be mentioned here as examples. Immediately after the slicer, portioning and completion tasks also have to be performed. The portions must also be weighed.

What is known as multi-lane operation, in which several food products are sliced at the same time using a slicer, is also becoming increasingly important. The downstream conveyor system must be capable of such multi-lane operation and, above all, be able to form those formats, also referred to as format sets, from the portions produced in the respective number of lanes, which are required or can be processed by the downstream packaging machine.

These and other tasks of a conveyor system in the field of handling portions from slices cut off by means of slicers from food products, in particular in the form of loaves or sticks, are currently satisfactorily solved with conveyor belt systems.

In order to distribute portions to different lanes, transverse belts or belt units are used, for example. A portion is transported onto a belt, which is moved transversely either in its entirety or in the infeed or outfeed area. Plate distributors can also be used. The plates serve as product carriers and can be moved in the transverse direction. For this purpose, the panels are mounted on cross bars. The bars are in turn guided at both ends in a conveyor chain and circulate so that they move on the top in the conveying direction. On the underside, the bars, including the plates, run back over a lower run. Mechanical elements for influencing the plates in the transverse direction can be provided between the bar planes. In this way, the portions arranged on the plates can be conveyed both in the conveying direction and transversely thereto.

However, conveyor belt systems and plate distributors are associated with a high level of mechanical complexity. The transitions between successive conveyor belt sections are also particularly problematic, e.g. with regard to the required gentle transport of the portions. Furthermore, conveyor belts can of course only be used for straight conveyor sections or conveyor sections consisting of straight sections, i.e. the flexibility in the design of a conveyor section is limited with conveyor belt systems.

Likewise, the possibilities of the entire system are limited, e.g. with regard to the products to be processed and the portion and format formation options. In addition, in connection with conveyor belt systems used in the food sector, a comparatively high level of effort is required for cleaning in order to be able to maintain the high hygiene standards.

In particular, when using plate distributors, there are major hygienic risks, since the relatively complex structure leads to some areas that are relatively difficult to access from the outside.

From the DE 37 11 688 A1 a packaging system for foodstuffs with product carriers that can be moved on a supporting track by magnetic force is known. The U.S. 2003/0 089 581 A1 shows a transport system for test tubes using a magnetic conveyor system. The U.S. 2012/0 186 948 A1 discloses a conveyor system for beverages and foodstuffs based on the magnetic force between two magnetic bodies. Out of U.S. 2014/0 224 620 A1 a system for moving an object by means of correlated magnets is known. The U.S. 6,045,319 A describes a transport system for a braiding machine based on a stator table and permanent magnets. The DE 10 2007 025 822 A1 shows a transport device that is rolled over a magnetic surface element by means of ferromagnetic elements. The U.S. 3,109,532 A discloses magnets attached to a revolving conveyor belt. From the US 2008 / 0 038 020 A1 a transport device with a carrier which is moved along a rail by means of magnetic force is known. The WO 2011/138 448 A1 shows a system for transporting container carriers which are moved by means of a driving force based on a magnetic field. The WO 2013 / 098 202 A1 teaches transporting samples across a drive surface using the principle of a planar motor.

Against this background, an object of the invention is to create a possibility for the transport of food portions in which the disadvantages mentioned above do not exist and which can nevertheless meet the current requirements with the greatest possible flexibility.

This object is achieved by the features of claim 1, which relates to a device for moving portions, each comprising at least one slice cut from a food product, in particular by means of a slicing device, in particular a high-speed slicer.

According to the invention, the device comprises a plurality of individually movable transport movers, each of which has a drive unit. A transport device is provided which has an at least essentially level support over which the transport movers can be moved, and a guide unit which is arranged below the support or encompasses the support and which interacts with the transport movers with the aid of an electromagnetic force in such a way that the transport movers on the support each move on a path specified by a control device in a transport direction. The transport movers are moved over the support at least essentially without contact by means of a magnetic levitation device or a magnetic levitation device that generates an air cushion.

In the context of the invention, the term “portion” is to be understood broadly. Accordingly, a portion can only consist of a single slice. Alternatively, a portion can comprise a plurality of slices, which can be in any relative arrangement, for example in a so-called stack or shingle arrangement, as is known to a person skilled in the art in the technical field in question. The portion can be a total portion as it is finally packaged and offered commercially. Alternatively, the portion can be a partial portion that only forms a total portion together with one or more further partial portions, which in turn can each include one or more slices. The partial portions of a total portion can be made up of different types of product, so that a multi-type portion can be produced by putting together a number of partial portions, and after its packaging there is therefore a multi-type pack. The slices can be comparatively thin slices, for example, as are generally known in the form of cold cuts of sausage or cheese. Alternatively, the slices can each be pieces that are relatively thick compared to cold cuts, such as escalopes or steaks, in particular pieces of fresh meat.

In other words, within the scope of the invention, a portion is the smallest unit with regard to the transport task, which on the one hand has to be transported over a certain distance and which, depending on the application, on the other hand has to be related to other portions in order to meet the respective requirements of the overall system, which includes one or more slicing devices, in particular slicers, the transport system and one or more packaging machines. For example, with regard to the formation of formats that have to be provided for the packaging machine that is intended in each case.

According to the invention, it was recognized that with an individual system with individually movable transporters for the portions, all currently required and future conceivable requirements for a transport system for food portions can be ideally represented. While the state of the art is based on the idea of having to transport food portions by means of conveyor belt systems, the invention means a move away from such collective transport to “individual transport”, in which the portions can be moved independently of one another and, in particular, can also be registered individually in the overall system.

Because the transport movers can be moved freely on the level surface, the movement is not restricted by a railway or rail system, for example. The transport movers can thus in particular be moved to any position on the support. There is therefore no need for switches or the like, such as are provided in a railway or rail system and specify the route of the transport movers.

According to the invention, the transport system comprises a plurality of transport movers, the total number of which depends on the respective application. One aspect of the invention consists in not just moving a few portions and only providing a relatively small number of, for example, less than 10 transport movers for this purpose. Rather, the invention provides in particular that the rail system comprises several dozen to several hundred transport movers, i.e. there can be a veritable "swarm" of transport movers on the support in order to transport a large number of portions and, if necessary, to carry out additional functions, such as buffering portions.

In principle, it is also possible for a portion to be transported jointly by a plurality of, in particular two, transport movers. This allows, for example, larger loads to be transported.

A significant advantage of the transport system according to the invention compared to conventional conveyor belt systems or systems in which transport movers are moved on rails is that the support for the movers does not require any moving parts and is therefore comparatively insensitive to dirt and easy to clean. In particular, the support can be protected or encapsulated in such a way that high hygiene standards can be met and strict norms can be observed even under conditions that are extremely demanding from a hygiene point of view, such as those prevailing in the processing of food products and the cleaning requirements associated therewith. In particular, it is possible according to the invention to implement an IP69K-capable transport system with justifiable effort.

The transport principle according to the invention can be technically implemented in different ways and designed with regard to the respective specific requirements, which will be discussed in more detail below. The transport mover is moved in particular with the aid of the Lorentz force and/or the reluctance force.

The drive can take place in particular by means of a planar direct drive, as is the case, for example, in WO 2007/135006 A1 is described. A linear motor can also be used, as is the case, for example, in U.S. 5,880,541 is taught. Express reference is hereby made to these documents with regard to the disclosure of a possible drive or functional principle for the invention.

The invention also relates to a system for processing food products, having at least one device for slicing food products, in particular a high-speed slicer, and having a transport system comprising a device of the type described here.

The present disclosure also relates to a method for moving portions, each comprising at least one slice severed from a food product, in particular by means of a slicing device, in particular a high-speed slicer. In the method, the portions are moved by means of a plurality of individually movable transport movers, each of which has a drive unit. A transport device has an at least essentially level support, over which the transport movers are moved, and a guide unit which is arranged below the support or encompasses the support and which interacts with the transport movers with the aid of an electromagnetic force in such a way that the transport movers on the support each move on a path specified by a control device in a transport direction.

The device according to the invention or the system according to the invention is designed in particular for carrying out a method of the type described here. The method is carried out in particular with a device or system of the type described here.

The support can in particular be flat, e.g. as a plate. In particular, the width of the support is greater than the width of a transport mover. The width of the support preferably corresponds at least to the width of two transport movers, so that they can be moved side by side on the support, for example.

The transport device can be constructed in a comparatively complex manner, with the guide unit being able to comprise a plurality of controllable electromagnets. The support arranged above it can be made of glass or plastic, for example.

The separation between the guide unit and the support can significantly improve hygiene. The guide unit can thus be arranged in a closed housing. To a certain extent, the support separates the guide unit from the food and can be cleaned in a simple manner.

Alternatively, the guide unit can also be designed as a passive support, in particular as a stator. For example, the guide unit can comprise a metal plate. The movement is controlled with the help of the transport mover.

Possible developments of the invention are also specified in the following part of the description, in the description of the figures, in the drawings and in the claims.

According to one embodiment, the guide unit includes an active unit with at least one electromagnet and the drive unit includes a passive unit with at least one magnet. The active unit interacts with the passive unit.

The term "magnet" is to be understood broadly in the present case. Both passive magnets and magnetizable materials, in particular ferromagnetic materials, are subsumed under this. In particular, the magnets can be permanent magnets. Electromagnets, on the other hand, are explicitly referred to as "electromagnets".

Since the guide unit includes electromagnets and is designed in particular as a linear motor, the transport mover can be moved and controlled with the aid of the transport device. In particular, the electromagnets can be controlled in a targeted manner in order to move the transport movers along a desired path. The main component of the drive is thus contained in the transport device, so to speak, while the transport movers are passively carried along. The guide unit can thus in particular form a planar drive field. In order to transmit the position, ie in particular the longitudinal, transverse and/or rotational alignment, of the transport mover to the drive field, the latter can comprise at least two magnets and at least one sensor. The transport mover can be moved and/or rotated by controlling the electromagnets, while sensors in the transport mover, for example, continuously record the position.

In this way, the transport movers can be manufactured inexpensively. Also, no energy supply is required for the transport mover. In particular, the transport movers can be moved freely without any cables getting in the way. The dead weight can also be kept low because, for example, no energy stores are provided on or in the transport movers.

According to a further embodiment, the guide unit has a plurality of electromagnets which are arranged in an application-specific arrangement or an application-specific pattern, in particular evenly distributed. In particular, the arrangement can result in a checkered pattern or a grid. The electromagnets preferably form a number of tracks for different transport movers. Also, some electromagnets may be arranged, for example, diagonally to allow changing between lanes. The arrangement of the electromagnets is fundamentally arbitrary.

According to a further embodiment, the arrangement of the active electromagnets of the guide unit and/or the arrangement of at least one active magnet of the drive unit can be changed and, in particular, can be predetermined with the aid of the control device. For example, electromagnets can be switched on or off in order to change the path of the transport mover. Alternatively or additionally, for example, the position of the magnets or the electromagnets can be changed, e.g. by mechanically displacing the electromagnets or magnets. The electromagnets or magnets can also be designed to be exchangeable. If the arrangement of the effective electromagnets or the effective magnets is changed, the movement path of the transport mover also changes.

According to a further embodiment, the guide unit comprises at least one moving magnet and/or electromagnet, the path of which in particular is defined by a guide. A magnet or electromagnet can thus be moved in particular below the support. The movement can in particular take place mechanically. A transport mover on the support is pulled along by the electromagnetic force. The transport mover thus follows the movement of the magnet or electromagnet of the guide unit.

According to one embodiment, the guide unit includes a conveyor belt, which conveys at least one magnet and/or electromagnet in a conveying direction. A magnet or electromagnet can thus, for example, rest on the conveyor belt and be transported on it. The conveyor belt can be arranged below the support. The transport movers arranged above the support follow the movement of the conveyor belt due to the electromagnetic force of the magnets or electromagnets.

According to a further embodiment, a displacement device is provided which displaces at least one magnet and/or electromagnet transversely to the conveying direction. The magnets or electromagnets can be arranged on displaceable rods, in particular as in the case of a plate distributor. In this way, the magnets or electromagnets can be adjusted as desired in the X and Y directions, which also moves the transport movers in the longitudinal and transverse directions.

According to an alternative embodiment, the drive unit includes an active unit, in particular a rotor, with at least one electromagnet and the guide unit includes a passive unit, in particular a stator, with at least one magnet, the active unit interacting with the passive unit. At the leadership unit it can be, for example, a plate made of a ferromagnetic material, in particular metal. In this way, the guide unit can be produced inexpensively. The transport movers can in particular be moved using a linear motor. The electromagnets of the drive unit can be controlled accordingly, in particular wirelessly, for example via radio. The transport movers are moved in particular using a planar drive. The transport movers form the runners, while the support can be designed as an immovable, flat stator.

According to a further embodiment, the drive unit has, at one end facing the support, a plurality of electromagnets which are arranged in an application-specific arrangement, in particular evenly distributed. Depending on the arrangement of the electromagnets, the transport movers can move differently.

According to a further embodiment, the arrangement of the effective electromagnets of the drive unit and/or the arrangement of at least one effective magnet of the guide unit can be changed and in particular can be specified using the control device. In particular, the electromagnets can be switched on or off. The position of the electromagnets or magnets can also be variable, for example displaceable. Furthermore, the electromagnets or magnets can be exchanged. In this way, different movement paths of the transport movers can be realized.

According to a further embodiment, the arrangement of effective electromagnets and/or effective magnets of at least two transport movers is different from one another. In this way, different transport movers can be moved, for example, on different transport routes. In particular, a transport mover can also be assigned to a specific track in this way.

According to a further embodiment, the drive unit comprises a motor which in particular drives rollers, balls and/or belts of the transport mover and/or causes the transport mover to vibrate for propulsion. In particular, a vibration drive can be used here. A pure forward movement can be accomplished, for example, using the motor, while the direction of movement can be specified using electromagnets or magnets.

According to a further embodiment, the guide unit and/or the transport movers comprise at least one sensor for determining the position of the transport movers. In particular, magnets or electromagnets and sensors can alternate in the guide unit. The sensors can preferably be arranged in a grid, so that the position of the transport movers can be determined as precisely as possible at all times. Alternatively or additionally, the transport movers themselves can also have one or more sensors. Determining the position of the transport mover is necessary in order to be able to control the electromagnets at the respective position of the transport mover. The recorded data can in particular be passed on to the control device and evaluated there.

According to a further embodiment, a local positioning system, in particular of the type of a GPS system, an optical system, in particular with a camera, and/or a distance measuring system, in particular with an ultrasonic sensor, is provided for determining the position of the transport movers. The recorded data can in particular be passed on to the control device and evaluated there.

According to a further embodiment, the transport device fulfills a rotating, longitudinally aligning, transversely aligning, distributing, sorting and/or buffering function. Due to the individual controllability of the transport movers, they can be used in a variety of ways. Complex arrangements of conveyor belts are therefore not necessary.

In principle, any angle of rotation is possible, in particular rotations by 90°, 180°, 270° or 360°.

According to a further embodiment, the transport movers are rotated by appropriate control of the respective active unit for transport movers and/or the active unit of the guide unit. In this way, the transport movers can be turned without a mechanical adjustment, for example of the support, being necessary. Nevertheless, a rotatable support is fundamentally conceivable. In particular, a part of the guide unit can also be rotated, for example, for a rotary movement of the transport mover. A support located above it can remain in a stationary position.

According to a further embodiment, at least a partial area of the transport device, in particular at least a partial area of the support, is oriented vertically. In this way, in particular, a height adjustment of the portions is made possible. A vertically standing support, for example as a stator, and a transport mover that can be moved vertically on it, for example as a runner, can preferably be provided. The energy can be supplied from above. In particular, carriers for portions can be fixed to the transport movers and cantilever horizontally to the side. Preferably, two transport movers can be aligned with their backs to each other. The carriers can each be arranged laterally. The electronic part of the two transport movers is thus de-encapsulated from the tracks for the portions. The transport movers arranged next to one another can also comprise a common electronic part.

Two stator elements can also be arranged vertically back-to-back between two conveyor tracks and form a partition between two tracks, as it were.

Furthermore, a horizontal back-to-back arrangement of two stator elements is also conceivable. After a portion has been delivered, a transport mover can turn at the end of the conveyor section, be returned hanging on the lower stator element and then be turned again at the beginning of the conveyor section and placed on the upper stator element.

The area of a vertical orientation can be designed in particular as a buffer.

According to a further embodiment, the support comprises a parking area for transport movers that are not used at least temporarily. The parking area is preferably provided on an edge area of the support. If necessary, the transport movers can be activated again quickly and used to transport portions. Alternatively, transport movers that are not required can also be ejected and removed from the support, in particular for cleaning purposes.

According to a further embodiment, an edge area of the support, a separate conveyor and/or the underside of the transport device, in particular the underside of a conveyor belt, is designed for the return transport of the transport mover, in particular against a conveying direction. For example, if a transport mover has transferred a portion to a packaging device, the transport mover can be removed from the support and placed back at the start of the conveyor line. Alternatively, the transport mover can be moved back to pick up a new portion. A corresponding arrangement of electromagnets or magnets can in particular create a separate track in order to move the transport movers back without impeding the transport movers moving in the conveying direction. An edge area or also a central area of the support is suitable here. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that a separate conveyor is provided. A conventional conveyor belt is also fundamentally conceivable, for example for the return transport of the transport movers. If the support is designed to be movable as a conveyor belt, the underside of the conveyor belt can also be used for the return transport. For this purpose, magnets or electromagnets can also be provided on the underside.

According to the invention, the transport movers can be moved at least essentially without contact over the support by means of a magnetic levitation device or a magnetic levitation device that generates an air cushion. Here, in particular, a magnetic levitation technique can be used. The levitation device can be provided in the transport movers and/or in the transport device. For example, the transport mover can be equipped with a compressed air reservoir. Alternatively or additionally, the transport device can also generate an air cushion for the transport mover. The non-contact movement reduces frictional resistance.

According to a further embodiment, the drive unit comprises an energy store, in particular an exchangeable and/or chargeable one, which supplies the transport mover with energy, in particular electricity and/or compressed air. The energy store can, for example, supply energy to a motor, the electromagnets and/or the levitation device of the transport mover.

In particular, the transport device can have a charging device for charging the energy stores of the transport movers. The charging can be done inductively, for example. The transport movers can preferably be cleaned during the loading process. In this way, the loading time can be used sensibly.

According to a further embodiment, the transport movers each have an area with a friction-reducing material, a magnet, an electromagnet and/or an energy store at their end facing the support. The area can in particular be at least one bulge. Two arches are preferably provided, as a result of which the transport movers—in an embodiment not according to the invention—run as if on runners over a smooth surface. Alternatively or additionally, the transport mover can also have at least one leg. At least three legs, in particular four legs, are preferably provided. If the transport movers are returned on the underside of a conveyor belt, the legs must have a certain minimum length in order to be able to move from the top side in a deflection zone of the conveyor belt to be deflected to the underside of the conveyor belt without resting on it.

The end area of the transport mover can be provided with a friction-reducing material. As a result, it can be moved over the support without much resistance, for example on the bulges or the legs - in an embodiment not according to the invention. The friction-reducing material can be a plastic material, for example. At least one magnet or electromagnet is preferably provided on the end area, which is in particular embedded in the friction-reducing material. Due to the fact that the magnets or electromagnets in particular are arranged on a lower end area of the transport mover, comparatively strong electromagnetic forces are at work.

Alternatively or additionally, an energy store can also be provided in the end area. The transport mover is thus to a certain extent divided into several sections. Portions or trays with portions can be accommodated in an upper part, while the lower part, which is in particular encapsulated from the upper part, ensures movement on the support and/or the power supply. This separation ensures a high standard of hygiene. The energy supply of the transport mover can be renewed by changing the energy store. In particular, the energy store can supply energy to a chip, a display and/or other components of the transport mover.

According to a further embodiment not according to the invention, the support has guides for the transport movers, in particular indentations and/or, preferably detachable, guide rails. The transport movers can in particular interact with the guides, with the curvatures or the legs engaging in depressions in the support, for example. The guides support, for example, the movement path of the transport movers. The guide rails can preferably be removed from the area of the support. After removing the guide rails, the surface is easy to clean.

According to a further embodiment, the support is designed to be exchangeable. This is particularly advantageous if the support has guides. In this way, a different path can be specified for the transport mover depending on the application. In principle, it is also possible to replace the supports in order to clean and/or maintain them.

According to a further embodiment, the transport movers each have a carrier for at least one portion, which is connected to the drive unit, in particular detachably, can be coupled or is connected thereto, in particular displaceably and/or rotatably. Several transport movers with their carriers can also pick up a portion and transport it together.

At least one and in particular each carrier is preferably designed to directly receive at least one portion and in particular comprises a substantially flat support surface for the portion. As a result, it is not necessary to provide the transport mover with parts of the final packaging, for example a lower packaging part also referred to as a tray, since the portion can be picked up directly by the transport mover or its carrier itself. This has the advantage, for example, that a portion can be transferred to the packaging in a specifically optimized area and in a specifically optimized manner for this purpose. In particular, it is not necessary to move parts of a package in the track system. For example, when producing multi-type packs, it is not necessary to collect the individual partial portions one after the other by moving a packaging component, such as a so-called tray, around.

Furthermore, it can be provided according to the invention that at least one and in particular each carrier is designed to remain on the transport mover during operation or to be separated from the transport mover only temporarily and then reused or recycled on the or another transport mover.

Alternatively, however, the carrier can also include a tray, be designed as a tray or hold a tray. The carrier can also be parts of a package, for example.

A transport mover can thus already be connected to a carrier from the outset or can only be connected, at least temporarily, to a carrier, for example a tray or film packaging.

According to a development, a coupling between the carrier and the drive unit includes an automatically detachable connection, in particular a magnet, snap, latch, tension, clamp, clamp, suction, welded and/or adhesive connection. The drive unit of the transport mover can, for example, essentially only consist of magnets or electromagnets. These magnets can be attached to the carrier, for example a tray or foil packaging, be connected at least temporarily. In particular, magnets and/or electromagnets can be attached to the carrier and/or removed again using a machine unit.

According to a further embodiment, the carrier and the drive unit are adjustable relative to one another, in particular displaceable and/or rotatable. A carrier can thus be rotated, for example, without the drive unit also rotating. This can be particularly helpful when picking up or dispensing portions.

According to a further embodiment, at least one transport mover includes a cleaning device, in particular a slide. A slide can be used here in particular to clean the support. Figuratively speaking, the transport mover can remove dirt from the support like a snow plow. In particular, the slide can prevent dirt from getting into the area below the transport mover, in particular an air gap, and restricting its freedom of movement. The cleaning device may also comprise a spray device, so as to wet and clean the pad with a cleaning fluid, for example water.

A transport mover can also have a slider and/or flexible aprons on all sides. The skirts can be used in particular to form an air cushion. In this way, the transport movers can be moved over the support like a hovercraft or hovercraft.

It is also conceivable that at least temporarily special transport movers are used, which are used exclusively for cleaning. In particular, they can remove dirt from the support, e.g. vacuum, wipe off or blow away. A spray treatment and/or disinfection of the pad is also possible here.

According to a further embodiment, a cleaning device is provided which cleans the transport movers during the return transport, in particular on the underside of the transport device. The transport of portions therefore does not have to be interrupted for cleaning purposes. The cleaning of the transport movers, which in particular can also include disinfection, can accordingly also take place during normal operation. The transport movers can preferably be cleaned on the underside of a conveyor belt. The transport movers on the top are not affected.

According to the invention, a loading area of the support is designed to receive portions coming from a conveyor system, in particular comprising at least one conveyor belt, by means of the transport mover. According to the invention, an unloading area of the support is alternatively or additionally designed to deliver portions to a conveyor system, in particular one comprising at least one conveyor belt, by means of the transport mover. The transport device can thus be integrated in particular into a conventional conveyor system comprising conveyor belts. The conveyor system can in particular include a weighing belt in order to weigh the portions before and after the transport device.

According to the invention, a transfer device with belts engaging in the transport mover is provided for picking up and/or delivering the portions. The portions can be loaded from a conveyor belt onto the transport mover via the knife-edge conveyor. If the transport movers are first conveyed with a conveyor belt, belts can mesh into slots in the transport movers in order to move them onto the transport device. Belts can also engage in the transport movers when the transport movers are transferred from the transport device to a conveyor belt. Portions can thus be transferred from a conveyor belt to the transport device or from the transport device to the conveyor belt in a simple and cost-effective manner. Alternatively, at least one robot, preferably with a picker, can be provided in the loading area or unloading area. For example, the robot can transfer portions, the carriers and/or the transport movers from a conveyor belt to the transport device or from the transport device to a conveyor belt.

The invention also relates to a system with a device for moving portions and a slicing device, in particular a high-speed slicer. The portions each comprise at least one slice severed from a food product using the slicing device. The slicing device can in particular include a planetary and/or rotating circular or sickle blade.

The device for moving the portions has a plurality of individually movable transport movers, each of which includes a drive unit. Furthermore, a transport device is provided which has an at least substantially flat support, over which the transport movers can be moved, and a guide unit which is arranged below the support or includes the support and which uses an electromagnetic mechanical force interacts with the transport movers in such a way that the transport movers move on the support in a transport direction on a path specified by a control device.

The present disclosure also relates to a method for moving portions, each comprising at least one slice cut from a food product, in particular by means of a slicing device, in particular a high-speed slicer, with a plurality of individually movable transport movers, each of which has a drive unit, and with a transport device. The transport device has an at least essentially flat support, over which the transport movers are moved, and a guide unit which is arranged below the support or encompasses the support. This interacts with the transport movers with the aid of an electromagnetic force in such a way that the transport movers on the support each move in a transport direction on a path specified by a control device.

In particular, the position of the transport movers can be determined at any time with the aid of sensors in the transport device or in the transport movers. Electromagnets can then be controlled according to a desired movement path of the transport mover. Depending on the requirements, the transport movers can be buffered or moved to a specific packaging device, in particular to form multi-type portions.

All of the embodiments of the device and of the system described here are designed in particular to be operated according to the method described here. Furthermore, all of the embodiments of the device and system described here and all of the embodiments of the method described here can be combined with one another.

• 1 schematisch eine Draufsicht einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Transportvorrichtung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 2 schematisch eine Draufsicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer Transportvorrichtung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 3 schematisch eine Schnittansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 4 schematisch eine Unteransicht einer ersten Ausführungsform eines Transportmovers einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 5 schematisch eine Unteransicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines Transportmovers einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 6 schematisch eine Unteransicht einer dritten Ausführungsform eines Transportmovers einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 7 schematisch eine Unteransicht einer vierten Ausführungsform eines Transportmovers einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 8 schematisch eine Unteransicht einer fünften Ausführungsform eines Transportmovers einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 9 schematisch eine Unteransicht einer sechsten Ausführungsform eines Transportmovers einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 10 schematisch eine teiltransparente Draufsicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 11 schematisch eine Draufsicht einer dritten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 12 schematisch eine Draufsicht einer vierten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 13 schematisch eine Draufsicht einer fünften Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 14 schematisch eine Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen gemäß
• 13,
• 15 schematisch eine Draufsicht einer sechsten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 16 schematisch eine Seitenansicht einer siebten Ausführungsform eines Transportmovers einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 17 schematisch eine Seitenansicht einer achten Ausführungsform eines Transportmovers einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 18 schematisch eine Seitenansicht einer neunten Ausführungsform eines Transportmovers einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 19 schematisch eine Seitenansicht einer zehnten Ausführungsform eines Transportmovers einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 20 schematisch eine Schnittansicht einer siebten Ausführungsform einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 21 schematisch eine Schnittansicht einer achten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 22 schematisch eine Draufsicht einer neunten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 23 schematisch eine Schnittansicht einer zehnten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 24 schematisch eine Seitenansicht einer elften Ausführungsform eines Transportmovers einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 25 schematisch eine Draufsicht einer Ausführungsform von Transportmovern, welche mit Trägern verbunden werden,
• 26 und 27 schematisch eine Draufsicht der mit Trägern verbundenen Transportmover gemäß 25,
• 28 schematisch eine Schnittansicht der mit Trägern verbundenen Transportmover gemäß 26 bzw. 27,
• 29 schematisch eine Draufsicht einer zwölften Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen,
• 30 schematisch eine Draufsicht einer dreizehnten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen, und
• 31 schematisch eine Perspektivansicht einer vierzehnten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Portionen.

The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the drawings. Show it:

• 1 schematically a plan view of a first embodiment of a transport device of a device according to the invention for moving portions,
• 2 schematically a top view of a second embodiment of a transport device of a device according to the invention for moving portions,
• 3 schematically a sectional view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for moving portions,
• 4 schematically a bottom view of a first embodiment of a transport mover of a device according to the invention for moving portions,
• 5 schematically a bottom view of a second embodiment of a transport mover of a device according to the invention for moving portions,
• 6 schematically a bottom view of a third embodiment of a transport mover of a device according to the invention for moving portions,
• 7 schematically a bottom view of a fourth embodiment of a transport mover of a device according to the invention for moving portions,
• 8th schematically a bottom view of a fifth embodiment of a transport mover of a device according to the invention for moving portions,
• 9 schematically a bottom view of a sixth embodiment of a transport mover of a device according to the invention for moving portions,
• 10 schematically a partially transparent top view of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention for moving portions,
• 11 schematically a plan view of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention for moving portions,
• 12 schematically a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention for moving portions,
• 13 schematically a plan view of a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention for moving portions,
• 14 schematically shows a side view of the device for moving portions according to FIG
• 13 ,
• 15 schematically a plan view of a sixth embodiment of a device according to the invention for moving portions,
• 16 schematically a side view of a seventh embodiment of a transport mover of a device not according to the invention for moving portions,
• 17 schematically a side view of an eighth embodiment of a transport mover of a device not according to the invention for moving portions,
• 18 schematically a side view of a ninth embodiment of a transport mover of a device according to the invention for moving portions,
• 19 schematically a side view of a tenth embodiment of a transport mover of a device not according to the invention for moving portions,
• 20 schematically a sectional view of a seventh embodiment of a device for moving portions, which is not according to the invention,
• 21 schematically a sectional view of an eighth embodiment of a device according to the invention for moving portions,
• 22 schematically a plan view of a ninth embodiment of a device according to the invention for moving portions,
• 23 schematically a sectional view of a tenth embodiment of a device according to the invention for moving portions,
• 24 schematically a side view of an eleventh embodiment of a transport mover of a device according to the invention for moving portions,
• 25 schematically a top view of an embodiment of transport movers, which are connected to carriers,
• 26 and 27 schematically shows a top view of the transport movers connected to carriers according to FIG 25 ,
• 28 schematically shows a sectional view of the transport movers connected to carriers according to FIG 26 or. 27 ,
• 29 schematically a plan view of a twelfth embodiment of a device according to the invention for moving portions,
• 30 schematically a plan view of a thirteenth embodiment of a device according to the invention for moving portions, and
• 31 schematically a perspective view of a fourteenth embodiment of a device according to the invention for moving portions.

First, it is noted that the illustrated embodiments are purely exemplary in nature. In particular, the number and arrangement of the magnets and the electromagnets of the transport mover and/or the guide unit can vary. The features of one embodiment can also be combined as desired with features of another embodiment. Also, in the embodiments, magnets can in principle be replaced by electromagnets and vice versa.

1 shows a top view of a transport device 10, which has a flat support 12 and a guide unit 14 located below the support 12. The guide unit 14 includes a plurality of electromagnets 16 which are arranged in a grid pattern. Between the electromagnets 16 are sensors 18, which are also arranged in a grid. Furthermore, a control device 20 is provided, which can activate or deactivate the electromagnets 16 . The control device 20 can also evaluate the data obtained with the sensors 18 . The flat, rigid support 12 is permeable to the electromagnetic forces of the electromagnets 16. The support 12 itself is preferably non-magnetic, non-ferromagnetic and/or non-metallic. This can consist of a plastic material or glass, for example.

The electromagnets 16 and sensors 18 arranged in a matrix can be used to generate a linear drive in the X and Y directions and at any angles in between.

An alternative embodiment of a guide unit 14, in which the electromagnets 16 are not exclusively arranged in a grid pattern, is shown in 2 shown. Several parallel and rectilinear linear drives as well as cross-connections are shown as examples. The cross connections can be oriented at right angles or at an angle to the linear drives. A path for transport movers placed on the support 12 can thus be specified. The arrangement of the electromagnets 16 and thus the route sections can be adjusted, for example mechanically. In this way, for example, track transitions and/or track spacing can be varied.

In 3 a transport mover 22 is placed on the support 12. The transport mover 22 has received a food portion 24 on its upper side. On its underside, the transport mover 22 has a drive unit 26 which includes permanent magnets 28 and sensors 18 .

A bottom view of the transport mover 22 is in 4 shown. In this embodiment, the transport mover 22 is designed as a passive unit, ie only passive permanent magnets 28 are provided. The drive itself takes place using the transport device 10. In this case, magnetic force fields can be moved by the control device 20 below the support 12, in particular by activating and/or deactivating different electromagnets 16. Due to the generated electromagnetic forces, the transport mover 22 can be taken along on the support 12 and moved over the support 12.

The transport mover 22 can thus be moved over the support 12 in essentially any way even without converting the transport device 12 . The transport mover 22 can in particular be aligned longitudinally and/or transversely. Buffering, sorting out and the formation of multi-type portions are also fundamentally possible. The transport mover 22 can be moved in such a way that partial portions of different product types are picked up. Alternatively, a transport mover can approach 22 different delivery points.

A transport mover 22 can, in particular, be returned again after it has delivered a portion 24 . Here, the control device 20 can control the electromagnets 16 accordingly.

The 5 until 9 show different possible arrangements of permanent magnets 28 on the underside of the transport mover 22. Not all of the permanent magnets 28 have to be permanently activated. Depending on the application, some magnets 28 can be switched off or removed. This results in a different movement behavior of the transport movers 22. In particular, the assignment to a track 30 or the introduction of force can be determined by the arrangement of the magnets 28. If the arrangement of the magnets 28 is changed, the corresponding path assignment can also change. In particular, different transport movers 22 can be provided for specific routes or movements, for example for portioning or sorting.

An example of three magnetic areas on the underside of the transport mover 22 with a corresponding track assignment is shown in 6 shown.

The arrangement of the magnets 28 can be adjusted flexibly, in particular when the transport movers 22 on the support 12 are dragged along by the transport device 12 located underneath. According to the 7 and 8th magnets 28 can be exchanged or exchanged for one another by sliders 32 . In this way, with appropriate coordination with the transport device 10, a rotation instead of a transverse displacement can be achieved, for example.

The position of the magnets 28 and sliders 32 can also be designed to be displaceable or interchangeable, so that a different path or a different path behavior arises in coordination with the transport device 10 under the support 12 . This is an example in 9 shown. Switchable poles or energized areas under the support 12 can thus detect the transport mover 22 at different positions. This results in a different displacement and/or rotary movement. If the position of the magnets 28 is not changed, only individual magnets 28 can be selectively energized. In this case, however, more magnets 28 are required overall than with magnets 28, which can be set or moved to different positions.

In 10 switchable magnets 28 of several transport movers 22 are shown. According to the activated magnets 28, the transport movers 22 are assigned to a corresponding track 30. Rotating can also be achieved by controlling the transport device 10 accordingly.

According to the 11 In the embodiment shown, the guide unit 14 comprises an endless conveyor belt 34. A support 12 (not shown) is provided above the conveyor belt 34. Arranged on the conveyor belt 34 are magnets 28 which, as in the case of a plate distributor, can be moved both in the conveying direction R of the conveyor belt 34 and also transversely thereto by means of a displacement device comprising ribs 36 . The control can take place, for example, using rails arranged underneath. Transport movers 22, which are located on a support 12 arranged above them, are taken along based on the electromagnetic force that is generated.

The principle of magnet towing technology is also in 12 shown. A transport mover 22 includes four legs 38. Sliders 32 with embedded magnets 28 can be provided on the legs 38. The support 12 can comprise a metal or glass plate on which the transport movers 22 move. In an embodiment not according to the invention, the transport movers 22 can rest with the sliding pieces 32 on the support 12 . The transport movers 22 are coupled to magnets or electromagnets below the support 12 by the magnets 22 . There are, for example, suitable guides and/or points that control the movement of the transport mover 22 .

The transport movers 22 can be rotated accordingly by rotating the transport device 10 . For this purpose, a transport mover 22 is coupled at at least two points using the towing technique in such a way that it moves differently at each point. The transport mover 22 then performs a total rotation.

The transport movers 22 can be guided back at an edge area of the support 12, for example.

As in 13 is shown, the transport movers 22 can also be moved back, for example, on an underside of a conveyor belt 34 .

In the case of the conveyor belt 34, the guide device 14 can be arranged between the belts. In order to convey the transport movers 22 from the upper side of the conveyor belt 34 to the underside or from the underside to the upper side, the transport movers 22 have legs 38 . Four legs 38 are preferably provided for each transport mover 22 . These come closer, for example, to a generally rectangular format of the trays. In principle, however, more or fewer, e.g. three, feet are also conceivable. Three feet are easier to align, especially on a level support 12. Depending on the position in the deflection zone, a slightly larger distance to the surface may be necessary with three feet.

As in 14 can be seen, the legs 38 must have a minimum distance to the surface so that there is enough free space for a deflection. In particular, at least two magnets 28 or magnet positions are required to guide a transport mover 22 . In principle, for example, two strips with magnets 28 on two opposite sides of the transport mover 22 are also conceivable. These are preferably aligned transversely to the conveying direction R or to the conveyor belt 34 in turning areas.

Bottom return is not limited to just magnet technology. For example, a support or a mechanical towing aid can be provided for support from below.

A return transport on an underside of a support 12 has the particular advantage that the transport movers 22 can be cleaned on the way back, while the transport movers 22 on the upper side can transport portions undisturbed.

Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the transport movers 22 to be pulled off to the side at the end of the conveying section and transported back on a preferably parallel conveying path. The separate conveying path can be designed in particular as a lateral, separate return transport device outside the support 12, e.g. as a separate conveyor belt.

In 15 an alternative embodiment of a movement device according to the invention is shown. In this case, the guide unit 14 is designed as a passive unit with permanent magnets 28 , while the drive unit 26 of the transport mover 22 is designed as an active unit with electromagnets 16 .

The transport mover 22 can thus be driven via a linear motor in the transport mover 22 . Superconducting materials can also be used. For this purpose it can be provided that the transport movers 22 are greatly cooled down.

The guide unit 14 can also only comprise a magnetic, ferromagnetic and/or metallic support 12 . Such a transport device 10 can be produced particularly inexpensively.

The transport movers 22 themselves have a built-in, active drive for the longitudinal, transverse and/or rotary movement. Sensors 18 are also provided for position identification of the longitudinal, transverse and/or rotary position.

Below the support 12, the magnets 28 can be arranged in a matrix or in a line for the longitudinal and transverse movement of the transport movers 22. Furthermore, sensors 18, in particular position transmitters and/or receivers, can be provided in a matrix or in a row.

The electromagnets 16 of the transport movers 22 can be controlled using a control device. The transport movers 22 can in particular be divided into two. A functional upper part for accommodating the products 24 and an electronic lower part can be provided, in which the electromagnets 16 and sensors 18 are arranged.

The transport movers 22 can be buffered separately for loading and, in particular, cleaned in the process.

In 16 a possible energy supply for the transport mover 22 is shown. In this case, an electrical energy store 40 is provided, which is designed as a rechargeable battery. The transport mover 22 can thus be divided into three, for example, ie into a functional upper part, a middle electronic part and an energy storage lower part. The energy can be supplied in particular by means of electrical lines. The energy supply lines of the transport movers 22 can be combined centrally above the support 12 in particular. This is particularly possible when the transport movers have a specified movement path are moved in a predetermined order. The energy supply lines can preferably be tracked with the track. A catenary system, similar to that used in trams or trolley buses, for example, is also fundamentally conceivable.

In an embodiment not according to the invention, as an alternative or in addition to the electromagnet 16, a transport mover 22 can also have a motor as a drive unit 26, which sets wheels or rollers 42 in rotation. The movement in the longitudinal direction can thus be implemented using the rollers 42, while the direction of movement can be adjusted using magnets 28 or electromagnets 16.

In this embodiment, which is not according to the invention, the drive can take place via rollers 42 or, for example, driven balls, for example three rolling bodies. Alternatively, belts 44 or chains can also be driven using the motor. This is an example in 17 shown.

According to 18 a transport mover 22 can also have a vibration motor. This can be used in particular to achieve a floating state of the transport mover 22. According to the invention, the transport movers 22 are held in a state of levitation above the support 12 by means of magnetic forces or air pressure and magnetic forces in order to be able to be moved with as little friction as possible by means of air cushion and/or magnetic levitation technology.

A floating state by means of vibration is advantageous in terms of hygiene, since, for example, there are no holes that are difficult to clean, such as are required to generate an air cushion.

The transport mover 22 is decoupled from the support 12 by means of microvibrations. The transport mover 22 can also include an elastomer 46, which serves in particular to dampen the area of the transport mover 22, which is provided for receiving portions 24, from the vibrations.

According to 19 a transport mover 22 can also have bulges 48 on which the transport mover 22--in an embodiment not according to the invention--runs over the support 12. The bulges 48 may have sliding areas to thereby minimize friction. Magnets 28 or electromagnets 16 can also be provided in the bulges 48 .

As in the non-inventive embodiment in 20 As can be seen, the support 12 can also have depressions 50 at least in part to support the guidance or to align the transport movers 22 .

Alternatively, the support 12 can have guide strips 52, which 21 are shown. The guide rails 52 can in particular be designed to be easily removable in order to be able to clean the support 12 in the best possible way.

The guide rails 52 can preferably be suspended from the side or also from above, so that they do not have any contact with the support 12 . This also allows for easy cleaning. Furthermore, the guide rails 52 can be converted, in particular repositioned, depending on the application.

Guide rails 52, which support the movement of the transport mover 22, are also shown in an example in 22 shown. The guide rails 52 can be bent at least in one end region in order to steer the transport movers 22 onto the desired track 30 . In this way, precise path guidance is also made possible when the magnetic grid located below the support 12 is of comparatively coarse design. The guide rails 52 can be put together specifically for the application.

If, on the other hand, the guide rails 52 are firmly connected to the support 12 or if depressions 50 are provided in the support 12, the support 12 can be designed to be exchangeable. The surface of the support 12 can thus be independent of a magnet system arranged underneath. Depending on the application and the desired path of movement of the transport mover 22, a different support 12 can be installed over the guide unit 14.

According to the embodiment in 23 a transport mover 22 can have a carrier 54 for receiving a food portion 24 . The carrier 54, which can be a tray, for example, can be detachably coupled to the drive unit 26 of the transport mover 22, for example, in particular clamped to it. The carrier 24 can be connected to the drive unit 26 for transporting the food products 24 and can be released again when the carrier 54 is delivered with a portion 24 to a packaging device.

According to 24 the transport mover 22 can include a stop frame 56 which is connected to the drive unit 26 . The stop frame 56 can be connected to the drive unit 26 at a rotary axis 58 and, for example, magnetically to it by means of a magnetic latch 60 be secured. If the stop frame 56, which can hold a carrier 54, is unlocked, for example magnetically, the stop frame 56 together with the carrier 54 can be pivoted about the axis of rotation 58 relative to the drive unit 26, for example by 90° counter to the conveying direction. After the carrier 54 has been released, the stop frame 56 can be reset, for example mechanically.

In addition to the two-sided stop frame 56 shown, a three-sided stop frame 56 is also conceivable in principle in order to hold the carrier 54 securely.

According to the 25 Schematically illustrated embodiment, a carrier 54 can be connected at least temporarily to a drive unit 26 in order to be able to move on a support 12 in a targeted manner. In this case, the drive unit 26 can have a magnetic strip or magnets 28, for example. For this purpose, the carrier 54 can comprise, for example, a punched-out area or a hole into which the drive unit 26 is suspended. The drive unit 26 can also be clipped or clamped to an edge of the carrier 54 . In particular, a form fit can occur here. In principle, any snap, clamping and/or magnetic fastenings are conceivable. The drive unit 26 can also be glued and/or welded to the carrier 54, for example, or can be formed onto an edge of the carrier 54, in particular an edge of the film. After transport has taken place, the drive unit 26 can in particular be separated again, for example mechanically and/or thermally.

As in 26 As shown, the drive unit 26 can be attached to one side of the carrier 54 . According to the embodiment in 27 the drive unit 26 can also be attached to corner areas of the carrier 54 . In addition to being dragged, this also enables the carrier 54 to be rotatable. In particular, magnetic properties or different polarities can also be provided only in individual zones, in particular in corner or outer areas. As a result, electromagnets 16 of the guide unit 14 can act on the outer points and rotate the carrier 54 in a simple manner.

The drive unit 26 can be attached to the carriers 54, for example, by hand or by means of a machine unit 62. The machine unit 62 can be provided in particular in or immediately after a carrier-dispenser. The carrier dispenser may include a supply of carriers 54 . A supply of drive units 26 can also be provided, which can be designed in particular as clamps. Such drive units 26 designed as brackets are in 28 shown. The drive units 26 can be clipped onto an edge of the carrier 54 . In particular, the brackets can be spring-loaded. In principle, actuation by means of an axis, which can be rotated, is also possible. Furthermore, the drive unit 26 can be magnetically and/or electrically attached to the carrier 54 .

At the end of the transport process, the drive units 26 can be returned again. For this purpose, they can be sorted, aligned and/or returned to a magazine of the machine unit 62 . In particular, film residues can be removed. Cleaning and/or hygiene treatment is also possible here.

As a supply of staples, the staples can be threaded on in a longitudinal direction, so that an edge of a carrier 54 can then be threaded into an open staple in the conveying direction. The loosening takes place in a similar way, only in reverse.

In this way, a carrier 54 receives at least temporarily or locally a drag magnet 28 and thus a magnetic aid.

In principle, different systems are possible for determining the position of a transport mover 22 . Thus, the transport movers 22 and/or the guide unit 14 can have sensors 18 . Also a local positioning system, which in 29 is indicated is possible in principle. Such a positioning system 64 can work like a GPS and locate the transport mover 22 in this way.

Alternatively, optical systems, e.g. camera systems, are also conceivable. Laser technology and a corresponding image evaluation can also be used in principle. Furthermore, a position detection with the help of distance measuring systems is also conceivable, e.g. via ultrasound. The ultrasonic signal can be sent from the outside to the transport movers 22, for example, or from the individual transport movers 22 to the outside.

According to the embodiment in FIG 30 a transport device 10 can also be integrated into a conventional conveyor system. For example, weighing cells 66 can be connected upstream of the support 12 and are supplied with portions 24 via the feed conveyor 68 . In this case, for example, the food portions 24 can be weighed without a transport mover 22 . Alternatively, the portions 24 can already be arranged on the transport movers 22 and together with the Transport movers 22 are weighed. In principle, weighing can also take place on the support 12 . For this purpose, weighing cells can be integrated on part surfaces of the transport device 10 .

In the embodiment according to 31 a transport device 10 is integrated into a conventional belt system. As a transition between the conventional belt system and the support 12, a knife-edge belt 70 can be provided, which can be pulled back in order to place the portions 24 on the transport mover 22.

A transport device 10 can thus be easily integrated into conventional conveyor systems.

The transport device 10 according to the invention enables extremely flexible and individual transport of food portions 24. In particular, the interaction of the transport mover 22 with the transport device 10 allows the portions 24 to be aligned lengthwise and/or crosswise as required and e.g. buffered.

Reference List

10

transport device

12

edition

14

Guide unit

16

electromagnet

18

sensor

20

control device

22

transport mover

24

food portion

26

drive unit

28

permanent magnet

30

track

32

slider

34

conveyor belt

36

Rib, displacement device

38

mainstay

40

energy storage

42

role

44

tape

46

elastomer

48

camber

50

deepening

52

guide bar

54

carrier

56

stop frame

58

axis of rotation

60

magnetic latch

62

machine unit

64

local positioning system

66

load cell

68

infeed conveyor

70

knife edge tape

R

conveying direction

Claims (26)

Device for moving portions (24), each comprising at least one slice severed from a food product, with a plurality of individually movable transport movers (22), which each have a drive unit (26), and with a transport device (10), which an at least substantially level support (12) over which the transport movers (22) can be moved, and has a guide unit (14) arranged below the support (12) or surrounding the support (12), which interacts with the transport movers (22) with the aid of an electromagnetic force, that the transport movers (22) on the support (12) each move on a path specified by a control device (20) in a transport direction, wherein the transport mover (22) by means a magnetic levitation device or a magnetic levitation device that generates an air cushion can be moved at least essentially without contact over the support (12), wherein a loading area of the support (12) is designed to receive portions (24) coming from a conveyor system by means of the transport mover (22) and/or an unloading area of the support (12) is designed to deliver portions (24) to a conveyor system by means of the transport mover (22), characterized, that a transfer device with belts engaging in the transport mover (22) is provided for receiving and/or delivering the portions (24). device after claim 1 , characterized in that the guide unit (14) comprises an active unit with at least one electromagnet (16) and the drive unit (26) comprises a passive unit with at least one magnet (28), the active unit interacting with the passive unit. device after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the guide unit (14) has a plurality of electromagnets (16) which are arranged in an application-specific arrangement. device after claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the arrangement of the effective electromagnets (16) of the guide unit (14) and/or the arrangement of at least one effective magnet (28) of the drive unit (26) can be changed and can be specified using the control device (20). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide unit (14) comprises at least one moving magnet (28) and/or electromagnet (16). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide unit (14) comprises a conveyor belt (34) which conveys at least one magnet (28) and/or electromagnet (16) in a conveying direction (R). device after claim 6 , characterized in that a displacement device (36) is provided, which displaces at least one magnet (28) and/or electromagnet (16) transversely to the conveying direction (R). device after claim 1 , characterized in that the drive unit (26) comprises an active unit with at least one electromagnet (16) and the guide unit (14) comprises a passive unit with at least one magnet (28), the active unit interacting with the passive unit. device after claim 8 , characterized in that the drive unit (26) at one end facing the support (12) has a plurality of electromagnets (16) which are arranged in an application-specific arrangement. device after claim 8 or 9 , characterized in that the arrangement of the active electromagnets (16) of the drive unit (26) and/or the arrangement of at least one active magnet (28) of the guide unit (14) can be changed and can be specified using the control device (20). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for determining the position of the transport movers (22), the guide unit (14) and/or the transport movers (22) comprise at least one sensor (18). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a local positioning system (64), an optical system and/or a distance measuring system is provided for determining the position of the transport movers (22). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device (10) performs a rotating, longitudinally aligning, transversely aligning, distributing, sorting and/or buffering function. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a rotary movement of the transport movers (22) takes place by appropriate control of a respective active unit of the transport movers (22) and/or an active unit of the guide unit (14). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a partial area of the transport device (10) is oriented vertically. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an edge region of the support (12) is designed for the return transport of the transport movers (22). Device according to one of Claims 1 until 15 , characterized in that a separate conveyor or the underside of the transport device (10) for the return transport of the transport mover (22) is formed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive unit (26) comprises an energy store (40) which supplies the transport mover (22) with energy. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport movers (22) each have a region with a magnet (28), an electromagnet (16) and/or an energy store (40) at their end facing the support (12). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (12) has guides for the transport movers (22). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport movers (22) each have a carrier (54) for at least one portion (24), which is connected to the drive unit (26). device after Claim 21 , characterized in that a coupling between the carrier (54) and the drive unit (26) comprises an automatically detachable connection. device after Claim 21 or 22 , characterized in that the carrier (54) and the drive unit (26) are adjustable relative to each other. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one transport mover (22) comprises a cleaning device. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cleaning device is provided which cleans the transport movers (22) during return transport. System with a slicing device and a device for moving portions (24) according to one of the preceding claims.

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