DE102016121139A1 - Method and device for cutting a food strand in portions - Google Patents

Abstract

The application relates to a method for cutting food slices (1), comprising the following method steps: - food loaves (1) are positioned one behind the other on a conveyor belt (3) leaving a free space (6) between them. - The food loaf (1) are promoted to a measuring device (7). The food loaves (1) are individually measured by means of the measuring device (7), wherein a food loaf (1) to be measured is moved relative to a measuring area (8) of the measuring device (7), so that in the course of the relative movement between food loaf (1) and Measuring device (7) each part of the Lebensellellaibs (1) passes through the measuring range (8). - The food loaves (1) are transferred from the conveyor belt (3) to a feed belt (9). - The Lebensmittellaibe (1) are promoted to a cutting device (10), wherein by means of the cutting device (10) from one end of the cut up Lebensmittellaibs (1) successive portions are cut. In order to provide a method by means of which reliable measurement of the individual food loaves is possible, in the course of transferring a food loaf (1) from the conveyor belt (3) to the feed belt (9), the respectively transferred and the conveying direction (2) are considered directly preceding Lebensmittellaib (1) moves relative to each other, so that the adjacent food loaves (1) at their mutually facing ends (4, 5) abut each other directly.

Description

introduction

• – Lebensmittellaibe werden in eine Förderrichtung hintereinander auf einem Förderband positioniert, wobei zwischen einander zugewandten Enden jeweils benachbarter Lebensmittellaibe ein Freiraum verbleibt.
• – Die Lebensmittellaibe werden auf mindestens eine Messeinrichtung zu gefördert.
• – Die Lebensmittellaibe werden mittels der Messeinrichtung einzeln vermessen, wobei ein jeweilig zu vermessender Lebensmittellaib relativ zu einem Messbereich der Messeinrichtung bewegt wird, sodass im Zuge der Relativbewegung zwischen Lebensmittellaib und Messeinrichtung jeder Teil des jeweilig zu vermessenden Lebensmittellaibs den Messbereich durchquert.
• – Die Lebensmittellaibe werden von dem Förderband an ein Zuführband übergeben.
• – Die Lebensmittellaibe werden auf eine Schneideinrichtung zu gefördert, wobei mittels der Schneideinrichtung von einem Ende eines jeweilig aufzuschneidenden Lebensmittellaibs sukzessive Portionen abgeschnitten werden.

The present application relates to a process for cutting food slices in portions, comprising the following process steps:

• - Lebensmittellaibe be successively positioned in a conveying direction on a conveyor belt, wherein between adjacent ends of each adjacent Lebensmittellaibe remains a free space.
• - The food loaves are promoted to at least one measuring device.
• The food loaves are measured individually by means of the measuring device, wherein a respective meal to be measured is moved relative to a measuring range of the measuring device, so that in the course of the relative movement between the food loaf and the measuring device each part of the respective food to be measured passes through the measuring range.
• - The food loaves are transferred from the conveyor belt to a conveyor belt.
• The food loaves are conveyed to a cutting device, wherein successive portions are cut off by means of the cutting device from one end of a respective food loaf to be sliced.

• – mindestens ein Förderband zur Aufnahme mindestens eines Lebensmittellaibs,
• – mindestens eine Messeinrichtung zur Vermessung von Lebensmittellaiben,
• – mindestens ein Zuführband sowie
• – mindestens eine Schneideinrichtung,

wobei ein jeweiliger Lebensmittellaib mittels des Förderbandes in eine Förderrichtung auf die Messeinrichtung zu förderbar ist, wobei ein jeweiliger Lebensmittellaib mittels der Messeinrichtung derart vermessbar ist, dass ein Zustandsparameter des jeweiligen Lebensmittellaibs zumindest im Wesentlichen bestimmbar ist, wobei der jeweilige Lebensmittellaib mittels des Zuführbandes auf die Schneideinrichtung zu förderbar ist und wobei mittels der Schneideinrichtung sukzessive von einem der Schneideinrichtung zugewandten Ende eines jeweiligen Lebensmittellaibs Portionen abschneidbar sind, wobei in Förderrichtung betrachtet benachbarte Lebensmittellaibe derart beabstandet auf dem Förderband aufliegen, dass zwischen einander zugewandten Enden der benachbarten Lebensmittellaibe ein Freiraum vorliegt.Furthermore, the present application discloses a device for cutting food slices in portions and at least two food loaves to be sliced, comprising the device

• At least one conveyor belt for receiving at least one food loaf,
• - at least one measuring device for the measurement of food slices,
• - At least one feed belt and
• At least one cutting device,

wherein a respective food loaf can be conveyed to the measuring device in a conveying direction by means of the conveyor belt, wherein a respective food loaf can be measured by means of the measuring device such that a state parameter of the respective food loaf is at least substantially determinable, wherein the respective food loaf is conveyed to the cutting device by means of the feed belt is to be conveyed and wherein by means of the cutting device successively from one of the cutting device facing the end of a respective Lebensmittellaibs portions are cut off, viewed in the conveying direction adjacent Lebensmittellaibe so spaced rest on the conveyor belt, that there is a free space between facing ends of the neighboring food loaves.

For the purposes of the present application, a "food loaf" is understood to mean a piece of a foodstuff. For the process is basically irrelevant whether different food loaves are made of the same or the same variety of food or different foods. Thus, for example, it is conceivable that at the same time food loaves formed of meat are processed with such food slices formed by cheese. The term "loaf" in this context is synonymous with the term "piece" to understand. Thus, a food loaf represents a self-contained, single piece.

For the purposes of the present application, a "conveyor belt" is to be understood in principle to mean any type of conveying device in which an article positioned thereon is moved over a specific distance by means of a support. Typically, a conveyor belt has a band-shaped support, which is deflected at two spaced-apart pulleys and forms a self-contained element which continuously circulates around the pulleys. A conveyor belt can basically be formed by several parts, which are arranged side by side, for example, viewed in the conveying direction. Here, it may be advantageous to tilt the individual parts of a conveyor belt against each other, so that in a perpendicular to the conveying direction considered cross-section, the parts together have a V-shape.

For the purposes of the present application, a "measuring device" is understood as meaning a device by means of which it is possible to determine at least one state parameter or product properties of a food purée. This can for example concern the length, the height, the volume or other parameters. In particular, it may be possible to determine by means of the measuring device at which point a food strand begins and at which point it ends. As a rule, a measuring device is suitable for detecting a large number of different parameters. For the method according to the invention and in the device according to the invention, it is of particular advantage if the measuring device is suitable for determining cross-sectional areas of the respective food pallet, its contour or its shape and its length.

In the context of the present application, a "feed belt" is understood to mean a device by means of which at least one food loaf is conveyed to the cutting device of the device. In the feed belt is usually equally a conveyor belt. The term "feed belt" in the sense of the present application is limited in this respect to the conveyor belt understand, from which the food loaves are handed over, as the conveyor belt is downstream of the conveyor belt viewed in the conveying direction. As a rule, the feed belt forms the one strip by means of which the food loaves are conveyed directly up to the cutting device.

For the purposes of the present application, the term "conveying direction" is understood to mean a respective local direction of movement of a respective food label. As a rule, a device for slicing up food slices has a single conveying direction which runs at least substantially straight. In other words, in such a device, the food loaves are placed on a supporting point or in a support area on a support belt and then conveyed by means of at least one, typically by means of several successively connected conveyor belts in a straight conveying direction to a cutting device. It is also conceivable that the food loaves change their direction of movement in the course of their promotion along the device, for example, as a deflection takes place by means of obliquely aligned conveyor belts. The conveying direction in the sense of the present application in each case describes a direction along which a food loaf is conveyed at a specific time of observation. Thus, depending on a location where a food is being viewed, the conveying direction may be different from a conveying direction of the same food loaf at another location of the apparatus.

State of the art

Methods and devices of the type described above are already known in the art. For example, shows the international patent application WO 99/47885 A2 a device in which several, viewed in a conveying direction arranged successively Lebensmittellaibe be promoted by means of two separate conveyor belts to a cutting device to. For this purpose, the food loaves are placed at a distance from one another on a first support belt and conveyed by means of the support belt to a measuring device. By means of the measuring device different state parameters of the respective food loaves are detected, wherein each of the food loaves is measured separately by means of the measuring device.

The measuring device is positioned so that it can completely grasp a lateral surface of the food loaves to be measured, since the food loaves are guided in a measuring range of the measuring device freely suspended between mutually adjacent conveyor belts. The measurement of the food loaves is thus effected during a transfer of the respective food loaf from the support belt to the delivery belt of the disclosed device. On the conveyor belt, the food loaves are further positioned at a distance from one another and in this position are fed to the cutting device of the device.

As an alternative to such an arrangement of the individual food loaves "gap" describes the European patent EP 1 718 160 B1 a method by means of which it is possible to place the food loaves directly abutting on the support belt and nevertheless to achieve a measurement of the individual food loaves. In particular, by means of the disclosed method, it is possible to detect transitions between the adjacent food slices despite the immediate contact of adjacent food loaves and to configure the respective cutting device accordingly so that when slicing the individual food loaves it can be considered at which points the individual food loaves each begin and end up.

The method described in the European patent has the advantage that a food loaf located in each case in the slicing process can be supported on a respectively subsequent food loaf so that a respective remaining piece of the sliced food loaf is supported by means of the subsequent food loaf directly following this remnant, and consequently without effect of an additional fixer "stops". This advantage does not provide the device according to the above-mentioned international patent application.

However, the latter method has the significant disadvantage that the detection of the transitions between adjacent food slices by means of a measuring device is very complicated and error-prone. Thus, it can not be ensured in all cases that the respective measuring device correctly recognizes a transition between adjacent, adjacent food slices in each case and consequently the configuration of the slicing device is permanently reliably performed correctly.

task

The present application is therefore based on the object to provide a method by means of which a reliable detection or measurement of the food loaves is possible and at the same time the advantage of a mutual support of adjacent food loaves is achieved.

solution

The underlying object is achieved, starting from the method of the type described above according to the invention that in the course of the transfer of a Lebensmittellaibs from the conveyor belt on the conveyor belt respectively transferred Lebensmittellaib and viewed in the conveying direction immediately preceding Lebensmittellaib are moved relative to each other. This relative movement takes place in such a way that the adjacent food loaves, at the end of this relative movement, abut each other at least at points, preferably flat, directly against one another at their mutually facing ends.

For the purposes of the present application, "adjacent food slices" are understood to mean the food loaves which, viewed in the conveying direction, are positioned directly behind one another. Accordingly, in a series of a multiplicity of food loaves one after the other, each food loaf is "doubly" equipped with a neighbor, namely a preceding food loaf and a subsequent food loaf. As far as the present application is concerned with anterior and posterior food canola, it is meant in each case the anterior and posterior food canals of a food couple formed by two adjacent foodstuffs.

The method according to the invention is particularly suitable for slicing up food slices, which may be frozen or non-frozen as well as containing bone or bones.

The method according to the invention has many advantages. Thus, it is possible to initially measure the individual food loaves separately by means of the at least one measuring device, so that it is not necessary to "keep apart" directly adjacent or abutting food loaves. This means that when using the method according to the invention the food loaves - comparable to the prior art - the measuring device are supplied separately from each other, while between the Lebensmittellaiben still a gap or the space described is present. The detection of the individual food loaves by means of the measuring device is in this way used reliably reliable; Measuring errors occur at most in exceptional cases.

Despite the maintenance of this advantageous method of measuring the individual food loaves, it is nevertheless possible by means of the method according to the invention to achieve the advantageous mutual support of adjacent food loaves in the course of their slicing by means of the cutting device. For this purpose, neighboring food loaves are "pushed together" after the metrological recording of the individual food loaves. In other words, adjacent food loaves are moved relative to each other so that they eventually abut one another. In this way, it is then possible for a respective sliced food loaf to be supported on the respectively subsequent food loaf.

For the success of the method according to the invention, it is fundamentally irrelevant in which way the food loaves, which are initially spaced apart from one another, are moved relative to one another and thus ultimately abut one another. The above-mentioned concept of "pushing together" is not restrictive insofar as a merging of adjacent food loaves can to some extent also be done without a "push". For example, it is conceivable to lift a food loaf by means of a gripper and to approach a respective preceding food loaf, for example floating. It is also conceivable to operate the conveyor belts of the device at different speeds, so that due to different feed speeds of adjacent food loaves a desired relative movement of the same can take place relative to one another. This will be discussed separately below.

It goes without saying that in order to obtain the advantage of a separate detection of the individual food loaves by means of the measuring device, the relative movement of adjacent food loaves can take place only after the measurement of the same, since otherwise the measuring device would be confronted with the same challenge as in the aforementioned prior art, namely the detection of transitions between adjacent juxtaposed food slices. Therefore, for the purposes of the present method, it is necessary for a respective measured food loaf, when entering its measuring range, ie when its foremost point in the measuring range, viewed in the conveying direction, to reach this foremost point of the food loaf, not to have a respective preceding food loaf. However, as soon as this foremost point has passed the measuring range of the measuring device, it is fundamentally harmless for the success of the method according to the invention if the relative movement between the currently measured and the preceding food loaf already takes place while the measurement of the rear food loaf is not yet complete. In other words, it is conceivable in the sense of the method according to the invention that the respectively measured food loaf to a certain extent immediately after the detection of its in the conveying direction considered the foremost point to the respective preceding Lebensmittellaib is introduced. It is therefore not necessary to wait for the complete measurement of the respective Lebensellaellaibes before the relative movement of the same takes place with its preceding neighbor.

If a measurement of the food loaves begins, starting at the rear end viewed in the conveying direction, then it is understood that the relative movement of the respectively measured food loaf with the respective preceding neighbors must not take place until the foremost point of the food loin served in the conveying direction is detected by means of the measuring device is.

The method according to the invention further offers the significant advantage that it allows the possibility of weighing the individual food loaves separately from one another by means of a weighing device. With reference to the European patent described above EP 1 718 160 B1 this possibility is not given, since the food loaves are continuously in direct contact with each other and thus can not be weighed separately by means of a weighing device. However, the determination of the mass of a respective Lebensmittellaib is for precise control of the cutting device or achieving a constant portion thickness and / or a constant mass of the individual portions of particular advantage, since the control of the device not - as otherwise necessary - with a firmly stored , average density of the food must be calculated, but individually for each Lebensmittellaib the corresponding density of the same can determine. For this, in combination with a weighing of the individual food loaves, it is only necessary that their volume is determined either subsequently or in advance of the weighing.

Accordingly, it is particularly advantageous for the method according to the invention if, prior to the transfer of the food loaves from the conveyor belt to the feed belt, the masses of the respective individual food loaves are determined separately from one another. In this case, it does not matter in which order the measurement of the food loaves is carried out by means of the measuring device and its weighing by means of a weighing device.

The above-described relative movement of adjacent food loaves can be achieved particularly simply by operating the conveyor belt and the feed belt at different feed rates, wherein a deviation of the feed speeds from one another preferably takes place only during discrete periods, ie temporarily. By means of such a variation of the feed speeds, the desired goal of pushing adjacent food loaves together is particularly efficiently achievable. In this case, it is fundamentally irrelevant which of the two adjacent belts, that is to say the conveyor belt or the feed belt, runs at a different feed speed. It is also conceivable that the feed rates of both bands are changed. Likewise, it is conceivable that the belts run permanently at different feed speeds and, despite such a setting, a further speed variation is made at times.

Advantageously, the control of the belts is made such that the supply belt is decelerated over a certain braking period so that the food loaf or slices positioned on the conveyor belt slow down during the braking period. In the meantime, preferably, the feed rate of the conveyor belt arranged behind the feed belt in the conveying direction is kept constant. When braking the feed belt, it is both conceivable to merely reduce a feed speed thereof or even to stop it completely. Likewise, it is conceivable, in principle, to let the feed belt run backwards, at least temporarily, that is, counter to the conveying direction.

In any case, the variation in the feed rates of the belts results in food loaves being at least partially disposed on different belts moving relative to each other. It is understood that, in particular, it is desirable to supply the rear food ampoule of a food pair to the directly preceding neighbor, as viewed in the conveying direction.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, a measurement of the respective rear food pair of a food pair is measured during the transfer from the conveyor belt to the supply belt by means of the measuring device. In this case, the outer jacket surface of the respectively measured food loaf is preferably at least partially, preferably completely, covered by the measuring device. For this purpose, the measurement of the respective food loaf takes place in a free section between mutually facing ends of the conveyor belt and the feed belt. This means that the measuring range of the measuring device is arranged in this free section or coincides with this free section. This procedure has the special advantage that the food loaves can be detected circumferentially during their measurement and thus an accuracy In particular, the detection of the cross-sectional areas of the respective Lebensmittellaibs is particularly high, as well as a bottom of each Lebensmittellaibs is detected. However, a measurement of a food loaf lying outside a free section is equally conceivable. For the purposes of the present application, the term "lateral surface" may include both end faces of the respective food loaf and its radial outer surface or both. The detection of end faces can be useful insofar as possible existing end depressions can be taken into account, which would otherwise be disregarded.

As already described above, there is the possibility of having the relative movement of adjacent food loaves take place at the same time as the measurement of the rear food loaf considered in the conveying direction. For the method according to the invention, this procedure is particularly advantageous, wherein an overlapping of the measurement of the respective rear food islets with the combination of the adjacent food pastes should take place at least over a part of the duration of the two processes. In this case, it is advantageous if the adjacent food loaves are brought into direct contact with one another during the measurement of the respective rear food liver, that is, a front body of the rear food loaf already comes into contact with a rear site of the front food loaf, while the rear food loaf is still measured by means of the measuring device. By means of this procedure, the inventive method is particularly efficient feasible. Thus, it is not necessary to wait for the relative movement of adjacent food loaves until the measurement of the respective rear food loaf is completely completed.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the method according to the invention if at least one food loaf of a food pair is actively moved, at least in support, by means of a movement unit, and in this way a relative movement of the neighboring food loaves relative to one another is at least partially carried out. Particularly advantageous is such an embodiment, in which the respective rear in the conveying direction Lebensmittellaib the Lebensmittellaibpaares is at least partially moved by means of such an active movement unit on the front in the conveying direction Lebensmittellaibs Lebensmittellaibpaares. Alternatively, it is likewise conceivable to "stop" the food loaves preceding each "still individually" present food loaf, which have already been brought into contact, by means of a movement unit, so that they wait for the subsequent food loaf.

The use of such a movement unit can be done either additionally or alternatively to a change in the feed rates of one or both bands, that is, the feed belt or the conveyor belt. Thus, it is conceivable, for example, that a movement unit is formed by a gripper which grips, for example, the rear food pair of a food pair, optionally picks up from a strip surface of the respective strip and then leads to the latter with respect to a transport speed of the front food pair of the food pair This closes the space between the neighboring food slices, so that the neighboring food loaves are finally in direct contact with each other. As an alternative to a gripper, it is also conceivable to form an active movement unit of a roller, a further conveyor belt, a slider or the like. If a combined effect of the conveyor belt or the feeding belt with an active moving unit is desired, it may be advantageous to position this moving unit, as it were, above the food loaves so that simultaneous engagement of the moving unit and a respective belt from an upper side and a lower side of the respective one moving food loaf can be done. Advantageously, a movement unit of the type described is arranged at least in the vicinity of the free section between the conveyor belt and the feed belt so that the movement unit can act on the feed belt, in particular during transfer of a food loaf from the conveyor belt.

For the relative movement of adjacent food loaves towards one another, it may be advantageous if this is carried out at least partially by means of a movement of at least one of the food loaves involved relative to a strip surface of at least one of the strips. In other words, it may be advantageous if at least one of the participating food loaves slides over a respective band on which the food loaf is currently positioned, that is, moves relative to the band or its strip surface.

Such a relative movement can occur, in particular, when one of the food loaves is "pushed", moving relative to a respective strip surface. In an advantageous manner, in particular, the rear food loaf of a food pair can be actively pushed forward by means of a movement unit until at least its foremost point comes into direct contact with the front food loaf of the neighboring food loaves. As a rule, the rear food loaf at this time will be at least substantial Part of its length still on the conveyor belt, that is not yet been completely passed to the feed belt. Accordingly, sliding movement of this rear food loaf is performed mainly relative to the belt surface of the conveyor belt, with the food loaf moving forward relative to the conveyor belt. Upon the "arrival" of the food loaf on the feed belt, then also a sliding movement of the food loaf occurs relative to the belt surface of the feed belt. Again, the food loaf is moved forward relative to the belt surface. Such a procedure is comparatively easy to carry out and correspondingly advantageous.

In order to facilitate sliding of a food loaf relative to one or both belt surfaces of the feed belt and / or the conveyor belt, it may be particularly advantageous to design the respective belt surfaces of the belts such that at least the coefficient of sliding friction of the respective belt surface for relative movement of the food belt relative to the belt surface in the conveying direction is already possible under a comparatively small amount of force. In this way, on the one hand, the relative movement between the food loaf and the strip surface is simplified and, on the other hand, a possibly undesired abrasion of the food loaf by the strip surface of the respective strip is reduced.

In this case, it may be particularly advantageous to asymmetrically design the strip surface of at least one of the strips, preferably both or all of the strips of the device, so that friction between the strip surface and food rib is reduced only in the feed direction, but counter to the feed direction "normal" or relative to the feed direction Friction in the feed direction is increased. In this way it is ensured that the food loaves can be transported reliably by means of the belts in the feed direction without they slip on the tapes undesirably.

From the technical point of view, the underlying object is achieved, starting from the device of the type described above, by a control device by means of which a feed rate of at least one of the bands, preferably at least the feed belt, is variable between different speed levels, in particular automatically. By means of such a device, the inventive method of "pushing together" of neighboring food loaves is particularly easy to carry out. In particular, it is possible to temporarily decelerate the feed belt so that a respective food loaf, which is being transferred from the conveyor belt to the feed belt, unlocks its respective preceding food loaf and in this way closes the previously available free space between the mutually facing ends of the adjacent food loaves can.

The control device is advantageously capable of changing the adaptation of the feed speed of the feed belt automatically, for example, as a function of a position of the rear food loaf of the respective food loaf pair. In particular, it is conceivable that the feed belt is always decelerated at a point in time which lies shortly after entry of another food loaf in the measuring range of the measuring device. Furthermore, by means of the device according to the invention or the associated control device, such a movement of the feed belt is controllable.

It may be advantageous if the control device is suitable for detecting a drive torque of at least the conveyor belt connected upstream of the feed belt, so that the control device can determine at which point in time the drive torque of the conveyor belt rises. The increase in the drive torque would suggest that a food loaf, at least partially arranged on the conveyor belt, has been pushed against the respective preceding food loaf and thus can not readily be moved further in the conveying direction. Due to frictional forces acting between the food loaf and the belt surface of the conveyor belt, this "blockage" of the food loaf would be reflected in the fact that the conveyor belt has to apply a higher drive torque to maintain its feed speed. The increase in the drive torque thus suggests that the bringing of the respective rear food ribs has taken place at the respective front. Accordingly, the control device can use this information to run the feed belt again at its "normal" feed rate, which preferably corresponds to the feed rate of the conveyor belt.

The device according to the invention further ausgestaltend a strip surface of the feed belt is provided with a surface structure which is formed such that at least one sliding friction coefficient, preferably both the sliding friction coefficient and the coefficient of static friction of the belt surface in the conveying direction is smaller than counter to the conveying direction. The advantages of such an embodiment have already been described above in connection with the method according to the invention. For example, it is conceivable that the surface structure of the Band surface is sawtooth-shaped, wherein the saw teeth of this surface structure are formed according to asymmetric.

Furthermore, such a device is of particular advantage, which has an active movement unit, by means of which at least one food loaf can be accelerated in the conveying direction. The advantages and possibilities of the design and positioning of such a movement unit have already been explained above in connection with the method according to the invention. Such a movement unit can also be advantageous independently of the control device described above for controlling a feed rate of at least one of the belts. This is the case, in particular, when adjacent food loaves are to be brought into contact with each other solely by the action of a movement unit; In such an embodiment, a variation of the feed rates of the bands is not necessary, so that correspondingly eliminates the need for an associated control device.

Furthermore, such a device is particularly advantageous, which has a weighing device. In this case, it is fundamentally irrelevant whether the device is equipped with a movement unit, a control device for controlling the feed rate of at least one of the belts or with both features. The advantages which a weighing device entails have already been described above in connection with the method according to the invention.

embodiments

The method according to the invention and the device according to the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in the figures. Show it:

1 to 5 : Schematic representations of a device according to the invention at different times during the method according to the invention

The embodiment serves to illustrate the method according to the invention. The method is by means of a device according to the invention 17 carried out by means of which food loaves 1 are aufschneidbar. For this purpose, in a first process step, the food loaves 1 first on a first conveyor belt 3 laid, which can also be referred to as a support band. The food loaves 1 become so on the conveyor belt 3 put up that between them or between each other facing ends 4 . 5 the food loaves 1 , a free space 6 remains. In other words, they are on the conveyor belt 3 launched food loaves 1 spaced apart or "gap" set. A contact between neighboring food slices 1 therefore does not exist.

By means of the conveyor belt 3 become the food loaves 1 in a conveying direction 2 , in the 1 represented by an associated arrow, in the direction of a measuring device 7 promoted. This measuring device 7 is suitable, each individual food loaves 1 to measure. In a measurement of a food loaf 1 by means of the measuring device 7 can different parameters of each measured Lebensmittellaibs 1 be determined. In the example shown, the measuring device is used 7 in particular, the determination of the length, the cross-sectional areas and the contour of the respective measured Lebensmittellaibs 1 , For this purpose, by means of the measuring device 7 in a measuring range 8th generates a scan plane that is in the course of movement of a respective food loaf 1 in the conveying direction 2 relative to the food loaf 1 is moved. It goes without saying that every food loaf 1 by means of the device 17 is cut, the measuring range 8th the measuring device 7 completely crossed. The measuring device 7 captures the cross-sectional area of a particular food loaf 1 within certain measuring intervals, so that during a complete traversal of the measuring range 8th a variety of cross-sectional area values for the particular food loaf 1 then together, for example, an approximate determination of the volume of Lebensellellaibs 1 allow.

In the example shown, the measuring device stands 7 stuck while the food loaves 1 move so that there is a relative movement between the food slices 1 and the measuring device 7 is produced. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that a measurement of a respective food loaf 1 due to a movement of the respective measuring device 7 at the same time standstill of the respective Lebensmittellaibs 1 he follows. It is also conceivable that both the respective measured Lebensmittellaib 1 as well as the measuring device 7 move. The only thing that matters is that a food loaf to be measured 1 the measuring range 8th the measuring device 7 completely crossed before its cutting.

In the example shown, the measuring device 7 starting from the trained as a support belt conveyor belt 3 another conveyor belt 3 upstream. This is here in the form of a weighing device 16 executed. This weighing device 16 is suitable for the mass of a food loaf on it 1 to investigate. For this purpose, the weighing device 16 from the upstream conveyor belt 3 , which acts as a support band, decoupled. A weighing position of a food loaf 1 especially results 2 of the present embodiment. Based on the determination of the volume of food loaf 1 as well as its mass may have a density of food loaf 1 be calculated. This calculation is then of importance in the control of the cutting device of the respective device, so that by means of the cutting device as uniform as possible slices of the food from the respective Lebensmittellaib 1 can be separated.

In the example shown here is the measuring device 7 the weighing device 16 downstream. This arrangement is not mandatory. Consequently, it is also conceivable that weighing the food loaves 1 takes place only after the determination of their respective volumes. The only thing that matters here is that before slicing a particular food loaf 1 both its mass and its volume are determined. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the control of the cutting device 10 a uniform, averaged density of the food to be sliced. In such an embodiment, a determination of the respective individual mass and optionally the individual volume of each food loaf 1 be waived. The determination in particular of the contour, that is to say of a "shape", of a respective food patella 1 remains nevertheless necessary, so that the cutting device 10 corresponding to different geometries of different food loaves 1 can be adjusted. As it is with the food slices 1 As a rule, they are grown objects that are individually and consequently shaped differently from each other, it is of particular importance for the production of uniformly possible slices of the food that the contour of the food loaves to be sliced 1 is individually recorded.

From the illustration according to 2 it turns out that the individual food loaves 1 at the moment of weighing are still arranged at a distance to each other. Referring to the weighing device 16 This is also necessary because of a reliable determination of the mass of a single food loaf 1 only possible if this separately from the other food slices 1 is weighed.

In a next process step, which in 3 is shown, the here in the conveying direction 2 considers foremost food loaf 1 by means of the measuring device 7 measured. Here comes the food loaf 1 in the measuring range 8th the measuring device 7 one in a free space 11 between the weighing device 16 and a feeding belt 9 is arranged. The open space 11 is characterized in that it is free of fittings, so that the measuring device 7 the respective Lebensmittellaibs to be measured 1 completely circulating. In other words, a lateral surface 12 of the food loaf to be measured 1 completely by means of the measuring device 7 recorded as the measuring device 7 in the measuring range 8th a completely free, that is unobstructed, view of the food loaf 1 Has. It follows that the respective Lebensellaellaib 1 in the course of his traversal of the measuring range 8th between the weighing device 16 and the feeding belt 9 is floating freely, that is not supported vertically.

Simultaneously with the measurement of food loaf 1 becomes selbiger of that as a weighing device 16 trained conveyor belt 3 on the conveyor belt 9 to hand over. This is done here so that the food loaf 1 already the feed belt 9 touched while still using the measuring device 7 is measured. By means of the feed belt 9 become the food loaves 1 finally starting from the measuring device 7 on a cutting device 10 to promote, by means of which the food loaves 1 finally be sliced.

For the purposes of the process according to the invention, the food loaves to be sliced are 1 before being fed to the cutter 10 "Collapsed". This is done according to the invention such that adjacent food loaves 1 in the course of the handing over of each rear food loaf 1 from the conveyor belt 3 on the conveyor belt 9 be moved relative to each other.

That is, neighboring food loaves 1 before her arrival at the cutting device 10 be merged so that between their facing ends 4 . 5 no space remains. Neighboring food loaves 1 Consequently, they are ultimately in direct contact with each other. This contact can be both flat and punctiform, but preferably flat. Decisive is only the neighboring food loaves 1 before her arrival at the cutting device 10 , but only after their measurement by means of the measuring device 7 be brought into direct contact with each other. This has the advantage that the neighboring food loaves 1 can support each other in the course of their slicing, so in particular remnants of a Lebensmittellaibs aufzuschneid 1 at the respective in the conveying direction 2 consider subsequent food loaf 1 can support. The merger of the food loaves 1 only after their weighing brings the advantage of the invention with itself that the Lebensmittellaibe 1 can be weighed individually. This is not possible if the food loaves 1 are in direct contact with each other from the outset.

Neighboring food loaves 1 at a contact point 19 are in direct contact with each other, arise in particular from 5 , For the success of the invention it is basically secondary, in what way the neighboring food loaves 1 finally before being fed to the cutter 10 be moved relative to each other, so that they finally touch each other. In the present example, this "pushing together" becomes a combination of a change of a feeding speed of the feeding belt 9 with an active pushing together by means of a movement unit 13 reached.

Basically, the two conveyor belts 3 and the feeding belt 9 each identical feed rates. This means that in a regular operation of the device according to the invention 17 the food loaves 1 on the conveyor belt 9 are positioned just as fast in the conveying direction 2 move like the food loaves 1 on the conveyor belts 3 , This uniformity of the speeds of the food loaves 1 is interrupted only when adjacent food loaves 1 to be pushed together. In the example shown here are the two conveyor belts 3 that is the support belt and the weighing device 16 , operated continuously at a constant feed rate. There is a food loaf 1 in an in 4 shown position of there farthest forward, that is, the cutter 10 facing, Lebensmittellaibs 1 , this particular is positioned furthest front food loaf 1 with the directly following food loaf 1 pushed together. For this purpose, the feed rate of the feed belt 9 temporarily reduced. In particular, it is conceivable, the feed belt 9 either just decelerate, so it runs at a lower feed rate than the other two conveyor belts 3 , or the feed belt 9 even to stop completely. It is understood that by any kind of deceleration of the feed belt 9 the neighboring food loaves 1 experience a relative movement to each other, since the rear Lebensmittellaib 1 due to the higher feed rate of the conveyor belt 3 then has a higher speed than the respective front food loaf 1 , Accordingly, the hitherto at least substantially uniformly free space 6 between the ends facing each other 4 . 5 the neighboring food loaves 1 now reduced. The measure of changing the feed rate of the feed belt 9 is maintained until the neighboring food loaves 1 have come into direct contact with each other.

This procedure is only to be understood as an example here. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to have a relative movement of the neighboring food loaves 1 each other by means of other variations of the feed rates of the conveyor belts 3 and the conveyor belt 9 to achieve, for example, the conveyor belts 3 temporarily accelerate or the feed belt 9 not just slowing down but even running backwards. Combinations of such changes are also conceivable. Likewise, it is conceivable that the relative movement of the neighboring food loaves 1 actively support. This is done in the present embodiment by means of the active movement unit 13 achieved.

The movement unit 13 is here formed by a slide, which is suitable to the respective rear food loaf 1 a pair of neighboring food loaves 1 to actively accelerate, so the free space 6 between the neighboring food slices 1 is closed. It is also conceivable that the process of pushing together neighboring food loaves 1 by means of a combination of a change in the feed rate of one or more conveyor belts 3 or the feed belt 9 with a use of a motion unit 13 is achieved.

By means of the movement unit 13 becomes the rear food loaf 1 accelerated so that he has a tape surface 15 of the conveyor belt 3 directed. To achieve this, first, a stiction must exist between a bottom of the food loaf 1 and the ribbon surface 15 of the conveyor belt 3 works, be overcome. This kind of "pushing" of a food loaf 1 As a rule, leads to the fact that the respective Lebensellaellaib 1 also on a tape surface 14 of the feed belt 9 must slide, at least over a certain distance and for a certain period of time, namely, when the rear food loaf 1 on the conveyor belt 9 "Arrives".

To such sliding movements of the respective accelerated Lebensmittellaibs 1 on the tape surfaces 14 . 15 of the feed belt 9 or the conveyor belt 3 To facilitate, it may be advantageous, said tape surfaces 14 . 15 to design accordingly. In the present example, it is therefore understood that such a configuration of the strip surface 15 of the conveyor belt 3 advantageous, which causes the lowest possible coefficient of friction, at least for a relative movement of the strip surface 15 and the respective food loaf 1 in the conveying direction 2 , The same applies to an embodiment of the strip surface 14 of the feed belt 9 , The lower the respective coefficient of friction of the belt surfaces 14 . 15 is formed, the lower is a sliding force, which is necessary to a respective Lebensibaib 1 relative to the respective strip surface 14 . 15 to move. A pushing together of neighboring food loaves 1 by means of a movement unit 13 is simplified in this way. Advantageously, the belt surfaces 14 . 15 the conveyor belts 3 or the feed belt 9 formed asymmetrically, so that a friction coefficient depending on a direction of a relative movement between Lebensibaellaib 1 and respective band fails differently. Thus, there is typically a desire to reduce the coefficient of friction for one against the direction of conveyance 2 directed relative movement as high as possible, so that the Lebensmittellaibe 1 can be driven without slip.

Measuring the food loaves 1 by means of the measuring device 7 found in the present inventive method throughout isolated on each food Mittellib 1 instead of. For the measuring device 7 Consequently, it is at no time necessary to make a transition between neighboring food slices 1 in each case at a first entry of a Lebensbettellaibs 1 in the measuring range 8th the measuring device 7 the respective front, the cutting device 10 facing end of each food loaf 1 Is "free", that is not in direct contact with the respective preceding Lebensellib 1 stands.

The device according to the invention 17 is equipped in the example shown with a control device, not shown, which allows a cutting speed of the cutting device 10 depending on a feed rate of the feed belt 9 to control. In this context, a "cutting speed" is to be understood as meaning the speed with which the cutting device is used 10 from a food slices to be sliced 1 successively individual slices are cut, the cutting speed is measured in a sense in "cut slices per unit time". In particular, it is possible by means of the control unit to briefly stop the cutting device, in order in this way due to a reduction of the feed speed of the feed belt 9 slow moving food loaf 1 enough time to get far enough over a cutting plane of the cutting device 10 to move out, so that a thickness of the next, by means of the cutter 10 is separated from the Lebenslamib separated slice to each other disc at least substantially identical to the presence of the feed rate of the feed belt 9 at a "normal level", ie at the same level as that of the conveyor belts 3 , is set. As an alternative to a uniform adjustment of a slice thickness, it may also be desired to produce the individual slices or portions with a mass that is as uniform as possible.

In principle, the features described above in connection with the present exemplary embodiment can also be implemented independently of one another insofar as this appears technically possible or may appear to the person skilled in the art. The combination of the individual features of the method presented here and of the device presented here is to be understood as purely exemplary in this respect.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Lebensmittellaib

2

conveying direction

3

conveyor belt

4

The End

5

The End

6

free space

7

measuring device

8th

measuring range

9

infeed

10

cutter

11

outdoor Space

12

lateral surface

13

moving unit

14

strip surface

15

strip surface

16

weighing

17

contraption

18

distance

19

contact point

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 99/47885 A2 [0008]
• EP 1718160 B1 [0010, 0022]

Claims (15)

Process for cutting food slices ( 1 ) in portions, in particular slices or cubes, comprising the following process steps: - food loaves ( 1 ) are placed in a conveying direction ( 2 ) in a row on a conveyor belt ( 3 ), wherein between mutually facing ends ( 4 . 5 ) each adjacent food loaf ( 1 ) a free space ( 6 ) remains. - The food loaves ( 1 ) are placed on at least one measuring device ( 7 ). - The food loaves ( 1 ) are measured by the measuring device ( 7 ), wherein a respective Lebensmittellaib to be measured ( 1 ) relative to a measuring range ( 8th ) of the measuring device ( 7 ) is moved so that in the course of the relative movement between Lebensibtellaib ( 1 ) and measuring equipment ( 7 ) each part of the respective Lebensmittellaibs to be measured ( 1 ) the measuring range ( 8th ). - The food loaves ( 1 ) are removed from the conveyor belt ( 3 ) to a feed belt ( 9 ) to hand over. - The food loaves ( 1 ) are placed on a cutting device ( 10 ), wherein by means of the cutting device ( 10 ) from one end of a respective Lebensmittellaibs aufzuschneidenden ( 1 ) successive portions are cut off, characterized by the following method steps: - In the course of the transfer of a Lebensmittellaibs ( 1 ) from the conveyor belt ( 3 ) on the feed belt ( 9 ), the respective transferred as well as in the conveying direction ( 2 ) considers immediately preceding food loaf ( 1 ) are moved relative to one another such that the adjacent food loaves ( 1 ) after completion of the relative movement at their mutually facing ends ( 4 . 5 ) at least selectively abut each other. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveyor belt ( 3 ) and the feed belt ( 9 ) are operated at least temporarily with different feed speeds. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the feed belt ( 9 ) is temporarily decelerated, preferably to zero, while preferably the conveyor belt ( 3 ) at least substantially retains its feed rate. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the food loaves ( 1 ) in the course of their transfer from the conveyor belt ( 3 ) to the feed belt ( 9 ) by means of the measuring device ( 7 ), wherein preferably at least a part of an outer circumferential surface ( 12 ) of the food to be measured ( 1 ) circulating from the measuring device ( 7 ) is detected. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the relative movement of adjacent food loaves ( 1 ) in terms of time, at least partially with the measurement of each in the conveying direction ( 2 ) looks at rear food loaf ( 1 ) of the neighboring food loaves ( 1 ) intersects, preferably the facing ends ( 4 . 5 ) of the neighboring food loaves ( 1 ) during the measurement of the rear food islet ( 1 ) come into direct contact with each other. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a respective in the conveying direction ( 2 ) looks behind two adjacent food loaves ( 1 ) in the course of the relative movement between the neighboring food slices ( 1 ) at least partially by means of an active movement unit ( 13 ) in the direction of transport ( 2 ) looks at the front of the neighboring food loaf ( 1 ) is moved. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in the course of the relative movement of adjacent food loaves ( 1 ) to at least one of the adjacent food loaves ( 1 ), preferably in the conveying direction ( 2 ) considered rear food loaf ( 1 ), relative to a tape surface ( 14 ) of the feed belt ( 9 ) is moved. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that by means of at least one weighing device ( 16 ) Masses of the respective food loaves ( 1 ), preferably a weighing of a food isola ( 1 ) in terms of time before the measurement of the respective Lebensellellaibs ( 1 ) takes place. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the food loaf ( 1 ) in the course of their transfer from the conveyor belt ( 3 ) on the feed belt ( 4 ) are guided floating freely. Contraption ( 17 ) for cutting food slices ( 1 ) in portions, in particular in slices or cubes, as well as at least two food loaves ( 1 ), the device ( 17 ) - at least one conveyor belt ( 3 ) for receiving the at least two food loaves ( 1 ), - at least one measuring device ( 7 ) for the measurement of food slices ( 1 ), - at least one feed belt ( 9 ) and - at least one cutting device ( 10 ) wherein a respective Lebensellaellaib ( 1 ) by means of the conveyor belt ( 3 ) in a conveying direction ( 2 ) on the measuring device ( 7 ), whereby a respective Lebensellaellaib ( 1 ) by means of the measuring device ( 7 ) is measurable such that at least one state parameter of the respective Lebensellellaibs ( 1 ) is at least substantially determinable, wherein the respective Lebensellaellaib ( 1 ) by means of the feed belt ( 9 ) on the cutting device ( 10 ) is conveyed and wherein by means of the cutting device ( 10 ) successively from one of the cutting device ( 10 ) facing end of a respective Lebensellellaibs ( 1 ) Portions are cut off, wherein in the conveying direction ( 2 ) considers adjacent food loaves ( 1 ) so spaced on the conveyor belt ( 3 ) rest, that between mutually facing ends ( 4 . 5 ) of the neighboring food loaves ( 1 ) a free space ( 6 ), characterized by a control device, by means of which a feed rate of the feed belt ( 9 ) and / or the conveyor belt ( 3 ) is variable between different speed levels. Contraption ( 17 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that a strip surface ( 15 ) of the feed belt ( 9 ) is provided with a surface structure which is formed such that a sliding friction coefficient of the strip surface ( 15 ) in the conveying direction ( 2 ) considered smaller than the sliding friction coefficient against the conveying direction ( 2 ). Contraption ( 17 ) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a strip surface ( 14 ) of the conveyor belt ( 3 ) is provided with a surface structure which is formed such that a static coefficient of friction of the strip surface ( 14 ) in the conveying direction ( 2 ) considered larger than counter to the conveying direction ( 2 ). Contraption ( 17 ) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by at least one active movement unit ( 13 ), by means of which a Lebensellaellaib ( 1 ) in the conveying direction ( 2 ) is acceleratable, wherein the movement unit ( 13 ) preferably on a conveyor belt ( 9 ) side facing away from the respective to be accelerated Lebensmittellaibs ( 1 ) is arranged. Contraption ( 17 ) according to claim 13, characterized in that the movement unit ( 13 ) is formed by a band, a slider, a gripper or a roller. Contraption ( 17 ) according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized by at least one weighing device ( 16 ), by means of which the mass of a respective Lebensellellaibs ( 1 ) can be determined, wherein preferably the weighing device ( 16 ) in the conveying direction ( 2 ) looks in front of the measuring device ( 7 ) is arranged.

Images