EP2886270B1 - Method for cutting food products - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for slicing food products, in which products to be sliced are fed to a cutting blade moving in a cutting plane single track or multiple tracks to cut the products into individual slices, and portions of falling slices are formed on a portioning unit, wherein by means of a In the region of the fall path of the discs arranged engagement device, the falling movement of the discs is at least temporarily influenced, thereby causing a deposit of the discs on the portioning unit according to a desired tray shape.

When producing packaged portions of sliced food products such as meat, sausage and cheese products, there is a desire for visually pleasing storage images. While a free fall movement of the separated slices from the cutting blade to the portioning unit usually results in the slices lying flat on a product tray of the portioning unit, it can be ensured by means of an engaging in the fall path of the discs or otherwise engaging in this intervention device that other type of storage, such as a folded, rolled, corrugated or curled tray, the discs is done. Engagement devices for folded storage of product slices are for example in the DE 195 44 764 A1 disclosed.

When a cutting device such as a high-performance slicer is equipped with such an engagement device, the device is locked on by the engagement device can be created filing form of the discs. Thus, if the engagement device, for example, causes a folded storage of the discs, so only portions with a uniform arrangement of folded discs can be created. This is perceived by the operators of cutting devices as inflexible.

The DE 10 2004 007 671 A1 discloses a method as set forth above, wherein by means of a product folding in the trajectory of the discs is intervened and provided for a folded depositing. The product folding is movably mounted so that changes of product parameters can be compensated.

There is a need to increase the flexibility with regard to the storage image of created portions when slicing food products.

The solution of this object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1.

According to the invention it is provided that the engagement device during the slicing operation at least between a first configuration in which it causes a deposition of the falling discs according to a first tray shape, and a second configuration in which it causes a deposit of the falling discs according to a different second tray shape , is adjusted. In this way, different storage images or storage patterns can be generated without conversion measures on the same machine.

The invention also provides that in at least one configuration, the falling movement of the discs is influenced such that a folded storage of the discs on the Portioniereinheit, and wherein the discs folded stored in the first configuration engagement device and stored in the second configuration located engagement device of this uninfluenced stored.

According to the invention, the engagement device is adjusted at least once from the first configuration to the second configuration or vice versa during the formation of a portion. As a result, mixed portions can be created with regard to the storage form, for example shingled portions of folded and unfolded slices, which are optically particularly attractive.

Thus, by means of one and the same cutting device, portions with different storage images or storage patterns, ie, for example, both portions with folded slices and portions with unfolded slices, can be produced. A complex conversion or even disassembly of the intervention device is not required for this purpose. Rather, if necessary, the filing image for the portions can be changed in a simple and fast way without stopping the machine. For the operator of a food processing plant, this means a significant increase in productivity and flexibility. In principle, it is also possible to provide an engagement device which is adjustable during the slicing operation between three or more configurations. Not necessarily all existing configurations with different filing shapes must correlate. Rather, it is also conceivable to provide a change between three or more configurations, wherein, for example, only the storage form of the first configuration differs from the storage forms of all other configurations. A configuration of the engagement device in which it causes a deposition of the falling discs according to a desired tray shape, is that the engagement device does not affect the falling movement of the discs at all, for example because it is completely outside the fall path. In this case, the discs get completely unaffected for storage on the portioning unit, which also corresponds to a desired storage form in the context of the invention.

The first configuration is an active configuration in which the engagement device affects the falling discs, while the second configuration is an inactive configuration in which the engagement device does not affect the falling discs. Without affecting the falling discs through the engagement device, the discs are usually placed flat on the associated product tray. In many cases this is an acceptable form of filing. By contrast, the other type of tray resulting from contact between the engaging device and the falling discs may be a folded, rolled, corrugated or crimped tray.

The engagement device can be designed to influence the drop movement of the discs, at least in one configuration, such that a folded placement of the discs on the portioning unit takes place. By adjusting the engagement device during the cutting process, an alternating sequence of folded and unfolded disks can then be produced, for example.

A control device of the device may be configured to adjust the engagement device at least once from the first configuration to the second configuration or vice versa during the formation of a configuration. This can be accomplished, for example, by the control device coordinating the engagement device and a movable product tray of the portioning unit. This makes it possible to generate portions with mixed storage form. For example, a serving may be formed that includes both flat-laid slices and folded slices. In particular, a portion can be produced in which folded disks and unfolded disks are alternately shingled over one another.

Further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

Preferably, the engagement device is adjustable between two successive cuts of the cutting blade from the first configuration to the second configuration or vice versa. This opens up the possibility of arranging two disks deposited in different ways on the portioning unit directly one behind the other or overlapping each other. A special embodiment in this case provides to change the configuration of the engagement device after each cut or before each cut of the cutting blade. As a result, a portion or a product flow of disks, which are deposited differently in different ways, can be created, which or which has an optically particularly appealing storage image.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the engagement device is adjustable in dependence on the time profile of the cutting movement of the cutting blade between the first configuration and the second configuration. In other words, the cutting movement of the cutting blade and the adjustment operation of the engagement device may be synchronized in a suitable manner. Such synchronization can in turn be accomplished by an electronic control device. In principle, however, a mechanical coupling of the cutting blade drive with a drive an adjustment of the engagement device is possible.

Preferably, the portioning unit comprises a portioning conveyor for transporting the discs in a removal direction, wherein a control device of the portioning conveyor is adapted to change the conveying speed and / or the conveying direction of the portioning conveyor depending on the configuration of the interventional device and / or in that the engagement device and the portioning unit by means of a control device are so coordinated with each other operable that the engagement device and the portioning unit affect the falling discs together. By means of a portioning conveyor generally shingled or stacked portions can be created. A coordinated operation of such a portioning conveyor and an adjustment of the engagement device allows the automatic creation of various storage images. For example, in a shingled portion comprising folded and unfolded disks in an alternating array, uniform shingling is generally desired. Such a uniform shingling is not possible in the case of a mixture of folded and unfolded discs without varying the conveying speed of the portioning conveyor due to the differently positioned leading edges.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the portioning conveyor transversely displaceable with respect to the Abtransportrichtung and / or about an axis of rotation is rotatable. This extends the possibilities for creating different storage images.

An embodiment of the invention provides that the engagement device for inducing the first configuration as a whole in the fall path of the discs hineinbewegbar and for bringing about the second configuration as a whole from the fall path of the discs is moved out, in particular in the Abtransportrichtung or transversely to the removal direction of a portioning conveyor of the portioning unit. This allows a particularly simple way a change between folded disc stored and unfolded discs. For this purpose, the engagement device can be mounted as a separate unit linearly displaceable and / or pivotable on a base frame of the cutting device.

Alternatively or additionally, the engagement device may comprise a base part attached to the portioning unit or to a base frame of the device and an action element connected to the base part for influencing the falling movement of the discs, wherein the active element is movable relative to the base part for changing the configuration of the engagement device. Since in this case only the comparatively low mass of the active element has to be accelerated, the mechanical loading of the components of the interventional device is low even with particularly fast adjustment processes.

The engagement device may be pivotable about a parallel to the cutting plane extending pivot axis for changing between the first configuration and the second configuration. The pivot axis can in this case in particular run vertically. A swivel movement allows particularly fast adjustment.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that for changing the configuration of the engagement device whose cross-sectional shape is changeable. It then does not have to be moved out of the fall area of the discs, the entire engagement device in order to avoid influencing the fall movement. Rather, it is sufficient to adapt only the cross-sectional shape of the intervention device, which can be done very quickly.

For example, the engagement device may comprise a belt or belt conveyor, wherein for changing the configuration of the engagement device, a tape guide of the belt or belt conveyor is changeable and / or at least one band provided tab by a conveying movement of the tape in the fall path of the disks in or out of the Fallweg the discs is moved out. This is advantageous in that not the entire belt or belt conveyor including the relatively heavy drive has to be moved. For example, it suffices to move two rollers of the conveyor relative to each other while maintaining the belt tension. Such a jump band arrangement allows a particularly quick change between different configurations, since, for example, a retraction of the working edge of the belt conveyor by a relatively small amount is sufficient to prevent contact of the belt with the falling disks. When the band side provided tabs may be acting from the support surface of the tape engagement elements, which are movable by driving the tape. Depending on the application, such riders may be designed as rails, rods, profiles, humps or the like. The size or height and / or the cross-sectional shape of a rider can be adapted to a specific product type. A special embodiment provides that a plurality of differently shaped tabs are attached to one and the same band in the direction of tape movement with distance from each other, which can be moved depending on the straight product to be sliced or depending on the application in the case area of the discs.

The engagement device may comprise an engagement rotor rotatable about an axis of rotation. This embodiment allows a particularly fast change between the different configurations. The engagement rotor may be designed roller-, strip or bar-like, but if necessary also have a more complex shape. Depending on the application, a continuous rotation in one direction of rotation or an alternating rotation "back and forth" may be provided for the engagement rotor. According to a specific embodiment of the invention The axis of rotation of the engagement rotor is substantially perpendicular to the fall path of the discs and / or perpendicular to the Abtransportrichtung a Portionierförderers.

The engagement rotor may have an outer diameter varying in the circumferential direction and / or an outer side which is asymmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation. During the rotation, e.g. The furthest away from the axis of rotation areas of the engagement rotor temporarily in the fall path of the discs. For example, the engagement rotor could have an elliptical cross-section and / or be mounted eccentrically. This allows a particularly simple construction.

It can be provided that the axis of rotation of the engagement rotor is arranged inclined relative to the cutting plane and / or that the engagement rotor is pivotable about a pivot axis extending at right angles to the axis of rotation. A relative to the cutting plane inclined or engaged engagement rotor is able to cause a folded storage of the discs, each with an angle to the Abtransportrichtung extending folding edge. By means of such "Schrägfaltenlegens" particularly appealing storage images can be achieved. In the case of a pivotable engagement rotor, the angle of inclination can be changed during the formation of a portion, so as to influence the course of the fold edges. In a multi-track cutting device, it may be advantageous to choose different angles of inclination for at least two tracks. In principle, a diagonal folding is also possible with a non-rotating rod, the rod axis is arranged inclined with respect to the cutting plane.

At least one eccentric cam element may be provided on the engagement rotor. Such a cam member may also be retrofitted to a symmetrical engagement rotor to impart adjustability to the engagement rotor. In principle, several cam elements along the circumference of the engaging rotor may be provided distributed to allow a multiple change between different configurations of the engaging rotor at each revolution of the engaging rotor. In particular, could be mounted on two opposite sides of the engagement rotor respective - equal or different shaped - cam elements.

It can be provided on an outer side of the engagement rotor, a radially and / or axially movable engagement element. The engagement rotor can then be arranged, for example, such that, when the engagement element is retracted, there is no influence on the falling disks. By a controlled extension of the engagement element can then be made on request to influence the falling movement of the discs and thus a changed storage form be brought about. The engagement element may e.g. be executed shell-like.

A special embodiment of the invention provides that the engagement device comprises at least two telescopic parts. For example, a rotationally driven outer part of an engagement rotor can be moved back and forth in the axial direction on an inner part, in order to change between the configurations.

The engagement device may comprise an inflatable shell. The position of the effective outer surface of the engagement device depends on the inflation state of the shell. That is, it is possible, by controlled pressurization of the sheath, for example by means of compressed air, to shift the outer dimensions of the engagement device and thus, if desired, to move it into the fall path of the sheaves. By controlled discharge of the compressed air can then take place again a rapid reduction in the outer dimensions of the engagement device. If the intervention device is a rotor, the compressed air supply can be realized in particular via the central region of the axis of rotation.

Furthermore, the engagement device may comprise a blowing device, in particular at least one blowing nozzle, preferably a nozzle bar and / or a nozzle lance for selectively blowing a falling disc with a fluid, in particular compressed air, wherein a control device is designed to change the configuration of the engaging device, ie the blowing device to change the amount of fluid blown out in the direction of the falling disks or the blowing strength. For example, the air supply to the blowing device can be switched on or off to switch between a folded depositing and an unfolding deposition of the falling slices. However, it is also possible to use different flow pulses or a change in the flow direction for influencing the storage form of the disks. In general, therefore, the adjusting of the engagement device between the at least two different configurations can take place here by setting different operating modes of the blowing device forming the engagement device. A configuration change via a blower control is particularly fast feasible.

The engagement device may comprise an elongate deformation element whose longitudinal ends are anchored to respective attachment points of the cutting device, wherein the distance of the attachment points is changeable to change the configuration of the engagement device. Reducing the spacing of the attachment locations causes buckling or "bulging" of the deformation element. With a suitable arrangement, this bulging leads straight to the fact that the central region of the deformation element protrudes into the fall path of the discs and thus affects the storage form. In the stretched state, however, the deformation element can be located completely outside the fall path and therefore not affect the storage form of the discs. It is also possible that the elongate deformation element in both the stretched and bulged state, the falling movement of the discs influenced - but in different Wise. Depending on the application, the elongate deformation element may rotate about its longitudinal axis during operation of the cutting device or not.

The elongate deformation element may comprise a flexible, in particular elastic, bracket and / or an articulated arm arrangement. By varying the distance of the attachment points, the deflection of the bracket or the angular position of the articulated arms of the articulated arm arrangement can be varied so as to influence the falling discs in different ways.

Preferably, the engagement device is displaced from the first configuration to the second configuration or vice versa between two successive cuts of the cutting blade. For a change of the tray shape thus no interruption of the cutting sequence is required.

The engagement device can in particular be adjusted as a function of the time profile of the cutting movement of the cutting blade between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Furthermore, the discs deposited on the portioning unit can be carried away on a portioning conveyor, the conveying speed and / or the conveying direction of the portioning conveyor being selected as a function of the configuration of the engaging apparatus. By such a vote of the operation of the Portionierförderers on the one hand and the adjustment of the Intervention device on the other hand can be created in a targeted manner portions with a desired storage image.

In particular, the engagement device and the portioning unit can be operated in such a coordinated manner that the engagement device and the portioning unit jointly influence the falling discs. For example, the intervention device itself can act as a conveyor, which is operated in the opposite direction to a conveyor of the portioning unit and acts only on a front part region of the disks viewed in the removal direction. Thus, the front part of a disc is moved by the engagement device against the Abtransportrichtung, whereas the already located on the Portionierförderer rear part of the disc is moved in Abtransportrichtung. As a result, a reliable folded storage of the disc can be ensured.

Fig. 1

zeigt eine vereinfachte Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten.

Fig. 2

zeigt eine alternative Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten.

Fig. 3a - 3e

zeigen unterschiedliche Varianten von Eingriffsvorrichtungen für eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zum Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten.

Fig. 4

zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine Portion aus abgetrennten Scheiben von Lebensmittelproduktscheiben, welche mit einer Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 erzeugt wurde.

Fig. 5

zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine Portion aus abgetrennten Scheiben von Lebensmittelproduktscheiben, welche mit einer alternativ gestalteten erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung erzeugt wurde.

Fig. 6

zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine Portion aus abgetrennten Scheiben von Lebensmittelproduktscheiben, welche mit einer abermals alternativ gestalteten erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung erzeugt wurde.

Fig. 7a

zeigt eine Vorderansicht einer Eingriffsvorrichtung, die zum Erzeugen von Portionen wie in Fig. 6 gezeigt geeignet ist.

Fig. 7b

zeigt eine Draufsicht auf die Eingriffsvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 7a in einer ersten Konfiguration.

Fig. 7c

zeigt eine Draufsicht auf die Eingriffsvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 7b in einer zweiten Konfiguration.

Fig. 8

ist eine Prinzipdarstellung der Eingriffsvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 7b.

Fig. 9

zeigt eine weitere Eingriffsvorrichtung für eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zum Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten.

Fig. 10-12

zeigen Draufsichten auf weitere erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtungen zum Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten.

Fig. 13a

zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine Vorrichtung zum Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung, wobei sich ein Drahtbügel einer Eingriffsvorrichtung in einer Nichteingriffsstellung befindet.

Fig. 13b

zeigt die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 13a mit in einer Eingriffsstellung befindlichem Drahtbügel.

Fig. 14a

zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine Vorrichtung zum Aufschneiden von Lebensmittelprodukten gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung, wobei sich eine Gelenkarmanordnung einer Eingriffsvorrichtung in einer Nichteingriffsstellung befindet.

Fig. 14b

zeigt die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 14a mit in einer Eingriffsstellung befindlicher Gelenkarmanordnung.

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

Fig. 1

shows a simplified side view of an apparatus according to the invention for slicing food products.

Fig. 2

shows an alternative embodiment of a device according to the invention for slicing food products.

Fig. 3a - 3e

show different variants of interventional devices for a device according to the invention for slicing food products.

Fig. 4

shows a plan view of a portion of separated slices of food product slices, which with a device according to Fig. 1 was generated.

Fig. 5

shows a plan view of a portion of separated slices of food product slices, which was produced with an alternatively designed device according to the invention.

Fig. 6

shows a plan view of a portion of separated slices of food product slices, which was produced with a yet alternatively designed inventive device.

Fig. 7a

shows a front view of an engagement device, which is used to produce portions as in Fig. 6 shown is suitable.

Fig. 7b

shows a plan view of the engagement device according to Fig. 7a in a first configuration.

Fig. 7c

shows a plan view of the engagement device according to Fig. 7b in a second configuration.

Fig. 8

is a schematic diagram of the engagement device according to Fig. 7b ,

Fig. 9

shows a further engagement device for a device according to the invention for slicing food products.

Fig. 10-12

show plan views of other devices according to the invention for slicing food products.

Fig. 13a

shows a plan view of a device for slicing food products according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein a wire bracket of an engagement device is in a disengaged position.

Fig. 13b

shows the device according to Fig. 13a with in a engaged position located wire hanger.

Fig. 14a

shows a plan view of a device for slicing food products according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein an articulated arm assembly of an engagement device is in a disengaged position.

Fig. 14b

shows the device according to Fig. 14a with befindlicher in an engaged position Gelenkarmanordnung.

Fig. 1 shows a high-performance slicer 11 with a cutting blade 13, which in a cutting plane S - rotating, for example, rotating and / or planetary - emotional. A product feeder 15 of the high-performance slicer 11 serves to automatically deliver to its resting product bars or loaves 17 the cutting plane S, so as to effect a repeated separation of slices 19 from the product bar 17. Depending on the size of the cutting blade 13, a plurality of adjacent product bars 17 can be simultaneously delivered to the cutting plane S, which is referred to as "multi-track operation". The falling disks 19 end up on a portioning unit 20, which is designed here as a portioning conveyor 21. The portioning conveyor 21 comprises an array of belt or belt conveyors 22 which conveys the disks 19 along a discharge direction A away from the cutting blade 13. By means of an electronic control device, not shown, the portioning unit 20, it is possible to change the conveying speed and the conveying direction of the Portionierförderers 21 as needed, so as to produce portions 23 with a desired storage image, so for example, shingled or stacked portions 23.

In the region of the fall path of the discs 19, an engagement device 24 is arranged, which is designed to at least temporarily influence the falling movement of the discs 19, thereby depositing the discs 19 in a specific manner on the portioning conveyor 21. In the embodiment according to Fig. 1 the engagement device 24 is designed as an engagement rotor 25, which is rotatable about a perpendicular to the Abtransportrichtung A extending axis of rotation R and is driven in opposite directions to the Abtransportrichtung A. The engagement rotor 25 is thus able, in cooperation with the Portionierförderer 21 cause a folded deposition of the discs 19, as is fundamentally from the DE 195 44 764 A1 is known.

To deal with the in Fig. 1 illustrated high-performance slicer 11 not only portions with folded disc 19 ', but also to create portions 23 with unfolded discs 19, the engagement rotor 25 including the storage and the drive, both not shown, in and against the Abtransportrichtung A displaceable, as indicated by the double arrow. By moving the engagement rotor 25 starting from the in Fig. 1 shown active configuration in the Abtransportrichtung A this can be moved out of the fall path of the discs 19 completely, so that no influence on the falling discs 19 by the engagement rotor 25 more. When the engagement rotor 25 is in such an inactive configuration, unfolded flat deposition of the disks 19 on the portioning conveyor 21 occurs.

An unillustrated, preferably electric, hydraulic or pneumatic actuator is capable of adjusting the engagement rotor 25 from the active configuration to the inactive configuration or vice versa during the slicing operation and in particular between two successive cuts of the cutting blade 13. Thus, portions 23 can be produced which are formed by an alternating sequence of folded and unfolded disks 19, 19 '. In order to ensure the illustrated uniform shingling within a portion 23, it may be necessary to operate the portioning conveyor 21 after each flat disc 19 by a predetermined amount against the Abtransportrichtung A to compensate for that offset due to the folding folded back front half of a disc 19 results. The portioning conveyor 21 may also be displaceable transversely to the Abtransportrichtung A or rotatable about a vertical axis, resulting in more opportunities for storage images.

Fig. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a high-performance slicer 11 'according to the invention, which is designed similar to the previously described high-performance slicer 11. Accordingly, the same reference numerals are provided with equivalent components. The engagement device 24 'in the form of the engagement rotor 25' is according to the embodiment according to Fig. 2 but immovably fixed to a non-illustrated base frame of the high-performance slicer 11 '. The adjustment between the active configuration and the inactive configuration takes place by an eccentric cam element 27 provided on the engagement rotor 25 ', which either projects into the fall path of the disks 19 as a function of the rotational position of the engagement rotor 25' or not. In this embodiment, only relatively small masses need to be moved, so that a particularly fast change between the active configuration and the inactive configuration is possible. If the cutting blade 13 is a rotating or circumferentially driven cutting blade, the rotational speed of the engagement rotor 25 'should be selected as a function of the rotational speed of an associated blade shaft. Specifically, it is preferred that an engagement rotor 25 'be provided with a single cam member 27 as in FIG Fig. 2 shown rotates at half the blade speed. In the case of two oppositely arranged cam elements 27, however, it would be preferable for the engagement rotor 25 'to rotate only at a quarter of the blade speed.

Fig. 3a to 3e show by way of example further possible embodiments of an adjustable engagement device. Specially shows Fig. 3a an engagement device 34 in the form of an engagement rotor 35, in which instead of a separate cam element generally an asymmetrical cross-section, here in elliptical shape, is provided. According to Fig. 3b the engagement rotor 45 of an engagement device 44 is composed of two half-shell elements 29a, 29b. By radially moving apart of the half-shell elements 29a, 29b, it can be achieved that the previously inactive engagement rotor 45 extends into the fall path of the disks 19 and influences them. Fig. 3c shows an embodiment in which the engagement device 54 comprises an inflatable shell 30. By supplying compressed air via a supply line 31, the outer diameter of the shell 30 can be increased so much that the previously inactive shell 30 protrudes into the fall path of the discs 19 and influenced their falling movement henceforth. By controlled discharge of the compressed air from the shell 30 whose outer diameter can be reduced again.

In Fig. 3d a belt conveyor 64 is shown which forms an adjustable engagement device. As shown by the double arrows, the position of individual rollers 73 of the belt conveyor 64 and thus the belt guide of the belt conveyor 64 is changeable. In this way, the working edge 75 of the belt 70 can be moved into or out of the fall path of the disks 19 while maintaining the belt tension. A movement of the entire belt conveyor 64 including its drive is therefore not mandatory.

At the in Fig. 3e illustrated embodiment, a belt conveyor 64 'is also provided as an engagement device. On the outside of the band 70 three riders 65, 66, 67 are mounted, each having a different cross-sectional shape. Depending on requirements, more riders could be provided. As illustrated by the double arrows, the tabs 65, 66, 67 by a suitably controlled belt drive of the belt conveyor 64 'in and against the conveying direction movable. The belt conveyor 64 'is positioned such that each of the riders 65, 66, 67 can be moved into or out of the fall path of the disks 19 by a movement of the belt 70. The cross-sectional shape of the rider 65, 66, 67 is in each case adapted to a specific product type or application or to a respective desired storage form.

It goes without saying that, depending on the particular application, many other possibilities are conceivable in order to move an intervention device 24 as a whole or merely a component or active surface thereof out of the fall path of the disks 19 or into the fall path of the disks 19. In all cases, it is possible to rapidly change the engagement device 24 from an active configuration to an inactive configuration or vice versa during regular slicing operation.

In particular, the invention enables the automatic production of shingled portions 23, in which folded slices 19 'and unfolded slices 19 are arranged alternately. An example of such a portion is in Fig. 4 shown.

At the in Fig. 5 Portion 23 'shown are a right-overlapping row of folded discs 19' and unfolded discs 19 and a left-overlapping row of folded discs 19 'and unfolded discs 19 are placed side by side in a symmetrical arrangement. A single unfolded disk 19 is at the center of the assembly. Such symmetrical portions 23 'may be obtained by displacing an engaging rotor such as that shown in FIG Fig. 1 shown engagement rotor 25 in the Abtransportrichtung A ( Fig. 1 ) be achieved. The symmetrical arrangement of two or more shingled individual portions of folded disks 19 'and unfolded disks 19 can be effected with a turntable assigned to the portioning unit 20. Alternatively or additionally, two shingled individual portions, each consisting of folded disks 19 'and unfolded disks 19, are placed symmetrically next to one another or behind one another by means of a high-performance slicer 11 downstream lapper or inserter, in particular correspondingly Fig. 5 such that the folded edges 77 of the folded discs 19 'of the one single portion face the fold edges 77 of the folded discs 19' of the other single portion.

The operation of the individual components or assemblies, in particular the engagement device 24, 24 'and the portioning conveyor 21, which is coordinated as a function of the respective application, is effected by one or more control devices (not shown) which are connected to a central control of the slicer 11, 11' or integrated into it.

Fig. 6 shows a portion 23 "of folded and shingled arranged discs 19 ', wherein the folded edges 77 of the folded discs 19' each extend obliquely to the Abtransportrichtung A. As shown, the folding edges 77 are inclined in different directions relative to the Abtransportrichtung A, wherein the differently inclined courses of the folding edges 77 alternate with successively deposited discs 19 '.

Such portions 23 "can, for example, with a in Fig. 7a-c and 8th shown engagement device 84 are created. This is an engagement rotor 85, which is composed of two separate cam elements 87, 88. The cam elements 87, 88 each have a semi-cone-shaped or semi-cone-shaped basic shape and are arranged oppositely with respect to the cone profile. Depending on the rotational position of the engagement rotor 85 is thus a clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to the cutting plane S inclined folding edge 77 (FIG. Fig. 6 ) generated. The rotational speed of the engagement rotor 85 can be adjusted so that the two cam elements 87, 88 engage alternately in the fall path of the discs 19. In order to achieve a lateral offset between successively deposited discs 19 with respect to the Abtransportrichtung A, the two cam members 87, 88 in an axial direction relative to the axis of rotation R of the engagement rotor 85 to each other displaced, as in Fig. 7b and 7c is recognizable. In the schematic diagram according to Fig. 8 For one of the cam elements 87, optional modifications of the cone shape are shown in dashed lines. Accordingly, the outer surface of the cam members 87, 88 may also be slightly curved, depending on the application inwardly or outwardly.

Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of an engagement device 94, which is formed as a one-piece engagement rotor 95 with inwardly curved cone shape.

In the Fig. 10 The engagement device 104 shown has a main body 105 and an elongate engagement rotor 25 protruding from the main body 105. As shown, the axis of rotation R of the engagement rotor 25 is inclined relative to the cutting plane S, so that accordingly also the folded edges 77 of disc laid 19 'obliquely to the cutting plane S. The main body 105 of the engagement device 104 is pivotable about a vertical pivot axis SW and additionally displaceable in and against the Abtransportrichtung A, as in Fig. 10 indicated by double arrows. It is understood that due to this adjustability by means of the engagement device 104 numerous different storage images can be generated. Exemplary are in Fig. 10 a portion 123 with parallel folding edges 77 and a portion 223 with mutually inclined folding edges 77 shown.

Fig. 11 shows a cutting plane S, which are delivered to three tracks product bars 17. Each track is associated with an engagement device 104, which is similar to the one in FIG Fig. 10 shown engaging device 104 is designed. In order to enable a common pivoting of the engagement rotors 25 of the engagement devices 104, the main body 105 of the engagement devices 104 are coupled together by a coupling linkage 106.

According to Fig. 12 For example, the engagement rotors 25 of different tracks may also be inclined differently. In the example shown, the axes of rotation R of two adjacent engagement rotors 25 are arranged symmetrically so as to produce partial portions 123 with symmetrically extending fold edges 77. The two partial portions 123 can then be joined together to form a total portion 323, in which the folding edges 77 of laterally adjacent discs 19 'meet in an arrow-like manner.

Fig. 13a and 13b show a further embodiment of an engagement device 204. The engagement device 204 is formed here as an elongate deformation element in the form of an elastically flexible wire bracket 205. The wire bracket 205 is anchored in the region of its longitudinal ends to respective attachment points 206 of a suitable frame (not shown). If the distance between the two attachment points 206 starting from the in Fig. 13a shown stretched Base position is reduced, the wire hanger 205 bends as in Fig. 13b and forms a bulge 207, which projects into the fall path of the discs 19. Thus, by varying the distance between the two attachment locations 206, one can alternate between a folded and an unfolded disc tray. The wire bracket 205 may be rigid or rotatable about its longitudinal axis. A rotation of the wire bracket 205 to the attachment points 206 allows both a wegschwenken the bent wire clip 205 from the fall path and on the other hand, a temporary Mitschwenken the wire bracket 205 with a falling disc 19. By adjusting the wire bracket 205 in intermediate positions exactly adapted degrees of disc influencing can be achieved.

As an alternative to a wire bow, an articulated arm arrangement 205 'as in FIG Figs. 14a and 14b may be provided, which forms an elongate deformation element of an engagement device 204 '. Such an articulated arm assembly 205 ', with a reduction in the spacing of the attachment locations 206, similarly forms a bulge 207 as in FIG Fig. 13a and 13b Wire bracket 205 shown. The middle portion of the Gelenkarmanordnung 205 'may carry a rotatably mounted sleeve 210.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11, 11 '

High Slicer

13

cutting blade

15

product feed

17

product Riegel

19, 19 '

disc

20

portioning

21

Portionierförderer

22

Belt or belt conveyor

23, 23 ', 23 "

portion

24, 24 '

engaging device

25, 25 '

male rotor

27

cam member

29a, 29b

Half shell element

30

shell

31

supply line

34

engaging device

35

male rotor

44

engaging device

45

male rotor

54

engaging device

64, 64 '

belt conveyors

65, 66, 67

equestrian

70

tape

73

role

75

working edge

77

fold

84

engaging device

85

male rotor

87, 88

cam member

94

engaging device

95

male rotor

104, 104 '

engaging device

105

body

106

coupling linkage

123

portion

204, 204 '

engaging device

205, 205 '

flexure

206

fastening point

207

bulge

210

shell

223

portion

323

portion

A

removal direction

S

cutting plane

R

axis of rotation

SW

swivel axis

Claims (4)

1. A method for slicing food products (17) in which products (17) to be sliced are supplied on one track or on multiple tracks to a cutting blade (13) moving in a cutting plane (S) to slice the products (17) into individual slices (19), and portions (23, 23', 23", 123, 223, 323) are formed on a portioning unit (20) from slices (19) falling down, wherein the falling movement of the slices (19) is influenced at least at times by means of an engagement apparatus (24, 24', 34, 44, 54, 64, 64', 84, 94, 104, 204, 204') arranged in the region of the falling path of the slices (19) in order hereby to bring about a placement of the slices (19) on the portioning unit (20) in accordance with a desired placement shape,
   characterized in that
   the engagement apparatus (24, 24', 34, 44, 54, 64, 64', 84, 94, 104, 204, 204') is adjusted during the slicing operation at least between a first configuration, in which it brings about a placement of the slices (19) falling down in accordance with a first placement shape, and a second configuration, in which it brings about a placement of the slices (19) falling down in accordance with a second placement shape differing from the first placement shape, with the falling movement of the slices (19) being influenced in at least one configuration such that a folded placement of the slices (19) on the portioning unit (20) takes place; with the slices (19) being placed folded with the engagement apparatus (24, 24', 34, 44, 54, 64, 64', 84, 94, 104, 204, 204') located in the first configuration and being placed uninfluenced by said engagement apparatus (24, 24', 34, 44, 54, 64, 64', 84, 94, 104, 204, 204') with the engagement apparatus (24, 24', 34, 44, 54, 64, 64', 84, 94, 104, 204, 204') located in the second configuration; and with the engagement apparatus (24, 24', 34, 44, 54, 64, 64', 84, 94, 104, 204, 204') being adjusted at least once from the first configuration into the second configuration, or vice versa, during the forming of a portion (23, 23').
2. A method in accordance with claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the engagement apparatus (24, 24', 34, 44, 54, 64, 64', 84, 94, 104, 204, 204') is adjusted from the first configuration into the second configuration, or vice versa, between two consecutive cuts of the cutting blade (13); and/or in that the engagement apparatus (24, 24', 34, 44, 54, 64, 64', 84, 94, 104, 204, 204') is adjusted between the first configuration and the second configuration in dependence on the temporal progress of the cutting movement of the cutting blade (13).
3. A method in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2,
   characterized in that
   the slices (19) are placed non-folded with the engagement apparatus (24, 24', 34, 44, 54, 64, 64', 84, 94, 104, 204, 204') located in the second configuration.
4. A method in accordance with any one of the claims 1 to 3,
   characterized in that
   the slices (19) placed on the portioning unit (20) are transported away on a portioning conveyor (21), with the conveying speed and/or the conveying direction of the portioning conveyor (21) being selected in dependence on the configuration of the engagement apparatus (24, 24', 34, 44, 54, 64, 64', 84, 94, 104, 204, 204').

Images