EP1046476B1 - Slicing machine for slicing food loaves - Google Patents

Abstract

Machine (1) for slicing food, especially sausage, meat or cheese, comprises a knife (4) or a knife housing (40) that is moved relative to a product support surface (3). A device (5) moves the knife out of the cutting plane away from the food. Preferred Features: The device is a reversing device that moves the knife between two force-loaded end positions.

Description

The invention relates to a slicing machine for slicing food, in particular sausage, meat or cheese jars, with the food on a product shelf rests and a cutting knife at the front end of the food Food slices separated, with the Cutting knife during removal of food disc in a cutting plane and a device is provided is that causes the distance between the cutting blade and front end of the food is variable (see, e.g. DE-C-154 952).

An aforementioned slicing machine is for example in the European Patent Application 289 765. Both above-described slicers are relatively high high beats (600 - 800 cuts per minute) of a food bar slices separated. The example industrially produced food bars are hereby a product edition on and become of this for example gradually transported against the cutting blade. For one Power increase, that is for a higher clock frequency, there is a need to make empty cuts, that is movements of the cutting blade, where no food disc from the Bar is separated, provide. Should one such Leerschnitte do not provide, so there is a risk that the cut up Well crashed on the conveyor belt connected afterwards, for example, the cut portion falls over or but an undesirable arrangement of food slices he follows.

To create the blank, the above suggests European patent application that the product edition with the Food by a directed away from the cutting plane Return stroke brought outside the effective range of the knife becomes. As a cutting plane in this case the plane is viewed in the the knife edge during the separation of the food disc located.

Now it should be noted that the cut food bars reach considerable dimensions. The bars can a length of up to 160 cm and a weight of 50 kilos and have more. The consistency of the product to be sliced ranges from the processing temperature of relatively firm to elastically deformable. Due to the high Clock frequencies, there is only a relatively short time, within the product of the effective range of the cutting blade is to withdraw. This results relatively Great accelerations, associated with high forces, the on the product support or on the food bar must be imprinted to withdraw this. It does not succeed in the food bar within the It is sufficient to withdraw sufficient time segment inevitable that the cutting blade is an incomplete Separates the disc, creates disc shreds, or otherwise unintentional Performs cutting movements. This leads regularly a portion of slices and additional contamination of the Cutting knife, as the semi-separated discs may not as intended by the cutting blade on the Product edition fall off.

The food resting on the product overlay is placed in the Principle an oscillating system dar. The inclinations for recording of vibrations is still due to the variability of Consistency of the food increased. On this vibration system are temporarily impress relatively high forces, to bring these out of the effective range of the knife to the Performing the blank cuts to allow. These embossed Vibrations may produce undesirable length deformation the food bar, which can lead to the withdrawal movement is insufficient for the unwanted To avoid formation of chips.

The invention has set itself the task of the aforementioned Slicing machine to the effect that even at high cutting performance of the slicer the danger a Schnitzelbildung is reliably avoided.

To solve this task The invention proposes a slicing machine according to claim 1 before.

The proposal according to the invention is achieved on the food does not imprint a quick retraction movement must be the one of the normal conveying movement of the Food is contrary and at the same time to the would cause undesirable vibrations in the food. By the embodiment of the invention is also independent of the other operating parameters (cooled or frozen or softer food processed at room temperature) Consistently good results when slicing the food bars receive.

The proposal according to the invention provides that either the Cutting knife or the cutting blade receiving cutter housing opposite the product support or cutting plane is designed to be movable. It is thus intended that only the Cutting knife, which is responsible for the separation of the discs is moved by the device, or else the entire cutting unit, including the cutting blade housing, which carries the cutting blade. Here too will ultimately the position of the cutting blade through the device changed.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided that the cutting blade or the cutting blade housing is mounted pivotably relative to the product support. To the Example is provided, the cutting blade or the cutting blade housing, including the drive for the cutting blade to be rotatable about an axis and with the help of for example a swing drive a change in the distance between the cutting blade and the front end of the food reach, which is sufficient that a certain number of blank sections can be generated.

In another variant of the embodiment according to the invention is provided that the cutting blade or the cutting blade housing is mounted longitudinally movable relative to the product support. For example, the cutting blade or the cutting blade housing arranged on a longitudinal beam so that a longitudinal movement the whole unit is possible. The movement can be either in the level of the product edition or in another direction.

According to the invention it is also proposed that the device having a pivot drive or a linear drive. Of the Linear drive in this case, for example, the longitudinally movable mounted cutting blade or cutting blade housing on and move them as needed.

It is advantageous that the device with the machine control is connected and the corresponding information received from the controller. The drive can here as hydraulically or pneumatically actuable working cylinder be configured or with a corresponding electrical or be designed electromagnetic drive.

In a variant of the invention it is provided that the Device comprises means by which the movement of the Cutting knife or cutting blade housing at least temporarily derived from the movement of the cutting blade. It is for Example provided in the planetary gear or the drive if necessary, connect a spacer to the cutting blade, this causes the cutting blade a certain distance from the food to be sliced up.

The invention also provides that it is beneficial if the Device moves the knife shaft. The knife shaft is for Example in a certain range telescopic trained and the Telescoping can be exploited for a misalignment of the knife become. Likewise, the device on the blade shaft attack and offset the entire blade shaft, for example cause against a repulsive spring force.

It is envisaged that the cutting blade as rotationally symmetrical Knife disk is formed. For sharing the Food, it is beneficial if the cutting blade for example, circulating like a planet. Alternatively, but can also be provided, the cutting blade as a spiral knife train. The spiral knife has one on its outer surfaces lying cutting edge and gives the advantage that the aufzuschneidende Food without moving the cutting blade is released periodically. Sharing is necessary to that To be cut food into the effective range of the knife bring. Due to the design of the knife edge with a Spiral or screw curve can thereby the effective range or Area of action (active time) of the knife in the food To be defined.

In addition to the design of the cutting blade as a spiral knife is But it is also possible a sickle knife, so a knife with "internal cutting edge" provided, which also at a standstill Rotation axis of the knife, the cutting material periodically releases. Especially the design of the cutting blade as Spiral knife or sickle knife has the advantage that without to move the axis of rotation of the knife, the food is released periodically. This can do that relatively Expensive planetary gear can be saved.

It is favorable that the device as a switching device is formed, the axial offset of the knife effected between two force end positions. The Embodiment is of course also applicable in the same way when the blade housing is displaced. A Kraftbeaufschlagung the end positions is favorable that exact defined end positions exist and no uncontrolled axial movement of the knife occur, which may be undesirable Schnitzelbildungen would lead.

In a further development of the invention is provided, the Switching device essentially on the blade shaft or the knife hub follow training and at least one Provide switching cam, the at least one controllable Switching element between the end positions can be switched. By This proposal according to the invention is achieved that with relatively little force of the switching element to be controlled Switching device connected to the fast rotating knife becomes. Thereby the rotational energy of the knife becomes specifically used to move the knife axially. in this connection It should be noted that the switching element without load or loading is switchable and thus low switching power like her for example, be derived from an electromagnet can be used.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the switching device or device in the active time of the cutting blade by a Switching element is vorschaltbar and during the passive time of the Cutting knife switches between the end positions. This is just for example in the embodiment of the invention with the Schaltnocken advantageous because the switching cam periodically with the Knife rotates and only the switching element are switched must to timely actuate the switch cam. As active time of the knife becomes the time portion of the periodic Cutting movement viewed within the cutting blade either penetrates the food, or, as with the Leerschnitt, in which food does not enter but in same angular segment is located. As passive time is here the remaining time considered within the cutting knife the food to advance the food completely releases.

The further development according to the invention makes it possible to the Vorschaltvorgang, so the positioning of the switching element for the interaction with the switching cam in the to make relatively long active time, so here relatively smaller accelerations are sufficient and the necessary forces and the resulting vibrations are lower. In the passive time of the cutting blade is then the actual switching process performed, namely a axial displacement of the knife causes. It is possible by the choice of the configuration of the knife, in particular the Spiral or sickle knife, the proportion of active and passive time to control accordingly. Also, due to the knife position on the hub in relation to the switching cam one solid mechanical forced operation can be realized and so the entire slicing machine of complex control problems be relieved. The system is also independent of the selected rotation speed.

Fig. 1

in einer Seitenansicht eine erste Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemässen Aufschneidemaschine;

Fig. 2

ebenfalls in einer Seitenansicht eine weitere Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidemaschine;

Fig. 3

in einer Frontansicht einen Ausschnitt der erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidemaschine, insbesondere das Schneidmesser im Zusammenwirken mit dem Lebensmittel;

Fig. 4

in einem Detail die Umschaltvorrichtung bzw. die Vorrichtung der erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidemaschine, in einer Ansicht;

Fig. 5

eine geschnitte Seitenansicht gemäß Figur 4, der erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidemaschine.

In the drawing, the invention is shown schematically. Show it:

Fig. 1

in a side view, a first embodiment of the slicing machine according to the invention;

Fig. 2

likewise in a side view a further embodiment of the slicing machine according to the invention;

Fig. 3

in a front view of a section of the slicing machine according to the invention, in particular the cutting blade in cooperation with the food;

Fig. 4

in a detail, the switching device or the device of the slicing machine according to the invention, in a view;

Fig. 5

a sectional side view of Figure 4, the slicing machine according to the invention.

The Aufscheidemaschine 1 consists of a Produktzuführ- and Slicing element 12, which supported by the frame 11 on a substructure 10 rests. The element 12 is inclined in this case arranged to help the downhill force in promoting the Food 2 by the conveyor 30 supportive exploit. The angular adjustment of the element 12 is at Variations of the slicing machine designed changeable.

The food 2, which for example a sausage, meat or cheese jar is on the product pad 3 on. The Product support 3 here is for example a roller conveyor or a conveyor belt and allows as smooth as possible Transporting the food 2.

The food 2 is from a conveyor 30th promoted against the cutting blade 4. The conveying device 30 is formed by a spindle drive 32, for example which a coupling element 31 is guided in a slide-like manner. By the rotation of the spindle 32, the carriage-like moves Coupling element 31. The coupling element 31 is for Example designed like a clip and takes the back End of the food 2. By the coupling element 31 is the conveying movement by the spindle drive 32 on the Coupling element 31 is impressed on the food. 2 transfer. For the embodiment of the conveying device 3 are but also many other configurations known and used.

The cutting blade 4 is located in a cutting blade housing 40. The cutting blade 4 has a not shown Cutting knife drive, which makes the cutting blade 4 in rotation 41 staggered. The cutting blade 4 is for example a Arranged planetary gear and leads so next to the rotation its axis of rotation also a rotation of the axis of rotation about the axis of the planetary gear. This results in that the cutting blade 4 cycles periodically and for example from the top of the Growing up food 2 into this and a food slice (not shown) separates, then to fall down on a likewise not shown conveyor belt leaves. Through the planetary orbital motion of the cutting blade 4, the front end 20 of the food 2 becomes regular released again and promotes the conveyor 30 in this time segment the food 2 just around the Slice thickness forward. Releasing the front end 20 of the food 2 can also be achieved in other ways become. For example, it can be provided that cutting blade 4 to arrange on a rail guide which is set so that in the same way reaches the food 2 and released becomes. For example, this rail guide can go up or attached to the page.

According to the invention, it is proposed that a device 5 is arranged, which causes the distance between the Cutting knife 4 and the front end 20 of the food 2 is changeable. Here, the cutting blade 4 or Cutting blade housing 40 relative to the product support 3 and the Cutting plane 49 or the frame 11 moved away from the food 2. The actual cutting plane 49 changes this embodiment is not. The cutting plane 49 is defined by the movement of the cutting edge 42 during the separation of a Food disc, or by the interaction of the cutting edge 42 of the cutting blade 4 and the cutting edge 33. The cutting edge 33 is located on, the cutting blade 4 facing End of the product pad and forms an abutment to the through the cutting edge 42 in the food 2 impressed cutting force. The cutting edge 33 is located geometrically not exactly on the cutting plane 49, this would cause a collision the cutting edge 42 on the cutting edge 33 lead, but is arranged on the cutting plane 49 such that the cutting blade 4 just past it. It is important, that the cutting edge 33 is relatively accurate with the cutting blade 4 cooperates and thus defines the knife cutting plane, because a divergence of these two elements inevitably leads to undesirable cutting results. An offset by a few millimeters may already be undesirable Results, for example a "chopping" of the cold cuts to lead.

Due to the high production capacity, with the inventive Slicing machines are achieved, it is favorable that the slicing machine 1 on request or several blank cuts to the unwanted chips to avoid.

It is this purpose according to the embodiment of Figure 2 proposed that a linear drive 51 is arranged, the a movement substantially parallel to the product support 3 50th on the cutting blade housing 40 and so during the Blank cut produced no unwanted Schnitzelwirkung.

For this purpose, it is provided that the cutting blade housing 40 for Example is guided by a rail guide and so on Longitudinal mobility is possible by the linear drive 51 is exercised. In this proposal, the entire cutting blade housing 40, including cutting blade 4 and the drive added. In a variant of the invention is but also provided that this linear drive only on the blade shaft acts and an offset of the cutting blade 4, with fixed Drive and fixed blade housing 40 causes. It is clear that in this movement, the knife 4 from the previously defined cutting plane 49 forward, in the conveying direction 21 of food 2, away from food 2, moved.

FIG. 1 shows a further variant of the invention Design shown. The structure of the slicing machine shown here 1 corresponds essentially to the execution as for Figure 2. The inventive proposal is here as follows realized. On the element 12, which is part of the slicing machine 1, an additional carrier 14 is arranged. This additional carrier 14 carries on its front, the knife 4 end facing a hinge 13, on which the Cutting knife 4 and the cutting blade housing 40 hingedly connected is. In the substructure 10 is the pivot drive 53 of the, similar to the linear drive 51, according to the embodiment according to Figure 2, as a pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder or electric drive is ausstaltbar. The rotary actuator 53 allows a pivoting movement 52 of the cutting blade housing 40 about the joint 13. The swing angle is thereby verbäli low, the resulting distance between the knife 4 and the front end 20 of the food 2 is again sized so that a Schnitzelbildung is excluded.

In Figure 3 is a side view of an inventive Variant shown. The cutting blade 4 is here as Spiral knife 43 is formed. With W is the passive angle of the Cutting knife 43 described, that is, the angle within the cutting of the food 2 by the cutting edge 42nd he follows. The passive angle W can according to the Position of the knife 4 relative to the food 2, larger or smaller, especially when indicated by a diameter of food 2, which is a little lower than the distance between the initial knife edge 42 and the Surface of the product pad 3. By the selected Design of the knife 4 as a spiral knife 43 must the Knife shaft can not be moved around the food 2 release.

To the cutting blade 4, 43 slightly from the blade holder 44th To dismantle, are a plurality of screw intended. The product support 3 is in the illustrated embodiment designed as a roller belt 34.

In Figures 4, 5, the structure of a device 5 and a switching device 54 which causes the Knife 4 or the knife hub 45 between two end positions axially, along the double arrow 55 is adjustable. By doing Blade housing 40 is the blade hub 45 via the bearing 46 rotatably mounted. The hub 45 is over the not shown Main drive motor driven. The blade holder 44 is axial slidably mounted (double arrow 55) in the Mesernabe 45. This can be achieved for example via plain bearing bushes. The knife holder 44 is driven by the knife hub 45.

About the coupling rod 57, the blade holder 44 is axially in brought the respective position. This coupling rod 57 is with connected to a lever system. The lever system is made up of the rocker 58 and the spring element 59. The interaction causes these elements 58, 59, the coupling rod 57 in the each end position remains subjected to force and so the two End positions of the blade holder 44 and the cutting blade 4 Are defined.

Pressing the rocker 48 to change the position of the Knife takes place via the rod 500, which leads to the spring element 59 the knee lever system arranged substantially at right angles is and extends radially with respect to the knife axis 47. The spring element 59 is in this case articulated with the rod 500 connected and extends on both sides of the spring element 59th The rod 500 carries at its respective ends one each Switch cam 56 which cooperates with switching elements 6. The Longitudinal mobility of the rod 500 is indicated by the arrow 501.

In Figure 4, the two switching cams 56, 56 'in Zusanuttenwirken shown with the switching elements 6, 6 '. In the bottom Arrangement, (marked) is the switching cam 56th operated by the switching element 6 such that the rod 500 is moved upward and the toggle lever system 58, 59 a Offset of the blade 4 via the coupling rod 57 causes.

For a forward and backward movement of the blade holder 44 between the two end positions is provided that a switching element 6 on the left and a switching element 6 ' angeordent right of the rod 500.

The structure of the Schaltelemtes 6 consists of a rotatably mounted Roller 60 which is longitudinally displaceable on a guide track 63 (Double arrow 61) angeordent are. For longitudinal mobility serves the drive 62, for example, as an electromagnet 62 is formed.

In Figure 4 is shown how the lower switching element 6 'to the Drehpukt 502 movably mounted switching cam 56 'influenced. In the opposite position is shown that the Switching cam 56 is mounted under the roller 60. Should then If necessary, the position to be changed again, is first the roller 60 'by the drive 62' again out of the effective range the switching cam 56 'retreat, then the other To control switching element 6, the roller 60 on the guideway 63 moves into the effective range of the switching cam 56.

In Figure 4, the passive time W is as Winkelsegement of about 60 ° indicated. Well it can be seen that in this Winkelsegement the switching element 6 'the switching cam 56 switches and so the knife moves. In addition to the use of mechanical Forced operation via the knee lever and the coupling rods or Rods can also wedge principles or screw movements can be used to realize an offset of the knife 44. The proposed positive guidance of the knife ensures that the knife definitely in the re-cutting the next disc or when blank in the defined Position is arranged. There are additional system elements, which is a complicated control by the machine control needed, not necessary. Also is through the mechanical Forced operation ensured that the movement of the knife with respect to its axial position is independent of the speed or other parameters.

The now with the application and later claims are attempts to formulate without prejudice to the achievement further protection.

The relationships given in the dependent claims point to the further development of the subject of the main claim by the features of the respective subclaim out. However, these are not as a waiver of achievement an independent, objective protection for the characteristics to understand the dependent claims.

Features that have so far been disclosed only in the specification, can in the course of the process as essential to the invention Meaning, for example, to differentiate from the prior art be claimed.

Claims (10)

1. Slicing machine for slicing food, in particular sausage, meat or cheese bars, the food resting on a product rest, and a rotationally driven cutting blade at the front end of the food cutting off food slices, the cutting blade being located in a cutting plane during the cutting-off of the food slice, the cutting blade (4) being movably mounted relative to the product rest (3) and parallel to the rotation axis of the cutting blade, and a device being provided which enables the distance between the cutting blade and the front end of the food to be varied, characterized in that the cutting blade (4) and the device (5, 54) each have a separate drive, and the device comprises a first part (40, 45) and a blade receptacle (44) displaceable relative to the first part and parallel to the rotation axis.
2. Slicing machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that the cutting blade (4) is designed to orbit in a planetary manner.
3. Slicing machine according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting blade (4) is designed as a rotationally symmetrical cutter disc.
4. Slicing machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting blade (4) is designed as a spiral blade (43) or crescent blade.
5. Slicing machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (5) is designed as a switch-over device (54) which produces an axial displacement (55) of the blade (4) between two end positions which can be acted upon by force.
6. Slicing machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (5) or switch-over device (54) is activated in the time segment in which the blade (4) does not engage in the food (2).
7. Slicing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part (40) is fixed.
8. Slicing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a linear drive.
9. Slicing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive is a working cylinder which can be acted upon hydraulically or pneumatically or an electric or electromagnetic drive.
10. Slicing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (5, 54) can be preselected during the active time of the cutting blade by a switching element (6) and switches over between the end positions during the passive time (W) of the cutting blade (4).

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