EP2679355A2 - Portioning of slices - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves simultaneously cutting food products by a high speed slicer, and laying cut slices (20) on an arrangement device to form single portions (22, 22') for the products. The arrangement device is moved such that the single portions together forming a total portion (24) form partial images. The identical, partial images are added to a coherent overall image of the total portion. The formation of the total portion is completed by finishing of the single portions. The device is moved in a vertical direction to create stacks, cut portions and three-dimensional-figures. The arrangement device is designed as an X-Y table and a portioning support. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a device for simultaneous cutting of food products (2) a device for arranging slices of cut product products to a total portion.

Description

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for arranging slices of several food products into at least one total portion.

Especially in the food sector, the presentation of products is becoming increasingly important.

It is known to arrange slices that have been cut from a food product prior to packaging in a particular geometry.

The WO 00/59689 A1 describes a cutting device for food products in which a plurality of product loaves are fed to and cut by a cutting blade. The slices of the individual product slices then impinge independently on a movable portioning pad. This is moved in such a way that in each case slices of a product loaf form a specific shape, for example a circle. The pattern that results from the slices of a Produktlaibes, this is independent of the slices of the other product loaves. In particular, this pattern contains no slices of other product slices.

Portions, which consist for example of circularly arranged discs, however, are now no longer a special feature. The consumers have rather got used to such an appearance.

Therefore, it is desirable to achieve an interesting, pleasing and / or unusual appearance of the sliced food products in order to meet the demands of consumers and to stand out in particular from competing products.

Alternatively or additionally, it is desirable to arrange slices that overlap, to save space.

It is thus an object of the invention to improve the presentation possibilities of cut-up food products.

The object is solved by the subject matters of the independent claims.

In particular, the object is achieved by a method according to the invention for arranging slices of several food products into at least one total portion, in which at least two products are cut open at the same time. The simultaneous cutting can in this case be carried out, for example, with the aid of a common slicing machine, in particular a high-performance slicer. However, it is also conceivable to cut the products by means of several independent slicing machines. The products can be supplied from a common product feed, in particular an endless belt conveyor, to at least one slicing machine. However, it is also conceivable to supply the products on a track-by-track basis, in particular with the aid of separate endless belt conveyors and / or product grippers, to the slicing machine.

In particular, different numbers of discs per product can be cut open.

The resulting slices are deposited on an array device, i. especially dropped to form a single serving for each product. A single portion consists in particular of at least two product slices.

The arrangement means may be e.g. to act a Portionierauflage, which may be formed as an X-Y table, which is movable in particular in the horizontal plane. It is also conceivable that the X-Y table has a certain inclination. In any case, the arrangement device can be moved at least in two dimensions. This is ensured for example by means of belt conveyors.

Also a vertical movement, i. For example, a lowering and lifting, the arrangement device is conceivable.

The arrangement device is preferably designed as a common X-Y table for all products. However, it is also conceivable to divide the table, for example, into separately movable components. In particular, in each case a part of the table can each be assigned to one product.

The arrangement device is moved in such a way that the individual portions forming the total portion result in one partial image in each case, with the partial images, preferably identical, complementing one another to form a coherent overall picture of the total portion.

The individual partial images preferably hang together at a certain point in time during the development of the partial images. However, it is also conceivable to complete the individual partial images only for themselves and then, for example, with the help of a shared X-Y table, to put together to form a coherent overall picture. The slices of the individual images preferably remain in the same plane in the overall image.

The resulting overall picture can be changed in different ways. Preferably, the movement in the X and Y direction of the X-Y table is varied.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the drop height of the individual product slices can be varied individually for each track. For example, the products may be at different heights, i. Layers are inserted into the cutting machine or can be the products during slicing in different altitudes. The slicing apparatus can thus be used e.g. at the same time cut products that lie one above the other or at an angle to each other. For this purpose, the product feeds can basically be arranged in any desired way next to, below and above each other. A high product throughput is thus ensured. Alternatively or additionally, the receiving table can be divided to vary the height of fall and have different heights,

Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable, for example, to change the distance between the product slices whose slices hit the XY table. In addition, it is conceivable to use products with different diameters. If the overall picture corresponds to a circle, for example, this has an otherwise identical movement of the XY table using products with a smaller disc diameter have a larger central opening than when using products with a larger disc diameter.

According to one embodiment, in the total portion the individual portions overlap one another or touch each other at the edge. The individual portions thus form in particular a unit which is finally packaged as a total portion.

The partial images preferably hang together before the completion of at least one of the individual portions. In particular, the individual portions overlap one another or the individual portions contact one another before the completion of at least one of the individual portions.

Alternatively or additionally overlap in the single portion, the discs each other and / or touch the edge. In particular, the discs are shingled and / or stacked. Preferably, the slices of the different individual portions are at least partially superimposed.

This can in particular make the packaging smaller. This reduces e.g. the cost of packaging, storage and / or display.

According to a further embodiment, the overall image represents a symbol, in particular a number. As a symbol, for example, at least one circle, an oval, a ring, a smiley, a cross, a heart, a star, a crescent, a sun, a cloud , a polygon, in particular a triangle or a square and / or a preferably wavy line conceivable.

In particular, uppercase and / or lowercase letters, for example A, a, B, b, C, c, etc. or combinations thereof are also conceivable. Also, e.g. Arabic, Greek (e.g., Π, Ω, Σ), Indian, Buddhist (e.g., the Om symbol), Japanese or Chinese (e.g., yin and yang) characters and Sanskrit symbols or characters, as well as runes may be generated. In addition, for example, religious or political symbols or symbols from the economy (e.g., €, $, £) or the law (e.g., §) are also conceivable.

Preferably, the overall image represents a number, in particular e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 0 or a combination thereof. Here, for example, it is conceivable to offer the packaged food products as a "birthday sausage".

Also, more complex forms such as plants, especially flowers or flowers, foods (e.g., a pretzel), zodiac signs, animals or vehicles (e.g., cars) are possible.

The individual slices can also be stacked on top of one another, at least partially. As a result, in particular three-dimensional images are generated.

In particular, this is made possible by a subdivided and individually controllable XY table, which in particular can also be vertically movable and controllable. For example, the individual parts of the X-Y table may be moved towards each other so that the disks are pushed against each other, e.g. pile up and form a kind of mountain.

According to the invention, the generation of 3-D images is thus possible. As an overall picture, for example pyramids or hemispheres are conceivable.

However, the parts of the X-Y table can also be moved in the same direction, wherein the parts can also have a different speed. The slices of one product may thus be delayed from the slices of the other product.

According to another embodiment, products of different types are cut open.

Thus, a product can e.g. salami, while another product is ham.

In addition to different types of food, for example different kinds of sausage, different foods, e.g. Sausage and cheese, to be cut open.

It is also conceivable to cut products with a different diameter and / or shape (e.g., round or square).

The shape of the overall picture can thus be further varied. For example, flags are conceivable in which the individual colors are realized by different varieties.

In the event that the products reach the cutting blade via individually controllable conveyors, it is not absolutely necessary for the slices to fall onto the XY table at the same time. It is also conceivable, for example, to let the slices fall, for example, alternately onto the portioning support, as a result of which an overall image can be produced which consists of alternating product slices, in particular of a different variety, consists. The individual product feeds enable a number of further design possibilities for the resulting overall picture.

Thus, for example, it is conceivable to first drop one or more slices of a product with a large slice diameter as a base on the X-Y table and then to produce any desired images with slices of a product having a smaller slice diameter. In this way it is e.g. conceivable to paint a face, especially a smiley face. Also, e.g. A soccer goal with one sort is painted and a ball with the help of one or more discs of a different kind in the gate to be placed.

By individually controllable conveyors, the discs can also be fed to the X-Y table at a different speed. For example, it is conceivable first to drop two slices of a product onto the arrangement device before a slice of another product falls onto the arrangement device.

According to a further embodiment, the formation of the total image resulting in the overall image is completed with the completion of the individual portions.

The formation of the total portion takes place, in particular during and / or immediately after cutting, on the arrangement device. The overall picture is created in particular in the same place as the individual pictures. Thus, not all of the individual images are first completed separately and, if appropriate, these are later superimposed, for example, at a location other than the place of origin of the individual images.

The invention also relates to a device for the simultaneous cutting of at least two food products, in particular high-performance slicers, with an arranging device, on which slices resulting from the slicing of the products are deposited, i. in particular fall, and which is movable during the slicing to change the impact of the discs, wherein the arranging means is movable such that together form a total portion forming individual portions, each of which one of the products containing discs, each yield a partial image and the , preferably identical, add sub-images to a coherent overall picture of the total portion.

According to a further embodiment, a controller is provided, which is designed to operate the device according to the inventive method.

It is also possible to provide an input unit, in particular a touchscreen, which is coupled to the controller. For example, an operator can select a desired overall picture from various motifs via the input unit and / or draw an overall picture himself, which is then converted by means of the control into an overall image consisting of food product slices.

The invention also relates to a method for arranging slices of cut-up food products into at least one total portion, in which the slices from at least two different regions are deposited on an arrangement device, ie, dropped in particular, to form a single portion each. The different areas may in this case be, for example, different tracks over which the food products, for example a common Slitting or different slicing be supplied.

After slicing, the slices of, in particular juxtaposed, tracks, e.g. directly on the arrangement device, in particular an X-Y table.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the discs first arrive at a common conveyor or at, in particular individually controllable, different conveyors, via which they are transported to the arrangement device. It is conceivable, for example, to arrange the tracks side by side and / or one above the other. The respective tracks represent the individual areas.

It is also conceivable that all slices come from a single food product. In this case, for example, a food product is cut open by a slicing machine. In particular, with the aid of conveyor belts, the disks are then divided into at least two areas and then fed to the arrangement device.

The arrangement device is moved in such a way that the individual portions forming the total portion result in one partial image in each case, with the partial images, preferably identical, complementing one another to form a coherent overall picture of the total portion.

In the total portion, the individual portions preferably overlap one another or touch each other at the edge. Alternatively or additionally overlap in the single portion, the discs each other and / or touch the edge. In particular, these are shingled and / or stacked.

In the total portion, the individual portions can overlap one another before the finishing of at least one of the individual portions or touch each other at the edge.

The overall image preferably represents a symbol, in particular a number, preferably an eight.

It is conceivable that products of different varieties are cut open.

The slices of the individual areas are in particular supplied individually to the X-Y table. The discs can fall simultaneously and / or with a time delay on the X-Y table.

Preferably, the formation of the total image resulting total image with the completion of at least one of the individual portions is completed.

The invention also relates to a device for arranging slices of sliced food products into at least one total portion, with an arranging device on which the slices are deposited from at least two different regions, ie in particular falling, and which is movable around the depositing or impacting points to change the slices, wherein the arrangement means is movable such that together form a total portion forming individual portions, each containing one of the areas discs, each yield a partial image and the, preferably identical, partial images, to complement a coherent overall picture of the total portion.

Preferably, a controller is provided, which is designed to operate the device according to a method according to the invention.

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht eines beispielhaften Gesamtbildes, welches nach einem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren entstanden ist.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a top view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention,

Fig. 2

a plan view of an exemplary overall image, which has arisen according to a method of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a device for positioning of cut food products 10, 10 '. The device comprises a product feed 12, a cutting blade 14 and an arrangement device 16, which is designed as a portioning pad 16. To the arrangement means 16, an output conveyor 18 connects, which leads, for example, to a packaging machine, not shown.

Disposed on the arrangement device 16 embodied as an XY table 16 are discs 20, which each form individual portions 22, 22 '. Together, the individual portions 22, 22 'result in a total portion 24.

The two food products 10, 10 'are first supplied in the conveying direction F to a common cutting blade 14 with the aid of the product feed 12, which can comprise an individually controllable product conveyor, in particular for each food product 10, 10', and cut by the latter.

The resulting slices 20 then fall onto the portioning support 16. The slices 20 of the respective food products 10, 10 'form individual portions 22, 22', which form a partial image 22, 22 'into a coherent overall image 24 of the total portion 24.

In order to achieve a desired overall picture, the X-Y table is moved during the slicing in the directions of movement X and Y. The overall image 24 could also be changed, for example, by the food products 10, 10 'being closer together or further apart.

If a desired overall image 24 is reached, the total portion 24 is transported away in the conveying direction F with the aid of the output conveyor 18, for example, to a packaging machine.

In Fig. 2 an overall picture 24 is shown by way of example. This consists of the overlapping partial images 22 and 22 ', which each consist of slices 20 different food types.

The overall picture 24 results in an eight. For discs 20 with a smaller diameter, the two holes of the eight with otherwise constant movement of the XY table 16 (see Fig. 1 ) greater. For discs 20 with a larger disc diameter, however, the holes are smaller.

By means of the device according to the invention numerous possibilities are created for arranging sliced food products in an appealing manner.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 10, 10 ' Food product 12 product supply 14 cutting blade 16 Arrangement device, portioning support, X-Y table 18 output conveyor 20 disc 22, 22 ' Single serving, partial image 24 Total portion, overall picture F conveying direction X movement direction Y movement direction

Claims (9)

Method for arranging slices of several food products (10, 10 ') into at least one total portion (24), in which - at least two products (10, 10 ') are cut open simultaneously, - The resulting discs (20) are placed on an assembly device (16) to form a single portion (22, 22 ') for each product (10, 10'), and - In this case, the arrangement means (16) is moved such that together the total portion (24) forming individual portions (22, 22 ') each give a partial image (22, 22'), wherein the, preferably identical, partial images (22, 22 ') to form a coherent overall picture (24) of the total portion (24). Method according to claim 1,
characterized,
that in the total portion (24) the individual portions (22, 22 ') overlap one another or touch at the edge, and / or that in the single portion (22, 22') the discs (20) overlap each other, in particular shingled and / or stacked, and / or on the edge. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized ,
that products (10, 10 ') of different types are cut open. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the formation of the total image (24) resulting overall portion (24) to the completion of the single portions (22, 22 ') has been completed. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the arrangement is moved in the vertical direction, in particular for the generation of stacking, the shingled portions and / or 3D figures. Apparatus for the simultaneous slicing of at least two food products (10, 10 '), in particular high-performance slicers, with an arrangement device (16) on which slices (20) which are formed when slicing the products (10, 10') are deposited and which during the Slicing is movable to change the impact of the discs (20),
wherein the arrangement device (16) is movable such that a single portion (22, 22 ') forming a total portion (24), each of which contains discs (20) originating from one of the products (10, 10'), each have a partial image (22 , 22 ') and the, preferably identical, partial images (22, 22') to form a coherent overall image (24) of the total portion (24). Device according to claim 6,
characterized ,
that a control is provided which is adapted to operate the apparatus according to a method according to any one of claims 1 to. 5 Method for arranging slices of sliced food products (10, 10 ') into at least one total portion (24), in which - The discs (20) from at least two different areas are placed on an arrangement means (16) to each form a single portion (22, 22 '), and - In this case, the arrangement means (16) is moved such that together the total portion (24) forming individual portions (22, 22 ') each give a partial image (22, 22'), wherein the, preferably identical, partial images (22, 22 ') to form a coherent overall picture (24) of the total portion (24). Device for arranging slices (20) of sliced food products (10, 10 ') into at least one total portion (24),
with an arrangement device (16), on which the discs (20) are deposited from at least two different areas and which is movable in order to change the impact locations of the discs (20),
wherein the arrangement means (16) is movable such that together a total portion (24) forming individual portions (22, 22 '), each containing one of the areas of discs (20), each give a partial image (22, 22') and the, preferably identical, partial images (22, 22 ') to form a coherent overall image (24) of the total portion (24).

Images