EP2885115A1

EP2885115A1 - Device and method for cutting up food products

Info

Publication number: EP2885115A1
Application number: EP13745627.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Josef Mayer; Mathias Salmen; Jörg SCHMEISER; Wilfried Maier; Holger HERZBERGER
Original assignee: Textor Maschinenbau GmbH
Current assignee: Textor Maschinenbau GmbH
Priority date: 2012-08-20
Filing date: 2013-07-30
Publication date: 2015-06-24
Anticipated expiration: 2033-07-30
Also published as: ES2673326T3; CN104619470A; DE102012214741A1; NZ705255A; WO2014029590A1; PL2885115T3; US20190240857A1; US10836063B2; JP2015530932A; EP2885115B1; ES2773792T3; EP3332928B1; US10307927B2; JP6200504B2; CN104619470B; BR112015003573B1; US20150202786A1; EP3332928A1; BR112015003573A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for cutting up food products, particularly a high-performance slicer, having a product feed which comprises at least one conveying device. By means of said product feed, at least one product may be fed to a cutting plane in which at least one cutting tool is moving, particularly in a rotating or circulating manner. The cutting device further comprises at least one multifunctional working unit for at least intermittently handling the product. The working unit can be displaced into a contact position, in which the working unit presses the product which is movable in the conveying direction against a lower product bearing surface and/or a side product bearing surface, and into a locking position. In the locking position, the working unit prevents any movement of the product in the conveying direction.

Description

Device and method of slicing

of food products

The invention relates to a device for slicing food products, in particular high-performance slicers, with a product feed, which comprises at least one conveyor, with which at least one product can be fed to a cutting plane, in which at least one cutting blade, in particular rotating and / or rotating , emotional. The cutting knife may be, for example, a sickle knife, an orbital knife or a circular knife.

In such slicing devices, a food product having a defined velocity profile is conveyed to a rotating knife. The knife cuts slices off the food product. The slice thickness is defined by the feed rate of the food product relative to the speed of the cutting knife, which can be several hundred to several thousand revolutions per minute.

To ensure that the product is conveyed at a speed determined by a precision drive, traction systems are used, for example, ie the product is conveyed by one or more driven rollers or belts. Ideally, a product can be transported without slippage. Thus, for example, two parallel conveyor belts, in particular below and above the product, can be provided for each product, between which the product is guided. If only a lower conveyor belt is used to transport the product, or if an upper conveyor belt is not close enough to the cutting plane, an upper hold-down system can be provided which presses the product onto the lower conveyor belt. The hold-down system has the particular task of stabilizing the product when entering and leaving the cutting blade.

It is also possible for a plurality of, in particular juxtaposed, food products to be fed simultaneously to a cutting plane. There, the food products can be cut by a common cutting blade or by several individual cutting blades.

The product supply can be controlled, for example track individual. Thus, e.g. Each track with its own conveyor, in particular an endless belt conveyor and / or a product holder, be equipped.

However, track-specific product promotion for several products has the disadvantage that the respective product holders, which are, for example, grippers, have to be individually controlled. This requires a complex and expensive servo technology.

Alternatively, in a less expensive embodiment, a common Fördereinrich device be provided for all tracks. Several juxtaposed products are fed to the cutting plane by means of a common product feed. In particular, in this case all product holders are only moved together, ie all product holders engaging each at the rear product end are always in the same position with respect to the conveying direction. The products are moved in all tracks together using the endless belt conveyor and / or the product holder.

Once the cutting process is completed, usually the end of the food product located on the product holder must be eliminated. During the cutting process and when leaving the tail, the product feed and thus also the product holder is usually tilted in practice, in particular at a feed angle of 30 ° to 80 ° relative to the horizontal.

When removing the end piece, it must be avoided that the end piece falls into the cutting plane after releasing the product holder. For this purpose, a slider may be provided, which prevents the tail from reaching the cutting plane.

In the case of a slicing device, a hold-down device for the food product and, on the other hand, a slide which, on the one hand, prevents a product end piece from entering the cutting plane are therefore necessary on the one hand for an optimum cutting result.

Such a slide can also act as a stop when a new product is inserted manually or automatically into the slicing device. The slider prevents movement of the product to the cutting plane when the product holder engages the rear end of the product during the preparation of the cutting operation.

A slider is particularly advantageous if several food products to be cut, because then the slide can serve as a stop for all products at the same time. If, however, what happens regularly in practice, the products have a different length have at their rear ends acted upon by a product feed, which moves only as a whole, ie can not be operated track individual, then products of different lengths are clamped between the slide and eg individual product holders of the product supply. A longer food product is more compressed than a shorter food product. This can lead to undesirable deformations or even inevitable damage to the products. Such product impairments can not only on multi-lane. but also on such slicing devices that cut only one product at a time, occur, for example, if due to the product consistency in the preparation of the cutting process, a product holder must apply the rear end of the product with a relatively high force to ensure a sufficiently strong grip.

In order for the products to relax before the actual cutting process begins, the product holders, once engaged with the products, are usually withdrawn before the pusher is opened. This movement of the product feed counter to the conveying direction slows down the cutting process and thus reduces overall the achievable product throughput.

In order to stabilize and guide the product, it is possible not only to have a hold-down which presses the product against a lower product support, but alternatively or additionally to provide a pressing device which presses the product against a lateral product installation.

In order to avoid the above-mentioned problems, a cutting-up device must consequently have a plurality of partially mutually impres- can fulfill dependent and partially interrelated functions, so that an optimal cutting result and the highest possible cutting performance can be achieved. Such requirements are placed on both devices that can only cut a product at a time, as well as on devices that are capable of a multi-lane operation. Also, at least with regard to some requirements, it does not depend on the concrete way in which the product feed attacks the product. The product supply may, for example, have one or more product holders which are designed, for example, as product claws provided with claws or as pure slides. It is also common, but not mandatory, for the product feeder to engage the rear end of the product. The product feeder can also attack, for example, laterally or from the side at the rear of the product.

The above-described problems or requirements when dealing with products to be sliced can in principle get a good handle on the currently known slicers, for which, however, a relatively high constructive and control-technical effort must be operated, which is associated with comparatively high costs.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an apparatus and a method for slicing food products, which ensure the best possible handling of the products with the least possible constructional and control engineering effort, and in particular ensure high cutting quality and enable high product throughput.

The solution of this object is achieved by a device with the features of claim 1, by a device having the features of Claim 23 and by a method having the features of claim 28.

According to the invention, the slicing device comprises at least one multifunctional working unit for at least temporary handling of the product, the working unit being adjustable into a pressing position in which the working unit presses the product moveable in conveying direction against a lower product support and / or a lateral product contact, and into a locking position is.

In the pressing position, the working unit can act as a hold-down for the product. The product can be clamped between the lower product support, in particular a conveyor belt, a roller conveyor or an immovable surface with a low static friction coefficient, and the working unit.

Alternatively or additionally, in the pressing position the product may also be attached to a lateral product line, e.g. a side wall, in particular a conveyor belt, a roller conveyor or an immovable surface with a low static friction coefficient, are pressed.

The product is thereby stabilized, in particular during the entry and exit of the cutting blade. Thus, e.g. allows slicing the products into even slices.

In the blocking position, on the other hand, the working unit counteracts a movement of the product in the conveying direction, ie in particular the path to the cutting blade is blocked for the product. The working unit according to the invention thus fulfills a dual function and can thus assume those functions which are fulfilled in known sliders by two structurally separate and separately operated devices, namely a product suppressor on the one hand and a slide on the other hand.

Due to this dual function, only a single device is necessary, which costs can be saved. The construction of the slicing device is also particularly simple. Maintenance work is also reduced as a result.

Further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings. The work unit may be passive or active. A passive unit of work may e.g. a sheet metal bent part or a non-driven one

Roller conveyor include. In an active working unit, for example, a belt or driven rollers may be provided. As a result, the conveying of the product along and / or against the conveying direction in the pressing position of the working unit can be supported. Also in the blocking position, e.g. the termination of an end piece is actively supported. With such active training of the work unit, the pressing position can simultaneously be a traction or conveying position, since the working unit at least supports the conveyance of the product.

According to one embodiment, the working unit located in the blocking position is effective as a stop for the front product end or as a deflector for a product end to be rejected depending on the operating situation. If, for example, a new product is inserted, it slips with its one end against the stop and is brought into engagement with a product holder at its other end. The stop guarantees a safe intervention of the product holder, eg in the rear end of the product. During the intervention of the product holder, the product due to the stop is not ent long the conveying direction to

Pushed cutting plane. If a product is almost completely cut open, the working unit in the blocking position can also be effective as a deflector for a product end to be rejected. The locking position prevents the product from falling end-to-end into the cutting plane when it is disengaged from the product holder. Otherwise, this could, for example, lead to undesired nail-forming and contamination of the tissue-shedding device.

When rejecting, i. Removing the tail from the product feeder, the tail can be transported, for example, down into a shaft or laterally from the conveyor. In particular, the working unit can have a surface extending vertically or obliquely to the surface of the product in order to discharge the product end piece. In this way, a targeted slipping or slipping or disposal of the tail is ensured.

The work unit can passively act as a deflector. It is also conceivable to actively form the working unit, for example by means of a driven belt belt, whereby the exit of the Endst ücks is actively supported. This allows a particularly reliable and fast release of the product feeder. According to a further embodiment, the working unit located in the blocking position is made yielding with respect to a force applied in the conveying direction. The working unit is thus not rigid in particular. This can be done for example by an elastic

and / or flexible material, e.g. a rubber or plastic material can be realized. Alternatively or additionally, for example, spring systems or pneumatic and / or hydraulic systems are conceivable. The working unit can yield evenly or in stages - especially in dependence on the applied force - be adjusted in different positions. The compliance behavior can in particular be adjustable. e.g. by the choice of material, the choice of the spring used or an adjustment or st euerung or regulation of the pneumatic and / or hydraulic system. This can be used to regulate whether or how much the working unit gives way depending on an acting force.

According to a further embodiment, the working unit located in the blocking position is movable by a force exceeding a threshold, applied in the conveying direction with a component in the conveying direction, in particular against the action of a holding force. From a certain force thus the way for the product is released at least a little way in the conveying direction. For example, spring systems or pneumatic and / or hydraulic systems are conceivable. The work unit can be moved evenly or gradually - in particular depending on the applied force - be adjusted in different positions.

In particular, when several products of different lengths are brought into engagement with product holders, which only together, ie not being moved on a track-by-track basis, above all, longer products are clamped between the working unit, which is in the blocking position and, for example, with a maximum holding force in this blocking position, and the product holders. Because at least one component of the working unit can now move in the conveying direction, in particular a product under pressure can relax. Excessive loading of the product end on the product holder is thereby avoided. Also, the product is kept safe immediately. Thus, products of different lengths can be processed easily and safely. In addition, no adverse compression of the products occur. Through these measures, so to speak, each product individually receives as much space as needed because of its length, so as not to be overly compressed. The threshold value and / or the holding force are in particular adjustable. As a result, for example, the resistance can be determined, which is opposite to a product. If the pressure is sufficiently high, the blocking position is at least partially or temporarily released and the working unit at least partially clears the way for the product.

In a development, the movement of the working unit is at least part of a Verst ellbewegung the Arbeitseinhei in the Andrückstellung. By the applied force thus the working unit is at least partially verstellt in the Andrückstellung. The movement due to the

Threshold exceeding therefore forms in particular already the beginning of the movement for adjusting the working unit from the blocking position to the pressing position. This saves valuable time.

According to a further embodiment, the working unit is adjustable from the locked position directly into the contact part 11 g and vice versa. There are thus, for example, no intermediate positions provided. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable to first transfer the working unit from the blocking position into an intermediate position. In this intermediate position, for example, another function could be performed. Only after this intermediate position, the working unit would be adjusted in the Andrückstellung. In both cases, the working unit may be permanently in contact with the product during the adjustment movement.

According to a further embodiment, the working unit is starting from the blocking position without directed against the conveying direction

Movement component adjustable. In particular, the working unit is pivotable with a component in the conveying direction in a position releasing the way for the product. For example, the product does not have to be moved in the opposite direction to the product feed direction, for example using the product holder, so that the work unit can be adjusted. Such an adjustment of the working unit. For example, in the conveying direction or perpendicular from the conveying direction or a lateral movement out of the conveying path is particularly advantageous. Thus, for example, the working speed of the slicing device can be increased in this way, since the product promotion does not have to be interrupted and it is not necessary to withdraw the product by means of a product holder before the release of the conveying path, ie to move counter to the conveying direction. According to a further embodiment, an adjusting movement of the working unit comprises a pivoting movement. In this way, a direct adjustment of the working unit from the locking position to the drive position can be implemented particularly easily. In particular, the working unit may comprise at least one joint or hinge. According to a further embodiment, the working unit comprises at least one adjustable holding section, which exerts a pressing function in the pressing position and a blocking function for the product in the blocking position. The holding portion may be formed as a passive element, for example as a sheet metal bent part or as a non-driven roller conveyor, or as an active conveying element, for example as a belt belt or driven roller conveyor. The holding section has, in particular, an at least substantially planar holding surface facing the product, which preferably extends at least approximately parallel to the conveying direction in the pressing position and at least approximately perpendicular to the conveying direction in the locking position. In this way, as large as possible contact area with the product can be made available in the pressing position as well as in the blocking position. Alternatively, the holding portion may also have a different geometric shape.

In the pressing device, the holding surface can press the product from above onto a lower product support or from the side against a product installation. According to another embodiment, the position of the working unit, in particular the distance of the working unit from the lower product support and / or from the lateral support 111 a is. variable. In this way, the working unit can be set, for example, to the diameter of the product. The change in position can be done manually, for example by means of set screws, or automatically, for example by means of an electric, electromagnetic, hydraulic and / or pneumatic drive.

According to a further embodiment, an adjusting movement of the working unit and a movement for changing the position of the working unit are possible. independent of each other. For example, the height of the

Working unit and / or the lateral position of the working unit are changed independently of the adjustment between the Andrückstellung and the blocking position. In particular, a separate drive is provided for each of these two movements. The working unit is thus particularly variable and with high precision to the particular circumstances, in particular to be sliced product customizable. Thanks to the independent drives, the product can be handled safely and in a controlled manner, which in particular leads to exact guidance of the product and a good cutting result.

Alternatively, an adjusting movement of the working unit and a movement for changing the position of the working unit are positively coupled with each other. In this case, for example, a slotted guide can be provided. In particular, the adjusting movement may comprise a curved section in order to additionally transfer the working unit from the pressing position into the blocking position and vice versa when the position of the working unit changes. In this way, various movements are performed due to a single exciter movement. Such excitation movement can be realized for example with only a single drive, which costs can be saved.

According to a further embodiment, the working unit comprises a base and at the base a holding section for the product, the position of the base being variable and the holding section being adjustable. The holding portion is in particular hingedly connected to the base and can be adjusted in this way from a pressing position into a blocking position, for example by pivoting. In addition, for example, the height and / or the lateral distance of the base can be adjusted relative to the product. In a development, the holding section is movable relative to the base.

In particular, the holding portion, e.g. be pivoted relative to the base by means of a joint.

According to a further embodiment, a movement of the base for changing the position and an adjusting movement of the holding portion are independent of each other and in particular by means of separate drives effected. For example, the height and / or the lateral distance of the base relative to the product can thus be carried out independently of the adjusting movement of the holding section from the pressing position and the blocking position or vice versa. This ensures a particularly precise adjustment of the working unit to the product. Alternatively, a movement for changing the position of the base and an adjusting movement of the holding portion are derivable from a single movement of the working unit, in particular causing the movement of the working unit by means of a single drive. This is done, for example, using a slotted guide. The adjusting movement may comprise a curved section. In this way, for example, a single Ant rubbing be sufficient for both adjustment movements. This leads to a significant cost reduction.

According to a further embodiment, the working unit, in particular a holding section of the working unit, is designed as an at least temporarily effective drive for the product. The working unit may comprise, for example, a belt or driven rollers. In this way, the working unit can, for example, use a lower belt conveyor on which the product rests when conveying the product. terstützen. Even with a tip elimination, a driven and thus active working unit can have a supporting effect.

In another embodiment, the product feed is multi-tracked to cut several products simultaneously. Here, the working unit is track-individually operable. As a result, the particularities, for example the length, width, height, cross-sectional shape, contour, consistency, hardness, density and / or structure, of the respective products can be taken into account individually and independently of each other. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to provide a common working unit for several or all tracks.

According to a further embodiment, the working unit for each track comprises an adjustable holding section which exerts a pressing function in a pressing position and a blocking function for the product in a blocking position, the holding sections being operable independently of one another. In this way, all tracks can be blocked independently of each other, for example. The compliance or the threshold value of the work unit can also be individually adapted for each track and each product.

According to a further embodiment, the holding portions are attached to a common base of the working unit and independently adjustable relative to the base. This allows flexible adaptation. On the common basis all holding sections and thus all tracks are centrally influenced.

According to a further embodiment, the position of the base, in particular its distance from the lower product support and / or from the lateral product installation, can be changed. Thus, for example, the Height and / or the seitliehe position of the base for all or at least some tracks are set together, while the adjustment of the holding portions between the Andrückstellung and the locking position can be track-individual. Alternatively, the adjustment of the holding sections can also be dependent on each other. In this case, in particular, a common holding section can be provided for all or at least some tracks.

According to a further embodiment, a separate ant rub is provided for the base and for each of the holding sections. Alternatively, the base and the holding sections can be operated with a common drive. It is also conceivable to drive at least some holding sections with a common drive. The invention also relates to a device for slicing food products, in particular high-performance slicers, with a product feed comprising at least one conveying device, with which at least one product can be fed to a cutting plane, in which at least one cutting blade, in particular rotating and / or rotating , emotional . The slicing device further comprises at least one working unit for at least temporary handling of the product, which is effective in a blocking position as a stop for the front end of the product, wherein the working unit located in the blocking position is designed to be yielding to a force applied in the conveying direction.

The working unit is thus not rigid in particular. This can for example be realized by an elastic and / or flexible material, for example a rubber or synthetic material. Alternatively or additionally, for example, spring systems or pneumatic and / or hydraulic systems are conceivable. The work unit can be uniform give way or gradually - in particular depending on the applied force - be adjusted in different positions. The compliance behavior can be adjustable in particular, for example by the choice of material, the choice of spring used or an adjustment or control or regulation of the pneumatic and / or hydraulic system. This can be used to regulate whether or how much the working unit gives way depending on an acting force.

Alternatively or additionally, the working unit located in the blocking position can be moved by a force which is above the threshold and applied in the conveying direction, with a component in the conveying direction, in particular against the effect of a holding force.

From a certain force thus the way for the product is released at least a little way in the conveying direction. For example, spring systems or pneumatic and / or hydraulic systems are conceivable. The work unit can be moved evenly or gradually - in particular depending on the applied force - be adjusted in different positions.

The threshold value and / or the holding force are in particular adjustable. Thereby, e.g. the resistance to be determined, which is compared to a product ent. If the pressure is sufficiently high, the blocking position is at least partially or temporarily released and the working unit at least partially clears the way for the product.

According to another embodiment, the product feed is multi-tracked to cut several products simultaneously. Here, the working unit is track-individually operable. In particular, when a plurality of products of different lengths are brought into engagement with product holders, of which at least some, in particular all, are moved only together, ie not on a track-specific basis, longer products are interposed between the working unit, which is in blocking position and, for example, with a certain holding force is held in this blocking position, and clamped the product holders. Due to the fact that at least one component of the working unit can now move in the conveying direction or, in particular, due to the flexibility, a product under pressure can relax. Excessive load on the Produkt eildes product holder is thereby largely avoided. Also, the product is kept safe immediately. Thus, products of different lengths can be processed easily and safely. In addition, no adverse compression of the products occur. Through these measures, so to speak, each product individually receives as much space as needed because of its length, so as not to be overly compressed.

According to a further embodiment, the work unit for each track comprises an adjustable holding section, which in a blocking position exerts a blocking function for the product, the holding sections being operable independently of one another. In this way, in particular the flexibility behavior, the threshold value and / or the holding force can be set individually for each track. Preferably, these values are chosen to be nearly the same. Depending on e.g. sooner or later, the length and / or the consistency of the respective products will cause the holding section to yield, and thus at least partially or to some extent clear the way for the product in the direction of the tendon plane.

According to a further embodiment, the working unit is designed multifuiktionio- nal, wherein the working unit in a Andrückstellung in the the working unit presses the product movable in the conveying direction against a lower product support and / or a lateral product support, and is adjustable into the blocking position, in which the working unit counteracts a movement of the product in the conveying direction.

The invention also relates to a method for slicing food products, in particular by means of a device according to the invention, in which at least one product is fed to a cutting plane by means of a product feed comprising at least one conveyor, in which at least one cutting blade, in particular rotating, and / or circulating, moving. In this case, at least one multifunctional working unit is moved into a pressing position as a function of the operating situation, in which the working unit presses the product moving in the conveying direction against a lower product support and / or a side product system, or into a blocking position in which the working unit is a Movement of the product counteracts in the conveying direction.

According to one embodiment, the working unit is moved into the blocking position before the beginning of slicing, in order to serve as a stop for the front product end when the product end of the conveyor is acted upon by the product end of the conveyor. The front end of the product strikes, for example, the stop, while the product holder engages the rear end of the product. During the intervention of the product holder, the product is thus not in the direction of

Moving cutting plane. Then, in particular, as soon as the product holder is engaged with the product, the working unit is moved into the pressing position in order to press the product against the product support and / or the product installation during the slicing process. In the pressing position, the work unit functions, for example, as a product derhalter. The work unit can be designed, for example, as an active conveyor in order to promote the product to the cutting blade or at least to support the conveying. After cutting, the unit of work is moved back into the blocking direction, in particular to prevent the product end from falling into the cutting plane when the product holder is removed from the rear end of the product. Also, the working unit in the blocking position can at least support a leaving of a product end. For this purpose, the working unit may, for example, have a vertical or oblique passive surface in order to deflect the product end piece. Alternatively or additionally, the working unit can be actively driven in the blocking position in order to accelerate the separation of the product end piece.

According to a further embodiment, the working unit moves, at least during an adjusting movement, from the blocking position into the pressing position and vice versa, in particular permanently, making contact with the product, i. In particular, the work unit constantly touches the product. The movement of the product and the adjustment of the working unit are particularly matched. The product can thus be safely guided at any time.

According to a further embodiment, the product is fed to the cutting plane during a displacement movement of the working unit from the blocking position into the pressing position. The feeding of the product can take place, for example, with the aid of a conveyor belt, in particular arranged below the product, and / or with the aid of a product. The force exerted by the product on the cutting plane from the product to the working unit can at least partially be used to adjust the working unit from the locked position to the Andrückstellung.

According to a further embodiment, the product holder remains in its position or is moved in the conveying direction during an adjustment movement of the working unit from the blocking position into the pressure position. Due to the fact that the adjustment movement from the blocking position into the pressing position preferably takes place with a component in the conveying direction, the product and / or the product holder can move permanently in the conveying direction. A movement of the product holder counter to the conveying direction is therefore not necessary. The product therefore does not have to be retracted first in order to move the working unit out of the blocking position into the pressing position. As a result, the product promotion is not interrupted unnecessarily. The product loading time is thereby reduced and the slicing process thus overall faster.

According to a further embodiment, the product holder is moved counter to the conveying direction during the adjusting movement of the working unit by the contact pressure in the blocking position. In particular, in this case a Produktendstück be withdrawn by means of the product holder, so that the working unit adjusted position in the Sperrst and thereby

- Seen in the conveying direction - can get in front of the product holder. The product holder may then be released and the product end removed by the process cartridge or at least with the assistance of the process cartridge.

Regardless of whether a single-track or multi-track configuration is provided, in one possible embodiment the product support is in two parts and comprises a rear support section, which is pivotable in particular for a loading operation, and has a front end. stationary support section, which reaches up to the cutting plane. Preferably, both support sections are designed as active conveyor, but also a passive design is possible. With the front support section, the working unit interacts in the pressing position. In this case, all combinations of active and passive embodiment are conceivable, ie, the working unit can be designed both as a passive hold-down and as an active conveyor, which cooperates with a passive or actively promoting front support section. If both the working unit and the front bearing section are active, they together form a traction system for the product, which is thereby guided particularly precisely to the cutting plane.

In a further embodiment, the working unit can be equipped with guide devices for the or each product, which, in particular for the front product area during product transport from the blocking position to the pressing position, ensure reliable or punctual delivery of the or each product. The guide means may e.g. be provided for each track in the form of a contour adapted to the product cross-section formed on the working unit.

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

1 is a side view of an embodiment of an inventions to the invention slicing with a working unit in a Andrückstellung,

Fig. 2 is a Aufsehneidevorriehtung according to FIG. 1 with the

Working unit in a locked position, 3 shows a perspective view of the slicing device according to FIG. 1 with newly loaded products, FIG.

FIG. 4 shows a slicing device according to FIG. 3 during the transition of the working unit from the blocking position into the alid return position, FIG.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the Aufschiieidevorrichtuiig according to

Fig. 4, and

Fig. 6, the slicing device of FIG. 5 with further advanced products.

1 shows a device for slicing food products in the form of a multi-lane high-speed slicer with an endless belt conveyor 10 inclined during the cutting operation, which serves as a conveyor and simultaneously feeds and cuts several food products 12 along a conveying direction F of a cutting plane S. become. The multi-track formation of the slicer, not shown in the side views, in particular FIGS. 1 and 2, can be seen above all in the perspective views of FIGS. 3 and 4.

The food products 12 may in particular be sausage, ham, cheese or similar products. These may be rod-shaped or riegeiförmig and differ in manufacturing due to the length.

At the front end of the conveyor 10 is a downwardly angled front part 10 'is provided, which can be arranged relative to the conveyor 10 pivotable or at a fixed angle to the conveyor 10. The Front part 10 'may also be designed as an active conveyor, but this is not mandatory.

In the conveying direction F, the conveyor 10 is adjoined by a stationary front conveyor 1 1 in the form of an endless conveyor belt, which extends to just before the cutting plane S.

In the cutting plane S, a blade designed as a sickle blade 14 is arranged. In addition, the slieer comprises a work unit 16 with a base 18 and a plurality of holding elements 20, which form partitions of the working unit 16, wherein a holding element 20 is provided for each track of the slicer. In the functional position of FIG. 1, the holding elements 20 are oriented parallel to the conveying direction F and press the products 12 onto the product formed by the stationary front conveyor 11. The holding elements 20 thus form hold-downs for the products 12.

In this Ausführuiigsfonn the holding elements 20 also each include a belt 22 with which the products 12 can be actively moved in the conveying direction F. The promotion of the products 12 in the direction of the cutting plane S thus takes place with the aid of the endless conveyor belt 10 and the front conveyor 1 1, the belt straps 22 and several trained as a gripper 28 product content he who engage in a rear product end 30 of the food products 12. Alternatively, the product holders 28 may be passive insofar as they themselves are not effective as a drive for conveying the products 12 in the conveying direction F, but only for stabilizing the products 12 and later (see Fig. 2) for retracting the product end pieces 30 and be dragged during the movement in the conveying direction F, for example by the products 12. In the front area, the products 12 are thus transported by the active holding elements 20 and the stationary front conveyor 1 1 to the cutting plane. The working unit 16 comprises a pneumatic height adjustment drive 24 with which the distance of the base 18 from the front conveyor 1 1 along a Hölververstellrichtung H can be adjusted. In addition, the working unit 16 pneumatic Verschwenkant rieben 26 with which the holding elements 20 can be pivoted relative to the base 18 from the Andrüek position shown in Fig. 1 in a blocking position. Each holding element 20 is associated with its own pivoting drive 26, which comprises a piston / cylinder arrangement, which at one end to the base 18 and at the other end to the respective holding element. 20 is hinged, wherein the holding elements 20 are each hingedly connected to the base 18, and at a distance from the axis of attack of the piston / cylinder arrangement Sch wenka chse, so that a Längenändemng the piston / cylinder arrangement pivotal movement of the generated holding element 20. A blocking position of the holding elements 20 is shown in Fig. 2. The holding elements 20 are here perpendicular to the front conveyor 1 1 oriented and form a barrier for the product end pieces 30th

If products 12 are thus cut open as shown in FIG. 1, the retaining dents 20 serve as hold-downs for the products 12. During the necking process, the products 12 are held by the gripper 28 and by means of the endless conveyor belt 10, the front conveyor 11 and the belt straps 22 promoted to the slicer 14 until the products 12 are almost completely cut. If only the product end pieces 30 are left over (see FIG. 2), they are counteracted by means of the grippers 28 Conveying direction F withdrawn. At the same time, the height adjustment drive 24 moves the base 18 upwards along the height adjustment direction II, while the pivoting drive 26 pivots the holding elements 20 out of the pressing position into the blocking position.

In Fig. 2, the holding elements 20 thus form a barrier for the Produktendstücke 30. These end pieces 30 can therefore fall despite the inclination of the product support not in the cutting plane S when the grippers 28 are brought out of engagement with the end pieces 30 to the Endstü- 30 to release. If the grippers 28 are no longer in engagement with the end pieces 30, then the holding elements 20 serve as a deflector for the end pieces 30, which ensures that the end pieces 30 do not reach the front, but by a temporarily released in the Auflageebeiie for this purpose fall down, for example, in a shaft, not shown. In order to remove the product end pieces 30 particularly quickly and in a controlled manner, for example, the belt straps 22 of the holding elements 20 which are active during the cutting operation can remain activated or be reactivated. Subsequently, the grippers 28 are moved back to their original position, so that new food products 12 already shown in FIG. 2 can be loaded into the slicing device. As shown in FIG. 2, the product feed remains obliquely in this slicer, wherein for loading the product feed a loading device comprising the conveyor 10 from a substantially horizontal loading position shown in FIG. 2, in which the aufzusehneidenden products 12 are introduced, in the inclined cutting position shown in FIG. 1 is pivoted. However, this embodiment is not mandatory and can be modified within the scope of the invention. In Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the slicing apparatus of FIG.

I with four newly loaded products 12 shown, which are fed through the common endless conveyor belt 10 and the front conveyor 1 1 the cutting blade 14. Also attached to a common carrier 32 gripper 28 can not track individual, but only together along or against the conveying direction F are moved by the driven carrier 32.

Each track is assigned its own retaining element 20, which in each case comprises a separate pivoting drive 26. For height adjustment of the common height adjustment drive 24 is provided, which the base 18 together with the support members 20 along the height adjustment

II can move. According to the invention, the oil elements e 20 are designed to be yielding independently of each other, so that they can give an effect to the products 12, starting from a certain force, i. E. A product 12 pressed by means of the product holder 28 against the associated product element 20 will release the path in conveying direction F to a certain extent as soon as the force exceeds a predetermined amount.

As a result of this embodiment of the working unit 16 according to the invention, the products 12 can be relieved of individual load if this is necessary due to a different length of the products 12, as will be explained in more detail below.

If food products 12 to be sliced up, which have a different length, are inserted into the slicing device, the products 12 come with their front end against the respective holding element 20. The grippers 28 are moved together along the conveyor belt F until they can each engage in the rear product end 30. With traditional slicers, one product which is longer than the other products is more compressed than the other products. Since the holding elements 20 have a certain resilience, they give an effect on the holding elements 20 so after a certain force, so that even a relatively short product 12 can be used safely without a longer product 12 is excessively compressed. This situation is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The holding elements 20, which are associated with longer products 12, are deflected in the conveying direction F and thus already pivoted a little way from the original blocking position in the direction of Andrückst ellui ig, but without releasing the way for the products 12 completely, so that continues a holding force is effective, with which also the deflected holding elements 20 the respective products 12 continue to oppose a resistance to ensure a best immmeses intervention of the product holder 28. The individual compliance of the holding elements 20 is by the after

Type of spring effective, mutually independent pneumatic devices of the pivoting slide 26 realized. The compliance behavior of the support eelement e 20 can be 26 or otherwise adjusted to the pneumatic pivoting swivel. The adjustment is made in such a way that the products 12 on the one hand a sufficiently large

Force is applied so that the grippers 28 can engage in the rear Produktkteilde 30, while on the other hand give the holding elements 20 before the products 12 are upset too much. As soon as the grippers 28 are in engagement with the rear product ends 30, the holding elements 20 can be pivoted further from the blocking position into the pressure position by means of the displacement wenk drives 26 (FIG. 6). The holding elements 20 are in constant contact with the products 12. In addition, the base 18 is moved by means of the height adjustment drive 24 down. During the adjustment, the products 12 with the aid of the endless conveyor belt 10, the front conveyor 1 1 and the gripper 28 are conveyed in the conveying direction F to the cutting plane S. While the holding elements 20 can independently yield and thus be deflected independently of one another and thus depending on the respective product 12 or of the force applied via the product 12, the subsequent adjustment into the pressing position for introducing the cutting edge is carried out (and later also the provision of the Andrückstellung in the blocking position) for all holding elements 20 together. Consequently, only a single common active drive for the individual pivoting drives 26 of the holding elements 20 is required. According to the invention, however, it is not excluded that each pivoting drive 26 can be operated separately and independently of the respective other pivoting drives 26, so that the holding elements 20 not only yield individually, but also can be adjusted individually as desired.

In FIG. 6, the food products 12 are already closer to the cutting plane S. The holding elements 20 are in this case already almost pivoted into the pressing position.

The adjustment movement of the holding elements 20 upon engagement of the gripper 28 according to FIGS. 4 and 5 thus already forms part of the adjusting movement of the holding elements 20 from the blocking position into the pressing position. During the transition from cutting preparation to cutting operation, so to speak, locking elements become hold-downs, in each case by means of a simple visual pivot movement.

Are the holding elements 20 in the Andrückst hurry, the products 12 are further promoted along the conveying direction F until they are in the

Arrive cutting plane and the slicing begins (see Fig. 1). The working unit 16 is thus multifunctional and serves as a product stop in the preparation of the slicing operation, as product hold-down during slicing and Endstückabweiser at the end of the slicing process, and also in the case of an active embodiment, the working unit 16 simultaneously with the hold-down function also fulfills a promotion function the or each product 12 to

Cutting plane S to transport, together with the active front conveyor 1 1, the alternat iv also be passive and can only serve as a product support.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 endless conveyor belt, conveyor

10 'front part of the endless conveyor belt 1 1 stationary front conveyor

12 food product

14 cutting blades

16 work unit

18 base

20 holding element, holding section

22 belt strap

24 height adjustment drive

26 Verschwenkan drove

28 product holder, gripper

30 product end piece

32 carriers

F conveying direction

S cutting plane

H height adjustment direction

Claims

claims

Device for slicing food products (12), in particular high-performance slippers, with

a product feed, which comprises at least one conveying device (10, 11) with which at least one product (12) can be fed to a cutting plane (S) in which at least one cutting blade (14), in particular rotating and / or rotating, moves and

at least one multifunctional working unit (16) for at least temporary handling of the product (12), wherein the working unit (16) moves into a pressing position, in which the working unit (16) moves the product (12) movable in the conveying direction (F) against a lower one Product support (1 1) and / or a lateral product system presses, and in a blocking position is adjustable, in which the working unit (16) counteracts a movement of the product (12) in the conveying direction (F).

Device according to claim 1,

characterized,

the working unit (16) located in the blocking position is effective as a stop for the front product end or as a deflector for a product end piece (30) to be discharged, depending on the operating situation. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized,

in that the working unit (16) located in the blocking position is made yielding with respect to a force applied in the conveying direction (F), wherein in particular the flexibility behavior is adjustable.

Device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

in that the working unit (16) located in the blocking position is movable by a force with a component in the conveying direction (F) exceeding a threshold value, in particular against the action of a holding force, in particular the threshold value and / or the holding force are adjustable.

Device according to claim 4,

characterized,

the movement of the working unit (16) is at least part of an adjusting movement of the working unit (16) into the pressing position.

Device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

the working unit (16) can be moved from the blocking position directly into the pressing position and vice versa. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the working unit (16), starting from the blocking position, is adjustable without a movement component directed counter to the conveyor belt (F), in particular with a component in the conveying direction (F), being pivotable into a position releasing the path for the product (12).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

an adjusting movement of the working unit (16) comprises a pivoting movement.

Device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

in that the working unit (16) comprises at least one adjustable holding section (20) which exerts a pressing function in the pressing position and a blocking function for the product (12) in the blocking position, wherein in particular the holding section (20) has an at least substantially planar product (12) facing the holding surface, which preferably in the pressing position at least approximately parallel to the conveying direction (F) and in the blocking position at least approximately perpendicular to the conveying direction (F).

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

the position of the working unit (16), in particular the distance of the working unit (16) from the lower product support and / or from the lateral product contact, is variable.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

an adjustment movement of the working unit (16) and a movement for changing the position of the working unit (16) are independent of one another, wherein a separate drive (24, 26) is provided in particular for each of these two movements.

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10,

characterized,

in that an adjusting movement of the working unit (16) and a movement for changing the position of the working unit (16) are positively coupled with each other. 13. Device according to one of vorst eenden claims,

characterized,

in that the working unit (16) comprises a base (18) and at the base (18) a holding section (20) for the product (12), the position of the base (18) being variable and the holding section (20) being adjustable.

14. Device according to claim 13,

characterized,

in that the holding section (20) is movable relative to the base (18). Apparatus according to claim 13 or 14,

characterized,

a movement of the base (18) for changing the position and a displacement of the holding section (20) are independent of one another and can be effected in particular by means of separate drives (24, 26).

Apparatus according to claim 13 or 14,

characterized,

in that a movement for changing the position of the base (18) and an adjusting movement of the holding section (20) are derivable from a single movement of the working unit (16), in particular the movement of the working unit (16) being effected by means of a single drive.

Device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

the working unit (16), in particular a holding section (20) of the working unit (16), is designed as an at least temporarily effective drive for the product.

Device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

in that the product feed is formed in multiple tracks in order to cut several products (12) at the same time, wherein the working unit (16) can be operated in a track-specific manner.

19. Device according to claim 18,

characterized,

in that the working unit (16) comprises for each track an adjustable holding section (20) which exerts a pressing function in a pressing position and a blocking function for the product (12) in a blocking position, the holding sections (20) being operable independently of one another.

20. Device according to claim 19,

characterized,

in that the holding portions (20) are mounted on a common base (18) of the working unit (16) and are independently adjustable relative to the base (18). 21. Device according to claim 20,

characterized,

the position of the base (18), in particular its distance from the lower product support (11) and / or from the lateral product installation, can be changed.

22. Device according to claim 20 or 21,

characterized,

a separate drive (24, 26) is provided for the base (18) and for each of the holding sections (20).

23. A device for slicing food products, in particular high-performance slicer, with

a product feed, which comprises at least one conveying device (10, 11), with which at least one product (12) can be fed to a cutting plane (S), in which at least one cutting blade (14), in particular rotating and / or rotating, moving, and

at least one working unit (16) for at least temporary handling of the product (12), which in a blocking position acts as a stop for the front end of the product,

wherein the working unit (16) located in the blocking position is made yielding with respect to a force applied in the conveying direction (F), wherein in particular the flexibility behavior is adjustable, and / or

wherein the working unit (16) located in the blocking position is movable by a force with a component in the conveying direction (F) exceeding a threshold, in the conveying direction (F), in particular against the action of a holding force, in particular the threshold value and / or the holding force are adjustable.

Device according to claim 23,

characterized,

that the product feed is multi-tracked to cut several products (12) simultaneously, the working unit

(16) track-individually operable.

Device according to claim 24,

characterized,

in that the working unit (16) for each track comprises an adjustable holding section (20) which, in a blocking position, exerts a blocking function for the product (12), the holding sections (20) being operable independently of one another.

26. Device according to one of claims 23 to 25,

characterized,

the working unit (16) is designed to be multifunctional, the working unit (16) being in a pressing position, in which the working unit (16) moves the product (12) movable in the conveying direction (F) against a lower product support (11) and / or a lateral Produkt anläge presses, and in the blocking position is adjustable, in which the working unit (16) counteracts a movement of the product (12) in the conveying direction (F).

27. Device according to one of claims 23 to 26 with the characterizing features of one of claims 2 to 22nd

28. A method for slicing food products, in particular by means of a device according to one of the preceding claims, in which

by means of a product feed, which comprises at least one conveying device (10, 11), at least one product is fed to a cutting plane (S), in which at least one cutting blade (14) moves, in particular rotating and / or revolving, and

at least one multifunctional working unit (16) as a function of the operating situation in a pressing position in which the working unit (16) presses the product (12) moving in the conveying direction (F) against a lower product support (11) and / or a lateral product installation , or in a blocking position is adjusted, in which the working unit (16) counteracts a movement of the product (12) in the conveying direction (F).

29. The method according to claim 28,

characterized,

in that the working unit (16) is adjusted into the blocking position before the start of the slicing in order to serve as a stop for the front end of the product when the rear product end (30) is acted upon by a product holder (28) of the conveyor (10), then adjusted into the pressing position is pressed to press the product (12) against the product support (11) and / or the product installation during slicing, and after the slicing is returned to the blocking position in order to at least support a separation of a product end piece (30) ,

A method according to claim 28 or 29,

characterized,

the working unit (16) is in contact with the product (12) at least during an adjustment movement from the blocking position to the pressing position.

Method according to one of claims 28 to 30,

characterized,

in that the product (12) is fed to the cutting plane (S) during an adjusting movement of the working unit (16) from the blocking position into the pressing position.

Method according to one of claims 29 to 31,

characterized,

that during an adjusting movement of the working unit (16) from the blocking position to the pressing position, the product holder (28) remains in its position or is moved in the conveying direction (F). Method according to one of claims 29 to 32,

characterized,

during the adjusting movement of the working unit (16) of the

Andrückstellung in the blocking position of the product holder (28) against the Förderriehtung (F) is moved.