EP2420362B1 - Method and device for cutting food products - Google Patents
Method and device for cutting food products Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2420362B1 EP2420362B1 EP20100015901 EP10015901A EP2420362B1 EP 2420362 B1 EP2420362 B1 EP 2420362B1 EP 20100015901 EP20100015901 EP 20100015901 EP 10015901 A EP10015901 A EP 10015901A EP 2420362 B1 EP2420362 B1 EP 2420362B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- product
- track
- portions
- products
- tracks
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 title claims description 95
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 36
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 title claims description 35
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 claims description 484
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims description 30
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 15
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 14
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 12
- 235000013351 cheese Nutrition 0.000 description 8
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 8
- 235000013580 sausages Nutrition 0.000 description 8
- 238000009966 trimming Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000012937 correction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 241001237745 Salamis Species 0.000 description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000011143 downstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000015175 salami Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 240000002129 Malva sylvestris Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000006770 Malva sylvestris Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007795 chemical reaction product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000000078 claw Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005670 electromagnetic radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002996 emotional effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007726 management method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000021485 packed food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012216 screening Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002123 temporal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005303 weighing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D7/06—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form
- B26D7/0608—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form by pushers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D5/00—Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D5/20—Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting with interrelated action between the cutting member and work feed
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D7/27—Means for performing other operations combined with cutting
- B26D7/30—Means for performing other operations combined with cutting for weighing cut product
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D7/27—Means for performing other operations combined with cutting
- B26D7/32—Means for performing other operations combined with cutting for conveying or stacking cut product
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D7/27—Means for performing other operations combined with cutting
- B26D7/32—Means for performing other operations combined with cutting for conveying or stacking cut product
- B26D7/325—Means for performing other operations combined with cutting for conveying or stacking cut product stacking the cut product individually separated by separator elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D7/01—Means for holding or positioning work
- B26D2007/011—Means for holding or positioning work by clamping claws, e.g. in high speed slicers for food products
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D2210/00—Machines or methods used for cutting special materials
- B26D2210/02—Machines or methods used for cutting special materials for cutting food products, e.g. food slicers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D2210/00—Machines or methods used for cutting special materials
- B26D2210/02—Machines or methods used for cutting special materials for cutting food products, e.g. food slicers
- B26D2210/08—Idle cutting
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D7/06—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form
- B26D7/0625—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form by endless conveyors, e.g. belts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D7/06—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form
- B26D7/0683—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form specially adapted for elongated articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D7/18—Means for removing cut-out material or waste
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
- B65B25/06—Packaging slices or specially-shaped pieces of meat, cheese, or other plastic or tacky products
- B65B25/08—Packaging slices or specially-shaped pieces of meat, cheese, or other plastic or tacky products between layers or strips of sheet or web material, e.g. in webs folded to zig-zag form
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/04—Processes
- Y10T83/0448—With subsequent handling [i.e., of product]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/202—With product handling means
Definitions
- the invention relates to a method and a device, in particular a high-performance slicer, for the simultaneous slicing of several food products.
- This distance can be established by moving the product away from the knife during the blanking phase, or by being the knife that is moved away from the front end of the product.
- EP 0 713 753 A2 such as WO 2010/011237 A1 directed.
- the blanks are simultaneously performed on all tracks, ie for all food products, by either moving the common cutting blade away or moving the products together.
- This prior art also contains nothing that could be understood as a reason or a hint to refrain from a simultaneous implementation of blanks on all tracks.
- the generative DE 100 54 514 A1 discloses a device for slicing food products with at least two cutting blades, in which during the cutting time of a cutting head, the supply of another cutting head can be loaded.
- the object of the invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for simultaneously cutting several food products, with or with the most versatile work possible.
- the inventors have recognized that applications associated with simultaneously slicing several food products with surprising advantages are possible if the slices are not performed simultaneously on all tracks but on a track-by-track basis.
- the device according to the invention is accordingly able to interrupt the feeding movement for each track independently of the other tracks and in particular to resume them.
- the slicing device according to the invention comprises a correspondingly designed product feed and a control device which is designed for a track-specific blank cut management.
- a track in which at least temporarily blank sections are performed or in which at least temporarily the supply of the product is interrupted also referred to as a passive track
- a track in which a product is currently being cut hereinafter also as active Track
- the slicing device according to the invention is designed such that idle cuts can be carried out in one or more tracks while food products located in one or more other tracks are cut open by means of the common cutting knife.
- the product additionally moves away from the cutting plane, in particular retracted, in the passive track.
- the products are cut into portions which in each case comprise at least one product slice.
- the invention is particularly advantageous in connection with such a portioned slicing of food products.
- the products are supplied individually to the cutting blade as a function of information concerning at least the outer contour and / or the interior of the products.
- the product feed can be designed to supply the products individually to the cutting knife as a function of information concerning at least the outer contour and / or the interior of the products.
- information refers to information that at least includes information concerning the outer contour and / or the inner structure, ie the product interior, of the product.
- the invention thus enables a track individualization taking into account information relating to the product interior and / or the product contour, for example the density distribution.
- the product feed in the individual tracks therefore need not be limited to the outer product contour, that is to say the cross-sectional profile or the cross-sectional profile of the products, although this is possible according to the invention.
- a maximum of such information can thus be used for the individual product supply. which are conducive to a weight-accurate slicing of the products.
- the product feed takes place independently of information concerning products, in particular the interior of the products, in the other lanes.
- information relating to the product interior With regard to the use of information relating to the product interior, a complete independence of the individual tracks from each other can thus be realized in the individual product supply.
- the information in question here can be obtained on or in the slicing device, in particular on or in a product feed of the slicing device. It is therefore possible to integrate the means, which are also referred to below simply as product scanners, for obtaining the information relating to the product interior and / or the product contour into the slicing apparatus or the product feed. In principle, however, it is also possible to carry out the information acquisition at a location separate from the slicing device and / or independently of time from the slicing process. It is then necessary to provide appropriate means to allow the product to be related to the information obtained from the product in order to ensure that the correct information is taken into account in the individual product supply during the slicing of the products.
- the information is obtained by a non-contact method, in particular using electromagnetic radiation.
- the information can be obtained by screening and / or radiating the products. It is preferred if the information is obtained using X-radiation.
- the information is obtained in a multiplicity of planes extending through the product, which in each case run in each case perpendicular to a product feed direction.
- the or each product scanner may thus be configured such that each product is sequentially scanned at a plurality of individual levels.
- the x-ray scanner may be stationary and arranged such that the scanning plane is perpendicular to the product feed direction, so that the information is obtained in such a way that the product in question is moved through the scanning plane during the scanning process.
- the partial information obtained in the individual levels can then be assembled by means of a suitable evaluation device into an "overall picture" relating to the product interior.
- the information can be obtained while the products are being fed to the cutting blade.
- the individual product feed can be made such that the speeds at which the products are supplied to the cutting blade, adjusted individually and / or changed.
- the products in the tracks can be fed to the cutting blade completely independently of each other.
- the products in the tracks are fed to the cutting blade in such a way that a plurality of parallel next to each other arranged conveyors driven together and the individual speeds of the conveyors are changed individually.
- the product supply takes place in each lane by means of its own control loop.
- a perfect track independence can be achieved, at least with regard to the product feed and the taking into account of the information relating to the product interior and / or the product contour.
- the means for obtaining the information are adapted to screen the products and / or to irradiate.
- the means comprise at least one X-ray device.
- a single product scanner can be provided for all tracks and thus all products to be sliced simultaneously.
- each track may have its own product scanner. Even with the use of a single, common product scanner, information can be obtained and used individually for the individual products and, in particular, for the supply of the products during slicing.
- the device is in particular designed to be operated according to a method of the type described here.
- a plurality of product slices also referred to here as a portion, should not only have a predetermined weight and be presented in an appealing manner, but also It is also increasingly desired that the packages contain slices of different products or products of different types, for example of different types of sausage or different cheeses, where it is also desired, for example, to form a mixed total portion in the packs of sausage and cheese slices.
- each portion fulfills a condition prescribed for the respective track, in particular the weight of the portion, the weight and / or thickness of the product slices forming the portion, and / or the number of the portion forming product slices.
- the individual product supply can be used to impart predetermined, in particular mutually different, properties to the portions produced in the individual tracks, ie. to achieve that the portions of the individual tracks, in particular different, meet conditions that can be specifically specified.
- the generation of portions with different number of slices in the individual tracks can be carried out in particular by operating the slicing device in such a way that so-called idle cuts are purposefully carried out in the individual tracks, ie. a track individual Leerterrorismmanagement takes place.
- a track individual Leerterrorismmanagement takes place.
- To perform a blank cut it is ensured that, despite a cutting movement performed by the cutting blade of the or the products concerned no disc is separated.
- the product for which a blank cut is carried out, so that no slice is to be separated from it can be temporarily stopped by corresponding activation of the product feed.
- the separation of slices from the other product (s) will continue.
- the goal can be achieved to produce portions with different number of slices during the simultaneous, multi-track slicing of several products in the tracks.
- the products in the tracks can be fed to the cutting blade completely independently of each other.
- the products in the tracks can be fed to the cutting blade in such a way that several parallel conveyors arranged side by side are driven together and the individual speeds of the conveyors are changed individually.
- the term "variety” used here is to be understood broadly. Thus, not only, for example, sausage on the one hand and cheese on the other hand or in each case different types of meat, sausage or cheese to form mutually different varieties within the meaning of the invention. Even products with "the same content", which differ from one another in terms of at least one parameter which is relevant from the point of view of the end user, should be considered as products of different types.
- small-diameter salami on the one hand and large-diameter salami on the other hand are intended to represent different product varieties in the sense of the invention.
- the term "variety" is not to be understood as being broadly equivalent to differences between products that the end-user either does not perceive at all or that are completely irrelevant to the end-user, such as different distributions of the density or constituents of a product, which are naturally always present even when viewed from the consumer's "same" products.
- the respective portions forming a total portion are produced by the slicing method according to the invention.
- the total portions can be formed from portions whose slices differ from each other in terms of product variety.
- the total portions may be formed from portions which differ from one another with regard to the number of their slices, with regard to their portion weight, and / or with regard to the weight and / or the thickness of their slices.
- the formation of the total portions can take place, for example, during the transport of the portions to a downstream device, in particular to a packaging machine for the total portions.
- the total portions are formed by the portions being at least partially superimposed.
- the total portions are formed by the portions being successively introduced into a package, in particular during the transport of the portions to a downstream device, in particular a packaging machine for the total portions.
- a first portion can be inserted into a package, whereupon one or more further portions are placed on the first portion already in the package.
- only the complete total portions are inserted into the packaging.
- a release liner for example, made of paper
- the slicing device comprises, in particular, a product feed which comprises a plurality of conveyors arranged parallel to one another, with which the products can be fed in multiple tracks to a cutting plane in which at least one cutting blade, in particular rotating and / or rotating, moves.
- the product feed is designed in particular to make the products so individual to the cutting blade to supply each portion with a predetermined condition for the respective track, which relates in particular to the weight of the portion, the weight and / or the thickness of the product discs forming the portion, and / or the number of product slices forming the portion.
- the conveyors of the product feeder can be operated completely independently of each other. Alternatively it can be provided that the conveyors can be driven together and the individual speeds of the conveyors are individually variable.
- a likewise claimed production line which comprises at least one slicing device of the type described here and at least one conveying device which can be operated in the manner described here, the conveying device can be connected downstream of at least one packaging machine for the total portions to be produced.
- the portioned slicing of food products in particular using so-called high-performance slicer, is basically known.
- the formation of portions is particularly necessary if the slicer is followed by a packaging machine in which not individual product slices, but in each case a plurality of product slices combined in one or more portions are automatically packed.
- so-called transfer units are known, which are immediately downstream of the slicer and serve both to take the separated product slices and portions and also remove the portions formed in order to supply them downstream devices such as a packaging machine, in particular via other conveyors.
- An object of such transfer units is also the speed of operation of the slicer to the so-called system speed adapt the downstream devices, because in particular at very fast-working slicers, the portions formed must be removed with a speed from the Portionier Symposium, which is much higher than the system speed.
- Known transfer units are designed, for example, as combinations of conveyor belts. Portioning takes place on a portioning belt arranged immediately downstream of the slicer, on which the separated product slices are deposited to form the portions. Downstream of the portioning tape is at least one so-called control tape, to which the portions are transferred from the portioning tape.
- Such transfer units are also used for a so-called portion completions, which is required especially for high-priced products, in the slicing product losses should be kept as low as possible.
- Portion completion is required if the desired portions are to have a certain number of slices and / or a certain portion weight and the last portion present after slicing a product does not yet meet the respective requirements, i. one or more additional product slices is required if it is not to be disposed of as waste.
- the transfer unit Since usually at the beginning of the slicing on the new product so-called trim cuts must be performed because the product, for example, does not yet have the required product cross-section, and the resulting in this "trimming", unusable product pieces on the Portionierband and thus on their Completion waiting incomplete partial portion would fall, the transfer unit is operated in the Portionskomplett réelle so that the partial portions are transported by the portioning conveyor in the conveying direction to the control tape, where they await the implementation of trimming cuts. As soon as usable slices can be separated from the new product, the partial portion is transported back again from the control belt to the portioning belt, ie the transfer unit transports the partial portions in this phase against the "normal" conveying direction.
- the products can be fed to the cutting blade at the same time. If the products have a different length and / or for certain reasons, the product supply in the individual tracks with different or different varying individual speeds, ie individually, then this leads to problems in Portionskomplett réelle, since the slicing of products in the individual tracks is not finished at the same time and so in the individual tracks to be completed Operaportionen temporally succession arise.
- the invention makes it possible to provide a portion completion in multi-lane slicing of food products.
- the transfer unit has a separate conveying path for each assigned track, which comprises at least two successive conveying units.
- the former is particularly advantageous for high-priced products, while the latter substantially improves production hygiene.
- each time a partial portion is formed in one track it continues with the slicing in the remaining other tracks. Full portions can thus continue to be formed and transported away, even if the slicing of the product has already been completed in one or more tracks.
- the completion of the partial portions in one lane takes place independently of the completions of the partial portions in the other lanes, wherein in each lane in particular a partial portion formed is completed independently of the formation of partial portions in the other lanes. So it can start with the slicing of a subsequent product and thus with the completion of the present in the track partial portion, while in the other tracks the slicing of the products is still going on. However, such a temporal divergence of completion start is not mandatory.
- the portion completions in the individual tracks can be coordinated in the individual tracks in such a way that each time a partial portion is formed in one track, it continues with the slicing in the remaining other tracks and only with the completion of the partial portions after the last partial portion is created.
- Such an approach is for example beneficial if the tracks are loaded with new products at the same time. This can be dependent on the respective application and / or on the design or mode of operation of the respective product feed.
- the products in the tracks are fed to the cutting blade completely independently of each other.
- the products in the tracks can be fed to the cutting blade in such a way that a plurality of conveying devices arranged parallel to one another are jointly driven and the individual speeds of the conveying devices are changed individually.
- track-specific product feeds may be necessary or desired if at least largely constant portion weight is desired and the products differ in terms of their weight or cross-sectional profile of each other.
- the transfer unit can be configured and operable such that the completion of a partial portion formed on the first conveyor unit can be carried out by intermediate positioning of the partial portion on the second conveyor unit and return of the partial portion to the first conveyor unit.
- the conveyor units may each comprise a belt conveyor, in particular an endless belt conveyor, which is operable in both the one conveying direction and in the opposite direction.
- the conveyor sections may be operable such that each time a partial portion is formed on a conveyor line, the transfer of complete portions to the remaining other conveyor lines can be continued.
- the conveying sections can be operated independently of one another, wherein in particular on each conveying section a resulting partial portion can be completed independently of the formation of partial portions on the other conveying sections.
- conveyor lines are so coordinated operated operable that at temporally successive partial portions each at If a partial portion is formed on a conveyor line, the transfer of complete portions on the remaining other conveyor lines can continue and the completion of partial portions can be suspended until after the last partial portion has formed.
- the separated product slices are usually assembled into portions - for example, in a stacked or shingled form - and then fed to further processing devices such as a packaging machine. Since the portions must have a predetermined weight and / or a predetermined number of slices, it may be that at the end of a product only an incomplete portion portion can be cut. Since the further processing of incomplete portions is to be avoided, but on the other hand discarding of product slices is undesirable, particularly in the case of high-quality products, there is a need to complete incomplete partial portions. In principle, this can be done by completing incomplete partial portions at the end of the product after the provision of a new product by product slices of this subsequent product.
- the feeding of the product in one lane can be interrupted if the remaining product residue in this lane is no longer sufficient to form a complete portion and in at least one of the other lanes the remaining product residue is still sufficient to form at least one complete portion.
- the product remains are cut into incomplete portions, after the product remains of all traces have reached a level which is insufficient to form a full portion, and the incomplete portions are completed by product slices of subsequent products.
- Each track will be cut as long as it is possible to create full portions. Once this is no longer possible on a track, the slicing on that track is interrupted and it it waits until the other tracks can no longer produce full portions.
- the slicing of the product residues resulting in incomplete partial portions then preferably takes place in a product residue exhaustion process common to all the slices. This has the advantage that the incomplete partial portions of all tracks can be conveyed away together from the effective range of the cutting blade in order to make room for the gate and its removal. After completion of the product change or bleed phase, the incomplete partial portions of all tracks can be transported back together, so as to be completed by slices of product to be rearranged subsequent products. An individually controlled conveying the incomplete partial portions is not required. The provision of individually controllable product feeds for the individual tracks is possible with less effort than the provision of individually controllable portioning conveyors.
- the partial portions are only moved together in and against a conveying direction, in particular a conveying unit undivided transversely to the conveying direction is used. This saves the effort to provide multiple conveyor units or conveyor sub-units.
- the product when the supply is interrupted, the product is moved into a blank-cut position which is withdrawn relative to the cutting plane. In this way, unwanted chips formation during the interruption of the product supply can be prevented.
- the slicing of the product residues in the individual tracks can be coordinated in such a way that it ends at the same time in all tracks.
- the last usable product slice at the end of the product can be cut simultaneously on all lanes.
- the trailing edges of the incomplete partial portions are then aligned flush. The completing can thus begin on all tracks at the same time.
- the time sequence of the slicing of the product residues in the individual tracks can be coordinated on the basis of the size of the respective product residues, in particular when the product residues having the largest remaining product residue are cut open.
- the size of the respective product residues can be detected by suitable sensors.
- important characteristics of the product such as length, thickness, cross-sectional shape or weight, are in principle recorded and stored before each slicing process. These data can be used advantageously to determine the size of the respective product residues.
- the completion of the partial portions in all tracks is started simultaneously. This facilitates the coordination of the completion process.
- the portions in the tracks after the completion are aligned relative to each other with respect to a conveying direction, preferably such that in relation to the conveying direction, the leading edges of the completed portions in all tracks are at the same height.
- the alignment can be achieved, for example, by means of track-specific, individually controllable belt conveyors - so-called portion-stop belts.
- the completed portions can be aligned as the regular cut complete portions. That is, in particular, the offset can be compensated, which results from the simultaneous termination of the product residues in the individual tracks and the resulting offset completion of the product residues in the individual tracks. Since the alignment can be done after the completion process at any point of the conveyor line, it is associated with much less effort than if a Portionier digitizer would provide with individually controllable tracks.
- the slicing of the product residues in all traces is started simultaneously.
- the leading edges of the incomplete partial portions are aligned flush.
- the completion of the partial portions in the individual tracks can be coordinated in such a way that the partial portions of all tracks are added at the same time to the last slice required for completion.
- a subsequent alignment of the completed portions relative to each other is not required because the trailing edges of the completed portions and thus - with the same number of discs - whose leading edges are aligned flush from the outset.
- the completion of the partial portions can be carried out after a common intermediate positioning in a waiting area and a common return to a Portionier Scheme, in particular initially either the trailing edges of all subportions are simultaneously returned to a completion position or returned only the trailing edge of a first partial portion in a completion position and the trailing edges of the other partial portions beyond the completion position. While the partial portions are in the waiting area, the removal of the product end pieces and / or the cutting and removal of the cut can be carried out unhindered in the portioning region. If only the trailing edge of a first partial portion is returned to a completion position and the trailing edges of the other partial portions are returned beyond the completion position, care should be taken that the space is sufficient for returning, i. that no product slices fall off the portioning conveyor. Such a configuration is therefore particularly suitable for flush-stacked or shingled portions to a small extent.
- the control device can in particular be designed to coordinate the operation of the product feed and the operation of the transfer unit for completing the partial portions, in particular in such a way that the cutting of the product remains in all the tracks ends simultaneously and the completion of the partial portions in all the tracks is started simultaneously, or that the slicing of the product remainders in all the tracks is started simultaneously and the completion of the partial servings is started with the partial portion having the highest number of slices required for completing.
- the conveyors can each have their own drive.
- the conveyors may have a common drive, wherein an adjustable device for individually adjusting the conveying speed is provided for each track.
- the transfer unit For transferring the partial portions in and against a conveying direction, the transfer unit preferably comprises at least one conveying unit undivided transversely to the conveying direction.
- the transfer unit can comprise at least two conveyor units following one another in a conveying direction, wherein the completion of the partial portions formed on a first conveyor unit can be carried out after intermediate positioning of the partial portions on a second conveyor unit and return of the partial portions to the first conveyor unit.
- the conveyor units may each comprise a belt conveyor, in particular an endless belt conveyor, which is operable both in and against the conveying direction.
- the transfer unit may comprise a Ausrichtsleyer, with the portions in the tracks after the completion relative to each other with respect to a conveying direction are aligned, preferably such that relative to the conveying direction, the leading edges of the completed portions in all tracks are at the same height.
- the Fig. 1 and 2 each show schematically a high-performance slicer, which is adapted to simultaneously cut a plurality of food products 11.
- the slicer has at least one cutting knife, not shown here, which moves in a cutting plane 13.
- the cutting blade can be, for example, a sickle blade rotating about a blade axis.
- the slicer can be provided with a circular blade, which rotates about a knife axis and additionally rotates planetary about a central axis extending parallel to the knife axis.
- a product feeder 15 serves in each case to supply the products 11 to the cutting blade or the cutting plane 13 individually.
- each track of the slicer or product feeder 15 and thus each of the products 11 to be sliced at the same time is associated with a conveying device 17, which may be a so-called product holder, which projects into the rear end of the product resting on a product support 29 of the product feeder 15 11 engages.
- a conveying device 17 which may be a so-called product holder, which projects into the rear end of the product resting on a product support 29 of the product feeder 15 11 engages.
- a common drive 23 is provided, which can move a carrier 25 for the conveyors 17 along a direction parallel to the conveying direction F guide 27, both in the conveying direction F and counter to the conveying direction F, as shown by the double arrow is indicated.
- the common drive 23 provides a common feed rate for the products 11, but can be individually changed for each product 11 by moving the product holders 17 independently of one another relative to the carrier 25 during slicing as indicated by the double arrows is indicated on the product holders 17.
- a fine-tuning or correction of the joint feed rate determined by the common drive 23 can thereby be effected in order to compensate, for example, for individual fluctuations in the product cross-section and / or the product density over the product length such that the product slices or product slices separated from the products 11
- Each portion formed therefrom has a desired weight.
- the described embodiment of the product feeder 15 thus makes it possible to take into account information obtained about the products 11, in particular information about the product interior, in the sense of an individual product feed.
- a common product scanner 19 is provided, which extends transversely to the conveying direction F across all tracks.
- the product scanner 19 is, in particular, an X-ray device which serves to obtain information about the interior of the products 11 while they are moved in the conveying direction F past the product scanner 19 or below the product scanner 19.
- the product scanner 19 defines a perpendicular to the conveying direction F scanning plane, through which the products 11 are moved during the scanning process.
- information about the product interior is determined on the scanning plane for the scanning plane in order in this way in particular to determine the density distribution of the individual products 11 in the conveying direction F.
- the hatched areas on the common product scanner 19 indicate that, in an alternative embodiment, a separate product scanner 19 can be arranged for each track.
- the slicing device comprises a control unit 21, which is connected to the cutting blade or the drive for the cutting blade or a blade or cutting head comprising the cutting blade.
- the control unit 21 is connected to the product feeder 15 and the product scanner 19.
- information about the product contour ie the cross-sectional profile of the products 11 along the conveying direction F, as is basically known, is also taken into account in the individual product feed.
- a separate product scanner can be provided, which scans the outer contours of the products 11.
- such a scanner may be integrated into the product scanner 19.
- the product feeder 15 is designed such that all products 11 can be supplied completely independently of each other.
- a turn designed as a product holder conveyor 17 is provided, which acts on the rear end of the product and feeds the product 11 in the conveying direction F of the cutting plane 13.
- the feed rate can be individually adjusted and varied independently of the other tracks. It is also possible to temporarily interrupt the product supply in each lane, ie to stop the respective conveyor 17. This makes it possible, based on the product in question, to perform so-called idle cuts in order to achieve that temporarily no slices are separated from the product 11 concerned.
- the embodiment corresponds to the Fig. 2 that of the Fig. 1 , so that reference can be made to the corresponding statements.
- Fig. 3 gives an overview of a possible embodiment of a production line according to the invention, which includes a high-performance slicer 115, a conveyor device 129 and a packaging machine 121.
- the slicer 115 is able to cut several food products 111 - here three products - simultaneously, with a track provided for each product 111. For each track, the slicer produces 111 portions 113 during slicing of the products.
- Terminology may include a portion of one or more separated product slices, ie, a single separated product slices to represent a portion of the invention.
- the downstream of the slicer 115 conveyor device 129 ensures that from the incoming portions in the individual tracks 113 total portions 119 are formed, which are then fed to the packaging machine 121 and packaged there. Each total portion 119 thus contains a portion 113 of each of the tracks.
- each total portion 119 contains a plurality of types of slices, i. the production line produces "mixed packs", as already mentioned at the beginning.
- the variety of producible total portions can be further increased, ie the portions 113 produced simultaneously by the multi-lane slicing can not differ from each other in terms of the variety of product slices forming the portions 113.
- the cutting plane 117 of the slicer 115 in which moves at least one cutting knife, not shown here, the three products 111 can be supplied individually.
- a conveyor 127 is provided for each track and thus for each sliced product 111, which engages the rear product end and feeds the product 111 in the arrow direction of the cutting plane 117.
- the individual product feed means that in each track, and thus for each product 111, the feed rate can be individually set and varied.
- each track it is possible in each track to temporarily interrupt the product supply, i. to stop the respective conveyor 127 in order to carry out so-called idle cuts with respect to the product concerned, i. in order to ensure that no slices are temporarily separated from the relevant product 111, as has already been mentioned in the introductory part.
- the latter is in Fig. 4 indicated.
- the portions 113 formed from the simultaneously sliced products 111 each have two disks in the left-hand track, one disk in the middle track and three disks in the right-hand track, respectively. This result can be achieved by separating one slice for each three successive cutting movements or operations of the cutting knife from the right product during each cutting operation, while the middle product is subjected to two empty cuts and the left product is blank-cut.
- the right product is cut "fastest", whereas the middle product is "sliced” the slowest, which in Fig. 4 is indicated by the correspondingly different product residual lengths.
- the three portions 113 lying next to one another in the tracks are brought together by downstream processes to form a total portion 119, as shown in FIG Fig. 4 indicated by dashed lines.
- a possibility for the formation of total portions 119 from two portions 113 is illustrated.
- the individual portions 113 may each consist of one or more product slices, which are not shown here in detail.
- Fig. 5 illustrated conveying device is also referred to as a stacking device, since the individual portions 113 are stacked in the formation of the total portions 119 each one above the other.
- conveyors 131 which are designed as endless belt conveyors.
- An upper portion 113 is already on an existing example of paper separating layer 125.
- the laying of the upper portions 113 on the separating layers 125 is carried on an upstream, not shown.
- a downwardly inclined conveyor belt 131 pointing in the direction of a central conveyor belt 131
- the respective upper portions 113 on the separating layer 125 reach a lower portion 113, whereby a total portion 119 is formed, which in turn is connected by means of a downwardly inclined conveyor belt 133 lower conveyor belt 131 transported packaging 123 are inserted.
- the conveyor belt 131 transporting the packages 123 can be regarded as part of the packaging machine, not shown here, in which the packages 123 provided with the total portions 119 are finished, in particular closed.
- the upper portion 113 and the lower portion 113 come from different tracks of a slicing device, as described above the example of Fig. 4 was explained.
- the upper portion 113 can be, for example, three slices of cheese, while the lower portion 113 is formed, for example, by two pieces of ham, the lowest slice of cheese being separated from the uppermost slice of sausage by the separating layer 125.
- the upper portion 113 and the lower portion 113 may be different from each other in terms of their total weight, the weight of their discs or the thickness of their discs. These parameters can be adjusted by a corresponding control of the product feed of the slicer 115 in basically any manner, as described above.
- the slicing device which is a high-speed slicer, comprises a product feeder 221 with a product support 231 for the products not shown here, and a common drive 233 for two single conveyors 219 attached to a common support 237 , which is movable by means of the common drive 233 along a parallel to the conveying direction F2 guide 235 in the conveying direction F2 and counter to the conveying direction F2, as indicated by the double arrow.
- the products can each be grasped at their rear end by the relevant conveyor device 219 designed here as a product gripper.
- the common carrier 237 is moved by means of the common drive 233 in the direction of a cutting plane 215, all product grippers 219 and thus all products are forcibly taken along.
- the product grippers 219 are moved back to the starting position.
- the common drive 233 provides a common feed rate for the products, but can be individually corrected for each product by moving the product grippers 219 independently of one another relative to the carrier 237 during slicing, as indicated by the double arrows on the Product grippers 219 is indicated.
- a fine-tuning or correction of the common feed rate determined by the common drive 233 can thereby be effected in order to compensate, for example, individual fluctuations in the product cross-section or product density over the product length so that the product slices separated from the products or from the product slices formed therefrom Portions each having a desired weight.
- the product feeder 221 may be configured such that there is a separate feeder for each product, wherein the product feeder may be operated completely independently of each other.
- the slicing device is here designed in two lanes.
- the number of tracks is basically arbitrary.
- At least one unillustrated cutting blade which is, for example, a rotating about a knife axis sickle blade or a circular blade which rotates about a knife axis and in addition rotates planetary about a central axis.
- a transfer unit 223 Downstream of the cutting plane 215 in the conveying direction F2 is a transfer unit 223, which comprises for each track a first conveyor unit 225 designed as a portioning belt and a second conveyor unit 227 designed as a control belt.
- a transfer unit 223 Downstream of the cutting plane 215 in the conveying direction F2 is a transfer unit 223, which comprises for each track a first conveyor unit 225 designed as a portioning belt and a second conveyor unit 227 designed as a control belt.
- a two control bands 227 downstream, two tracks jointly assigned further control band 228 is provided downstream.
- the portioning belts 225 and the control belts 227 are drivable both in the conveying direction F2 and in the opposite direction, i. Discs, portions or partial portions lying on these bands can be transported both in the conveying direction F2 and counter to the conveying direction F2 as a function of control signals or commands of a control device not shown here.
- the transfer unit 223 is thus designed so separated with respect to the two tracks that the two Portionierb selected 225 and the two tax bands 227 can each be operated independently.
- the transfer unit 223 may have other functions, which are each indicated by the double arrows.
- the portion belts 225 can be raised and lowered, either independently of the control belts 227 or together with the control belts 227. Such a lowering and raising the Portionierb selected 225 can serve in particular for adjusting the drop path or the height of the separated product slices during a portion formation.
- the portioning belts 225 may be pivotable, in particular those of the cutting plane 215 (cf. Fig. 6 ) facing free ends of the Portionierb selected 225 each to bring into a position in the unusable product pieces that are incurred in particular when performing trimming cuts at the beginning of a slicing process, can be disposed of.
- both the lowering and lifting as well as the pivoting of each portioning belt 225 can be carried out independently of the other portioning belt 225, i. Also in this regard, a separation of the two tracks can be given.
- a portion 213 is shown, which consists of a so-called shingled arrangement of several separated product slices.
- these portions 213, once complete are quickly transferred from the respective portioning belt 227 to the control belt 227.
- the portion 213 is then transferred to the common control band 228.
- Further transport from the common control belt 228 to downstream devices, such as another conveyor belt 229 (see. Fig. 6 ), can be done, for example, as soon as two complete portions 213 are present next to each other on the common control tape 228.
- an incomplete portion can be temporarily "parked” by transferring the incomplete portion from the portioning belt 225 to the first control belt 227.
- the thus free portioning belt 225 is then available for receiving unusable product pieces resulting from the trim cuts on the subsequent product. These can be disposed of, for example, by folding down and operating the Portionierbands 225 against the conveying direction F2.
- the portioning belt 225 which in turn is free, can then again receive the incomplete portion parked on the first control belt 227, by returning it to the portioning belt 225 by operating the two belts 225, 227 counter to the conveying direction F2.
- each stroke symbolizes a severed product slice, with a full portion being indicated by five such strokes.
- Fig. 8a shows the "normal" slicing operation. As soon as they are complete, portions 213 formed on the portioning ribbons 225 are transferred to the respective downstream control band 227 and then transported away via the further control band 228.
- Fig. 8a a situation is shown in which on the Portionierb Sn 225 straight portions are formed, which are currently not yet complete, but only three discs each.
- an incomplete partial portion 217 has been created which comprises only three product slices.
- the partial portion 217 is not initially transported to the downstream control belt 227 in this example, but remains on the portioning belt 225, which consequently remains temporarily stopped.
- the complete portion previously located on the first control band 227 has already been transported to the further control band 228.
- Fig. 8c shows the situation in which now the product in the other track is completely cut open.
- the last portion of this product may also be incomplete, ie a partial portion 217 has also been formed in this lane, which in this example comprises only a single product slice.
- the completion of these two partial portions 217 begins simultaneously.
- the two subportions 217 are transferred from the respective portioning belt 225 to the respective control belt 227, where they are intermediately positioned.
- both tracks are each loaded with a new product 211 ( Fig. 8e ), and in each case the so-called trimming cuts are carried out at the front ends of the product, wherein the resulting unusable product pieces 239 are received on the portion belts 225.
- These product pieces 239 For example, they may be disposed of by the portioning belts 225 in the manner mentioned above.
- a high-performance slicer 311 comprises a product feed, not shown, which is adapted to feed food products 315 in a plurality of juxtaposed parallel tracks 313a, 313b, 313c along a conveying direction F3 a cutting plane S3, in which a rotating and / or rotating cutting blade (not shown ) emotional.
- the product feeder comprises one or more conveyors configured such that the feeding movement along the conveying direction F3 for each of the tracks 313a, 313b, 313c can be interrupted and resumed independently of the other tracks.
- conveyors for example, driven, engaging the rear end product, gripping claws and / or belt conveyors may be provided.
- a the cutting knife Subordinate transfer unit 319 ensures that complete product portions 317, which in the illustrated embodiment comprise eight product slices 316, can be transferred to downstream devices, such as a packaging machine, and incomplete partial portions which are present after slicing a product 315 can be completed by product slices 316 of a subsequent product 315.
- the transfer unit 319 comprises three successive conveyors, namely a portioning conveyor 321 arranged in the immediate vicinity of the cutting plane S3, a control conveyor 323 downstream of the portioning conveyor 321, and an alignment conveyor 325 downstream of the control conveyor 323, wherein the aligning conveyor 325 is designed to be split and for the individual tracks 313a , 313b, 313c is individually controllable.
- the products 315 of the cutting plane S3 are continuously delivered to all tracks 313a, 313b, 313c, with an unillustrated control device ensuring that complete portions 317 are created on the portioning conveyor 321.
- the control device is capable of controlling and / or regulating both the conveyors 321, 323, 325 of the transfer unit 319 and the product supply for the individual tracks 313a, 313b, 313c in accordance with predetermined parameters.
- all products 315 are measured and / or weighed before the start of the slicing operation.
- the corresponding data is transmitted to the control device and optionally stored.
- the slicing is interrupted also on this track 313b, ie the product feed is stopped and the product 315 becomes transferred to a withdrawn empty cut position.
- FIG. 12 shows an operating state in which the remaining product residues on all tracks 313a, 313b, 313c are so short that no complete portions 317 can be cut open any more.
- the products on all product tracks 313a, 313b, 313c are thus in the empty position.
- Out Fig. 11 indicates that the last complete portion 317 has been cut on the left product track 313a.
- the complete portions 317 are transferred in the usual way to subsequent facilities.
- the product residues on the tracks 313a, 313b, 313c are of different lengths, ie the respective incomplete partial portions to be expected are of different sizes.
- the size of the product residue is independent of the time from which the remaining product residue is no longer sufficient to create a complete portion. Due to differences in the product properties, eg a different cross-sectional profile, it may be that the product residue on that Track in which the blank cut operation was first initiated, is the longest, or the shortest of all the tracks.
- the product residues are now cut on all the tracks 313a, 313b, 313c, with the product residues being cut according to Fig. 12 started with the largest remaining product residue on the middle track 313b.
- the other tracks 313a, 313c later follow in accordance with the size of their product residue, with control being made such that the slicing of the product remains in all tracks 313a, 313b, 313c simultaneously ends.
- the last usable product slab 316 is therefore cut simultaneously on all tracks 313a, 313b, 313c, so that the trailing edges 340 of the incomplete partial portions 327 are aligned flush, ie they lie at the same height relative to the conveying direction F3. This condition is in Fig. 13 shown.
- the remaining, no longer usable end pieces 329 are withdrawn from the cutting plane S3 and removed, for example, by a valve provided in the product supply flap. Furthermore, the incomplete partial portions 327 are conveyed together by the portioning conveyor 321 in the conveying direction F3 onto the control conveyor 323, as shown in FIG Fig. 14 is shown. New products 315 are now placed on all tracks 313a, 313b, 313c, wherein the non-utilisable gate is cut open in each case and removed from the portioning conveyor 321, which is operated counter to the conveying direction F3 for this purpose. The new products 315 are then preferably returned to the in Fig. 14 transferred shown blank position.
- the two right-hand tracks 313b, 313c are already in the idle position, while on the left-hand track 313a the last slice 316 has just been cut off to complete the partial portion.
- the completed portions 317 which are offset from each other at both the leading edge 330 and the trailing edge 340 due to the different start of the product residue exhausting process along the conveying direction F3, are transferred from the portioning conveyor 321 to the control conveyor 323 and from there to the split registration conveyor 325 moves.
- the leading edges 330 of the completed portions 317 on the split registration conveyor 325 are aligned, for example by means of individually controllable portion stop bands, such that the leading edges 330 of the completed portions 317 in all the tracks 313a, 313b, 313c are related to the conveying direction F3 the same height. All existing partial portions are now completed into complete portions 317 and aligned correctly with each other. In addition, on the tracks 313a, 313b, 313c again with the continuous operation according to Fig. 9 are begun, in which regular portions 317 are cut open in a regular manner.
- FIGS Fig. 17 to 23 An alternative method of slicing food products in multiple lanes will be described with reference to FIGS Fig. 17 to 23 described.
- the in the Fig. 17 to 23 The illustrated high performance slicer 311 is similar in structure to the first embodiment according to FIG Fig. 9 to 16 However, the split alignment conveyor 325 can be omitted here. Portions 317 'are created which are shingled with only slight misalignment.
- Fig. 17 again shows a continuous operating state, in which continuously successive complete product portions 317 'created and transferred by a transfer unit 319' to a downstream processing device.
- the feed of the product 317 'in, for example, the right track 313c is interrupted if the remaining product residue in that track is no longer sufficient to form a full portion 317' and the remaining product remains in the other two tracks 313a, 313b sufficient to form at least one complete portion 317 '.
- Complete portions 317 ' are then cut on the two left product tracks 313a, 313b, whereas the product 315 on the right product track 313c is moved to the empty-cut position. This condition is in Fig. 18 shown.
- Fig. 19 shows an operating condition in which the remaining product remains on all tracks 313a, 313b, 313c are no longer sufficient to form a full portion 317 'and in which, accordingly, the products 315 on all tracks 313a, 313b, 313c have been transferred to the idle position. How out Fig. 19 As a result, the product 315 of the middle product track 313b was last transferred to the idle position.
- the partial portions 327 ' are again conveyed back against the conveying direction F by the control conveyor 323 to the portioning conveyor 321.
- the trailing edge 340 of the partial portion 327 'of the right track 313c is returned to a completion position, while the trailing edges 340 of the other - longer - portion portions 327' are thus returned beyond the completion position.
- This operating state is in Fig. 22 shown.
- the other product tracks 313a, 313b "fly over" during completion, depending on when the trailing edge 340 of the respective partial portion 327 'reaches the completion position.
- both leading edges 330 and trailing edges 340 are The completed portions 317 'aligned flush.
- This alternative is also suitable for portions of flush-stacked slices.
- the extent to which this alternative is generally suitable for shingled portions depends on the degree to which the particular device allows each to return portions with their trailing edges beyond the completion position without slices falling off.
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Forests & Forestry (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Confectionery (AREA)
- Meat, Egg Or Seafood Products (AREA)
- Branching, Merging, And Special Transfer Between Conveyors (AREA)
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren sowie eine Vorrichtung, insbesondere einen Hochleistungs-Slicer, zum gleichzeitigen Aufschneiden mehrerer Lebensmittelprodukte.The invention relates to a method and a device, in particular a high-performance slicer, for the simultaneous slicing of several food products.
Insbesondere in Verbindung mit einem portionierten Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten ist es bekannt, so genannte Leerschnitte durchzuführen, d.h. trotz weiterhin erfolgender Bewegung des Schneidmessers dafür zu sorgen, dass vorübergehend keine Scheiben vom Produkt abgetrennt werden. Leerschnitte werden insbesondere dann durchgeführt, wenn eine fertiggestellte Portion abtransportiert werden muss, da ohne Leerschnitte für diesen Abtransport nicht genügend Zeit zur Verfügung steht.In particular in connection with a portioned slicing of food products, it is known to perform so-called idle cuts, i. despite the continued movement of the cutting blade to ensure that no slices are temporarily separated from the product. Empty cuts are made in particular when a finished portion has to be transported away, since there is not enough time available for this removal without empty cuts.
In diesem Zusammenhang ist es bekannt, für die Durchführung von Leerschnitten nicht nur die Produktzufuhr zu unterbrechen, sondern eine zusätzliche Maßnahme zu ergreifen, die bewirkt, dass zwischen dem Schneidmesser und dem vorderen Produktende ein Abstand hergestellt wird, um eine so genannte Schnitzelbildung zu vermeiden.In this connection, it is known not only to interrupt the supply of product for the passage of blanks, but to take an additional measure which causes a distance to be established between the cutting blade and the front end of the product in order to avoid a so-called chip formation.
Dieser Abstand kann hergestellt werden, indem während der Leerschnittphase das Produkt vom Messer wegbewegt wird, oder indem es das Messer ist, das vom vorderen Produktende wegbewegt wird.This distance can be established by moving the product away from the knife during the blanking phase, or by being the knife that is moved away from the front end of the product.
Die Durchführung von Leerschnitten ist auch im Zusammenhang mit dem gleichzeitigen Aufschneiden mehrerer Lebensmittelprodukte bekannt.The performance of blank cuts is also known in connection with the simultaneous slicing of several food products.
Hierzu wird beispielsweise auf
Die gattungsgebende
In der
Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, ein Verfahren sowie eine Vorrichtung zum gleichzeitigen Aufschneiden mehrerer Lebensmittelprodukte zu schaffen, mit dem bzw. mit der ein möglichst vielseitiges Arbeiten möglich ist.The object of the invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for simultaneously cutting several food products, with or with the most versatile work possible.
Die Erfinder haben erkannt, dass in Verbindung mit dem gleichzeitigen Aufschneiden mehrerer Lebensmittelprodukte mit überraschenden Vorteilen verbundene Anwendungen möglich sind, wenn die Leerschnitte nicht gleichzeitig auf allen Spuren, sondern spurindividuell durchgeführt werden.The inventors have recognized that applications associated with simultaneously slicing several food products with surprising advantages are possible if the slices are not performed simultaneously on all tracks but on a track-by-track basis.
Bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren ist dementsprechend vorgesehen, dass zumindest zeitweise in wenigstens einer Spur Leerschnitte durchgeführt werden und/oder die Zufuhr des betreffenden Produktes unterbrochen wird, während in zumindest einer anderen Spur das betreffende Produkt aufgeschnitten wird.Accordingly, it is provided in the method according to the invention that, at least at times, idle cuts are made in at least one track and / or the supply of the relevant product is interrupted while in at least one other track the product in question is being cut open.
Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung ist dementsprechend in der Lage, die Zuführbewegung für jede Spur unabhängig von den anderen Spuren zu unterbrechen und insbesondere wieder aufzunehmen. Insbesondere umfasst die erfindungsgemäße Aufschneidevorrichtung eine entsprechend ausgebildete Produktzuführung sowie eine Steuereinrichtung, die zu einem spurindividuellen Leerschnittmanagement ausgebildet ist.The device according to the invention is accordingly able to interrupt the feeding movement for each track independently of the other tracks and in particular to resume them. In particular, the slicing device according to the invention comprises a correspondingly designed product feed and a control device which is designed for a track-specific blank cut management.
Im Folgenden wird eine Spur, in welcher zumindest vorübergehend Leerschnitte durchgeführt werden bzw. in welcher zumindest vorübergehend die Zufuhr des betreffenden Produktes unterbrochen ist, auch als passive Spur bezeichnet, wohingegen eine Spur, in der momentan ein Produkt aufgeschnitten wird, im Folgenden auch als aktive Spur bezeichnet wird.Below is a track in which at least temporarily blank sections are performed or in which at least temporarily the supply of the product is interrupted, also referred to as a passive track, whereas a track in which a product is currently being cut, hereinafter also as active Track is called.
Mit der Erfindung ist es also möglich, die Gleichbehandlung aller Spuren bzw. der in den Spuren vorhandenen aufzuschneidenden Lebensmittelprodukte hinsichtlich der Durchführung von Leerschnitten aufzuheben. Die erfindungsgemäße Aufschneidevorrichtung ist so ausgebildet, dass in einer oder mehreren Spuren Leerschnitte durchgeführt werden können, während in einer oder mehreren anderen Spuren befindliche Lebensmittelprodukte mittels des gemeinsamen Schneidmessers aufgeschnitten werden.Thus, with the invention it is possible to eliminate the equal treatment of all tracks or of the food products to be cut up in the tracks with regard to the performance of empty cuts. The slicing device according to the invention is designed such that idle cuts can be carried out in one or more tracks while food products located in one or more other tracks are cut open by means of the common cutting knife.
Vorteilhafte Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung und Anwendungen, die durch die Erfindung ermöglich werden, sind auch in den abhängigen Ansprüchen, der Beschreibung sowie der Zeichnung angegeben.Advantageous embodiments of the invention and applications made possible by the invention are set forth in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.
In einem Ausführungsbeispiel ist vorgesehen, dass in der passiven Spur zusätzlich das Produkt von der Schneidebene wegbewegt, insbesondere zurückgezogen, wird. Hierdurch kann in einer Spur, in der Leerschnitte durchgeführt werden sollen, eine Schnitzelbildung sicher vermieden werden.In one exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the product additionally moves away from the cutting plane, in particular retracted, in the passive track. As a result, in a track to be performed in the blank sections, a Schnitzelbildung be safely avoided.
In einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel ist vorgesehen, dass die Produkte in jeweils zumindest eine Produktscheibe umfassende Portionen aufgeschnitten werden. Besonders vorteilhaft ist die Erfindung in Verbindung mit einem solchen portionierten Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten.In a further embodiment, it is provided that the products are cut into portions which in each case comprise at least one product slice. The invention is particularly advantageous in connection with such a portioned slicing of food products.
Mit der Erfindung ist es möglich, die Resultate beim gleichzeitigen Aufschneiden mehrerer Lebensmittelprodukte zu verbessern, insbesondere bei den Produktscheiben bzw. Scheibenportionen die Gewichtsgenauigkeit zu erhöhen.With the invention, it is possible to improve the results when simultaneously cutting several food products, in particular to increase the weight accuracy in the product slices or slice portions.
Bei dem Verfahren kann insbesondere vorgesehen sein, dass die Produkte dem Schneidmesser in Abhängigkeit von Informationen, die zumindest die äußere Kontur und/oder das Innere der Produkte betreffen, individuell zugeführt werden.In the method, it can be provided, in particular, that the products are supplied individually to the cutting blade as a function of information concerning at least the outer contour and / or the interior of the products.
Bei der Vorrichtung kann insbesondere die Produktzuführung dazu ausgebildet sein, die Produkte dem Schneidmesser in Abhängigkeit von Informationen, die zumindest die äußere Kontur und/oder das Innere der Produkte betreffen, individuell zuzuführen.In the apparatus, in particular, the product feed can be designed to supply the products individually to the cutting knife as a function of information concerning at least the outer contour and / or the interior of the products.
Wenn nachstehend von "Informationen" die Rede und nichts anderes erwähnt ist, dann sind damit solche Informationen gemeint, die die äußere Kontur und/oder die innere Struktur, also das Produktinnere, des Produkts betreffende Informationen zumindest umfassen.In the following, when "information" is mentioned and nothing else is mentioned, it refers to information that at least includes information concerning the outer contour and / or the inner structure, ie the product interior, of the product.
Die Erfindung ermöglicht folglich eine Spurindividualisierung unter Berücksichtigung von das Produktinnere und/oder die Produktkontur betreffenden Informationen, beispielsweise der Dichteverteilung. Die Produktzufuhr in den einzelnen Spuren braucht sich daher nicht auf die äußere Produktkontur, also den Querschnittsverlauf oder das Querschnittsprofil der Produkte, zu beschränken, obwohl dies erfindungsgemäß möglich ist. Erfindungsgemäß kann somit für die individuelle Produktzufuhr ein Maximum an solchen Informationen herangezogen werden, die für ein gewichtsgenaues Aufschneiden der Produkte förderlich sind.The invention thus enables a track individualization taking into account information relating to the product interior and / or the product contour, for example the density distribution. The product feed in the individual tracks therefore need not be limited to the outer product contour, that is to say the cross-sectional profile or the cross-sectional profile of the products, although this is possible according to the invention. According to the invention, a maximum of such information can thus be used for the individual product supply. which are conducive to a weight-accurate slicing of the products.
Bei dem Verfahren ist insbesondere vorgesehen, dass in jeder Spur die Produktzufuhr unabhängig von Informationen erfolgt, die Produkte, insbesondere das Innere der Produkte, in den anderen Spuren betreffen. Auch bezüglich der Nutzung der das Produktinnere betreffenden Informationen kann hierdurch bei der individuellen Produktzufuhr eine vollkommene Unabhängigkeit der einzelnen Spuren voneinander realisiert werden.In the method, it is provided, in particular, that in each lane the product feed takes place independently of information concerning products, in particular the interior of the products, in the other lanes. With regard to the use of information relating to the product interior, a complete independence of the individual tracks from each other can thus be realized in the individual product supply.
Die hier in Rede stehenden Informationen können an oder in der Aufschneidevorrichtung, insbesondere an oder in einer Produktzuführung der Aufschneidevorrichtung, gewonnen werden. Es ist also möglich, die im Folgenden auch einfach als Produktscanner bezeichneten Mittel zur Gewinnung der das Produktinnere und/oder der Produktkontur betreffenden Informationen in die Aufschneidevorrichtung bzw. die Produktzuführung zu integrieren. Grundsätzlich ist es aber auch möglich, die Informationsgewinnung an einem von der Aufschneidevorrichtung getrennten Ort und/oder zeitlich unabhängig vom Aufschneidevorgang durchzuführen. Es sind dann geeignete Mittel vorzusehen, die eine Zuordnung zwischen Produkt und am Produkt gewonnenen Informationen ermöglichen, damit sichergestellt ist, dass bei der individuellen Produktzufuhr während des Aufschneidevorgangs für die Produkte jeweils die korrekten Informationen berücksichtigt werden.The information in question here can be obtained on or in the slicing device, in particular on or in a product feed of the slicing device. It is therefore possible to integrate the means, which are also referred to below simply as product scanners, for obtaining the information relating to the product interior and / or the product contour into the slicing apparatus or the product feed. In principle, however, it is also possible to carry out the information acquisition at a location separate from the slicing device and / or independently of time from the slicing process. It is then necessary to provide appropriate means to allow the product to be related to the information obtained from the product in order to ensure that the correct information is taken into account in the individual product supply during the slicing of the products.
Vorzugsweise werden die Informationen durch eine berührungslose Methode gewonnen, insbesondere unter Verwendung von elektromagnetischer Strahlung.Preferably, the information is obtained by a non-contact method, in particular using electromagnetic radiation.
Die Informationen können dadurch gewonnen werden, dass die Produkte jeweils durchleuchtet und/oder durchstrahlt werden. Bevorzugt ist es, wenn die Informationen unter Verwendung von Röntgenstrahlung gewonnen werden.The information can be obtained by screening and / or radiating the products. It is preferred if the information is obtained using X-radiation.
Des Weiteren kann vorgesehen sein, dass für jedes Produkt die Informationen in einer Vielzahl von durch das Produkt hindurch verlaufenden Ebenen gewonnen werden, die insbesondere jeweils senkrecht zu einer Produktzuführrichtung verlaufen. Der oder jeder Produktscanner kann somit derart ausgebildet sein, dass jedes Produkt nacheinander in einer Mehrzahl von einzelnen Ebenen abgetastet wird. Beispielsweise kann der Röntgenscanner stationär und derart angeordnet sein, dass die Abtastebene senkrecht zur Produktzuführrichtung verläuft, so dass die Informationsgewinnung derart erfolgt, dass das betreffende Produkt während des Abtastvorgangs durch die Abtastebene hindurch bewegt wird. Die in den einzelnen Ebenen gewonnenen Teilinformationen können dann durch eine geeignete Auswerteeinrichtung zu einem das Produktinnere betreffenden "Gesamtbild" zusammengesetzt werden.Furthermore, it can be provided that, for each product, the information is obtained in a multiplicity of planes extending through the product, which in each case run in each case perpendicular to a product feed direction. The or each product scanner may thus be configured such that each product is sequentially scanned at a plurality of individual levels. For example, the x-ray scanner may be stationary and arranged such that the scanning plane is perpendicular to the product feed direction, so that the information is obtained in such a way that the product in question is moved through the scanning plane during the scanning process. The partial information obtained in the individual levels can then be assembled by means of a suitable evaluation device into an "overall picture" relating to the product interior.
Die Informationen können gewonnen werden, während die Produkte dem Schneidmesser zugeführt werden.The information can be obtained while the products are being fed to the cutting blade.
Die individuelle Produktzufuhr kann derart erfolgen, dass die Geschwindigkeiten, mit denen die Produkte dem Schneidmesser zugeführt werden, individuell eingestellt und/oder verändert werden.The individual product feed can be made such that the speeds at which the products are supplied to the cutting blade, adjusted individually and / or changed.
Während des Aufschneidevorgangs können die Produkte in den Spuren vollkommen unabhängig voneinander dem Schneidmesser zugeführt werden. Alternativ ist es auch möglich, dass die Produkte in den Spuren dem Schneidmesser derart zugeführt werden, dass mehrere parallel nebeneinander angeordnete Fördereinrichtungen gemeinsam angetrieben und die Einzelgeschwindigkeiten der Fördereinrichtungen individuell verändert werden.During the slicing process, the products in the tracks can be fed to the cutting blade completely independently of each other. Alternatively, it is also possible that the products in the tracks are fed to the cutting blade in such a way that a plurality of parallel next to each other arranged conveyors driven together and the individual speeds of the conveyors are changed individually.
Insbesondere ist vorgesehen, dass in jeder Spur die Produktzufuhr mittels eines eigenen Regelkreises erfolgt. Hierdurch kann zumindest bezüglich der Produktzufuhr und der dabei erfolgenden Berücksichtigung der das Produktinnere und/oder der Produktkontur betreffenden Informationen eine vollkommene Spurunabhängigkeit erzielt werden.In particular, it is provided that the product supply takes place in each lane by means of its own control loop. As a result, a perfect track independence can be achieved, at least with regard to the product feed and the taking into account of the information relating to the product interior and / or the product contour.
Bei der Vorrichtung kann insbesondere vorgesehen sein, dass die Mittel zum Gewinnen der Informationen dazu ausgebildet sind, die Produkte zu durchleuchten und/oder zu durchstrahlen. Insbesondere umfassen die Mittel wenigstens eine Röntgenstrahleinrichtung.In the apparatus may be provided in particular that the means for obtaining the information are adapted to screen the products and / or to irradiate. In particular, the means comprise at least one X-ray device.
Für alle Spuren und somit alle gleichzeitig aufzuschneidenden Produkte kann ein einziger Produktscanner vorgesehen sein. Alternativ kann jede Spur einen eigenen Produktscanner aufweisen. Auch bei Verwendung eines einzigen, gemeinsamen Produktscanners können Gewinnung und Nutzung der Informationen individuell für die einzelnen Produkte und insbesondere für die Zufuhr der Produkte während des Aufschneidens erfolgen.For all tracks and thus all products to be sliced simultaneously, a single product scanner can be provided. Alternatively, each track may have its own product scanner. Even with the use of a single, common product scanner, information can be obtained and used individually for the individual products and, in particular, for the supply of the products during slicing.
Die Vorrichtung ist insbesondere dazu ausgebildet, nach einem Verfahren der hier beschriebenen Art betrieben zu werden.The device is in particular designed to be operated according to a method of the type described here.
Die Verbraucher werden zunehmend anspruchsvoller. Dies gilt auch für die Käufer von abgepackten Lebensmittelscheiben. Eine hier auch als Portion bezeichnete Mehrzahl von Produktscheiben soll nicht nur ein vorgegebenes Gewicht aufweisen und ansprechend präsentiert werden, sondern es wird zunehmend auch gewünscht, dass die Packungen Scheiben von unterschiedlichen Produkten bzw. von Produkten unterschiedlicher Sorte enthalten, beispielsweise von unterschiedliche Wurstsorten oder unterschiedlichen Käsesorten, wobei z.B. auch gewünscht wird, dass in den Packungen Wurst- und Käsescheiben zusammen eine gemischte Gesamtportion bilden.Consumers are becoming increasingly demanding. This also applies to the buyers of pre-packaged food slices. A plurality of product slices, also referred to here as a portion, should not only have a predetermined weight and be presented in an appealing manner, but also It is also increasingly desired that the packages contain slices of different products or products of different types, for example of different types of sausage or different cheeses, where it is also desired, for example, to form a mixed total portion in the packs of sausage and cheese slices.
Derartigen Verbraucherwünschen kann prinzipiell mit herkömmlicher Technologie entsprochen werden. Moderne Aufschneidemaschinen, die auch als Hochleistungs-Slicer bezeichnet werden, können Lebensmittelprodukte extrem schnell, sehr gewichtsgenau und äußerst hygienisch aufschneiden. Zusammen mit ausgefeilter Fördertechnik und Verpackungsmaschinen bilden derartige Slicer hocheffiziente Produktionslinien, mit denen Packungen mit Portionen aus Lebensmittelscheiben praktisch vollautomatisch produziert werden können. Um "Mischpackungen" aus Scheiben von unterschiedlichen Produkten herzustellen, werden mehrere Slicer eingesetzt, die jeweils eine Produktart oder Produktsorte aufschneiden. Die einzelnen Produktströme der Slicer werden dann in geeigneter Weise zusammengeführt, um die "gemischten" Gesamtportionen zu erzeugen. Eine Mehrzahl von Slicern ist auch deshalb erforderlich, da der weitere von den Packungsherstellern zu befriedigende Verbraucherwunsch besteht, dass die "Mischpackungen" nicht nur Scheiben von unterschiedlichen Produkten, sondern überdies in den Packungen jeweils von den einzelnen Produkten unterschiedlich viele Scheiben vorhanden sein sollen.Such consumer desires can be met in principle with conventional technology. Modern slicing machines, also known as high-performance slicers, can cut food products extremely fast, with great weight accuracy and extremely hygienic. Together with sophisticated conveyor technology and packaging machines, such slicers form highly efficient production lines with which packages of portions of food slices can be produced practically fully automatically. In order to produce "mixed packs" from slices of different products, several slicers are used, each slicing one type of product or product type. The individual product streams of the slicers are then combined in a suitable manner to produce the "mixed" total portions. A plurality of slicers is also necessary because the consumer demand to be satisfactorily satisfied by the pack manufacturers is that the "mixed packs" should not only contain slices of different products, but also different numbers of slices in the packs of the individual products.
Die Fähigkeit bekannter Slicer, gleichzeitig mehrere Produkte aufzuschneiden, kann das Erfordernis eines Einsatzes mehrerer Slicer nicht beseitigen, da das bekannte gleichzeitige Aufschneiden mehrerer Produkte lediglich den Produktdurchsatz, also den "Ausstoß" des Slicers, erhöht. Folglich ist die Herstellung der erwähnten "Mischpackungen" derzeit noch mit relativ hohen Kosten verbunden.The ability of known slicers to simultaneously slice multiple products can not eliminate the requirement of using multiple slicers since the prior art simultaneous slicing of multiple products merely increases the product throughput, that is, the "output" of the slicer. Consequently, the production of the mentioned "mixed packages" is currently associated with relatively high costs.
Mit der Erfindung ist es möglich, "Mischpackungen" aus Scheiben von unterschiedlichen Lebensmittelprodukten, insbesondere von Produkten unterschiedlicher Sorte, möglichst einfach, zuverlässig und kostengünstig herzustellen.With the invention it is possible to produce "mixed packs" from slices of different food products, in particular of products of different types, as simply, reliably and inexpensively as possible.
Insbesondere werden die Produkte dem Schneidmesser derart individuell zugeführt, dass jede Portion eine für die jeweilige Spur vorgegebene Bedingung erfüllt, die insbesondere das Gewicht der Portion, das Gewicht und/oder die Dicke der die Portion bildenden Produktscheiben, und/oder die Anzahl der die Portion bildenden Produktscheiben betrifft.In particular, the products are individually fed to the cutting blade such that each portion fulfills a condition prescribed for the respective track, in particular the weight of the portion, the weight and / or thickness of the product slices forming the portion, and / or the number of the portion forming product slices.
Es kann die individuelle Produktzufuhr dazu genutzt werden, den in den einzelnen Spuren erzeugten Portionen vorgegebene, insbesondere untereinander verschiedene, Eigenschaften zu verleihen, d.h. zu erreichen, dass die Portionen der einzelnen Spuren, insbesondere unterschiedliche, Bedingungen erfüllen, die gezielt vorgegeben werden können.The individual product supply can be used to impart predetermined, in particular mutually different, properties to the portions produced in the individual tracks, ie. to achieve that the portions of the individual tracks, in particular different, meet conditions that can be specifically specified.
Hierdurch ist es insbesondere möglich, mit einer einzigen Aufschneidevorrichtung diejenigen Portionen zu erzeugen, die für die Bildung einer Gesamtportion und somit für eine vom Kunden gewünschte "Mischpackung" benötigt werden.This makes it possible, in particular, to produce with a single slicing device those portions which are required for the formation of a total portion and thus for a "mixing pack" desired by the customer.
Insbesondere ist es möglich, gleichzeitig Lebensmittelprodukte unterschiedlicher Sorte aufzuschneiden, wobei es außerdem möglich ist, durch einen entsprechenden Betrieb der Produktzufuhr weitere Parameter der einzelnen Portionen individuell zu variieren. Beispielsweise lassen sich so Gesamtportionen herstellen, die jeweils eine bestimmte Anzahl von Scheiben einer ersten Wurstsorte, eine davon verschiedene bestimmte Anzahl von Scheiben einer zweiten Wurstsorte sowie eine wiederum andere bestimmte Anzahl von Scheiben einer Käsesorte umfassen.In particular, it is possible to simultaneously cut up food products of different types, wherein it is also possible to individually vary further parameters of the individual portions by a corresponding operation of the product feed. For example, can be produced in this way total portions, each having a certain number of slices a first type of sausage, a different number of specific slices of a second type of sausage and a different number of slices of a different type of cheese.
Das Erzeugen von Portionen mit unterschiedlicher Scheibenanzahl in den einzelnen Spuren kann insbesondere dadurch erfolgen, dass die Aufschneidevorrichtung derart betrieben wird, dass in den einzelnen Spuren gezielt so genannte Leerschnitte durchgeführt werden, d.h. ein spurindividuelles Leerschnittmanagement erfolgt. Zur Durchführung eines Leerschnitts wird dafür gesorgt, dass trotz einer vom Schneidmesser durchgeführten Schneidbewegung von dem oder den betreffenden Produkten keine Scheibe abgetrennt wird. Beispielsweise kann dasjenige Produkt, für das ein Leerschnitt durchgeführt, von dem also keine Scheibe abgetrennt werden soll, durch entsprechende Ansteuerung der Produktzufuhr vorübergehend angehalten werden. Das Abtrennen von Scheiben von dem oder den anderen Produkten wird dabei fortgesetzt. Auf diese Weise kann mit einer spurindividuell betreibbaren Produktzuführung das Ziel erreicht werden, beim gleichzeitigen, mehrspurigen Aufschneiden mehrerer Produkte in den Spuren Portionen mit unterschiedlicher Scheibenanzahl zu erzeugen.The generation of portions with different number of slices in the individual tracks can be carried out in particular by operating the slicing device in such a way that so-called idle cuts are purposefully carried out in the individual tracks, ie. a track individual Leerschnittmanagement takes place. To perform a blank cut, it is ensured that, despite a cutting movement performed by the cutting blade of the or the products concerned no disc is separated. For example, the product for which a blank cut is carried out, so that no slice is to be separated from it, can be temporarily stopped by corresponding activation of the product feed. The separation of slices from the other product (s) will continue. In this way, with a track-individually operable product feeder, the goal can be achieved to produce portions with different number of slices during the simultaneous, multi-track slicing of several products in the tracks.
Die Produkte in den Spuren können dem Schneidmesser vollkommen unabhängig voneinander zugeführt werden.The products in the tracks can be fed to the cutting blade completely independently of each other.
Alternativ ist es möglich, dass die Produkte in den Spuren dem Schneidmesser derart zugeführt werden, dass mehrere parallele nebeneinander angeordnete Fördereinrichtungen gemeinsam angetrieben und die Einzelgeschwindigkeiten der Fördereinrichtungen individuell verändert werden. Der hier zum Teil verwendete Begriff "Sorte" ist breit zu verstehen. So sollen nicht nur beispielsweise Wurst einerseits und Käse andererseits oder jeweils unterschiedliche Fleisch-, Wurst- oder Käsearten untereinander unterschiedliche Sorten im Sinne der Erfindung bilden. Auch Produkte mit "gleichem Inhalt", die sich hinsichtlich wenigstens eines aus der Sicht des Endverbrauchers relevanten Parameters voneinander unterscheiden, sollen als Produkte unterschiedlicher Sorte betrachtet werden. So sollen beispielsweise Salami mit kleinem Durchmesser einerseits und Salami mit großem Durchmesser andererseits unterschiedliche Produktsorten im Sinne der Erfindung darstellen. Angesichts der Tatsache, dass keine zwei Lebensmittelprodukte im strengen Sinne identisch sind, ist der Begriff "Sorte" dagegen nicht so breit zu verstehen, dass darunter Unterschiede zwischen Produkten fallen, die der Endverbraucher entweder überhaupt nicht wahrnimmt oder die für den Endverbraucher vollkommen irrelevant sind, wie beispielsweise unterschiedliche Verteilungen der Dichte oder der Bestandteile eines Produktes, die auch bei aus der Sicht des Verbrauchers "gleichen" Produkten naturgemäß immer vorhanden sind.Alternatively, it is possible for the products in the tracks to be fed to the cutting blade in such a way that several parallel conveyors arranged side by side are driven together and the individual speeds of the conveyors are changed individually. The term "variety" used here is to be understood broadly. Thus, not only, for example, sausage on the one hand and cheese on the other hand or in each case different types of meat, sausage or cheese to form mutually different varieties within the meaning of the invention. Even products with "the same content", which differ from one another in terms of at least one parameter which is relevant from the point of view of the end user, should be considered as products of different types. Thus, for example, small-diameter salami on the one hand and large-diameter salami on the other hand are intended to represent different product varieties in the sense of the invention. By contrast, given that no two food products are strictly identical, the term "variety" is not to be understood as being broadly equivalent to differences between products that the end-user either does not perceive at all or that are completely irrelevant to the end-user, such as different distributions of the density or constituents of a product, which are naturally always present even when viewed from the consumer's "same" products.
Bei einem hiermit ebenfalls beanspruchten Verfahren zum Bilden von Gesamtportionen werden die jeweils eine Gesamtportion bildenden Portionen durch das erfindungsgemäße Aufschneideverfahren erzeugt.In a likewise claimed method for forming total portions, the respective portions forming a total portion are produced by the slicing method according to the invention.
Insbesondere können die Gesamtportionen aus Portionen gebildet werden, deren Scheiben sich hinsichtlich der Produktsorte voneinander unterscheiden.In particular, the total portions can be formed from portions whose slices differ from each other in terms of product variety.
Alternativ oder zusätzlich ist es möglich, dass die Gesamtportionen aus Portionen gebildet werden, die sich hinsichtlich der Anzahl ihrer Scheiben, hinsichtlich ihres Portionsgewichts, und/oder hinsichtlich des Gewichts und/oder der Dicke ihrer Scheiben voneinander unterscheiden.Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the total portions to be formed from portions which differ from one another with regard to the number of their slices, with regard to their portion weight, and / or with regard to the weight and / or the thickness of their slices.
Die Bildung der Gesamtportionen kann beispielsweise während des Transports der Portionen zu einer nachgeschalteten Einrichtung, insbesondere zu einer Verpackungsmaschine für die Gesamtportionen, erfolgen.The formation of the total portions can take place, for example, during the transport of the portions to a downstream device, in particular to a packaging machine for the total portions.
Insbesondere ist vorgesehen, dass die Gesamtportionen dadurch gebildet werden, dass die Portionen zumindest teilweise übereinander gelegt werden.In particular, it is provided that the total portions are formed by the portions being at least partially superimposed.
Des Weiteren ist es möglich, dass die Gesamtportionen dadurch gebildet werden, dass die Portionen nacheinander in eine Verpackung eingebracht werden, insbesondere während des Transports der Portionen zu einer nachgeschalteten Einrichtung, insbesondere einer Verpackungsmaschine für die Gesamtportionen. Hierbei kann insbesondere zunächst eine erste Portion in eine Verpackung eingelegt werden, woraufhin auf die bereits in der Verpackung befindliche erste Portion eine oder mehrere weitere Portionen gelegt werden. Es ist aber auch möglich, dass erst die vollständigen Gesamtportionen in die Verpackungen eingelegt werden.Furthermore, it is possible that the total portions are formed by the portions being successively introduced into a package, in particular during the transport of the portions to a downstream device, in particular a packaging machine for the total portions. In this case, in particular initially a first portion can be inserted into a package, whereupon one or more further portions are placed on the first portion already in the package. But it is also possible that only the complete total portions are inserted into the packaging.
In einem Ausführungsbeispiel ist vorgesehen, dass bei der Bildung der Gesamtportionen jeweils zwischen zumindest zwei zumindest teilweise übereinander liegende Portionen eine Trennlage, beispielsweise aus Papier, eingelegt wird.In one embodiment, it is provided that in the formation of the total portions each between at least two at least partially superimposed portions a release liner, for example, made of paper, is inserted.
Die Aufschneidevorrichtung umfasst insbesondere eine Produktzuführung, die mehrere parallel nebeneinander angeordnete Fördereinrichtungen umfasst, mit denen die Produkte einer Schneidebene mehrspurig zuführbar sind, in der sich wenigstens ein Schneidmesser, insbesondere rotierend und/oder umlaufend, bewegt. Die Produktzuführung ist insbesondere dazu ausgebildet, die Produkte dem Schneidmesser derart individuell zuzuführen, dass jede Portion eine für die jeweilige Spur vorgegebene Bedingung erfüllt, die insbesondere das Gewicht der Portion, das Gewicht und/oder die Dicke der die Portion bildenden Produktscheiben, und/oder die Anzahl der die Portion bildenden Produktscheiben betrifft.The slicing device comprises, in particular, a product feed which comprises a plurality of conveyors arranged parallel to one another, with which the products can be fed in multiple tracks to a cutting plane in which at least one cutting blade, in particular rotating and / or rotating, moves. The product feed is designed in particular to make the products so individual to the cutting blade to supply each portion with a predetermined condition for the respective track, which relates in particular to the weight of the portion, the weight and / or the thickness of the product discs forming the portion, and / or the number of product slices forming the portion.
Die Fördereinrichtungen der Produktzuführung können vollkommen unabhängig voneinander betreibbar sein. Alternativ kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Fördereinrichtungen gemeinsam antreibbar und die Einzelgeschwindigkeiten der Fördereinrichtungen individuell veränderbar sind.The conveyors of the product feeder can be operated completely independently of each other. Alternatively it can be provided that the conveyors can be driven together and the individual speeds of the conveyors are individually variable.
Bei einer hiermit ebenfalls beanspruchten Produktionslinie, die wenigstens eine Aufschneidevorrichtung der hier beschriebenen Art und zumindest eine in der hier beschriebenen Weise betreibbare Fördervorrichtung umfasst, kann der Fördervorrichtung wenigstens eine Verpackungsmaschine für die zu produzierenden Gesamtportionen nachgeschaltet sein.In a likewise claimed production line, which comprises at least one slicing device of the type described here and at least one conveying device which can be operated in the manner described here, the conveying device can be connected downstream of at least one packaging machine for the total portions to be produced.
Das portionierte Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten, insbesondere unter Verwendung so genannter Hochleistungs-Slicer, ist grundsätzlich bekannt. Die Bildung von Portionen ist insbesondere dann erforderlich, wenn dem Slicer eine Verpackungsmaschine nachgeordnet ist, in der nicht einzelne Produktscheiben, sondern jeweils eine Mehrzahl von in einer oder mehreren Portionen zusammengefassten Produktscheiben automatisch verpackt werden. In diesem Zusammenhang sind so genannte Übergabeeinheiten bekannt, die dem Slicer unmittelbar nachgeordnet sind und dazu dienen, sowohl die abgetrennten Produktscheiben aufzunehmen und zu portionieren als auch die gebildeten Portionen abzutransportieren, um sie nachgeschalteten Einrichtungen wie beispielsweise einer Verpackungsmaschine, insbesondere über weitere Fördereinrichtungen, zuzuführen. Eine Aufgabe derartiger Übergabeeinheiten besteht auch darin, die Arbeitsgeschwindigkeit des Slicers an die so genannte Systemgeschwindigkeit der nachgeschalteten Einrichtungen anzupassen, denn insbesondere bei sehr schnell arbeitenden Slicern müssen die gebildeten Portionen mit einer Geschwindigkeit aus dem Portionierbereich abtransportiert werden, die wesentlich höher ist als die Systemgeschwindigkeit.The portioned slicing of food products, in particular using so-called high-performance slicer, is basically known. The formation of portions is particularly necessary if the slicer is followed by a packaging machine in which not individual product slices, but in each case a plurality of product slices combined in one or more portions are automatically packed. In this context, so-called transfer units are known, which are immediately downstream of the slicer and serve both to take the separated product slices and portions and also remove the portions formed in order to supply them downstream devices such as a packaging machine, in particular via other conveyors. An object of such transfer units is also the speed of operation of the slicer to the so-called system speed adapt the downstream devices, because in particular at very fast-working slicers, the portions formed must be removed with a speed from the Portionierbereich, which is much higher than the system speed.
Bekannte Übergabeeinheiten sind beispielsweise als Kombinationen von Förderbändern ausgebildet. Die Portionierung erfolgt auf einem unmittelbar dem Slicer nachgeordneten Portionierband, auf welchem die abgetrennten Produktscheiben zur Bildung der Portionen abgelegt werden. Dem Portionierband nachgeordnet ist dabei wenigstens ein so genanntes Steuerband, an welches die Portionen vom Portionierband übergeben werden.Known transfer units are designed, for example, as combinations of conveyor belts. Portioning takes place on a portioning belt arranged immediately downstream of the slicer, on which the separated product slices are deposited to form the portions. Downstream of the portioning tape is at least one so-called control tape, to which the portions are transferred from the portioning tape.
Derartige Übergabeeinheiten werden auch für eine so genannte Portionskomplettierung eingesetzt, die vor allem bei hochpreisigen Produkten erforderlich ist, bei deren Aufschneiden Produktverluste so gering wie möglich gehalten werden sollen. Eine Portionskomplettierung ist erforderlich, wenn die gewünschten Portionen eine bestimmte Scheibenanzahl und/oder ein bestimmtes Portionsgewicht aufweisen sollen und die nach dem Aufschneiden eines Produkts vorhandene letzte Portion die jeweiligen Anforderungen noch nicht erfüllt, d.h. eine oder mehrere weitere Produktscheiben benötigt, wenn sie nicht als Ausschuss entsorgt werden soll.Such transfer units are also used for a so-called portion completions, which is required especially for high-priced products, in the slicing product losses should be kept as low as possible. Portion completion is required if the desired portions are to have a certain number of slices and / or a certain portion weight and the last portion present after slicing a product does not yet meet the respective requirements, i. one or more additional product slices is required if it is not to be disposed of as waste.
Bei dieser Portionskomplettierung werden die noch benötigten Produktscheiben vom nachfolgenden Produkt abgetrennt. Da in der Regel zu Beginn des Aufschneidevorgangs am neuen Produkt so genannte Trimmschnitte durchgeführt werden müssen, da der Produktanfang beispielsweise noch nicht den erforderlichen Produktquerschnitt aufweist, und die bei diesem "Trimmen" entstehenden, nicht verwendbaren Produktstücke auf das Portionierband und somit auf die auf ihre Komplettierung wartende unvollständige Teilportion fallen würden, wird im Rahmen der Portionskomplettierung die Übergabeeinheit derart betrieben, dass die Teilportionen vom Portionierband in Förderrichtung auf das Steuerband transportiert werden, wo sie die Durchführung der Trimmschnitte abwarten. Sobald vom neuen Produkt brauchbare Scheiben abgetrennt werden können, wird die Teilportion wieder zurück vom Steuerband auf das Portionierband transportiert, d.h. die Übergabeeinheit transportiert die Teilportionen in dieser Phase entgegen der "normalen" Förderrichtung.With this portion completion, the still required product slices are separated from the following product. Since usually at the beginning of the slicing on the new product so-called trim cuts must be performed because the product, for example, does not yet have the required product cross-section, and the resulting in this "trimming", unusable product pieces on the Portionierband and thus on their Completion waiting incomplete partial portion would fall, the transfer unit is operated in the Portionskomplettierung so that the partial portions are transported by the portioning conveyor in the conveying direction to the control tape, where they await the implementation of trimming cuts. As soon as usable slices can be separated from the new product, the partial portion is transported back again from the control belt to the portioning belt, ie the transfer unit transports the partial portions in this phase against the "normal" conveying direction.
Eine derartige Portionskomplettierung ist grundsätzlich bekannt, beispielsweise aus
Ebenfalls bekannt ist das gleichzeitige Aufschneiden mehrerer Lebensmittelprodukte an einer Aufschneidevorrichtung, insbesondere mittels eines einzigen Schneidmessers. Hierzu wird beispielsweise auf die eingangs bereits erwähnte
Bei einer Aufschneidevorrichtung, die dazu in der Lage ist, mehrere Produkte gleichzeitig aufzuschneiden, können die Produkte dem Schneidmesser gleichzeitig zugeführt werden. Wenn die Produkte eine unterschiedliche Länge besitzen und/oder aus bestimmten Gründen die Produktzufuhr in den einzelnen Spuren mit unterschiedlichen bzw. unterschiedlich variierenden Einzelgeschwindigkeiten, also individuell, erfolgt, dann führt dies zu Problemen bei der Portionskomplettierung, da das Aufschneiden von Produkten in den einzelnen Spuren nicht gleichzeitig beendet ist und so in den einzelnen Spuren zu komplettierende Teilportionen zeitlich nacheinander entstehen. Ein möglicher Grund dafür, dass selbst bei exakt gleichen Produktlängen die Aufschneidevorgänge in den einzelnen Spuren nicht zum gleichen Zeitpunkt beendet werden, ist eine individuelle Regelung der Fördergeschwindigkeiten in den einzelnen Spuren, die erforderlich ist, wenn die Produkte - in Förderrichtung gesehen - unterschiedliche Gewichtsprofile (bei über das gesamte Produkt konstanter Produktdichte also unterschiedliche Querschnittsprofile) aufweisen, da dann die Dicke der abgetrennten Produktscheiben und somit die Produktzufuhr individuell angepasst werden muss, um für jede Portion das gewünschte Portionsgewicht zu erzielen. Eine solche Vorgehensweise ist beispielsweise aus
Die Erfindung macht es möglich, eine Portionskomplettierung beim mehrspurigen Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten zu schaffen.The invention makes it possible to provide a portion completion in multi-lane slicing of food products.
Bei der Portionskomplettierung können jeweils nach Aufschneiden eines Produktes vorhandene unvollständige Teilportionen durch Scheiben eines nachfolgenden Produktes komplettiert werden. Insbesondere wird jede Teilportion in der Spur komplettiert, in der diese Teilportion entstanden ist.When portion completions, incomplete partial portions which are present after slicing a product can be completed by slices of a subsequent product. In particular, each partial portion is completed in the track in which this partial portion is created.
Bei dem Verfahren kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Komplettierung von Teilportionen in separaten Spuren erfolgt.In the method, it can be provided that the completion of partial portions takes place in separate tracks.
Bei der Vorrichtung kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Übergabeeinheit für jede zugeordnete Spur eine separate Förderstrecke aufweist, die wenigstens zwei aufeinander folgende Fördereinheiten umfasst.In the case of the device, it can be provided that the transfer unit has a separate conveying path for each assigned track, which comprises at least two successive conveying units.
Durch die Separierung ist es möglich, Maßnahmen zur Portionskomplettierung in einer Spur durchzuführen, ohne dabei einen jeweils gewünschten Betrieb in den anderen Spuren zu stören. Insbesondere in Abhängigkeit davon, wie bei der jeweiligen Aufschneidevorrichtung die Zufuhr der Produkte erfolgt, können die Portionskomplettierungen in den einzelnen Spuren beispielsweise vollkommen unabhängig voneinander erfolgen. Alternativ ist auch ein nachstehend näher erläuterter koordinierter Betrieb möglich, bei dem mit der Komplettierung von in den einzelnen Spuren vorhandenen Teilportionen gleichzeitig begonnen wird, auch wenn diese Teilportionen zeitlich nacheinander entstanden sind. Eine solche Vorgehensweise kann insbesondere Situationen berücksichtigen, in denen mit der Zufuhr der nachfolgenden Produkte in allen Spuren gleichzeitig begonnen wird, d.h. - bildlich gesprochen - alle Spuren stets gleichzeitig mit neuen Produkten beladen werden.Due to the separation, it is possible to carry out measures to complete the portion in one lane, without disturbing any desired operation in the other lanes. In particular, depending on how the respective slicing the supply of Products done, the Portionskomplettierungen in the individual tracks, for example, completely independent of each other. Alternatively, a coordinated operation explained in more detail below is also possible, in which the completion of sub-portions present in the individual tracks is started simultaneously, even if these partial portions have been created one after the other. Such a procedure can in particular take into account situations in which the supply of the following products in all lanes is started simultaneously, ie - figuratively speaking - all lanes are always loaded simultaneously with new products.
Es ist also möglich, dass sowohl Produktverluste als auch die Notwendigkeit manueller Korrekturen minimiert werden können. Ersteres ist vor allem bei hochpreisigen Produkten vorteilhaft, während letzteres die Produktionshygiene wesentlich verbessert.So it is possible that both product losses and the need for manual corrections can be minimized. The former is particularly advantageous for high-priced products, while the latter substantially improves production hygiene.
Insbesondere kann vorgesehen sein, dass jeweils bei Entstehen einer Teilportion in einer Spur mit dem Aufschneiden in den verbleibenden anderen Spuren fortgefahren wird. Vollständige Portionen können also weiterhin gebildet und abtransportiert werden, auch wenn in einer oder mehreren Spuren das Aufschneiden des Produkts bereits beendet worden ist.In particular, it can be provided that each time a partial portion is formed in one track, it continues with the slicing in the remaining other tracks. Full portions can thus continue to be formed and transported away, even if the slicing of the product has already been completed in one or more tracks.
In einem Ausführungsbeispiel erfolgt jeweils die Komplettierung der Teilportionen in einer Spur unabhängig von den Komplettierungen der Teilportionen in den anderen Spuren, wobei insbesondere in jeder Spur eine entstandene Teilportion unabhängig von dem Entstehen von Teilportionen in den anderen Spuren komplettiert wird. Es kann also mit dem Aufschneiden eines nachfolgenden Produkts und somit mit der Komplettierung der in der betreffenden Spur vorhandenen Teilportion begonnen werden, während in den anderen Spuren das Aufschneiden der Produkte noch andauert. Ein derartiges zeitliches Auseinanderfallen des Komplettierungsbeginns ist jedoch nicht zwingend. Es ist gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel auch möglich, dass bei zeitlich nacheinander entstehenden Teilportionen die Portionskomplettierungen in den einzelnen Spuren derart koordiniert werden, dass jeweils bei Entstehen einer Teilportion in einer Spur mit dem Aufschneiden in den verbleibenden anderen Spuren fortgefahren und mit der Komplettierung der Teilportionen erst nach Entstehen der letzten Teilportion begonnen wird. Eine solche Vorgehensweise ist beispielsweise dann günstig, wenn die Spuren gleichzeitig mit neuen Produkten beladen werden. Dies kann von der jeweiligen Anwendung und/oder von der Ausgestaltung bzw. Betriebsweise der jeweiligen Produktzuführung abhängig sein.In one embodiment, the completion of the partial portions in one lane takes place independently of the completions of the partial portions in the other lanes, wherein in each lane in particular a partial portion formed is completed independently of the formation of partial portions in the other lanes. So it can start with the slicing of a subsequent product and thus with the completion of the present in the track partial portion, while in the other tracks the slicing of the products is still going on. However, such a temporal divergence of completion start is not mandatory. According to a further embodiment, it is also possible for the portion completions in the individual tracks to be coordinated in the individual tracks in such a way that each time a partial portion is formed in one track, it continues with the slicing in the remaining other tracks and only with the completion of the partial portions after the last partial portion is created. Such an approach is for example beneficial if the tracks are loaded with new products at the same time. This can be dependent on the respective application and / or on the design or mode of operation of the respective product feed.
Des Weiteren ist insbesondere vorgesehen, dass für jede Spur die Komplettierung einer Teilportion nach Zwischenpositionierung der Teilportion in einem Wartebereich und Rückführung der Teilportion in einen Portionierbereich erfolgt.Furthermore, provision is made in particular for the completion of a partial portion for each track after intermediate positioning of the partial portion in a waiting area and return of the partial portion to a portioning area.
Was die Produktzuführung anbetrifft, so kann in einem Ausführungsbeispiel vorgesehen sein, dass die Produkte in den Spuren vollkommen unabhängig voneinander dem Schneidmesser zugeführt werden.As regards the product feed, it may be provided in one embodiment that the products in the tracks are fed to the cutting blade completely independently of each other.
Es ist auch möglich, dass die Produkte in den Spuren dem Schneidmesser derart zugeführt werden, dass mehrere parallel nebeneinander angeordnete Fördereinrichtungen gemeinsam angetrieben und die Einzelgeschwindigkeiten der Fördereinrichtungen individuell verändert werden.It is also possible for the products in the tracks to be fed to the cutting blade in such a way that a plurality of conveying devices arranged parallel to one another are jointly driven and the individual speeds of the conveying devices are changed individually.
Wie eingangs bereits erwähnt, können derartige spurindividuelle Produktzufuhren notwendig oder gewünscht sein, wenn ein zumindest weitgehend konstantes Portionsgewicht gewünscht ist und die Produkte hinsichtlich ihres Gewichts- bzw. Querschnittsprofils voneinander abweichen.As already mentioned, such track-specific product feeds may be necessary or desired if at least largely constant portion weight is desired and the products differ in terms of their weight or cross-sectional profile of each other.
Des Weiteren ist es bevorzugt, wenn die Komplettierung der Teilportionen und die Zuführung der Produkte zeitlich aufeinander abgestimmt werden, wobei dies jeweils ausschließlich spurbezogen oder unter Berücksichtigung aller Spuren erfolgen kann.Furthermore, it is preferred if the completion of the partial portions and the delivery of the products are timed to each other, whereby this can be done only track-related or taking into account all tracks.
Bei der Aufschneidevorrichtung kann die Übergabeeinheit derart ausgestaltet und betreibbar sein, dass auf jeder Förderstrecke die Komplettierung einer auf der ersten Fördereinheit entstandenen Teilportion durch Zwischenpositionierung der Teilportion auf der zweiten Fördereinheit und Rückführung der Teilportion auf die erste Fördereinheit durchführbar ist.In the slicing device, the transfer unit can be configured and operable such that the completion of a partial portion formed on the first conveyor unit can be carried out by intermediate positioning of the partial portion on the second conveyor unit and return of the partial portion to the first conveyor unit.
Die Fördereinheiten können jeweils einen Bandförderer, insbesondere einen Endlosbandförderer, umfassen, der sowohl in der einen Förderrichtung als auch in der entgegengesetzten Richtung betreibbar ist.The conveyor units may each comprise a belt conveyor, in particular an endless belt conveyor, which is operable in both the one conveying direction and in the opposite direction.
Insbesondere können die Förderstrecken derart betreibbar sein, dass jeweils bei Entstehen einer Teilportion auf einer Förderstrecke das Übergeben vollständiger Portionen auf den verbleibenden anderen Förderstrecken fortsetzbar ist.In particular, the conveyor sections may be operable such that each time a partial portion is formed on a conveyor line, the transfer of complete portions to the remaining other conveyor lines can be continued.
Die Förderstrecken können unabhängig voneinander betreibbar sein, wobei insbesondere auf jeder Förderstrecke eine entstandene Teilportion unabhängig von dem Entstehen von Teilportionen auf den anderen Förderstrecken komplettierbar ist.The conveying sections can be operated independently of one another, wherein in particular on each conveying section a resulting partial portion can be completed independently of the formation of partial portions on the other conveying sections.
Es ist auch möglich, dass die Förderstrecken derart koordiniert betreibbar sind, dass bei zeitlich nacheinander entstehenden Teilportionen jeweils bei Entstehen einer Teilportion auf einer Förderstrecke das Übergeben vollständiger Portionen auf den verbleibenden anderen Förderstrecken fortsetzbar und die Komplettierung von Teilportionen bis nach Entstehen der letzten Teilportion aussetzbar ist.It is also possible that the conveyor lines are so coordinated operated operable that at temporally successive partial portions each at If a partial portion is formed on a conveyor line, the transfer of complete portions on the remaining other conveyor lines can continue and the completion of partial portions can be suspended until after the last partial portion has formed.
Im Stand der Technik sind verschiedene Arten von Lebensmittel-Schneidvorrichtungen bekannt. Es werden beispielsweise so genannte Hochleistungs-Slicer dazu eingesetzt, Lebensmittelprodukte, wie z.B. Wurst, Fleisch oder Käse, mit hoher Schnittgeschwindigkeit aufzuschneiden. Durch das Prinzip des mehrspurigen Zuführens kann eine einzige Schneidvorrichtung - mit entsprechend großem Messer - zum gleichzeitigen Schneiden mehrerer Produktlaibe oder Produktriegel - im Folgenden einfach: Produkte - genutzt werden, um so die Schnittleistung weiter zu erhöhen.Various types of food slicing apparatus are known in the art. For example, so-called high performance slicers are used to prepare food products, e.g. Sausage, meat or cheese, cut to high speed. Due to the principle of multi-track feeding, a single cutting device - with a correspondingly large knife - for simultaneous cutting of several product loaves or product bars - in the following simply: Products - can be used to further increase the cutting performance.
Die abgetrennten Produktscheiben werden üblicherweise zu Portionen zusammengestellt - beispielsweise in gestapelter oder geschindelter Form - und anschließend weiteren Verarbeitungsvorrichtungen wie z.B. einer Verpackungsmaschine zugeführt. Da die Portionen ein vorgegebenes Gewicht und/oder eine vorgegebene Scheibenanzahl aufweisen müssen, kann es sein, dass am Ende eines Produkts nur noch eine unvollständige Teilportion aufgeschnitten werden kann. Da das Weiterverarbeiten von unvollständigen Portionen zu vermeiden ist, andererseits aber ein Verwerfen von Produktscheiben insbesondere bei hochwertigen Produkten unerwünscht ist, besteht das Bedürfnis, unvollständige Teilportionen zu komplettieren. Grundsätzlich kann dies dadurch geschehen, dass am Produktende entstehende unvollständige Teilportionen nach Bereitstellen eines neuen Produkts durch Produktscheiben dieses nachfolgenden Produkts komplettiert werden. Dabei besteht jedoch das Problem, dass bei einem Produktwechsel zunächst ein nicht verwertbares Endstück des bereits aufgeschnittenen Produkts und anschließend ein ebenfalls nicht verwertbarer Anschnitt des neuen Produkts weggeschafft werden müssen. Die unvollständige Teilportion muss also, z.B. auf einem Portionierförderer, zunächst aus dem Wirkungsbereich des Schneidmessers weggefördert und anschließend wieder diesem zugeführt werden. Bei einem mehrspurigen Aufschneiden erfordert dies individuell einstellbare Portionierförderer für die einzelnen Spuren, da die Produkte auf den einzelnen Spuren im Normalfall nicht exakt gleichzeitig zur Neige gehen. Das Bereitstellen von individuell steuerbaren Portionierförderern ist jedoch aufwendig und kostspielig, da solche Portionierförderer üblicherweise Zusatzfunktionen aufweisen müssen. Z.B. sind Portionierförderer zur Seite schwenkbar oder nach unten absenkbar zu gestalten.The separated product slices are usually assembled into portions - for example, in a stacked or shingled form - and then fed to further processing devices such as a packaging machine. Since the portions must have a predetermined weight and / or a predetermined number of slices, it may be that at the end of a product only an incomplete portion portion can be cut. Since the further processing of incomplete portions is to be avoided, but on the other hand discarding of product slices is undesirable, particularly in the case of high-quality products, there is a need to complete incomplete partial portions. In principle, this can be done by completing incomplete partial portions at the end of the product after the provision of a new product by product slices of this subsequent product. However, there is the problem that when a product change first an unusable end of the already cut open product and then also a non-usable portion of the new product must be removed. The incomplete partial portion must therefore, for example, on a portioning conveyor, initially conveyed away from the scope of the cutting blade and then fed back to this. In multi-lane cutting, this requires individually adjustable portioning conveyors for the individual lanes, since the products on the individual lanes normally do not run out of time exactly at the same time. The provision of individually controllable Portionierförderern is however complicated and expensive, since such Portionierförderer usually have to have additional functions. For example, portioning conveyors can be swiveled to the side or lowered downwards.
Mit der Erfindung ist es möglich, bei einem mehrspurigen Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten ein einfaches Komplettieren von unvollständigen Teilportionen zu realisieren.With the invention, it is possible to realize a simple completion of incomplete partial portions in a multi-lane slicing of food products.
Es kann jeweils das Zuführen des Produkts in einer Spur unterbrochen werden, falls der verbliebene Produktrest in dieser Spur nicht mehr zum Bilden einer vollständigen Portion ausreicht und in wenigstens einer der anderen Spuren der verbliebene Produktrest noch zum Bilden mindestens einer vollständigen Portion ausreicht. Die Produktreste werden in unvollständige Teilportionen aufgeschnitten, nachdem die Produktreste aller Spuren ein Maß erreicht haben, welches zum Bilden einer vollständigen Portion nicht mehr ausreicht, und die unvollständigen Teilportionen werden durch Produktscheiben nachfolgender Produkte komplettiert.In each case, the feeding of the product in one lane can be interrupted if the remaining product residue in this lane is no longer sufficient to form a complete portion and in at least one of the other lanes the remaining product residue is still sufficient to form at least one complete portion. The product remains are cut into incomplete portions, after the product remains of all traces have reached a level which is insufficient to form a full portion, and the incomplete portions are completed by product slices of subsequent products.
Auf jeder Spur wird also so lange aufgeschnitten, wie es möglich ist, vollständige Portionen zu erzeugen. Sobald dies auf einer Spur nicht mehr möglich ist, wird das Aufschneiden auf dieser Spur unterbrochen und es wird gewartet, bis die anderen Spuren ebenfalls keine vollständigen Portionen mehr erzeugen können. Das Aufschneiden der - unvollständige Teilportionen ergebenden - Produktreste findet dann vorzugsweise in einem allen Spuren gemeinsamem Produktrest-Aufbrauchprozess statt. Dies hat den Vorteil, dass die unvollständigen Teilportionen aller Spuren gemeinsam aus dem Wirkungsbereich des Schneidmessers weggefördert werden können, um für den Anschnitt und dessen Entfernung Platz zu schaffen. Nach Beendigung der Produktwechsel- bzw. Anschnittphase können die unvollständigen Teilportionen aller Spuren wieder gemeinsam zurückbefördert werden, um so durch Produktscheiben der neu aufzuschneidenden nachfolgenden Produkte komplettiert zu werden. Ein individuell gesteuertes Fördern der unvollständigen Teilportionen ist nicht erforderlich. Das Vorsehen von individuell steuerbaren Produktzuführungen für die einzelnen Spuren ist mit geringerem Aufwand möglich als die Bereitstellung individuell steuerbarer Portionierförderer.Each track will be cut as long as it is possible to create full portions. Once this is no longer possible on a track, the slicing on that track is interrupted and it it waits until the other tracks can no longer produce full portions. The slicing of the product residues resulting in incomplete partial portions then preferably takes place in a product residue exhaustion process common to all the slices. This has the advantage that the incomplete partial portions of all tracks can be conveyed away together from the effective range of the cutting blade in order to make room for the gate and its removal. After completion of the product change or bleed phase, the incomplete partial portions of all tracks can be transported back together, so as to be completed by slices of product to be rearranged subsequent products. An individually controlled conveying the incomplete partial portions is not required. The provision of individually controllable product feeds for the individual tracks is possible with less effort than the provision of individually controllable portioning conveyors.
Vorzugsweise werden die Teilportionen nur gemeinsam in und entgegen einer Förderrichtung bewegt, wobei insbesondere eine quer zur Förderrichtung ungeteilte Fördereinheit verwendet wird. Dies erspart den Aufwand zum Bereitstellen mehrerer Fördereinheiten oder Förderuntereinheiten.Preferably, the partial portions are only moved together in and against a conveying direction, in particular a conveying unit undivided transversely to the conveying direction is used. This saves the effort to provide multiple conveyor units or conveyor sub-units.
Gemäß einer Ausgestaltung wird beim Unterbrechen des Zuführens das Produkt in eine gegenüber der Schneidebene zurückgezogene Leerschnittstellung bewegt. Auf diese Weise kann eine unerwünschte Schnitzelbildung während des Unterbrechens der Produktzuführung verhindert werden.According to one embodiment, when the supply is interrupted, the product is moved into a blank-cut position which is withdrawn relative to the cutting plane. In this way, unwanted chips formation during the interruption of the product supply can be prevented.
Das Aufschneiden der Produktreste in den einzelnen Spuren kann derart koordiniert werden, dass es in allen Spuren gleichzeitig endet. Mit anderen Worten kann die jeweils letzte verwertbare Produktscheibe am Produktende auf allen Spuren gleichzeitig geschnitten werden. Die Hinterkanten der unvollständigen Teilportionen sind dann bündig ausgerichtet. Das Komplettieren kann somit auf allen Spuren gleichzeitig beginnen.The slicing of the product residues in the individual tracks can be coordinated in such a way that it ends at the same time in all tracks. With others In other words, the last usable product slice at the end of the product can be cut simultaneously on all lanes. The trailing edges of the incomplete partial portions are then aligned flush. The completing can thus begin on all tracks at the same time.
Weiterhin kann die zeitliche Abfolge des Aufschneidens der Produktreste in den einzelnen Spuren anhand der Größe der jeweiligen Produktreste koordiniert werden, wobei insbesondere beim Aufschneiden der Produktreste mit dem größten verbliebenen Produktrest begonnen wird. Die Größe der jeweiligen Produktreste kann durch geeignete Sensoren erfasst werden. In der Praxis werden wichtige Kenngrößen des Produkts, wie Länge, Dicke, Querschnittsform oder Gewicht, prinzipiell vor jedem Aufschneidevorgang erfasst und gespeichert. Diese Daten können in vorteilhafter Weise dazu genutzt werden, die Größe der jeweiligen Produktreste zu ermitteln. Dadurch dass beim Aufschneiden der Produktreste mit dem größten verbliebenen Produktrest begonnen wird, kann ein gleichzeitiges Beenden des Produktrest-Aufbrauchprozesses erreicht werden.Furthermore, the time sequence of the slicing of the product residues in the individual tracks can be coordinated on the basis of the size of the respective product residues, in particular when the product residues having the largest remaining product residue are cut open. The size of the respective product residues can be detected by suitable sensors. In practice, important characteristics of the product, such as length, thickness, cross-sectional shape or weight, are in principle recorded and stored before each slicing process. These data can be used advantageously to determine the size of the respective product residues. By starting the product remains with the largest residual product remaining, a simultaneous termination of the product residue exhaustion process can be achieved.
Gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung wird mit dem Komplettieren der Teilportionen in allen Spuren gleichzeitig begonnen. Dies erleichtert das Koordinieren des Komplettiervorgangs.According to a further embodiment, the completion of the partial portions in all tracks is started simultaneously. This facilitates the coordination of the completion process.
Gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform werden die Portionen in den Spuren nach der Komplettierung relativ zueinander in Bezug auf eine Förderrichtung ausgerichtet, vorzugsweise derart, dass auf die Förderrichtung bezogen die Vorderkanten der komplettierten Portionen in allen Spuren auf gleicher Höhe liegen. Das Ausrichten kann beispielsweise mittels spurbezogen individuell steuerbarer Bandförderer - so genannter Portionsstoppbänder - erreicht werden. Auf diese Weise können die komplettierten Portionen so ausgerichtet werden, wie es den regulär aufgeschnittenen vollständigen Portionen entspricht. Das heißt es kann insbesondere der Versatz ausgeglichen werden, der sich durch das gleichzeitig endende Aufschneiden der Produktreste in den einzelnen Spuren und dem dadurch bedingten versetzt endenden Komplettieren der Produktreste in den einzelnen Spuren ergibt. Da das Ausrichten nach dem Komplettiervorgang an beliebiger Stelle der Förderstrecke erfolgen kann, ist es mit wesentlich geringerem Aufwand verbunden, als wenn ein Portionierförderer mit individuell ansteuerbaren Spuren vorzusehen wäre.According to a further embodiment, the portions in the tracks after the completion are aligned relative to each other with respect to a conveying direction, preferably such that in relation to the conveying direction, the leading edges of the completed portions in all tracks are at the same height. The alignment can be achieved, for example, by means of track-specific, individually controllable belt conveyors - so-called portion-stop belts. In this way, the completed portions can be aligned as the regular cut complete portions. That is, in particular, the offset can be compensated, which results from the simultaneous termination of the product residues in the individual tracks and the resulting offset completion of the product residues in the individual tracks. Since the alignment can be done after the completion process at any point of the conveyor line, it is associated with much less effort than if a Portionierförderer would provide with individually controllable tracks.
Gemäß einer alternativen Ausführungsform wird mit dem Aufschneiden der Produktreste in allen Spuren gleichzeitig begonnen. Bei dieser Ausführungsform sind die Vorderkanten der unvollständigen Teilportionen bündig ausgerichtet.According to an alternative embodiment, the slicing of the product residues in all traces is started simultaneously. In this embodiment, the leading edges of the incomplete partial portions are aligned flush.
Beim Komplettieren der Teilportionen kann mit derjenigen Teilportion begonnen werden, welche die höchste Anzahl an zum Komplettieren erforderlichen Scheiben aufweist. Die weiteren Spuren können dann im Verlauf des Komplettierprozesses je nach Länge des Produktrests später einsteigen.When completing the partial portions, it is possible to start with that partial portion which has the highest number of slices required for completing. The further traces may then later in the course of the completion process, depending on the length of the product residue later.
Das Komplettieren der Teilportionen in den einzelnen Spuren kann insbesondere derart koordiniert werden, dass den Teilportionen aller Spuren die letzte zum Komplettieren erforderliche Scheibe gleichzeitig hinzugefügt wird. Bei einer derartigen Ausgestaltung ist ein nachfolgendes Ausrichten der komplettierten Portionen relativ zueinander nicht erforderlich, da die Hinterkanten der komplettierten Portionen und somit auch - bei gleicher Scheibenzahl - deren Vorderkanten von vornherein bündig ausgerichtet sind.In particular, the completion of the partial portions in the individual tracks can be coordinated in such a way that the partial portions of all tracks are added at the same time to the last slice required for completion. In such an embodiment, a subsequent alignment of the completed portions relative to each other is not required because the trailing edges of the completed portions and thus - with the same number of discs - whose leading edges are aligned flush from the outset.
Die Komplettierung der Teilportionen kann nach einer gemeinsamen Zwischenpositionierung in einem Wartebereich und einer gemeinsamen Rückführung in einen Portionierbereich erfolgen, wobei insbesondere zunächst entweder die Hinterkanten aller Teilportionen gleichzeitig in eine Komplettierungsposition zurückgeführt werden oder nur die Hinterkante einer ersten Teilportion in eine Komplettierungsposition zurückgeführt und die Hinterkanten der anderen Teilportionen über die Komplettierungsposition hinaus zurückgeführt werden. Während sich die Teilportionen in dem Wartebereich befinden, kann in dem Portionierbereich ungehindert das Abtransportieren der Produktendstücke und/oder das Aufschneiden und Wegschaffen des Anschnitts durchgeführt werden. Sofern nur die Hinterkante einer ersten Teilportion in eine Komplettierungsposition zurückgeführt und die Hinterkanten der anderen Teilportionen über die Komplettierungsposition hinaus zurückgeführt werden, ist darauf zu achten, dass der Raum zum Zurückführen ausreicht, d.h. dass keine Produktscheiben von dem Portionierförderer herabfallen. Eine derartige Ausgestaltung eignet sich daher insbesondere bei bündig gestapelten oder in geringem Ausmaß geschindelten Portionen.The completion of the partial portions can be carried out after a common intermediate positioning in a waiting area and a common return to a Portionierbereich, in particular initially either the trailing edges of all subportions are simultaneously returned to a completion position or returned only the trailing edge of a first partial portion in a completion position and the trailing edges of the other partial portions beyond the completion position. While the partial portions are in the waiting area, the removal of the product end pieces and / or the cutting and removal of the cut can be carried out unhindered in the portioning region. If only the trailing edge of a first partial portion is returned to a completion position and the trailing edges of the other partial portions are returned beyond the completion position, care should be taken that the space is sufficient for returning, i. that no product slices fall off the portioning conveyor. Such a configuration is therefore particularly suitable for flush-stacked or shingled portions to a small extent.
Bei der Vorrichtung, insbesondere einem Hochleistungsslicer, zum gleichzeitigen Aufschneiden mehrerer Lebensmittelprodukte in jeweils mehrere Produktscheiben umfassende Portionen kann die Produktzuführung derart ausgebildet sein, dass die Zuführbewegung für jede Spur unabhängig von den anderen Spuren unterbrochen und wieder aufgenommen werden kann, wobei eine dem Schneidmesser nachgeordnete, zumindest einem Teil der Spuren zugeordnete Übergabeeinheit vorgesehen ist, mit der vollständige Portionen an nachgeschaltete Einrichtungen übergebbar und jeweils nach Aufschneiden eines Produkts vorhandene unvollständige Teilportionen durch Produktscheiben eines nachfolgenden Produkts komplettierbar sind, und wobei eine Steuereinrichtung vorgesehen ist, die dazu ausgebildet ist,
- das Zuführen des Produkts in einer Spur zu unterbrechen, falls der verbliebene Produktrest in dieser Spur nicht mehr zum Bilden einer vollständigen Portion ausreicht und in wenigstens einer der anderen Spuren der verbliebene Produktrest noch zum Bilden mindestens einer vollständigen Portion ausreicht, und
- die Produktreste zum Aufschneiden dem Schneidmesser zuzuführen, nachdem die Produktreste aller Spuren ein Maß erreicht haben, welches zum Bilden einer vollständigen Portion nicht mehr ausreicht.
- stopping the feeding of the product in a lane if the remaining product residue in that lane is no longer sufficient to form a complete portion and in at least one of the other lanes the remaining product residue is still sufficient to form at least one complete portion;
- To feed the product residues for cutting the cutting blade after the product remains of all traces have reached a level that is no longer sufficient to form a complete portion.
Dadurch, dass die Zuführbewegung für jede Spur unabhängig von den anderen Spuren unterbrochen und wieder aufgenommen werden kann, kann ein aufwendiger individuell steuerbarer Portionierförderer eingespart werden.Due to the fact that the feed movement for each track can be interrupted and resumed independently of the other tracks, a complex, individually controllable portioning conveyor can be saved.
Die Steuereinrichtung kann insbesondere dazu ausgebildet sein, zum Komplettieren der Teilportionen den Betrieb der Produktzuführung und den Betrieb der Übergabeeinheit zu koordinieren, insbesondere derart, dass das Aufschneiden der Produktreste in allen Spuren gleichzeitig endet und mit dem Komplettieren der Teilportionen in allen Spuren gleichzeitig begonnen wird, oder dass mit dem Aufschneiden der Produktreste in allen Spuren gleichzeitig begonnen wird und beim Komplettieren der Teilportionen mit derjenigen Teilportion begonnen wird, welche die höchste Anzahl an zum Komplettieren erforderlichen Scheiben aufweist.The control device can in particular be designed to coordinate the operation of the product feed and the operation of the transfer unit for completing the partial portions, in particular in such a way that the cutting of the product remains in all the tracks ends simultaneously and the completion of the partial portions in all the tracks is started simultaneously, or that the slicing of the product remainders in all the tracks is started simultaneously and the completion of the partial servings is started with the partial portion having the highest number of slices required for completing.
Die Fördereinrichtungen können dabei jeweils einen eigenen Antrieb aufweisen. Alternativ können die Fördereinrichtungen einen gemeinsamen Antrieb aufweisen, wobei für jede Spur eine einstellbare Einrichtung zum individuellen Anpassen der Fördergeschwindigkeit vorgesehen ist.The conveyors can each have their own drive. Alternatively, the conveyors may have a common drive, wherein an adjustable device for individually adjusting the conveying speed is provided for each track.
Bevorzugt umfasst die Übergabeeinheit zum ausschließlichen gemeinsamen Bewegen der Teilportionen in und entgegen einer Förderrichtung zumindest eine quer zur Förderrichtung ungeteilte Fördereinheit. Hierdurch können die Herstellungskosten der Vorrichtung gegenüber einer Anordnung mit individuell förderbaren Teilportionen gesenkt werden.For transferring the partial portions in and against a conveying direction, the transfer unit preferably comprises at least one conveying unit undivided transversely to the conveying direction. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the device can be reduced compared to an arrangement with individually eligible partial portions.
Weiterhin kann die Übergabeeinheit wenigstens zwei in einer Förderrichtung aufeinander folgende Fördereinheiten umfassen, wobei die Komplettierung der an einer ersten Fördereinheit entstandenen Teilportionen nach Zwischenpositionierung der Teilportionen an einer zweiten Fördereinheit und Rückführung der Teilportionen an die erste Fördereinheit durchführbar ist.Furthermore, the transfer unit can comprise at least two conveyor units following one another in a conveying direction, wherein the completion of the partial portions formed on a first conveyor unit can be carried out after intermediate positioning of the partial portions on a second conveyor unit and return of the partial portions to the first conveyor unit.
Die Fördereinheiten können jeweils einen Bandförderer, insbesondere einen Endlosbandförderer, umfassen, der sowohl in als auch entgegen der Förderrichtung betreibbar ist.The conveyor units may each comprise a belt conveyor, in particular an endless belt conveyor, which is operable both in and against the conveying direction.
Weiterhin kann die Übergabeeinheit einen Ausrichtförderer umfassen, mit dem Portionen in den Spuren nach der Komplettierung relativ zueinander in Bezug auf eine Förderrichtung ausrichtbar sind, vorzugsweise derart, dass auf die Förderrichtung bezogen die Vorderkanten der komplettierten Portionen in allen Spuren auf gleicher Höhe liegen.Furthermore, the transfer unit may comprise a Ausrichtförderer, with the portions in the tracks after the completion relative to each other with respect to a conveying direction are aligned, preferably such that relative to the conveying direction, the leading edges of the completed portions in all tracks are at the same height.
Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden beispielhaft unter Bezugnahme auf die Zeichnung beschrieben. Es zeigen:
- Fig. 1
- schematisch eine Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Aufschneidevorrichtung mit einer Produktzuführung gemäß einer Ausführungsform,
- Fig. 2
- eine Ansicht entsprechend
Fig. 1 mit einer Produktzuführung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform, - Fig. 3
- schematisch eine erfindungsgemäße Produktionslinie,
- Fig. 4
- schematisch eine Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Aufschneidevorrichtung,
- Fig. 5
- schematisch eine Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäß betreibbaren Fördervorrichtung,
- Fig. 6
- schematisch eine Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Aufschneidevorrichtung,
- Fig. 7
- schematisch eine perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Übergabeeinheit,
- Fig. 8
- schematisch den Ablauf einer mit der Erfindung möglichen Portionskomplettierung,
- Fig. 9 bis 16
- vereinfachte Draufsichten auf eine Vorrichtung zum Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung, und
- Fig. 17
bis 23 - vereinfachte Draufsichten auf eine Vorrichtung zum Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung.
- Fig. 1
- 1 is a schematic plan view of a slicing device according to the invention with a product feed according to an embodiment,
- Fig. 2
- a view accordingly
Fig. 1 with a product feeder according to a further embodiment, - Fig. 3
- schematically a production line according to the invention,
- Fig. 4
- 1 is a schematic plan view of a slicing device according to the invention;
- Fig. 5
- 1 is a schematic side view of a conveying device which can be operated according to the invention,
- Fig. 6
- 1 is a schematic plan view of a slicing device according to the invention;
- Fig. 7
- schematically a perspective view of a transfer unit according to the invention,
- Fig. 8
- schematically the course of a possible with the invention Portionskomplettierung,
- Fig. 9 to 16
- simplified plan views of a device for slicing food products according to another embodiment of the invention, and
- Fig. 17 to 23
- simplified plan views of a device for slicing food products according to another embodiment of the invention.
Die
Eine Produktzuführung 15 dient jeweils dazu, die Produkte 11 dem Schneidmesser bzw. der Schneidebene 13 individuell zuzuführen.A
In dem Ausführungsbeispiel der
Für die einzelnen Fördereinrichtungen 17 ist ein gemeinsamer Antrieb 23 vorgesehen, der einen Träger 25 für die Fördereinrichtungen 17 längs einer parallel zur Förderrichtung F verlaufenden Führung 27 bewegen kann, und zwar sowohl in Förderrichtung F als auch entgegen der Förderrichtung F, wie es durch den Doppelpfeil angedeutet ist.For the
Wenn der gemeinsame Träger 25 mittels des gemeinsamen Antriebs 23 in Richtung der Schneidebene 13 bewegt wird, werden dabei alle Produkthalter 17 und somit alle Produkte 11 zwangsweise mitgenommen. Zum Aufschneiden der nächsten Produkte werden die Produkthalter 17 wieder in die Ausgangsstellung zurückbewegt. Während des Aufschneidens gibt folglich der gemeinsame Antrieb 23 eine gemeinsame Vorschubgeschwindigkeit für die Produkte 11 vor, die aber für jedes Produkt 11 individuell verändert werden kann, indem während des Aufschneidens die Produkthalter 17 unabhängig voneinander relativ zum Träger 25 bewegt werden, wie es durch die Doppelpfeile an den Produkthaltern 17 angedeutet ist.When the
Für jedes Produkt 11 kann hierdurch eine Feinabstimmung oder Korrektur der durch den gemeinsamen Antrieb 23 bestimmten gemeinsamen Vorschubgeschwindigkeit erfolgen, um auf diese Weise beispielsweise individuelle Schwankungen des Produktquerschnitts und/oder der Produktdichte über die Produktlänge so auszugleichen, dass die von den Produkten 11 abgetrennten Produktscheiben bzw. daraus gebildete Portionen jeweils ein gewünschtes Gewicht aufweisen. Die beschriebene Ausgestaltung der Produktzuführung 15 ermöglicht es also, über die Produkte 11 gewonnene Informationen, insbesondere Informationen über das Produktinnere, im Sinne einer individuellen Produktzufuhr zu berücksichtigen.For each
Um Informationen über das Produktinnere zu gewinnen, ist ein gemeinsamer Produktscanner 19 vorgesehen, der sich quer zur Förderrichtung F über alle Spuren hinweg erstreckt. Bei dem Produktscanner 19 handelt es sich insbesondere um eine Röntgenstrahleinrichtung, die dazu dient, Informationen über das Innere der Produkte 11 zu gewinnen, während diese in Förderrichtung F am Produktscanner 19 vorbei bzw. unter dem Produktscanner 19 hindurch bewegt werden. Hierbei definiert der Produktscanner 19 eine senkrecht zur Förderrichtung F verlaufende Abtastebene, durch welche die Produkte 11 während des Scanvorgangs hindurchbewegt werden. Abtastebene für Abtastebene werden hierbei Informationen über das Produktinnere ermittelt, um auf diese Weise insbesondere die Dichteverteilung der einzelnen Produkte 11 in Förderrichtung F zu bestimmen.In order to obtain information about the product interior, a
Durch die schraffierten Bereiche am gemeinsamen Produktscanner 19 ist angedeutet, dass in einer alternativen Ausgestaltung für jede Spur ein separater Produktscanner 19 angeordnet sein kann.The hatched areas on the
Die Aufschneidevorrichtung umfasst eine Steuereinheit 21, die mit dem Schneidmesser bzw. dem Antrieb für das Schneidmesser bzw. einem das Schneidmesser umfassenden Messer- oder Schneidkopf verbunden ist. Außerdem ist die Steuereinheit 21 mit der Produktzuführung 15 sowie dem Produktscanner 19 verbunden. Auf diese Weise kann die Steuereinheit 21, die Bestandteil einer übergeordneten zentralen Steuereinrichtung sein kann, die individuelle Produktzufuhr unter Berücksichtigung der mittels des Produktscanners 19 gewonnenen Informationen über das Innere der Produkte 11 besorgen.The slicing device comprises a
Bevorzugt werden bei der individuellen Produktzufuhr außerdem Informationen über die Produktkontur berücksichtigt, also das Querschnittsprofil der Produkte 11 längs der Förderrichtung F, wie es grundsätzlich bekannt ist. Hierzu kann ein separater Produktscanner vorgesehen sein, der die Außenkonturen der Produkte 11 abtastet. Alternativ kann eine solche Abtasteinrichtung in den Produktscanner 19 integriert sein.In addition, information about the product contour, ie the cross-sectional profile of the
In dem Ausführungsbeispiel der
Derartige Leerschnitte sind auch bei dem Konzept der Produktzuführung 15 im Ausführungsbeispiel der
Ansonsten entspricht das Ausführungsbeispiel der
Der Slicer 115 ist dazu in der Lage, mehrere Lebensmittelprodukte 111 - hier drei Produkte - gleichzeitig aufzuschneiden, wobei für jedes Produkt 111 eine Spur vorgesehen ist. Für jede Spur erzeugt der Slicer während des Aufschneidens der Produkte 111 Portionen 113. Gemäß der hier verwendeten Terminologie kann eine Portion eine oder mehrere abgetrennte Produktscheiben umfassen, d.h. auch eine einzige abgetrennte Produktscheibe soll im Rahmen der Erfindung eine Portion darstellen.The
Die dem Slicer 115 nachgeordnete Fördervorrichtung 129 sorgt dafür, dass aus den in den einzelnen Spuren einlaufenden Portionen 113 Gesamtportionen 119 gebildet werden, die anschließend der Verpackungsmaschine 121 zugeführt und dort verpackt werden. Jede Gesamtportion 119 enthält somit aus jeder der Spuren eine Portion 113.The downstream of the
Wenn mittels des Slicers 115 Lebensmittelprodukte 111 unterschiedlicher Sorte aufgeschnitten werden, enthält somit jede Gesamtportion 119 mehrere Scheibensorten, d.h. die Produktionslinie erzeugt "Mischpackungen", wie sie eingangs bereits erwähnt wurden.Thus, if
Wie in
Der Schneidebene 117 des Slicers 115, in der sich wenigstens ein hier nicht dargestelltes Schneidmesser bewegt, können die drei Produkte 111 individuell zugeführt werden. In dem hier dargestellten Beispiel ist für jede Spur und damit für jedes aufzuschneidende Produkt 111 eine Fördereinrichtung 127 vorgesehen, die am hinteren Produktende angreift und das Produkt 111 in Pfeilrichtung der Schneidebene 117 zuführt. Die individuelle Produktzufuhr bedeutet, dass in jeder Spur und somit für jedes Produkt 111 die Zufuhrgeschwindigkeit individuell eingestellt und variiert werden kann.The cutting
Insbesondere ist es in jeder Spur möglich, die Produktzufuhr vorübergehend zu unterbrechen, d.h. die jeweilige Fördereinrichtung 127 anzuhalten, um bezogen auf das betreffende Produkt so genannte Leerschnitte durchzuführen, d.h. um zu erreichen, dass vorübergehend von dem betreffenden Produkt 111 keine Scheiben abgetrennt werden, wie es im Einleitungsteil bereits erwähnt wurde.In particular, it is possible in each track to temporarily interrupt the product supply, i. to stop the
Hierdurch ist es aufgrund der individuellen Produktzufuhr nicht nur möglich, spurindividuell z.B. Gewicht und/oder Dicke der die jeweilige Portion 113 bildenden Produktscheiben oder das Portionsgewicht beliebig vorzugeben, sondern es ist auch möglich, in den einzelnen Spuren die Anzahl der jeweils die Portionen 113 bildenden Produktscheiben für jede Spur individuell zu wählen.As a result, it is not only possible due to the individual product supply, track individual, e.g. Weight and / or thickness of the
Letzteres ist in
Die jeweils in den Spuren nebeneinander liegenden drei Portionen 113 werden durch nachgeschaltete Prozesse zu einer Gesamtportion 119 zusammengeführt, wie es in
In
Die in
Der in einer Förderrichtung F1 erfolgende Transport der Einzelportionen 113, der Gesamtportionen 119 sowie von Verpackungen 123, auf die nachstehend näher eingegangen wird, wird in dem hier dargestellten Beispiel durch Förderer 131 besorgt, die als Endlosbandfördereinrichtungen ausgebildet sind.The transportation of the
Eine obere Portion 113 liegt bereits auf einer beispielsweise aus Papier bestehenden Trennlage 125. Das Auflegen der oberen Portionen 113 auf die Trennlagen 125 erfolgt an einer vorgeordneten, nicht dargestellten Stelle. Mittels eines nach unten geneigten, in Richtung eines mittleren Förderbandes 131 weisenden Förderbandes 131 gelangen die jeweils auf der Trennlage 125 liegenden oberen Portionen 113 auf eine untere Portion 113, wodurch eine Gesamtportion 119 entsteht, die wiederum mittels eines nach unten geneigten Förderbandes 133 in über ein unteres Förderband 131 herantransportierte Verpackungen 123 eingelegt werden.An
Das die Verpackungen 123 herantransportierende Förderband 131 kann als Bestandteil der ansonsten hier nicht dargestellten Verpackungsmaschine angesehen werden, in der die mit den Gesamtportionen 119 versehenen Verpackungen 123 fertig gestellt, insbesondere verschlossen werden.The
Die obere Portion 113 und die untere Portion 113 stammen von verschiedenen Spuren einer Aufschneidevorrichtung, wie sie vorstehend am Beispiel der
Ferner können sich die obere Portion 113 und die untere Portion 113 voneinander hinsichtlich ihres Gesamtgewichts, hinsichtlich des Gewichts ihrer Scheiben oder hinsichtlich der Dicke ihrer Scheiben voneinander unterscheiden. Diese Parameter lassen sich durch eine entsprechende Ansteuerung der Produktzufuhr des Slicers 115 in grundsätzlich beliebiger Art und Weise einstellen, wie es vorstehend beschrieben wurde.Further, the
Gemäß
Die Produkte können jeweils an ihrem hinteren Ende von der betreffenden, hier als Produktgreifer ausgebildeten Fördereinrichtung 219 ergriffen werden. Wenn der gemeinsame Träger 237 mittels des gemeinsamen Antriebs 233 in Richtung einer Schneidebene 215 bewegt wird, werden dabei alle Produktgreifer 219 und somit alle Produkte zwangsweise mitgenommen. Zum Aufschneiden der nächsten Produkte werden die Produktgreifer 219 wieder in die Ausgangsstellung zurückbewegt. Während des Aufschneidens gibt folglich der gemeinsame Antrieb 233 eine gemeinsame Vorschubgeschwindigkeit für die Produkte vor, die aber für jedes Produkt individuell korrigiert werden kann, indem während des Aufschneidens die Produktgreifer 219 unabhängig voneinander relativ zum Träger 237 bewegt werden, wie es durch die Doppelpfeile an den Produktgreifern 219 angedeutet ist.The products can each be grasped at their rear end by the
Für jedes Produkt kann hierdurch eine Feinabstimmung oder Korrektur der durch den gemeinsamen Antrieb 233 bestimmten gemeinsamen Vorschubgeschwindigkeit erfolgen, um auf diese Weise beispielsweise individuelle Schwankungen des Produktquerschnitts bzw. der Produktdichte über die Produktlänge so auszugleichen, dass die von den Produkten abgetrennten Produktscheiben bzw. daraus gebildete Portionen jeweils ein gewünschtes Gewicht aufweisen.For each product, a fine-tuning or correction of the common feed rate determined by the
Alternativ kann die Produktzuführung 221 derart ausgebildet sein, dass für jedes Produkt eine separate Zuführung vorhanden ist, wobei die Produktzuführungen vollkommen unabhängig voneinander betrieben werden können.Alternatively, the
In dem dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel können gleichzeitig zwei Produkte aufgeschnitten werden, d.h. die Aufschneidevorrichtung ist hier zweispurig ausgebildet. Die Anzahl der Spuren ist aber grundsätzlich beliebig.In the illustrated embodiment, two products can be cut simultaneously, ie the slicing device is here designed in two lanes. The number of tracks is basically arbitrary.
In der Schneidebene 215 bewegt sich wenigstens ein nicht dargestelltes Schneidmesser, bei dem es sich beispielsweise um ein um eine Messerachse rotierendes Sichelmesser oder um ein Kreismesser handelt, das um eine Messerachse rotiert und zusätzlich um eine Mittelachse planetarisch umläuft.In the cutting
Der Schneidebene 215 in Förderrichtung F2 nachgeordnet ist eine Übergabeeinheit 223, die für jede Spur eine als Portionierband ausgebildete erste Fördereinheit 225 sowie eine als Steuerband ausgebildete zweite Fördereinheit 227 umfasst. Außerdem ist ein den beiden Steuerbändern 227 nachgeordnetes, beiden Spuren gemeinsam zugeordnetes weiteres Steuerband 228 vorgesehen.Downstream of the cutting
Wie durch die Doppelpfeile angedeutet, sind die Portionierbänder 225 und die Steuerbänder 227 sowohl in Förderrichtung F2 als auch in die entgegengesetzte Richtung antreibbar, d.h. auf diesen Bänder liegende Scheiben, Portionen oder Teilportionen können in Abhängigkeit von Steuersignalen oder -befehlen einer hier nicht dargestellten Steuereinrichtung sowohl in Förderrichtung F2 als auch entgegen der Förderrichtung F2 transportiert werden.As indicated by the double arrows, the portioning
Erfindungsgemäß ist die Übergabeeinheit 223 folglich bezüglich der beiden Spuren derart separiert ausgebildet, dass die beiden Portionierbänder 225 und die beiden Steuerbänder 227 jeweils unabhängig voneinander betrieben werden können.According to the invention, the
Wie der Darstellung der
Sowohl das Absenken und Anheben als auch das Verschwenken jedes Portionierbandes 225 kann unabhängig von dem jeweils anderen Portionierband 225 erfolgen, d.h. auch diesbezüglich kann eine Separierung der beiden Spuren gegeben sein.Both the lowering and lifting as well as the pivoting of each portioning
Zur Veranschaulichung ist in
Für die im Einleitungsteil bereits erläuterte Portionskomplettierung kann eine unvollständige Portion vorübergehend "geparkt" werden, indem die unvollständige Portion von dem Portionierband 225 an das erste Steuerband 227 übergeben wird. Das dadurch freie Portionierband 225 steht dann zur Aufnahme von bei den Trimmschnitten am nachfolgenden Produkt entstehenden unbrauchbaren Produktstücken zur Verfügung. Diese können beispielsweise durch Abklappen nach unten und Betreiben des Portionierbands 225 entgegen der Förderrichtung F2 entsorgt werden. Das nunmehr wiederum freie Portionierband 225 kann dann wieder die auf dem ersten Steuerband 227 parkende unvollständige Portion aufnehmen, indem diese durch Betreiben der beiden Bänder 225, 227 entgegen der Förderrichtung F2 auf das Portionierband 225 zurückgeführt wird.For the portion completion already explained in the introductory part, an incomplete portion can be temporarily "parked" by transferring the incomplete portion from the portioning
Wie bereits erwähnt, können derartige Portionskomplettierungen in den einzelnen Spuren vollkommen unabhängig voneinander erfolgen. Alternativ kann eine Vorgehensweise gewählt werden, wie sie nachstehend anhand von
In den
In
Da das eine Produkt 211 eine kürzere Restlänge aufweist als das andere Produkt 211, ist der Aufschneidevorgang in der einen Spur beendet, während in der anderen Spur das Aufschneiden des Produkts 211 noch andauert. Dies ist in
Auf dem Portionierband 225 der Spur mit dem Produkt kürzerer Restlänge ist folglich eine unvollständige Teilportion 217 entstanden, die lediglich drei Produktscheiben umfasst. Die Teilportion 217 wird in diesem Beispiel vorerst nicht auf das nachgeordnete Steuerband 227 transportiert, sondern verbleibt auf dem Portionierband 225, das folglich vorübergehend angehalten bleibt. Die zuvor auf dem ersten Steuerband 227 befindliche vollständige Portion ist bereits auf das weitere Steuerband 228 transportiert worden.On the portioning
In dem hier erläuterten Ausführungsbeispiel ist vorgesehen, dass die Komplettierung dieser beiden Teilportionen 217 gleichzeitig beginnt. Hierzu werden gemäß
Daraufhin erfolgt die Rückführung der zwischengeparkten Teilportionen 217, indem gemäß
Somit ist es nicht erforderlich, Teilportionen von Hand zu komplettieren. Außerdem werden Produktverluste minimiert, da Teilportionen nicht entsorgt werden müssen.Thus, it is not necessary to complete partial portions by hand. In addition, product losses are minimized because partial portions do not need to be disposed of.
Gemäß
Bei dem in
Sobald nun beispielsweise auf der im Bild rechten Spur 313c das Produkt 315 zur Neige geht und der verbliebene Produktrest in dieser Spur nicht mehr zum Bilden einer vollständigen Portion 317 ausreicht, auf den anderen beiden Spuren 313a, 313b die verbliebenen Produktreste jedoch noch zum Bilden von vollständigen Portionen 317 ausreichen, wird das Zuführen des Produkts 315 auf der im Bild rechten Produktspur 313c durch entsprechendes Ansteuern der Produktzuführung unterbrochen und der Produktrest wird in eine zurückgezogene Leerschnittstellung überführt, wie dies in
Die Produktreste auf den Spuren 313a, 313b, 313c sind unterschiedlich lang, d.h. die jeweils zu erwartenden unvollständigen Teilportionen sind unterschiedlich groß. Die Größe des Produktrests ist dabei unabhängig von dem Zeitpunkt, ab welchem der verbliebene Produktrest nicht mehr zum Erstellen einer vollständigen Portion ausreicht. Aufgrund von Unterschieden in den Produkteigenschaften, z.B. einem unterschiedlichen Querschnittsverlauf, kann es also sein, dass der Produktrest auf derjenigen Spur, bei welcher zuerst der Leerschnittbetrieb veranlasst wurde, am längsten oder auch am kürzesten von allen Spuren ist.The product residues on the
In einem gemeinsamen Produktrest-Aufbrauchprozess werden nun die Produktreste auf allen Spuren 313a, 313b, 313c aufgeschnitten, wobei beim Aufschneiden der Produktreste gemäß
Die verbliebenen, nicht mehr verwertbaren Endstücke 329 werden von der Schneidebene S3 zurückgezogen und entfernt, beispielsweise durch eine in der Produktzuführung vorgesehene Klappe. Weiterhin werden die unvollständigen Teilportionen 327 gemeinsam von dem Portionierförderer 321 in Förderrichtung F3 auf den Steuerförderer 323 gefördert, wie dies in
Anschließend werden gemäß
Wie in
Ein alternatives Verfahren zum Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten in mehreren Spuren wird unter Bezugnahme auf die
Wie bei der ersten Ausführungsform wird das Zuführen des Produkts 317' beispielsweise in der rechten Spur 313c unterbrochen, falls der verbliebene Produktrest in dieser Spur nicht mehr zum Bilden einer vollständigen Portion 317' ausreicht und in den beiden anderen Spuren 313a, 313b der verbliebene Produktrest noch zum Bilden mindestens einer vollständigen Portion 317' ausreicht. Auf den beiden linken Produktspuren 313a, 313b werden dann weiterhin vollständige Portionen 317' aufgeschnitten, wohingegen das Produkt 315 auf der rechten Produktspur 313c in die Leerschnittstellung bewegt wird. Dieser Zustand ist in
Sobald beispielsweise auf der linken Produktspur 313a der Produktrest ebenfalls nicht mehr zum Bilden einer vollständigen Portion 317' ausreicht, wird auch das Produkt 315 auf dieser Produktspur 313a in die Leerschnittstellung bewegt.
Gemäß
Die anderen Produktspuren 313a, 313b steigen beim Komplettieren "fliegend" ein, je nachdem, wann die Hinterkante 340 der jeweiligen Teilportion 327' die Komplettierungsposition erreicht. Nach Abschluss dieses Verfahrens sind sowohl die Vorderkanten 330 als auch die Hinterkanten 340 der komplettierten Portionen 317' bündig ausgerichtet. Die komplettierten Portionen 317' können nun in gewohnter Weise übergeben werden und das Bilden von neuen vollständigen Portionen 317' gemäß dem in
Diese Alternative eignet sich ersichtlich auch für Portionen aus bündig gestapelten Scheiben. Inwieweit diese Alternative generell für geschindelte Portionen geeignet ist, hängt davon ab, um welches Maß es die konkrete Vorrichtung jeweils zulässt, Portionen mit ihren Hinterkanten über die Komplettierungsposition hinaus zurückzuführen, ohne dass Scheiben herunterfallen.This alternative is also suitable for portions of flush-stacked slices. The extent to which this alternative is generally suitable for shingled portions depends on the degree to which the particular device allows each to return portions with their trailing edges beyond the completion position without slices falling off.
Alle hier beschriebenen Ausführungsformen der Vorrichtungen sind insbesondere dazu ausgebildet, nach einem oder mehreren der hier beschriebenen Verfahren betrieben zu werden. Ferner können alle hier beschriebenen Ausführungsformen der Vorrichtungen sowie alle hier beschriebenen Ausführungsformen der Verfahren jeweils miteinander kombiniert werden.All of the embodiments of the devices described herein are particularly adapted to be operated according to one or more of the methods described herein. Furthermore, all embodiments of the devices described here as well as all embodiments of the methods described here can each be combined with each other.
- 1111
- Produktproduct
- 1313
- Schneidebenecutting plane
- 1515
- Produktzuführungproduct feed
- 1717
- Fördereinrichtung, ProdukthalterConveyor, product holder
- 1919
- Mittel zur Informationsgewinnung, Produktscanner, RöntgenstrahleinrichtungInformation retrieval device, product scanner, X-ray device
- 2121
- Steuereinheitcontrol unit
- 2323
- gemeinsamer Antriebcommon drive
- 2525
- Trägercarrier
- 2727
- Führungguide
- 2929
- Produktauflageproduct support
- FF
- Förderrichtungconveying direction
- 111111
- Produktproduct
- 113113
- Portionportion
- 115115
- Aufschneidevorrichtung, SlicerSlicer, Slicer
- 117117
- Schneidebenecutting plane
- 119119
- Gesamtportiontotal dose
- 121121
- nachgeschaltete Einrichtung, VerpackungsmaschineDownstream facility, packaging machine
- 123123
- Verpackungpackaging
- 125125
- Trennlageseparating layer
- 127127
- FördereinrichtungConveyor
- 129129
- Fördervorrichtungconveyor
- 131131
- Fördererpromoter
- F1F1
- Förderrichtungconveying direction
- 211211
- Produktproduct
- 213213
- Portionportion
- 215215
- Schneidebenecutting plane
- 217217
- Teilportionsubportion
- 219219
- FördereinrichtungConveyor
- 221221
- Produktzuführungproduct feed
- 223223
- ÜbergabeeinheitTransfer unit
- 225225
- erste Fördereinheit, Portionierbandfirst conveyor unit, portioning belt
- 227227
- zweite Fördereinheit, Steuerbandsecond conveyor unit, tax band
- 228228
- Fördereinheit, weiteres SteuerbandFeed unit, further tax band
- 229229
- nachgeschaltete EinrichtungDownstream facility
- 231231
- Produktauflageproduct support
- 233233
- gemeinsamer Antriebcommon drive
- 235235
- Führungguide
- 237237
- Trägercarrier
- 239239
- Produktstückeproduct pieces
- F2F2
- Förderrichtungconveying direction
- 311311
- Hochleistungsslicerhigh-performance slicer
- 313a, 313b, 313c313a, 313b, 313c
- Produktspurproduct tracking
- 315315
- Produktproduct
- 316316
- Produktscheibeproduct slice
- 317,317'317.317 '
- Portionportion
- 319, 319'319, 319 '
- ÜbergabeeinheitTransfer unit
- 321321
- PortionierfördererPortionierförderer
- 323323
- Steuerförderercontrol conveyor
- 325325
- AusrichtfördererAusrichtförderer
- 327, 327'327, 327 '
- Teilportionsubportion
- 329329
- Endstücktail
- 330330
- Vorderkanteleading edge
- 340340
- Hinterkantetrailing edge
- F3F3
- Förderrichtungconveying direction
- S3S3
- Schneidebenecutting plane
Claims (14)
- A method for the simultaneous multiple track slicing of a plurality of food products (11, 111, 211, 315),- in which the products (11, 111, 211, 315) are cut by means of a common slicing apparatus (115, 311), in particular a high performance slicer, which has at least one cutting blade which rotates about a blade axis in a cutting plane (13, 117, 215, S3) and/or revolves about a central axis in a planetary motion manner and to which the products (11, 111, 211, 315) are supplied in multiple tracks, and- in which blank cuts are carried out in at least one passive track (313a, 313b, 313c) at least at times and/or in which the supply of the respective product (11, 111, 211, 315) is suspended at least at times, while the respective product (11, 111, 211, 315) is sliced in at least one other active track (313a, 313b, 313c),
characterized in that- the supply of the product (11, 111, 211, 315) in a track (313c) is respectively suspended if the product stub remaining is no longer sufficient to form a complete portion (317, 317') in this track (313c) and the product stub remaining in at least one other track (313a, 313b) is still sufficient to form at least one complete portion (317, 317');- in that the product stubs are sliced into incomplete part portions (327, 327') once the product stubs of all tracks (313a, 313b, 313c) have reached an amount which is no longer sufficient to form a complete portion (317, 317'), and- in that the incomplete part portions (327, 327') are subsequently completed by slices (316) of subsequent products (11, 111, 211, 315). - A method in accordance with claim 1,
characterized in that
the product (11, 111, 211, 315) is additionally moved away from the cutting plane (13, 117, 215, S3) in the passive track (313a, 313b, 313c), in particular is retracted. - A method in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2,
characterized in that
the products (11, 111, 211, 315) are cut into portions (113, 213, 317) each including at least one product slice (316). - A method in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the products (11, 111, 211, 315) are supplied to the cutting blade in individual tracks, in particular such that, on slicing of the products (11, 111, 211, 315) into portions (113, 213, 317) each including at least one product slice (316), each portion (113, 213, 317) satisfies a predefined condition for the respective track (313a, 313b, 313c), which condition, in particular relates to the weight of the portion (113, 213, 317), to the weight and/or the thickness of the product slices (316) forming the portion (113, 213, 317), and/or to the number of the product slices (316) forming the portion (113, 213, 317). - A method in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the products (11, 111, 211, 315) are individually supplied to the cutting blade in dependence on information relating to at least the outer contour of the product (11, 111, 211, 315) and/or to the inner structure of the product. - A method in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that,
following the slicing of a product (11, 111, 211, 315), incomplete part portions (217, 327) present are respectively completed by slices (316) of a subsequent product (11, 111, 211, 315), wherein in particular each part portion (217, 327) is completed in the track (313a, 313b, 313c) in which the part portion (217, 327) was created and/or the completion of part portions (217, 327) takes place in separate tracks (313a, 313b, 313c). - An apparatus (115, 311), in particular a high performance slicer, for the simultaneous slicing of several food products (11, 111, 211, 315), in particular into portions (113, 213, 317) each including a plurality of product slices (316), having
a product feed (15, 115) which includes a plurality of feed devices (17, 127, 219) arranged in parallel with one another by means of which the products (11, 111, 211, 315) are suppliable in multiple tracks to a cutting plane (13, 117, 215, S3), in which at least one cutting blade moves, in particular in a rotating manner and/or in a revolving manner,
wherein the product feed (15, 115) is designed such that the supply movement can be suspended for each track (313a, 313b, 313c) independently of the other tracks and can, in particular be restarted, characterized by
a control device (21),
which is designed to suspend the supply of the product (11, 111, 211, 315) in a track (313a, 313b, 313c) if the product stub remaining in that track is no longer sufficient to form a complete portion (317, 317') and the product stub remaining in at least one other track is still sufficient to form at least one complete portion (317, 317'), and
which is designed to supply the product stub to the cutting blade for the slicing once the product stubs of all tracks (313a, 313b, 313c) have reached an amount which is no longer sufficient to form a complete portion (317, 317'). - An apparatus in accordance with claim 7,
characterized in that
the product feed (15, 115) is designed to suspend the supply of the respective product (11, 111, 211, 315) in at least one passive track (313a, 313b, 313c) and to supply the respective product (11, 111, 211, 315) in at least one other, active track(313a, 313b, 313c), wherein, in particular the product feed (15, 115) is designed such that a product (11, 111, 211, 315), whose supply has been suspended, is additionally retracted from the cutting plane (13, 117, 215, S3). - An apparatus in accordance with claim 7 or claim 8,
characterized in that
the control device (21) is designed for a track individual blank cut management, in particular including the product feed (15, 115) and a transfer device (223, 319) for the portion completion arranged downstream of the cutting blade and associated with at least some of the tracks (313a, 313b, 313c). - An apparatus in accordance with any one of the claims 7 to 9,
characterized in that
the feed devices (17, 127) each have their own drive (23); and/or in that the feed devices (219) have a common drive (233), wherein a settable device for the individual matching of the feed speed is provided for each track. - An apparatus in accordance with any one of the claims 7 to 10,
characterized in that
the product feed (15, 115) is designed to individually supply the products (11, 111) to the cutting blade in dependence on information which relates to at least the outer contour and/or to the inner structure of the products, in particular such that the product supply takes place in each track independently of information which relates to the products in the other tracks. - An apparatus in accordance with any one of the claims 7 to 11,
characterized in that
the product feed (15, 115) is designed to individually supply the products (11, 111) to the cutting blade such that each portion (113) satisfies a predefined condition for the respective track, which condition in particular relates to the weight of the portion (113), to the weight and/or thickness of the product slices forming the portion (113), and/ or to the number of the product slices forming the portion (113). - An apparatus in accordance with any one of the claims 7 to 12,
characterized in that
a transfer device (223) is provided which is arranged downstream of the cutting blade and which is associated with at least some of the tracks, by means of which the completed portions are transferable to devices (229) downstream of the transfer device (223) and incomplete part portions (217) respectively present after slicing of a product (211) can be completed by slices from a subsequent product (211),
wherein the transfer unit (223) has a separate feed section for each associated track which includes two consecutive feed devices (225, 227). - An apparatus in accordance with any one of the claims 7 to 13,
characterized in that
a transfer device (223, 319) is provided which is arranged downstream of the cutting blade and which is associated with at least some of the tracks, by means of which completed portions (317, 317') are transferable to subsequent devices (229, 325) and incomplete part portions (327, 327') respectively present after slicing of a product (211) can be completed by product slices (316) from a subsequent product (211, 315); and
in that a control device (21) is provided,
which is designed to suspend the supply of the product (211, 315) in a track (313c) if the product stub remaining in that track (313c) is no longer sufficient to form a complete portion (317, 317') and the product stub remaining in at least one other track (313a, 313b) is still sufficient to form at least one complete portion (317, 317'), and which is designed to supply the product stubs to the cutting blade for the cutting once the product stubs of all tracks (313a, 313b, 313c) have reached an amount which is no longer sufficient to form a complete portion (317, 317').
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/211,982 US9764490B2 (en) | 2010-08-18 | 2011-08-17 | Method and apparatus for cutting of food products |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102010034677A DE102010034677A1 (en) | 2010-08-18 | 2010-08-18 | Portionskomplettierung when mehrspuringen slicing |
DE201010034675 DE102010034675A1 (en) | 2010-08-18 | 2010-08-18 | Portion formation in multi-lane slicing |
DE102010034674A DE102010034674A1 (en) | 2010-08-18 | 2010-08-18 | Simultaneous slicing of multi-track food products |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2420362A1 EP2420362A1 (en) | 2012-02-22 |
EP2420362B1 true EP2420362B1 (en) | 2015-04-15 |
Family
ID=44168813
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20100015901 Active EP2420362B1 (en) | 2010-08-18 | 2010-12-21 | Method and device for cutting food products |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US9764490B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2420362B1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2535968T3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102010019248A1 (en) * | 2010-05-03 | 2011-11-03 | CFS Bühl GmbH | Method for operating a slicing device with multi-track drives |
DE102011103864A1 (en) * | 2011-06-09 | 2012-12-13 | Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach | Method for slicing products |
US20150040521A1 (en) * | 2012-01-26 | 2015-02-12 | Gea Food Solutions Germany Gmbh | Slicing into the packaging |
WO2013129004A1 (en) * | 2012-02-29 | 2013-09-06 | 東レ株式会社 | Manufacturing method and manufacturing device for bundle product |
DE102012018754A1 (en) | 2012-09-21 | 2014-03-27 | Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach | Food processing apparatus and method for sequentially scanning food products |
DE102013205043A1 (en) * | 2013-03-21 | 2014-09-25 | Gea Food Solutions Germany Gmbh | Line without checkweigher between slicing and packaging machine |
DE102013207788A1 (en) | 2013-04-29 | 2014-10-30 | Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach | Method and device for slicing products |
DE102014002530B4 (en) | 2014-02-24 | 2017-12-28 | Multitec Holdings Gmbh | Conveying device for conveying food products |
DE102014006660A1 (en) | 2014-05-07 | 2015-11-12 | Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach | Multi-species food processor and method |
DE102015107716A1 (en) * | 2015-05-18 | 2016-11-24 | Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach | feeder |
EP3377282A1 (en) * | 2015-11-19 | 2018-09-26 | GEA Food Solutions Germany GmbH | Method for independent portion formation of food slices in a plurality of tracks |
WO2017098008A1 (en) * | 2015-12-10 | 2017-06-15 | Gea Food Solutions Germany Gmbh | Method for carrying out a trimming cut |
DE102017217925A1 (en) * | 2017-10-09 | 2019-04-11 | Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach | Method and device for slicing food products with balance of weight differences |
WO2019147784A1 (en) | 2018-01-26 | 2019-08-01 | Provisur Technologies, Inc. | Food log slicing apparatus for slicing multiple layers of stacked food logs |
NL2021557B1 (en) * | 2018-09-04 | 2020-04-30 | Theodorus Wilhelmus Sleegers Hubertus | Conveyor assembly |
US11498138B2 (en) * | 2019-01-23 | 2022-11-15 | Steve Dunivan | Bandsaw automated portioning saw system and method of use |
US11198565B2 (en) | 2019-02-19 | 2021-12-14 | Provisur Technologies, Inc. | Multi-presentation slicing conveyor apparatus |
EP3972921A1 (en) * | 2019-05-20 | 2022-03-30 | GEA Food Solutions Germany GmbH | Method, computer programme and apparatus for lining up portions of food slices |
DE102020112863A1 (en) * | 2020-05-12 | 2021-11-18 | Tvi Entwicklung Und Produktion Gmbh | Weight variation method and slicing machine for his operation |
DE102020128533A1 (en) * | 2020-10-29 | 2022-05-05 | Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach | SLICING DEVICE |
DE102021101315A1 (en) * | 2021-01-22 | 2022-07-28 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg | Multi-lane slicing machine with independently controllable grippers |
DE102021101713A1 (en) * | 2021-01-27 | 2022-07-28 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg | slicing machine |
JP7353659B2 (en) * | 2021-08-03 | 2023-10-02 | 匠技研株式会社 | slicing device |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE10054514A1 (en) * | 2000-11-03 | 2002-05-16 | Biforce Anstalt Vaduz | Machine assembly, for cutting foodstuffs into slices, has a feed system to two or more cutting heads and conveyors to carry flows of cut slices to be handled together or separately |
US20090120256A1 (en) * | 2007-10-22 | 2009-05-14 | Pasek James E | Food Article Feed Apparatus for a Food Article Slicing Machine |
Family Cites Families (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5042340A (en) * | 1985-03-26 | 1991-08-27 | Amca International Corporation | Slice thickness control for an automatic slicing machine |
GB9000681D0 (en) | 1990-01-12 | 1990-03-14 | Whitehouse John A | Apparatus for portioning meat for sliced packs |
DE4113392A1 (en) * | 1991-04-24 | 1992-10-29 | Biforce Anstalt | Meat slicer also used for sausage and cheese - has two-part conveyor under slicer which arranges complete slices in measured piles and disposes of scraps |
DE9314838U1 (en) * | 1993-09-30 | 1993-12-23 | Dixie-Union Verpackungen GmbH, 87437 Kempten | Food processing and processing machine |
DE4410596A1 (en) | 1994-03-26 | 1995-10-05 | Holger Dr Ing Wente | Method for determining density in material of variable homogeneity |
CA2154337C (en) | 1994-10-11 | 2005-07-05 | Scott A. Lindee | Food loaf slicing machines |
DE19604254B4 (en) | 1996-02-06 | 2006-11-23 | Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh & Co. Kg | Method and device for obtaining weight-constant portions or slices from cut-up food products |
DE19837644B4 (en) * | 1998-08-19 | 2008-04-10 | Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh & Co. Kg | Apparatus and method for cutting food products |
DE29822282U1 (en) * | 1998-12-14 | 2000-04-20 | Dixie-Union GmbH & Co. KG, 87437 Kempten | Food slicer |
JP4127738B2 (en) * | 1999-03-31 | 2008-07-30 | プリマハム株式会社 | Raw wood slicer for ham etc. |
DE19914707A1 (en) | 1999-03-31 | 2000-10-05 | Biforce Anstalt Vaduz | Method and appliance for slicing food incorporates feeder, cutter and head, opto-electronic unit, conveyor units and collector |
DE20023774U1 (en) | 1999-04-20 | 2006-05-18 | Formax, Inc., Mokena | Automated profiling apparatus for food products such as cheese, meat, has controller which co-ordinates the actuation of lasers and cameras, while the food product is conveyed through fixed plane |
US7832316B2 (en) | 2000-11-03 | 2010-11-16 | Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh & Co. Kg | Apparatus for the slicing of food products having two cutter heads |
DE10146155A1 (en) * | 2001-09-19 | 2003-04-10 | Weber Maschb Gmbh & Co Kg | positioning method |
US20060288832A1 (en) * | 2003-04-09 | 2006-12-28 | Glenn Sandberg | System and apparatus for optimizing slices from slicing apparatus |
DE10342499B4 (en) | 2003-09-12 | 2006-02-09 | Maschinenbau Heinrich Hajek Gmbh & Co. | Method for portioning food |
US20070214969A1 (en) | 2003-10-15 | 2007-09-20 | Peter Mueller | Method and Device for Slicing Food Bars |
DE102005010183B4 (en) | 2005-03-02 | 2012-02-02 | CFS Bühl GmbH | Method and device for producing weight-accurate food portions |
US7603936B2 (en) * | 2005-03-05 | 2009-10-20 | Formax, Inc. | Loaf seam synchronization device for continuous loaf feed slicing machine |
US20070006700A1 (en) | 2005-07-05 | 2007-01-11 | Lunghi Donald G | Food portioning and application system |
DE102005047796A1 (en) | 2005-10-05 | 2007-04-12 | Maja-Maschinenfabrik Hermann Schill Gmbh & Co. Kg | Device for prepackaging articles has first assembly station for filling of articles in container, transportation mechanism, computer to generate difference from target weight, portioning and cutting device for precise cutting of weight |
US8424430B2 (en) | 2007-08-09 | 2013-04-23 | Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc | Food product conveyor and handling systems |
DE102009023729A1 (en) * | 2009-06-03 | 2010-12-09 | Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach | Apparatus and method for slicing food products |
DE102009023751A1 (en) * | 2009-06-03 | 2010-12-16 | Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach | Apparatus and method for slicing food products |
-
2010
- 2010-12-21 EP EP20100015901 patent/EP2420362B1/en active Active
- 2010-12-21 ES ES10015901.1T patent/ES2535968T3/en active Active
-
2011
- 2011-08-17 US US13/211,982 patent/US9764490B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE10054514A1 (en) * | 2000-11-03 | 2002-05-16 | Biforce Anstalt Vaduz | Machine assembly, for cutting foodstuffs into slices, has a feed system to two or more cutting heads and conveyors to carry flows of cut slices to be handled together or separately |
US20090120256A1 (en) * | 2007-10-22 | 2009-05-14 | Pasek James E | Food Article Feed Apparatus for a Food Article Slicing Machine |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2420362A1 (en) | 2012-02-22 |
ES2535968T3 (en) | 2015-05-19 |
US20120042757A1 (en) | 2012-02-23 |
US9764490B2 (en) | 2017-09-19 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP2420362B1 (en) | Method and device for cutting food products | |
EP2468466B1 (en) | Method and device for cutting multiple food products | |
EP2420364B1 (en) | Portion completion with multi-track cutting | |
EP1165295B1 (en) | Method and device for slicing food products | |
DE69705950T2 (en) | Slicing of products | |
EP3288731B1 (en) | Cutting device | |
EP3172020B1 (en) | Slicing device | |
EP3170632B1 (en) | Method and device for cutting food products | |
EP2910476B1 (en) | Delivery device for delivering food products | |
EP2614939B1 (en) | Method and device for creating portions | |
EP2559625B1 (en) | Method for allocating product holders and food processing devices | |
EP3095566B1 (en) | Feeding device for a slicer | |
EP3378616A2 (en) | Processing of food products | |
EP2420365B1 (en) | Portion formation with multi-track cutting | |
EP2450166A1 (en) | Method for cutting a length of food into slices | |
DE19713813C1 (en) | Stacking device | |
DE102013207401A1 (en) | Apparatus and method for slicing food products | |
EP3785543B1 (en) | Cutting device | |
EP3502017A1 (en) | Device and method for handling food portions with a rotating device | |
EP3466624B1 (en) | Method and device for slicing open food products with compensation of weight differences | |
EP2298514B1 (en) | Method and device for cutting a length of food into slices | |
EP3268174B1 (en) | Method and device for preventing empty packages | |
EP4001187A1 (en) | Method for transverse positioning of an article to be transported | |
EP1712471B1 (en) | Device and method for packaging articles | |
EP2862683A1 (en) | Method and device for processing food products |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20120315 |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20120828 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20140918 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20141103 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: NOT ENGLISH Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 721679 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20150515 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: FG2A Ref document number: 2535968 Country of ref document: ES Kind code of ref document: T3 Effective date: 20150519 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 502010009333 Country of ref document: DE Effective date: 20150528 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: T3 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: T3 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150817 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150715 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150815 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 502010009333 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20150415 Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20160118 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20151231 Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151221 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20151231 Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20151221 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20151231 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MM01 Ref document number: 721679 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20151221 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20151221 Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20101221 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20150415 |
|
P01 | Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered |
Effective date: 20230522 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20231220 Year of fee payment: 14 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Payment date: 20231219 Year of fee payment: 14 Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20231220 Year of fee payment: 14 Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20231214 Year of fee payment: 14 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: HC Owner name: WEBER FOOD TECHNOLOGY GMBH; DE Free format text: DETAILS ASSIGNMENT: CHANGE OF OWNER(S), CHANGE OF OWNER(S) NAME; FORMER OWNER NAME: WEBER MASCHINENBAU GMBH BREIDENBACH Effective date: 20240206 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Payment date: 20240118 Year of fee payment: 14 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R081 Ref document number: 502010009333 Country of ref document: DE Owner name: WEBER FOOD TECHNOLOGY GMBH, DE Free format text: FORMER OWNER: WEBER MASCHINENBAU GMBH BREIDENBACH, 35236 BREIDENBACH, DE |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20231229 Year of fee payment: 14 |