EP2439029B1 - Method for minimizing remainders when cutting food - Google Patents

Method for minimizing remainders when cutting food Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2439029B1
EP2439029B1 EP11006815.2A EP11006815A EP2439029B1 EP 2439029 B1 EP2439029 B1 EP 2439029B1 EP 11006815 A EP11006815 A EP 11006815A EP 2439029 B1 EP2439029 B1 EP 2439029B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
food product
cut
control device
cutting
remnant
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
Application number
EP11006815.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2439029A1 (en
Inventor
Günther Weber
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Weber Maschinenbau GmbH Breidenbach
Original Assignee
Weber Maschinenbau GmbH Breidenbach
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Weber Maschinenbau GmbH Breidenbach filed Critical Weber Maschinenbau GmbH Breidenbach
Publication of EP2439029A1 publication Critical patent/EP2439029A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2439029B1 publication Critical patent/EP2439029B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
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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
    • 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
    • B26D5/007—Control means comprising cameras, vision or image processing systems
    • 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
    • B26D5/30—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 having the cutting member controlled by scanning a record carrier
    • B26D5/32—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 having the cutting member controlled by scanning a record carrier with the record carrier formed by the work itself
    • 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
    • B26D5/30—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 having the cutting member controlled by scanning a record carrier
    • B26D5/34—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 having the cutting member controlled by scanning a record carrier scanning being effected by a photosensitive device
    • 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
    • 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
    • B26D7/27—Means for performing other operations combined with cutting
    • B26D7/28—Means for performing other operations combined with cutting for counting the number of cuts or measuring cut lenghts
    • 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
    • B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
    • B26D1/01—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work
    • B26D1/12—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis
    • B26D1/14—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a circular cutting member, e.g. disc cutter
    • B26D1/143—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a circular cutting member, e.g. disc cutter rotating about a stationary axis
    • 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
    • B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
    • B26D1/01—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work
    • B26D1/12—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis
    • B26D1/25—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a non-circular cutting member
    • B26D1/26—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a non-circular cutting member moving about an axis substantially perpendicular to the line of cut
    • B26D1/28—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a non-circular cutting member moving about an axis substantially perpendicular to the line of cut and rotating continuously in one direction during cutting
    • B26D1/29—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a non-circular cutting member moving about an axis substantially perpendicular to the line of cut and rotating continuously in one direction during cutting with cutting member mounted in the plane of a rotating disc, e.g. for slicing beans
    • 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
    • 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
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S83/00—Cutting
    • Y10S83/929—Particular nature of work or product
    • Y10S83/932—Edible
    • 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]
    • Y10T83/0467—By separating products from each other
    • 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
    • Y10T83/141—With means to monitor and control operation [e.g., self-regulating means]
    • Y10T83/145—Including means to monitor 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
    • Y10T83/141—With means to monitor and control operation [e.g., self-regulating means]
    • Y10T83/148—Including means to correct the sensed operation
    • Y10T83/155—Optimizing product from unique workpiece
    • 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
    • Y10T83/162—With control means responsive to replaceable or selectable information program
    • Y10T83/173—Arithmetically determined program
    • Y10T83/175—With condition sensor
    • Y10T83/178—Responsive to work
    • 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
    • Y10T83/182—With means to weigh 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
    • Y10T83/2022—Initiated by means responsive to product or work
    • Y10T83/2024—Responsive to work
    • 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
    • Y10T83/525—Operation controlled by detector means responsive to work
    • Y10T83/536—Movement of work controlled

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for cutting a food product into slices for forming portions according to the preamble of patent claim 1 or a device for cutting a plurality of successive food products according to the preamble of independent claim 6.
  • slicing food products such as sausage or cheese
  • products are sliced to be removed, for example, as shingled portions or stacked portions from a slicing area.
  • the portions are then packaged and delivered to supermarkets offering the portioned food product to their customers for consumption.
  • Legislation requires the packaged food product to meet a predetermined target weight, but at least within a tolerance range.
  • the generic DE 101 31 701 A1 relates to a method for slicing food products having a non-uniform internal structure, such as sausage or cheese, in which the products are sliced and, in particular, shingled portions or stack portions are formed and removed from the slicing area become.
  • information about the contour and the structure of the product slices is obtained by means of an optoelectrical detection device in successive detection processes.
  • the information can then be evaluated and assembled into a total information about both contour and structure of the product slices.
  • certain operating parameters of the slicing machine for example the slice thickness
  • the slice thickness can be changed during slicing, for example by actuating corresponding actuators, for example to keep the weight of slice portions to be formed from the sliced slices constant within predetermined limits.
  • the optoelectrical detection device can not prevent residual material from remaining when the food product is cut open.
  • the DE 37 03 807 A1 describes a method for the sollge compassion portioning of food products.
  • the actual weight of the sliced product slices is detected in order to determine therefrom the product slice thickness of the following slices such that the portion comprises only an integer number of slices and reaches a target weight.
  • a sensor is disclosed, which detects a residual amount that is no longer sufficient to complete a weighted portion to a sollge Scheme portion.
  • the already cut actual quantity is stored and continued as soon as a new food product has been placed in the slicing device.
  • the disadvantage of this is that it can always come to residues in food products that are fed to the slicing sequentially.
  • the DE 101 31 701 A1 as well as the DE 44 10 596 A1 describe slicing methods and apparatus designed to produce sliced portions of sliced food based on variable slice thicknesses.
  • the disadvantage of this is that it can always come to remainders, by which the production costs are increased.
  • the invention has for its object to provide an improved method that can be used to minimize the slicing of a food product in sollisige portions a residual inventory, that is, a still aufschneidbaren part, but not sufficient to form a sollisige portion or to improve a device by means of simple constructive means to the effect that it minimizes a residual stock when slicing successive food products.
  • optical systems by means of which it is possible to determine the outer contour of a product and the corresponding slices can be cut with a desired target weight.
  • a camera detects the area of a food product that is being cut and, on the basis of the sectional area, acquires the geometry of the following slice to be cut, whereby the required thickness of the slice to be cut can be achieved by regulating corresponding actuators.
  • portions can be cut, the desired target weight but have at least one weight within a tolerance.
  • cutting plans are used to cut up the food product to avoid any residue.
  • control device a control and regulating system, hereinafter referred to as a control device, whereby the slicing of a following food product is regulated based on the information of the remaining stock in such a way that an improved yield, if possible without residual stock, can be achieved ,
  • the control device is designed to detect a sliceable remaining stock of a first food product, which is insufficient to cut a portion with the target weight.
  • the recognized residue of the food product is supplied as an input to the control device and is taken into account by the control device for controlling corresponding actuators when slicing a subsequent food product, so that a residual residue is minimized.
  • the inventive method allows a self-learning technical effect, which serves to keep the yield-residual inventory low. This can improve the processing efficiency.
  • control device detects the remaining stock by data of the weight and / or data of the length and / or data of the cut surface and / or data of the specific weight and evaluates the remaining stock for the slicing of at least the next food product. It is advantageous that all data can be easily detected without causing a significant cost.
  • control device prepares a cutting plan for at least the next food product to be sliced through which the food product can be cut, if possible, into n-portions with the target weight without remaining stock, taking into account the remaining stock of at least one previous, sliced food product to produce the cutting plan becomes.
  • the remaining stock can be minimized in a following sliced. At best there is no remainder.
  • the controller evaluates the remainder as an input to determine an output that controls the advance of corresponding actuators.
  • the slice thickness of a sliced slice can be adjusted such that a sollisige portion is formed and at the same time a residual inventory is minimized for the food product to be sliced.
  • the weight of each individual portion of the target weight may differ by a predetermined tolerance, wherein the sum of portion sliced over a period T portion weights divided by the number of cut in this period T portions corresponds to the target weight.
  • T portion weights divided by the number of cut in this period T portions corresponds to the target weight.
  • the device for cutting a plurality of successive food products is characterized in that an input variable can be detected for the control device by evaluating a sliceable, but non-oompressive residue of a first food product to be sliced so as to minimize a residual residue when slicing at least one subsequent food product.
  • the control device can record as input data of the weight and / or data of the length and / or data of the cut surface and / or data of the specific weight of the food product in order to evaluate the remaining stock.
  • the remaining stock can preferably be output by the control device for controlling the feed of corresponding actuators for the slicing of at least one next food product.
  • the conveyor is preferably designed as a gripper device whose feed can be controlled by the control device.
  • the part of the food product detected by the gripper device can not be cut open and thus should not be evaluated as residual stock within the meaning of the invention.
  • a length measuring device connected to the control device is provided for detecting the length of the food product.
  • the length measuring device can be used to continuously record the length of the food product. Also can be determined by the length measuring device length data, which are used both for creating a cutting plan for the food product to be cut, as well as for the evaluation of a remnant stock.
  • the device comprises a scale connected to the control device for determining an actual weight of a cut portion. Sliced portions may be measured by the balance, with data on the weight of the sliced portion being fed to the controller to control respective actuators.
  • the camera is seen downstream of the cutting device seen in the feed direction.
  • the camera is opposite to the cut surface. This offers the advantage that the camera can reliably detect the size of the cut surface.
  • the data collected by the camera for determining the thickness of the slice to be cut off during the slicing of the food product can be evaluated by the control device. It is thereby achieved that the thickness of the slice to be cut off can be determined responsively with real time by the control device in order to cut a target weight portion.
  • the cutting device comprises a sickle blade or a circular blade.
  • the aforementioned length measuring device is optionally provided that it is located directly on the gripper device, or at another point of the conveyor.
  • the balance is formed as part of the conveyor.
  • the camera is directed to the cutting surface of a not yet completely separated from the blade disc to conduct early data to the control device.
  • a slice thickness of the following slice to be sliced could then be determined early, whereby a regulation of corresponding actuators, in particular a regulation of the feed reaction is possible.
  • FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention.
  • a food product 1 lies on a horizontally mounted conveyor 2.
  • the food product 1 is, for example, a substantially cylindrically shaped sausage or a cheese to be processed in cylindrical form.
  • the food product 1 may vary in shape, with the Slicing several, successive food products 1 is preferably a substantially uniform shape to process. Also, the food product 1 usually has a constant specific gravity.
  • the horizontally mounted conveyor 2 transports the food product 1 in the feed direction from right to left.
  • the conveyor 2 has a first horizontal deflection roller 3 viewed in the feed direction and a second, horizontally mounted deflection roller 4.
  • a conveyor belt 5 is stretched, for example, consists of a hard rubber coating and can be reinforced by metal inserts.
  • the first deflection roller 3 seen in the feed direction is preferably connected to a drive, by means of which a conveying speed can be set.
  • the conveyor 2 can also be mounted in an inclined position to use a net weight of the food product 1 to be conveyed for easier transport.
  • the support block 6 To the left of the second deflection roller 4, viewed in the feed direction, is a support block 6 which supports the food product 1 from below.
  • the support block 6 may consist of different materials.
  • a cutting device 7 is mounted above the second deflection roller 4 of the conveyor 2 or above the support block 6.
  • the cutting device 7 comprises a drive 8, which is connected to a knife 9.
  • the knife 9 is preferably designed as a sickle knife or as a circular blade and is arranged vertically to horizontally conveyed food product 1. In a tilted promotion of the food product 1, the knife 9 can be made by the drive 8 in an orthogonal position to the feed direction.
  • the cutter 7 slices the food product supplied by the conveyor 2.
  • a feeder 10 is positioned after the conveyor 2.
  • On the inclined conveyor is an already cut portion 11.
  • the inclined conveyor 10 can be set in different inclinations and includes two pulleys 12,13 over which a conveyor belt 14 is stretched. If the cutting device 7 cuts off a slice from the food product 1, then it falls onto the inclined conveyor 10 or the slice is thrown onto the inclined conveyor 10 by positioning members (not shown).
  • the inclined conveyor 10 with connected to a separate drive that is not in the FIG. 1 is shown.
  • the inclined conveyor 10 can be used for an interval-like conveying, wherein it is adapted to further transport the cut slices in portions.
  • the inclined conveyor 10 and the cutting device 7 is a horizontally mounted portion conveyor 15 downstream. This comprises two pulleys 16, 17, over which a conveyor belt 18 is stretched.
  • the portion conveyor 15 is positioned on a scale 19 which can be used for detecting the weight, that is to say for detecting an actual weight of a portion.
  • the balance 19 may alternatively be arranged integrated in the portion conveyor 15.
  • the portion conveyor 15 is arranged directly after the conveyor 2.
  • the FIG. 1 also shows a camera 20, which is arranged downstream of the cutting device 7 and is located approximately at the height of the drive 8 of the cutting device 7.
  • the camera 20 focuses a cutting surface 21 of the food product 1 from a position obliquely upwards to the cutting surface 21.
  • the camera 20 is arranged opposite the cutting surface 21, whereby the focus falls frontally on the cutting surface 21.
  • the camera 20 is designed to completely capture the cutting surface 21 during the slicing process.
  • a gripper device 22 which holds a right end of the food product 1.
  • the gripper device 22 has a drive 23 which may be designed as a spindle drive.
  • the drive 23 is connected to a gripper 24 and designed to move the gripper 24 in the feed direction.
  • the gripper 24 holds the food product 1 and positions it on the conveyor 2.
  • An advancement of the gripper 24 is synchronized with the feed of the conveyor 2.
  • the gripper 24 in the FIG. 1 holds food product 1 with gripper-like fasteners, other means can be used for holding or positioning, which do not interfere with the food product, for example, a vacuum bell.
  • fasteners could also be arranged directly on the conveyor belt 5 of the conveyor 2. For example, positioning strips which ensure that the food product 1 is fed evenly to the cutting device 7 are conceivable.
  • the control device 25 is designed as a control and regulating system and is connected to the drive of the conveyor, to the drive 8 of the cutting device 7, to the drive of the inclined conveyor 10, to the drive 23 of the gripper device 22 and to the balance 19 and the camera 20 ,
  • the control device 25 is designed, when cutting a first food product 1, to acquire data from the actuators connected to it, likewise data from the camera 20 and the balance 19, and to take it into account for controlling the connected actuators when slicing at least one following food product 1.
  • the control device 25 is configured to detect a sliceable remaining stock, but does not reach a predetermined target weight for a portion.
  • the remaining stock is evaluated by the control device 25 on the basis of the acquired data and the specific weight of the food product 1 and can be taken into account, for example, for feed control when slicing a follow-on product 1, so that a residual residue is minimized and at best no longer exists.
  • the food product 1 is fed to the cutting device 7 by the conveyor 2 or the gripper device 22 until information is received by the control device 25, by which a remaining stock is recognizable, that is to say a cut-to-size part, which, however, is insufficient to cut a target weight portion ,
  • the information about the remaining stock is used for slicing at least one following food product 1 by the control device 7 to control appropriate actuators and optionally taken into account for creating a cutting plan, whereby a minimized remaining stock is to be expected in a following food product 1.

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Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Schneiden eines Lebensmittelproduktes in Scheiben zur Bildung von Portionen gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1 beziehungsweise eine Vorrichtung zum Schneiden mehrerer, einander nachfolgender Lebensmittelprodukte gemäß dem Oberbegriff des unabhängigen Anspruchs 6.The invention relates to a method for cutting a food product into slices for forming portions according to the preamble of patent claim 1 or a device for cutting a plurality of successive food products according to the preamble of independent claim 6.

In der Praxis gibt es Verfahren zum Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten, wie zum Beispiel Wurst oder Käse, wobei die Produkte in Scheiben geschnitten werden, um zum Beispiel als geschindelte Portionen oder Stapelportionen aus einem Aufschneidebereich abtransportiert zu werden. Anschließend werden die Portionen verpackt und an Supermärkte geliefert, die das portionierte Lebensmittelprodukt zum Verzehr ihren Kunden anbieten.In practice, there are methods of slicing food products, such as sausage or cheese, which products are sliced to be removed, for example, as shingled portions or stacked portions from a slicing area. The portions are then packaged and delivered to supermarkets offering the portioned food product to their customers for consumption.

Laut Gesetzgebung muss das verpackte Lebensmittelprodukt einem vorbestimmten Sollgewicht entsprechen, jedoch mindestens innerhalb eines Toleranzbereichs sein.Legislation requires the packaged food product to meet a predetermined target weight, but at least within a tolerance range.

An modernen Schneidvorrichtungen können unterschiedliche Parameter geregelt werden, um bei der Herstellung eine gewünschte Scheibendicke zu schneiden, sodass eine sollgewichtige Portion entsteht. Allerdings ist es in der Praxis meistens der Fall, dass ein der Schneidvorrichtung zugeführtes Lebensmittelprodukt nicht vollständig aufgeschnitten wird, und somit ein Restbestand übrig bleibt. Ein solcher Restbestand, der noch hätte aufgeschnitten werden können, jedoch keine sollgewichtige Portion bildet, verringert den Ertrag.On modern cutting devices, different parameters can be controlled in order to cut a desired slice thickness during production, so that a sollgewichtige portion arises. However, in practice, it is usually the case that a food product supplied to the cutting device is not completely cut open, and thus a remaining stock remains. Such residue, which could still have been cut open, but does not form a sollgewichtige portion, reduces the yield.

Unter Berücksichtigung der eingangs erwähnten Problematik des Restbestandes, werden in der Praxis heutzutage Verfahren verwendet, die vor dem Aufschneiden eines Lebensmittelproduktes Daten über die Geometrie des aufzuschneidenden Lebensmittelproduktes auswerten, um das zu schneidende Lebensmittelprodukt in sollgewichtige Portionen so zu unterteilen, dass nur noch ein geringer Restbestand übrig bleibt.Taking into account the problem of remaining stock mentioned at the outset, methods are used in practice which evaluate data on the geometry of the food product to be sliced before slicing a food product in order to subdivide the food product to be cut into portions in a weight-weighted portion such that only a small residual stock remains remains.

Die gattungsgemäße DE 101 31 701 A1 bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren zum Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten mit ungleichmäßiger Innenstruktur, wie zum Beispiel Wurst oder Käse, bei dem die Produkte in Scheiben geschnitten und insbesondere geschindelte Portionen oder Stapelportionen gebildet und aus dem Aufschneidebereich abtransportiert werden. Während des Aufschneidens werden mittels einer optoelektrischen Erfassungseinrichtung in aufeinanderfolgenden Erfassungsvorgängen Informationen über die Kontur und die Struktur der Produktscheiben gewonnen.The generic DE 101 31 701 A1 relates to a method for slicing food products having a non-uniform internal structure, such as sausage or cheese, in which the products are sliced and, in particular, shingled portions or stack portions are formed and removed from the slicing area become. During the slicing, information about the contour and the structure of the product slices is obtained by means of an optoelectrical detection device in successive detection processes.

Die Informationen können anschließend ausgewertet und zu einer Gesamtinformation über sowohl Kontur als auch Struktur der Produktscheiben zusammengesetzt werden. Mit den gewonnenen Kontur- und Strukturdaten können dann bestimmte Betriebsparameter der Aufschneidemaschine, zum Beispiel die Scheibendicke, während des Aufschneidens beispielsweise durch Ansteuerung entsprechender Stellglieder verändert werden, um zum Beispiel das Gewicht von aus den abgetrennten Scheiben zu bildenden Scheibenportionen innerhalb vorgegebener Grenzen konstant zu halten. Obwohl sich dadurch zuverlässig sollgewichtige Portionen schneiden lassen, kann durch die optoelektrische Erfassungseinrichtung nicht verhindert werden, dass beim Aufschneiden des Lebensmittelprodukts ein Restbestand übrig bleibt.The information can then be evaluated and assembled into a total information about both contour and structure of the product slices. With the obtained contour and structure data, certain operating parameters of the slicing machine, for example the slice thickness, can be changed during slicing, for example by actuating corresponding actuators, for example to keep the weight of slice portions to be formed from the sliced slices constant within predetermined limits. Although it is possible to reliably cut portions of this weight, the optoelectrical detection device can not prevent residual material from remaining when the food product is cut open.

Die DE 37 03 807 A1 beschreibt ein Verfahren zur sollgewichtigen Portionierung von Lebensmittelprodukten. Während des Aufschneidens des Lebensmittelproduktes wird das Istgewicht der bereits aufgeschnittenen Produktscheiben erfasst, um daraus die Produktscheibendicke der folgenden Scheiben so zu bestimmen, dass die Portion lediglich eine ganzzahlige Anzahl von Scheiben umfasst und ein Sollgewicht erreicht. Außerdem wird ein Sensor offenbart, welcher eine Restmenge feststellt, die nicht mehr ausreicht, um eine istgewichtige Portion zu einer sollgewichtigen Portion zu vervollständigen. Dabei wird die bereits aufgeschnittene Istmenge abgespeichert und fortgesetzt, sobald ein neues Lebensmittelprodukt in der Aufschneidevorrichtung platziert worden ist. Nachteilig daran ist, dass es bei Lebensmittelprodukten, die der Aufschneidvorrichtung nacheinander zugeführt werden, stets zu Restmengen kommen kann.The DE 37 03 807 A1 describes a method for the sollgewichtigen portioning of food products. During the slicing of the food product, the actual weight of the sliced product slices is detected in order to determine therefrom the product slice thickness of the following slices such that the portion comprises only an integer number of slices and reaches a target weight. In addition, a sensor is disclosed, which detects a residual amount that is no longer sufficient to complete a weighted portion to a sollgewichtigen portion. The already cut actual quantity is stored and continued as soon as a new food product has been placed in the slicing device. The disadvantage of this is that it can always come to residues in food products that are fed to the slicing sequentially.

Die DE 101 31 701 A1 sowie die DE 44 10 596 A1 beschreiben Aufschneideverfahren und Vorrichtungen, die dazu ausgebildet sind, sollgewichtige Portionen aufgeschnittener Lebensmittel basierend auf variablen Scheibendicken herzustellen. Nachteilig daran ist, dass es immer wieder zu Restbeständen kommen kann, durch die die Herstellungskosten erhöht werden.The DE 101 31 701 A1 as well as the DE 44 10 596 A1 describe slicing methods and apparatus designed to produce sliced portions of sliced food based on variable slice thicknesses. The disadvantage of this is that it can always come to remainders, by which the production costs are increased.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde ein verbessertes Verfahren zur Verfügung zu stellen, das verwendet werden kann, um beim Aufschneiden eines Lebensmittelprodukts in sollgewichtige Portionen einen Restbestand zu minimieren, dass heißt einen noch aufschneidbaren Teil, der jedoch nicht ausreicht, um eine sollgewichtige Portion zu bilden beziehungsweise eine Vorrichtung mittels einfacher konstruktiver Mittel dahingehend zu verbessern, dass sie beim Aufschneiden nacheinander folgender Lebensmittelprodukte einen Restbestand minimiert.The invention has for its object to provide an improved method that can be used to minimize the slicing of a food product in sollgewichtige portions a residual inventory, that is, a still aufschneidbaren part, but not sufficient to form a sollgewichtige portion or to improve a device by means of simple constructive means to the effect that it minimizes a residual stock when slicing successive food products.

Die Aufgabe wird mit den technischen Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst beziehungsweise mit den technischen Merkmalen des unabhängigen Patentanspruchs 6.The object is achieved with the technical features of claim 1 or with the technical features of independent patent claim. 6

Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind durch die Merkmale der Unteransprüche gegeben.Further developments of the invention are given by the features of the subclaims.

Wie eingangs beschrieben gibt es in der Praxis optische Systeme anhand derer sich die äußere Kontur eines Produkts bestimmen lässt und dem entsprechend Scheiben mit einem gewünschten Sollgewicht geschnitten werden können. Beispielsweise erfasst eine Kamera den Bereich eines Lebensmittelprodukts, der geschnitten wird und erfasst anhand der Schnittfläche die Geometrie der folgenden zu schneidenden Scheibe, wobei durch Regeln entsprechender Stellglieder die erforderliche Dicke der aufzuschneidenden Scheibe erreichbar ist. Dadurch lassen sich Portionen schneiden, die einem gewünschten Sollgewicht entsprechen, jedoch mindestens ein Gewicht innerhalb einer Toleranz aufweisen. Ebenfalls werden Schnittpläne zum Aufschneiden des Lebensmittelprodukts verwendet, um einen eventuellen Restbestand zu vermeiden.As described above, in practice there are optical systems by means of which it is possible to determine the outer contour of a product and the corresponding slices can be cut with a desired target weight. For example, a camera detects the area of a food product that is being cut and, on the basis of the sectional area, acquires the geometry of the following slice to be cut, whereby the required thickness of the slice to be cut can be achieved by regulating corresponding actuators. As a result, portions can be cut, the desired target weight but have at least one weight within a tolerance. Also, cutting plans are used to cut up the food product to avoid any residue.

In der Praxis hat sich jedoch herausgestellt, dass beim Aufschneiden von Lebensmitteln Restbestände, das heißt ein verbliebener Teil, der noch hätte aufgeschnitten werden können, jedoch nicht ausreicht, um eine sollgewichtige Portion zu bilden, in der Regel übrig bleiben. Daher findet gemäß der Erfindung eine Auswertung statt, ob es gelungen ist, dass Produkt ideal aufzuschneiden. Sollte sich bei der Ermittlung ein Restbestand ergeben, wird diese Information einem Steuer- und Regelsystem, nachfolgend als Steuervorrichtung bezeichnet, zugeführt, wobei anhand der Informationen des Restbestandes das Aufschneiden eines folgenden Lebensmittelprodukts derartig geregelt wird, dass eine verbesserte Ausbeute, möglichst ohne Restbestand erzielbar ist.In practice, however, it has been found that, when slicing food, leftovers, that is, a remaining part that could still have been sliced open, are insufficient to form a portion of lean weight, as a rule, are left over. Therefore, according to the invention, an evaluation takes place as to whether the product has been successfully cut open. If a residual stock results during the determination, this information is fed to a control and regulating system, hereinafter referred to as a control device, whereby the slicing of a following food product is regulated based on the information of the remaining stock in such a way that an improved yield, if possible without residual stock, can be achieved ,

Bei der Erfindung werden auf einem Förderer nacheinander mehrere Lebensmittelprodukte einer Schneidvorrichtung zugeführt, um das geförderte Lebensmittelprodukt in Scheiben zu schneiden. Während des Aufschneidens werden mittels einer Kamera Daten über eine Schnittfläche des zu schneidenden Lebensmittelprodukts gewonnen. Die Daten beziehungsweise Informationen werden von einer mit der Kamera verbundenen Steuervorrichtung ausgewertet, um die Dicke der abzuschneidenden Scheiben während des Aufschneidens des Lebensmittelproduktes durch Ansteuerung entsprechender Stellglieder zu verändern. Erfindungsgemäß ist die Steuervorrichtung dazu ausgebildet einen aufschneidbaren Restbestand eines ersten Lebensmittelprodukts zu erfassen, der nicht ausreicht, um eine Portion mit dem Sollgewicht zu schneiden. Der erkannte Restbestand des Lebensmittelprodukts wird als Eingangsgröße der Steuervorrichtung zugeführt und wird von der Steuervorrichtung zum Regeln entsprechender Stellglieder beim Aufschneiden eines folgenden Lebensmittelprodukts berücksichtigt, damit ein erneuter Restbestand minimiert wird.In the invention, several food products are sequentially fed to a cutter on a conveyor in order to slice the conveyed food product. During slicing, data is obtained via a cutting surface of the food product to be cut by means of a camera. The data or information is evaluated by a control device connected to the camera in order to change the thickness of the slices to be cut off during the slicing of the food product by actuating corresponding actuators. According to the invention, the control device is designed to detect a sliceable remaining stock of a first food product, which is insufficient to cut a portion with the target weight. The recognized residue of the food product is supplied as an input to the control device and is taken into account by the control device for controlling corresponding actuators when slicing a subsequent food product, so that a residual residue is minimized.

Da Produkte ähnlich sein können, ist eine solche Rückkopplung durchaus sinnvoll. Gegen Ende des aufzuschneidenden Produkts kommt es häufig vor, dass der Produktdurchmesser, dass heißt die Schnittfläche, kleiner wird, wobei dieser beim Aufschneiden mehrerer Lebensmittelprodukte einer Sorte ähnlich ist, sodass man nach wenigen aufgeschnittenen Produkten durch die Rückkopplung ein nahezu restloses Aufschneiden erreichen kann.Since products can be similar, such feedback is very useful. Towards the end of the product to be sliced, it often happens that the product diameter, ie the cut surface, becomes smaller, whereby when cutting several food products, it is similar to a variety, so that after a few sliced products the feedback can result in almost complete slicing.

Durch die Rückkopplung von Informationen über einen gegebenenfalls vorhandenen Restbestand ermöglicht das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren einen selbstlernenden technischen Effekt, der dazu dient den ertragsmindemden Restbestand gering zu halten. Dadurch kann die Effizienz bei der Verarbeitung verbessert werden.By the feedback of information about any remaining stock, the inventive method allows a self-learning technical effect, which serves to keep the yield-residual inventory low. This can improve the processing efficiency.

Vorzugsweise erfasst die Steuervorrichtung den Restbestand durch Daten des Gewichts und/oder Daten der Länge und/oder Daten der Schnittfläche und/oder Daten des spezifischen Gewichts und wertet den Restbestand für das Aufschneiden wenigstens des nächsten Lebensmittelprodukts aus. Vorteilhaft ist, dass sich sämtliche Daten einfach detektieren lassen, ohne dabei einen erheblichen Kostenaufwand zu verursachen.Preferably, the control device detects the remaining stock by data of the weight and / or data of the length and / or data of the cut surface and / or data of the specific weight and evaluates the remaining stock for the slicing of at least the next food product. It is advantageous that all data can be easily detected without causing a significant cost.

Vorteilhaft ist auch, wenn die Steuervorrichtung einen Schnittplan für wenigstens das nächste, aufzuschneidende Lebensmittelprodukt erstellt, durch den das Lebensmittelprodukt möglichst ohne Restbestand in n-Portionen mit dem Sollgewicht geschnitten werden kann, wobei zur Erstellung des Schnittplans der Restbestand wenigstens eines vorherigen, aufgeschnittenen Lebensmittelprodukts berücksichtigt wird. Anhand des Schnittplans, in den ein Restbestand eines vorherigen, aufgeschnittenen Lebensmittelprodukts eingerechnet ist, kann bei einem folgenden Aufschnitt der Restbestand minimiert werden. Bestenfalls gibt es keinen Restbestand mehr.It is also advantageous if the control device prepares a cutting plan for at least the next food product to be sliced through which the food product can be cut, if possible, into n-portions with the target weight without remaining stock, taking into account the remaining stock of at least one previous, sliced food product to produce the cutting plan becomes. On the basis of the cutting plan, in which a remnant of a previous, cut food product is included, the remaining stock can be minimized in a following sliced. At best there is no remainder.

In einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung wertet die Steuervorrichtung den Restbestand als Eingangsgröße aus, um eine Ausgangsgröße zu bestimmen, die den Vorschub entsprechender Stellglieder regelt. Durch die Regelung des Vorschubs entsprechender Stellglieder kann die Scheibendicke einer aufzuschneidenden Scheibe derartig eingestellt werden, dass eine sollgewichtige Portion entsteht und gleichzeitig ein Restbestand für das aufzuschneidende Lebensmittelprodukt minimiert wird.In another embodiment of the invention, the controller evaluates the remainder as an input to determine an output that controls the advance of corresponding actuators. By controlling the feed of corresponding actuators, the slice thickness of a sliced slice can be adjusted such that a sollgewichtige portion is formed and at the same time a residual inventory is minimized for the food product to be sliced.

Vorzugsweise kann das Gewicht jeder einzelnen Portion vom Sollgewicht um eine vorgegebene Toleranz abweichen, wobei die Summe der über einen Zeitraum T aufgeschnittenen Portionsgewichte dividiert durch die Anzahl der in diesem Zeitraum T aufgeschnittenen Portionen dem Sollgewicht entspricht. Somit entsteht ein weiterer Spielraum dafür, dass Lebensmittelprodukt ohne Restbestand aufzuschneiden.Preferably, the weight of each individual portion of the target weight may differ by a predetermined tolerance, wherein the sum of portion sliced over a period T portion weights divided by the number of cut in this period T portions corresponds to the target weight. Thus, there is further scope for slicing up food product without remaining stock.

Für das erfinderische Verfahren ist eine Vorrichtung mit einem Förderer zum Zuführen des Lebensmittelprodukts zu einer Schneidvorrichtung und einer Kamera zum Ermitteln einer Schnittfläche des Lebensmittelproduktes vorgesehen. Zusätzlich weist die Vorrichtung eine die Daten der Kamera auswertende Steuervorrichtung auf, die mit Stellgliedern verbunden ist, um durch Ansteuern entsprechender Stellglieder den Vorschub des Förderers zu verändern. Erfindungsgemäß kennzeichnet sich die Vorrichtung zum Schneiden mehrerer, einander nachfolgender Lebensmittelprodukte dadurch, dass für die Steuervorrichtung unter Auswertung eines aufschneidbaren, jedoch nicht sollgewichtigen Restbestandes eines ersten aufzuschneidenden Lebensmittelprodukts eine Eingangsgröße erfassbar ist, um beim Aufschneiden wenigstens eines folgenden Lebensmittelprodukts einen erneuten Restbestand zu minimieren.For the inventive method is a device with a conveyor for feeding the food product to a cutting device and a camera for detecting a cutting surface of the food product provided. In addition, the device comprises a control device which evaluates the data of the camera and which is connected to actuators in order to change the feed of the conveyor by actuating corresponding actuators. According to the invention, the device for cutting a plurality of successive food products is characterized in that an input variable can be detected for the control device by evaluating a sliceable, but non-oompressive residue of a first food product to be sliced so as to minimize a residual residue when slicing at least one subsequent food product.

In einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung sind von der Steuervorrichtung als Eingangsgröße Daten des Gewichts und/oder Daten der Länge und/oder Daten der Schnittfläche und/oder Daten der spezifischen Gewichts des Lebensmittelprodukts erfassbar, um den Restbestand auszuwerten. Des Weiteren ist vorzugsweise der Restbestand als Ausgangsgröße von der Steuervorrichtung zum Regeln des Vorschubs entsprechender Stellglieder für das Aufschneiden wenigstens eines nächsten Lebensmittelproduktes ausgebbar. Dadurch kann auf einfache Art und Weise die Scheibendicke des aufzuschneidenden Lebensmittelproduktes reguliert werden, um das aufzuschneidende Produkt so in Portionen zu schneiden, dass ein Restbestand minimiert wird.In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, the control device can record as input data of the weight and / or data of the length and / or data of the cut surface and / or data of the specific weight of the food product in order to evaluate the remaining stock. Furthermore, the remaining stock can preferably be output by the control device for controlling the feed of corresponding actuators for the slicing of at least one next food product. As a result, the slice thickness of the food product to be sliced can be regulated in a simple manner in order to cut the product to be sliced into portions in order to minimize residual residue.

Um zu erreichen, dass das Lebensmittelprodukt gleichmäßig der Schneidvorrichtung zum Aufschneiden zugeführt wird, ist der Förderer vorzugsweise als Greifervorrichtung ausgebildet, dessen Vorschub durch die Steuervorrichtung regelbar ist. Allerdings ist zu berücksichtigen, dass der von der Greifervorrichtung erfasste Teil des Lebensmittelprodukts nicht aufschneidbar ist und somit nicht als Restbestand im Sinne der Erfindung zu bewerten ist.In order to achieve that the food product is uniformly supplied to the cutting device for cutting, the conveyor is preferably designed as a gripper device whose feed can be controlled by the control device. However, it should be noted that the part of the food product detected by the gripper device can not be cut open and thus should not be evaluated as residual stock within the meaning of the invention.

In einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist ein mit der Steuervorrichtung verbundenes Längenmessgerät zum Erfassen der Länge des Lebensmittelprodukts vorhanden. Mit dem Längenmessgerät kann eine kontinuierliche Erfassung der Länge des Lebensmittelprodukts stattfinden. Ebenfalls können durch das Längenmessgerät Längendaten ermittelt werden, die sowohl zur Erstellung eines Schnittplans für das aufzuschneidende Lebensmittelprodukt, als auch zur Auswertung eines Restbestandes verwendet werden.In a further embodiment of the invention, a length measuring device connected to the control device is provided for detecting the length of the food product. The length measuring device can be used to continuously record the length of the food product. Also can be determined by the length measuring device length data, which are used both for creating a cutting plan for the food product to be cut, as well as for the evaluation of a remnant stock.

In einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung umfasst die Vorrichtung eine mit der Steuervorrichtung verbundene Waage zum Bestimmen eines Ist-Gewichts einer geschnitten Portion. Aufgeschnittene Portionen können von der Waage gemessen werden, wobei Daten über das Gewicht der geschnittenen Portion der Steuervorrichtung zugeführt werden, um entsprechende Stellglieder zu regeln.In a further embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a scale connected to the control device for determining an actual weight of a cut portion. Sliced portions may be measured by the balance, with data on the weight of the sliced portion being fed to the controller to control respective actuators.

Vorteilhaft ist auch, wenn die Kamera in Vorschubrichtung gesehen der Schneidvorrichtung nachgeordnet ist. Vorzugsweise ist die Kamera der Schnittfläche entgegengerichtet. Dies bietet den Vorteil, dass die Kamera auf zuverlässige Art und Weise die Größe der Schnittfläche erfassen kann.It is also advantageous if the camera is seen downstream of the cutting device seen in the feed direction. Preferably, the camera is opposite to the cut surface. This offers the advantage that the camera can reliably detect the size of the cut surface.

Besonders vorteilhaft ist, wenn von der Steuervorrichtung die von der Kamera erfassten Daten zur Bestimmung der Dicke der abzuschneidenden Scheibe während des Aufschneidens des Lebensmittelprodukts auswertbar sind. Dadurch wird erreicht, dass die Dicke der abzuschneidenden Scheibe reaktionsschnell mit Echtzeit von der Steuervorrichtung ermittelt werden kann, um eine sollgewichtige Portion zu schneiden.It is particularly advantageous if the data collected by the camera for determining the thickness of the slice to be cut off during the slicing of the food product can be evaluated by the control device. It is thereby achieved that the thickness of the slice to be cut off can be determined responsively with real time by the control device in order to cut a target weight portion.

In einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung weist die Schneidvorrichtung ein Sichelmesser oder ein Kreismesser auf.In one embodiment of the invention, the cutting device comprises a sickle blade or a circular blade.

Für das zuvor erwähnte Längemessgerät ist optional vorgesehen, dass es direkt an der Greifervorrichtung angeordnet ist, beziehungsweise an einer anderen Stelle des Förderers. Als vorteilhafte Ausführungsform der Erfindung wird auch angesehen, dass die Waage als Teil des Förderers ausgebildet ist.For the aforementioned length measuring device is optionally provided that it is located directly on the gripper device, or at another point of the conveyor. As an advantageous embodiment of the invention is also considered that the balance is formed as part of the conveyor.

Außerdem kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Kamera auf die Schnittfläche einer vom Messer noch nicht vollständig abgetrennten Scheibe gerichtet ist, um frühzeitig Daten an die Steuervorrichtung zu leiten. Eine Scheibendicke der folgenden aufzuschneidenden Scheibe könnte dann frühzeitig ermittelt werden, wodurch sich ein Regeln entsprechender Stellglieder, insbesondere ein Regeln des Vorschubs reaktionsschnell möglich ist.In addition, it can be provided that the camera is directed to the cutting surface of a not yet completely separated from the blade disc to conduct early data to the control device. A slice thickness of the following slice to be sliced could then be determined early, whereby a regulation of corresponding actuators, in particular a regulation of the feed reaction is possible.

Die Figur 1 zeigt eine Ausführungsform der Erfindung. Ein Lebensmittelprodukt 1 liegt auf einem horizontal gelagerten Förderer 2. Das Lebensmittelprodukt 1 ist zum Beispiel eine im Wesentlichen zylindrisch geformte Wurst beziehungsweise ein in Zylinderform zu verarbeitender Käse. Das Lebensmittelprodukt 1 kann in seiner Form variieren, wobei beim Aufschneiden mehrerer, einander folgender Lebensmittelprodukte 1 vorzugsweise eine im Wesentlichen einheitliche Form zu verarbeiten ist. Ebenfalls weist das Lebensmittelprodukt 1 im Normalfall ein konstantes spezifisches Gewicht auf.The FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention. A food product 1 lies on a horizontally mounted conveyor 2. The food product 1 is, for example, a substantially cylindrically shaped sausage or a cheese to be processed in cylindrical form. The food product 1 may vary in shape, with the Slicing several, successive food products 1 is preferably a substantially uniform shape to process. Also, the food product 1 usually has a constant specific gravity.

Der horizontal gelagerte Förderer 2 transportiert das Lebensmittelprodukt 1 in Vorschubrichtung von rechts nach links. Der Förderer 2 weist eine in Vorschubrichtung gesehene erste horizontale Umlenkrolle 3 sowie eine zweite, horizontal gelagerte Umlenkrolle 4 auf. Über die Umlenkrollen 3,4 ist ein Förderband 5 gespannt, das beispielsweise aus einer harten Gummierung besteht und durch Metalleinsätze verstärkt sein kann. Wie nicht gezeigt ist, ist vorzugsweise die in Vorschubrichtung gesehene, erste Umlenkrolle 3 mit einem Antrieb verbunden, durch den eine Fördergeschwindigkeit einstellbar ist. Der Förderer 2 kann auch in einer Schräglage gelagert sein, um ein Eigengewicht des zu fördernden Lebensmittelprodukts 1 für einen leichteren Transport zu nutzen.The horizontally mounted conveyor 2 transports the food product 1 in the feed direction from right to left. The conveyor 2 has a first horizontal deflection roller 3 viewed in the feed direction and a second, horizontally mounted deflection roller 4. About the pulleys 3,4, a conveyor belt 5 is stretched, for example, consists of a hard rubber coating and can be reinforced by metal inserts. As is not shown, the first deflection roller 3 seen in the feed direction is preferably connected to a drive, by means of which a conveying speed can be set. The conveyor 2 can also be mounted in an inclined position to use a net weight of the food product 1 to be conveyed for easier transport.

Links neben der zweiten Umlenkrolle 4, ist in Vorschubrichtung gesehen ein Stützblock 6, der das Lebensmittelprodukt 1 von unten stützt. Der Stützblock 6 kann aus unterschiedlichen Materialien bestehen.To the left of the second deflection roller 4, viewed in the feed direction, is a support block 6 which supports the food product 1 from below. The support block 6 may consist of different materials.

Eine Schneidvorrichtung 7 ist oberhalb der zweiten Umlenkrolle 4 des Förderers 2 beziehungsweise oberhalb des Stützblocks 6 gelagert. Die Schneidvorrichtung 7 umfasst einen Antrieb 8, der mit einem Messer 9 verbunden ist. Das Messer 9 ist vorzugsweise als Sichelmesser beziehungsweise als Kreismesser ausgebildet und ist vertikal zum horizontal geförderten Lebensmittelprodukt 1 angeordnet. Bei einer gekippten Förderung des Lebensmittelprodukts 1 kann das Messer 9 durch den Antrieb 8 in eine zur Vorschubrichtung gesehene orthogonale Position gestellt werden. Die Schneidvorrichtung 7 schneidet das durch den Förderer 2 zugeführte Lebensmittelprodukt in Scheiben.A cutting device 7 is mounted above the second deflection roller 4 of the conveyor 2 or above the support block 6. The cutting device 7 comprises a drive 8, which is connected to a knife 9. The knife 9 is preferably designed as a sickle knife or as a circular blade and is arranged vertically to horizontally conveyed food product 1. In a tilted promotion of the food product 1, the knife 9 can be made by the drive 8 in an orthogonal position to the feed direction. The cutter 7 slices the food product supplied by the conveyor 2.

In Vorschubrichtung gesehen ist des Weiteren ein Schrägförderer 10 nach dem Förderer 2 positioniert. Auf dem Schrägförderer liegt eine bereits geschnittene Portion 11. Der Schrägförderer 10 kann in unterschiedliche Schräglagen eingestellt werden und umfasst zwei Umlenkrollen 12,13, über die ein Transportband 14 gespannt ist. Schneidet die Schneidvorrichtung 7 eine Scheibe vom Lebensmittelprodukt 1 ab, dann fällt diese auf den Schrägförderer 10 beziehungsweise wird die Scheibe von nicht gezeigten Positioniergliedern auf den Schrägförderer 10 geworfen. Außerdem ist der Schrägförderer 10 mit einem separaten Antrieb verbunden, der nicht in der Figur 1 gezeigt ist. Der Schrägförderer 10 ist für ein intervallartiges Fördern einsetzbar, wobei er dazu ausgebildet ist die geschnittenen Scheiben portionsweise weiterzutransportieren.Furthermore, as viewed in the feed direction, a feeder 10 is positioned after the conveyor 2. On the inclined conveyor is an already cut portion 11. The inclined conveyor 10 can be set in different inclinations and includes two pulleys 12,13 over which a conveyor belt 14 is stretched. If the cutting device 7 cuts off a slice from the food product 1, then it falls onto the inclined conveyor 10 or the slice is thrown onto the inclined conveyor 10 by positioning members (not shown). In addition, the inclined conveyor 10 with connected to a separate drive that is not in the FIG. 1 is shown. The inclined conveyor 10 can be used for an interval-like conveying, wherein it is adapted to further transport the cut slices in portions.

Dem Schrägförderer 10 und der Schneidvorrichtung 7 ist ein horizontal gelagerter Portionsförderer 15 nachgeordnet. Dieser umfasst zwei Umlenkrollen 16, 17, über die ein Förderband 18 gespannt ist. Der Portionsförderer 15 ist auf einer Waage 19 positioniert, die zum Erfassen des Gewichts, das heißt zum Erfassen eines Ist-Gewichts einer Portion einsetzbar ist. Die Waage 19 kann alternativ im Portionsförderer 15 integriert angeordnet ist. In einer weiteren Ausführung ist der Portionsförderer 15 direkt nach dem Förderer 2 angeordnet.The inclined conveyor 10 and the cutting device 7 is a horizontally mounted portion conveyor 15 downstream. This comprises two pulleys 16, 17, over which a conveyor belt 18 is stretched. The portion conveyor 15 is positioned on a scale 19 which can be used for detecting the weight, that is to say for detecting an actual weight of a portion. The balance 19 may alternatively be arranged integrated in the portion conveyor 15. In a further embodiment, the portion conveyor 15 is arranged directly after the conveyor 2.

Die Figur 1 zeigt auch eine Kamera 20, die der Schneidvorrichtung 7 nachgeordnet ist und sich in etwa auf der Höhe des Antriebs 8 der Schneidvorrichtung 7 befindet. Die Kamera 20 fokussiert eine Schnittfläche 21 des Lebensmittelprodukts 1 aus einer Lage schräg nach oben versetzt zur Schnittfläche 21. in einer weiteren Ausführung der Erfindung ist die Kamera 20 gegenüber der Schnittfläche 21 angeordnet, wodurch der Fokus frontal auf die Schnittfläche 21 fällt. Trotz hoher Schnittgeschwindigkeiten der Schneidvorrichtung 7 ist die Kamera 20 dazu ausgebildet die Schnittfläche 21 während des Aufschneidens komplett zu erfassen.The FIG. 1 also shows a camera 20, which is arranged downstream of the cutting device 7 and is located approximately at the height of the drive 8 of the cutting device 7. The camera 20 focuses a cutting surface 21 of the food product 1 from a position obliquely upwards to the cutting surface 21. In a further embodiment of the invention, the camera 20 is arranged opposite the cutting surface 21, whereby the focus falls frontally on the cutting surface 21. Despite high cutting speeds of the cutting device 7, the camera 20 is designed to completely capture the cutting surface 21 during the slicing process.

Ebenfalls ist eine Greifervorrichtung 22 abgebildet, die ein rechtes Ende des Lebensmittelprodukts 1 hält. Die Greifervorrichtung 22 weist einen Antrieb 23 auf, der als Spindelantrieb ausgebildet sein kann. Der Antrieb 23 ist mit einem Greifer 24 verbunden und dazu ausgebildet den Greifer 24 in Vorschubrichtung zu verfahren. Der Greifer 24 hält das Lebensmittelprodukt 1 fest und positioniert es auf dem Förderer 2. Ein Vorschub des Greifers 24 ist mit dem Vorschub des Förderers 2 synchronisiert. Obwohl der Greifer 24 in der Figur 1 das Lebensmittelprodukt 1 mit greifzangenartigen Befestigungsmitteln festhält, können auch andere Mittel zum Halten beziehungsweise Positionieren verwendet werden, die nicht in das Lebensmittelprodukt eingreifen, zum Beispiel eine Vakuumglocke. Als Alternative zur Greifervorrichtung 22, um das Lebensmittelprodukt zu positionieren, könnten auch Befestigungsmittel direkt am Förderband 5 des Förderers 2 angeordnet sein. Vorstellbar sind zum Beispiel Positionierungsleisten, die dafür sorgen, dass das Lebensmittelprodukt 1 gleichmäßig der Schneidvorrichtung 7 zugeführt wird.Also depicted is a gripper device 22 which holds a right end of the food product 1. The gripper device 22 has a drive 23 which may be designed as a spindle drive. The drive 23 is connected to a gripper 24 and designed to move the gripper 24 in the feed direction. The gripper 24 holds the food product 1 and positions it on the conveyor 2. An advancement of the gripper 24 is synchronized with the feed of the conveyor 2. Although the gripper 24 in the FIG. 1 holds food product 1 with gripper-like fasteners, other means can be used for holding or positioning, which do not interfere with the food product, for example, a vacuum bell. As an alternative to the gripper device 22 for positioning the food product, fasteners could also be arranged directly on the conveyor belt 5 of the conveyor 2. For example, positioning strips which ensure that the food product 1 is fed evenly to the cutting device 7 are conceivable.

Des Weiteren ist in der Figur 1 eine Steuervorrichtung 25 gezeigt. Die Steuervorrichtung 25 ist als Steuer- und Regelungssystem ausgebildet und ist mit dem Antrieb des Förderers, mit dem Antrieb 8 der Schneidvorrichtung 7, mit dem Antrieb des Schrägförderers 10, mit dem Antrieb 23 der Greifervorrichtung 22 sowie mit der Waage 19 und der Kamera 20 verbunden. Die Steuervorrichtung 25 ist dazu ausgebildet, beim Aufschneiden eines ersten Lebensmittelprodukts 1 Daten der mit ihr verbundenen Stellglieder, ebenfalls Daten der Kamera 20 und der Waage 19 zu erfassen, auszuwerten und für eine Regelung der verbundenen Stellglieder beim Aufschneiden wenigstens eines folgenden Lebensmittelprodukts 1 zu berücksichtigen. Insbesondere ist die Steuervorrichtung 25 dazu ausgebildet einen aufschneidbaren Restbestand zu erfassen, der jedoch ein vorbestimmtes Sollgewicht für eine Portion nicht erreicht. Der Restbestand wird von der Steuervorrichtung 25 anhand der erfassten Daten und des spezifischen Gewichts des Lebensmittelprodukts 1 ausgewertet und kann beispielsweise zur Vorschubsteuerung beim Aufschneiden eines Folgeprodukts 1 berücksichtigt werden, damit ein erneuter Restbestand minimiert wird und bestenfalls nicht mehr besteht.Furthermore, in the FIG. 1 a control device 25 is shown. The control device 25 is designed as a control and regulating system and is connected to the drive of the conveyor, to the drive 8 of the cutting device 7, to the drive of the inclined conveyor 10, to the drive 23 of the gripper device 22 and to the balance 19 and the camera 20 , The control device 25 is designed, when cutting a first food product 1, to acquire data from the actuators connected to it, likewise data from the camera 20 and the balance 19, and to take it into account for controlling the connected actuators when slicing at least one following food product 1. In particular, the control device 25 is configured to detect a sliceable remaining stock, but does not reach a predetermined target weight for a portion. The remaining stock is evaluated by the control device 25 on the basis of the acquired data and the specific weight of the food product 1 and can be taken into account, for example, for feed control when slicing a follow-on product 1, so that a residual residue is minimized and at best no longer exists.

Das Lebensmittelprodukt 1 wird von dem Förderer 2 beziehungsweise der Greifervorrichtung 22 solange der Schneidvorrichtung 7 zugeführt, bis bei der Steuervorrichtung 25 Informationen eingehen, durch die ein Restbestand erkennbar ist, dass heißt ein aufschneidbarer Teil, der jedoch nicht ausreicht, um eine sollgewichtige Portion zu schneiden. Die Informationen über den Restbestand werden zum Aufschneiden wenigstens eines folgenden Lebensmittelprodukts 1 von der Steuervorrichtung 7 zur Regelung entsprechender Stellglieder verwendet und gegebenenfalls zur Erstellung eines Schnittplans berücksichtigt, wodurch bei einem folgenden Lebensmittelprodukt 1 ein minimierter Restbestand zu erwarten ist.The food product 1 is fed to the cutting device 7 by the conveyor 2 or the gripper device 22 until information is received by the control device 25, by which a remaining stock is recognizable, that is to say a cut-to-size part, which, however, is insufficient to cut a target weight portion , The information about the remaining stock is used for slicing at least one following food product 1 by the control device 7 to control appropriate actuators and optionally taken into account for creating a cutting plan, whereby a minimized remaining stock is to be expected in a following food product 1.

Claims (13)

  1. Method for cutting a food product (1) into slices for creating portions (11) taking into account the desired weight thereof, a plurality of food products (1) being consecutively supplied, on a conveyor (2), to a cutting device (7) in order to cut the conveyed food product (1) into slices, data relating to a cut surface (21) of the food product (1) to be cut being collected by a camera (20) during the cutting process, and the information being evaluated by a control device (25) connected to the camera (20) in order to alter the thickness of the slice to be cut based on the data while the food product (1) is being cut, by actuating corresponding control elements,
    characterised in that t
    he control device (25) detects a remnant of a first food product (1), which remnant is not sufficient to cut a portion (11) of the desired weight, the control device (25) recording the remnant using data on the length, data on the cut surface (21) and data on the specific weight, and evaluating the remnant for the cutting of at least the next food product (1), and the remnant being supplied to the control device (25) as an input quantity, and being taken into account by the control device (25) for regulating corresponding control elements when cutting a subsequent food product (1), so that a further remnant is minimised.
  2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the control device (25) prepares a cutting plan for at least the next food product (1) to be cut, using which plan the food product (1) can be cut into n portions of the desired weight, as far as possible without a remnant, it being possible for the remnant of at least one previous, cut food product (1) to be taken into account for preparing the cutting plan.
  3. Method according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the control device (25) evaluates the remnant as an input quantity in order to determine an output quantity which regulates the feed motion of corresponding control elements.
  4. Method according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the weight of each individual portion (11) may differ from the desired weight by a specified tolerance, the sum of the portion weights cut in a time period T divided by the number of portions cut in said time period T corresponding to the desired weight.
  5. Apparatus for cutting a plurality of consecutive food products (1) into slices for creating portions (11) taking into account the desired weight thereof, comprising a conveyor (2) for supplying the food product (1) to a cutting device (7), and a camera (20) for detecting a cut surface (21) of the food product (1), as well as a control device (25) which evaluates the data from the camera (20) in order to alter the feed motion of the conveyor (2) by actuating corresponding control elements in order to achieve the desired weight,
    characterised in that
    an input quantity can be recorded for the control device (25) by evaluating a remnant of a first food product (1) to be cut, which remnant can be cut but is not of the desired weight, it being possible for the control device (25) to record data on the length, data on the cut surface (21) and data on the specific weight of the food product (1) as an input quantity in order to evaluate the remnant and in order to minimise a further remnant when cutting at least one following food product (1).
  6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterised in that the control mechanism (25) can issue a recorded remnant as an output quantity in order to regulate the feed motion of corresponding control elements for cutting at least one subsequent food product (1).
  7. Apparatus according to either claim 5 or claim 6, characterised in that the conveyor (2) is designed as a gripping device (22), the feed motion of which can be regulated by the control device (25).
  8. Apparatus according to either claim 6 or claim 7, characterised by a length measuring device, connected to the control device (25), for recording the length of the food product (1).
  9. Apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 8, characterised by a scale (19), connected to the control device (25), for determining an actual weight of a cut portion (11).
  10. Apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 9, characterised in that the camera (20) is arranged downstream of the cutting device (7) viewed in the feed direction.
  11. Apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 10, characterised in that the camera (20) is opposite the cut surface (21).
  12. Apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 11, characterised in that the data recorded by the camera (20) can be evaluated by the control device (25) in order to determine the thickness of the slice to be cut while the food product (1) is being cut.
  13. Apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 12, characterised in that the cutting device (7) comprises a curved blade or a circular knife.
EP11006815.2A 2010-10-06 2011-08-19 Method for minimizing remainders when cutting food Active EP2439029B1 (en)

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DE201010047623 DE102010047623A1 (en) 2010-10-06 2010-10-06 Method of slicing food

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US8892239B2 (en) 2014-11-18
US20120089244A1 (en) 2012-04-12
DE102010047623A1 (en) 2012-04-12

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