EP3009242B1 - Slicing device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method and devices for slicing food products, in particular high-performance slicer, with a slicing unit. The slicing unit can comprise, for example, a rotating and / or planetary revolving circular or sickle knife. The slicing unit separates product slices from food products. The food products may in particular be cheese, sausage, ham, meat or the like.

It is a depositing device for, in particular portions, provided discarding the discs, which fall from the slicing unit. The depositing device serves in particular to fold the discs.

When producing packaged portions from cut-up food 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, eg a folded, rolled, corrugated or crinkled tray that slices.

Slicing devices in which food products are folded are known in principle. DE 195 44 764 A1 relates to an apparatus and method for depositing disc shaped food products on a conveyor belt. Here, in the region of the product fall line, a single conveying means driven in opposite directions to the conveyor belt is provided, with which a collapse of two parts of the falling disks can be achieved. The conveyor belt, on which the fallen discs come, is driven evenly and promotes away from the cutting blade. This results in a uniform storage image with a uniform disc spacing. EP-0 776 740 A1 discloses a device that operates on the same principle.

While conventional folding devices are indeed suitable for folding some types of sausage or ham, folding of slices of other food products, in particular cheese slices, hardly or not possible. This is due, in particular, to fluctuating properties of the products, e.g. Cheese that results during processing. For example, the product size can vary over the length. Also, temperature and aging and storage influences can lead to fluctuating properties of the product. Finally, the proportion of holes in cheese can be variable. These fluctuating properties occur in particular not only from product bars to product bars, but also within a product label.

Even the smallest of influences can disturb the folding process, so that the filing on a conveyor belt becomes inaccurate. This can in particular lead to an uneven portion image. Also, e.g. Wrinkles become impossible if the discs are too stiff or too inflexible.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device in which, particularly poorly flexible, product slices, e.g. Cheese slices, can be folded reliably.

The solution of this object is achieved by a device according to claim 1. Claim 15 relates to the use of the device.

According to one aspect of the invention, the depositing device comprises a removal device, in particular at least one conveyor belt, and at least two folding means, which are arranged in the region of the disk fall line, wherein at least one folding means is designed as a driven conveying means.

A driven conveyor may in particular transmit an impulse to a disk. Thus, the conveyor may be formed, for example, as a rotating shaft or as a moving belt conveyor.

The peripheral speed of a driven conveyor may for example be between 0.2 m / s and 0.5 m / s. The removal device can be designed for the same conveying speed and preferably have a conveying speed between 0.2 m / s and 0.5 m / s.

At least one folding means can also be made passive. Thus, the folding means may in particular comprise a conventional folding rod, for example a bolt. A non-driven, rotatably mounted folding shaft is conceivable. In this case, for example, a continuous axis may be provided with at least one rotatably mounted sleeve. In a multi-lane operation, each lane can be assigned a separate sleeve. If a disc hits a sleeve, it rotates due to the kinetic energy and the weight of the disc.

Preferably, both folding means are designed as driven conveying means. In this way, the folding of a disc can be precisely controlled in particular.

Characterized in that at least two folding means are provided, the discs can be folded reliably in a simple manner. In principle, any number of active or passive folding means can be provided. The folding means support each other when folding a disk and are associated with each other, so that even slices with difficult folding properties, such as cheese, can be reliably folded. An additional folding means can in particular prevent an already folded disc from unfolding again.

Further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

According to one embodiment, at least one folding means, at least in a region in contact with a disk, has a friction-enhancing surface, preferably a profiling. In particular, the surface of a belt conveyor serving as a folding means or the surface of the rollers of a folding means designed as a roller conveyor can be provided with a profiling, in particular O-rings.

According to one embodiment, a folding means is adapted to initiate a folding operation for folding a disk. In particular, this folding means can transmit a corresponding impulse to a falling disc. At least one further folding means is adapted to support the folding process, a depositing operation and / or a removal of the disk. This is particularly advantageous for larger folding radii. The further folding means can for example transmit an additional impulse to the disk and thus further support or favor the folding process. Also, the further folding means support the deposition of the disc on the Abtransporteinrichtung and set, for example, the depositing position of the disc. Furthermore, the folding means may assist the removal of a disc, in particular by, in a corresponding direction of rotation, the discs from above promotes or at least limits the height of the portion, so that, for example, subsequently a package can be securely sealed with a top film.

According to a further embodiment, at least one, in particular a folding process for folding a disc introductory, folding means is driven in opposite directions to the Abtransporteinrichtung and arranged in operation in the disc-fall line that only the Abtransportrichtung forward partial area, ie in particular in the folded state above lying part, a falling disc is detected by the folding means to fold the disc. The front partial area is thereby accelerated in particular. The acceleration can be effected at least at the beginning of the acceleration process preferably substantially in the plane of the disc opposite to the Abtransportrichtung. In this case, in particular the non-accelerated or the portion of the product not acted upon by the folding means according to the invention carries on its falling movement largely uninfluenced, while the accelerated portion is moved into an area above the non-accelerated portion. Due to the simultaneous acceleration of said portion and the largely unaffected further completed fall movement of the non-accelerated portion is achieved that the accelerated portion is folded during the falling motion on the non-accelerated portion of the falling product. Thus, the discs provided by the slicing unit fall with their two mutually folded portions on the Abtransporteinrichtung or the conveyor belt, in particular, the radius of the folded discs in Abtransportrichtung comes to rest front. The folding process is particularly supported by the movement of Abtransporteinrichtung in Abtransportrichtung.

According to a further embodiment, at least one, in particular a folding process, a depositing process and / or a removal of the disc supportive, folding means is arranged at a distance from the Abtransporteinrichtung, which corresponds at least substantially one, in particular predeterminable, height of a folded disc. In particular or alternatively, this folding means is in Region or arranged approximately below the folding process initiating folding means.

The folding means may in particular have a distance from the Abtransporteinrichtung which corresponds at least to the height of a folded disc. In this way, a folded disc during removal is not hindered by the folding means. Alternatively, the folding means may also have a distance from the Abtransporteinrichtung which corresponds at most to the height of a folded disc. In this way, there is a contact between the folded disc and the folding means during removal. The folded disc is pressed down during removal and thus can not unfold. It can thus be limited in particular the amount of a portion by an at least slight height correction takes place during removal.

According to a further embodiment, at least one folding means is designed as a roller conveyor, preferably as a shaft. In particular, an axis of rotation of the roller conveyor can extend transversely, preferably vertically, to the removal direction in an at least substantially horizontal plane.

The roller conveyor may in particular have a diameter of about 45 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the roller conveyor may comprise a plurality of friction increasing O-rings, which are in particular axially spaced apart.

The rollers of the roller conveyor can be designed, for example, as passive, ie non-driven, sleeves. Preferably, however, are actively driven rollers, which can eg transmit a pulse to the falling discs.

Alternatively, the folding means may be formed as a driven belt conveyor. In this case, the surface of the belt conveyor with respect to a transport surface of Abtransporteinrichtung be inclined. Typical angles of inclination are between 5 ° and 45 °, in particular about 20 °. Preferably, the angle of inclination between the surface of the belt conveyor and the transport surface of the Abtransporteinrichtung is adjustable. The adjustment can be effected, for example, characterized in that the drive roller of a knife edge belt conveyor is designed to be adjustable in height. Due to the adjustability of said inclination angle can be achieved that a falling disc impinges with its entire portion to be accelerated at once on the conveying surface of the belt conveyor, which ensures optimum transmission of the acceleration forces.

All folding means can be designed as roller conveyors or belt conveyors. Alternatively, for example, a folding means may be formed as a roller conveyor and another as a belt conveyor.

According to a further embodiment, a plurality of driven conveying means on the same rotational speeds and / or directions of rotation. If both conveyors have the same direction of rotation, a pulse is transmitted in each case in the same direction. If the conveying means have the same rotational speeds, in particular a disk is folded uniformly.

Alternatively, however, it is also possible for a plurality of driven conveying means to have different rotational speeds and / or directions of rotation. Thus, for example, the upper conveyor, in particular the upper portion of the conveyor, move against the Abtransportrichtung while moving the lower conveyor, in particular the upper portion of the conveyor in Abtransportrichtung. On the side facing the removal device thus the lower conveyor rotates opposite to the Abtransportrichtung. The folded discs are thus not unfolded by the conveyor but further folded or held in the folded position. Depending on the direction of rotation, the length of a folded pane half can also be varied.

The rotational speeds and / or directions of rotation of the folding means can in particular be varied independently as desired. Alternatively, a coupling, either with or without gear ratio, the two folding means conceivable. This can be e.g. Realize via drive belt in a simple manner.

According to a further embodiment, two folding means are adapted to initiate a folding operation for folding a slice at least substantially simultaneously, wherein in particular the slice passes through a gap between the folding means. The folding means form - figuratively speaking - a kind of gate, which must pass through the discs. There are thus in particular two folding means associated with each other and arranged in the disc-fall line, that a disc for folding of two folding means together, in particular at the same time, is influenced. The folding can thereby be carried out at least substantially during the passage of the disc through the intermediate space formed between the two folding means.

According to a further embodiment, the two folding means are driven and have different directions of rotation, in particular in the direction of the intermediate space. In this way, a disc is preferably detected at both ends of a folding means and conveyed through the gap. For example, both folding means can be operated at the same or different speeds. In particular, the best possible symmetry in the folding process, the passage of a disc through the gap and / or a desired storage position can be achieved.

According to a further embodiment, the distance between the two folding means is adjustable relative to each other. In this way, e.g. also the size of the gap can be adjusted. In particular, both folding means can be adjusted individually or jointly in the vertical and / or horizontal direction, preferably in order to adapt the folding process to the current operating state. As reference for the orientation, the cutting plane, the surface of the portioning device and / or the position of a folding means can serve. Preferably, the folding means are arranged in a common plane, which is oriented parallel or at an acute angle to the cutting plane.

Normally, especially with a folding device extending over several tracks, the axes of the folding means are parallel to each other. If a folding device with two folding means is formed track-individually, then it is conceivable that the position of the axes of the two folding means is mutually adjustable. The formed intermediate space between the two folding means may in particular be slightly wedge-shaped. As a result, a disk can be detected even more accurately during the folding process, for example if the fall line deviates or is asymmetrical due to a laterally directed knife pulling effect or due to an at least slight adhesion of a disk to the knife.

In particular, a further folding means can be provided which can serve for example for pressing, for height correction and / or for aligning the already folded panes.

According to one embodiment, the slicing device comprises a feed device for, in particular multi-track, feeding products to the slicing unit. The feeding device may in particular be a conveyor belt or a plurality of conveyor belts arranged in particular parallel to one another. All simultaneously supplied products can in particular be cut by a common cutting blade or by several separate cutting blades.

For precise measurement of product bars in the feed area, at least one detection device is provided for detecting product-specific data. This can in particular be an X-ray or ultrasound scanner, a balance and / or a system of projectors, preferably lasers, and cameras, which works in particular according to the light-section method and / or creates a 3D model. A detection of the cutting geometry immediately before the separation of the next disc is possible. In particular, the outer geometry as well as the inner structure, in particular a hole geometry and the position of the holes, can be detected. Furthermore, the detection device may comprise a scale which is connected downstream of the slicing unit and which determines the weight of a portion or an optical system, in particular with a camera, which detects the length and / or the height of a portion. The folded discs themselves or the folding result can also be monitored.

The slicing apparatus comprises a depositing device for, in particular portions, depositing the slices which fall off the slicing unit. The depositing device may in particular have at least one of the features listed above.

A control device is provided, which is designed to control the slicing unit, the feeding device and / or the depositing device in such a way with the aid of the acquired data that at least one pane has at least one predefinable folding property.

So far, the slicing process has been optimized, for example, only in terms of the weight of a portion. The folding property was not taken into account. According to the invention, however, the slicing device is optimized with regard to the folding property of a pane.

The folding characteristic may be that a secure folding is ensured, i. that the folded discs do not unfold on their own. The folding characteristic is determined in particular by the dimensions of a disk, the flexural strength and the weight of the folded disk half. This is especially true for the last cut and folded slice of a serving. This is not complained by a subsequent disc.

The predetermined folding property may also include a height of a fold. So it is particularly advantageous, especially with regard to a permissible packaging height, if the height of the fold is a maximum of 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm or 15 mm.

If the discs, however, optimized according to conventional procedure only with respect to a portion weight and separated discs with thicknesses of about 1.2 mm to 1.5 mm, so folding the discs may not be possible or at least not stable, so that the Rectify folded slices. Furthermore, in the case of thick discs, the radius during folding can be too high, so that the permissible available packaging height is exceeded. In addition, an allowable stress in a disk can be exceeded, so that the folded disk can break. The tension is particularly problematic for cheese with a high hole proportion in the radius.

On the other hand, the discs must not be too thin, as this increases a portion length offset staggered, folded discs disadvantageously. In particular, this may possibly result in a permissible packaging length exceeded when the products are cut and folded according to conventional procedure.

These problems do not occur according to the invention, since the discs are optimized in terms of their folding property. In this way, slices of different products, especially cheese, can be reliably folded.

According to one embodiment, the folding property depends on the thickness of the disc. Too thick discs are not suitable for folding, because they can unfold again. Also, folded discs may break when an allowable tension is exceeded. In particular, the bending stresses in the food, especially in cheese, must not be exceeded. The bending stress σ _{b is} calculated as follows: $${\sigma }_b=\frac{M_b}{W_{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="b\; N\; m"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">b\; </figure-callout>}}}\left[\frac{N}{m^{}}\right]\left[\frac{{}^2}{}\right]$$

The bending moment M _b = F · a is determined from the force F as an influence on the disc at the point of contact between the disc and the circumference of the folding shaft farthest from the surface of the conveyor belt and from the distance a from the point of contact to the surface the conveyor belt is measured. This results in the effective leg length of the folded, in the direction of the rear or upper part of the disc.

h entspricht hierbei der Dicke und b der Breite der Scheibe. Daraus ist ersichtlich, dass auch das Widerstandsmoment nicht zu hoch sein darf. Die Scheibendicke muss folglich möglichst gering sein. Ferner muss die Gewichtskraft des oberen Scheibenschenkels ausreichend hoch sein, damit die Scheibe gefaltet liegen bleibt. Es wird somit ein Biegemoment erzeugt, welches die 180°-Biegung der Scheibe aufrecht hält.The resistance moment W _{b is} calculated according to the following formula: $$W_b=\frac{b\cdot {\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="H"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">H</figure-callout>}}^2}{6}$$

h hereby corresponds to the thickness and b the width of the disc. It can be seen that also the moment of resistance must not be too high. The slice thickness must therefore be as low as possible. Furthermore, the weight of the upper disc leg must be sufficiently high to keep the disc folded. It is thus generated a bending moment, which maintains the 180 ° bend of the disc upright.

A secure folding is determined in particular by the modulus of elasticity of the product, the weight of the upper disc leg and the disc thickness. The deflection s is calculated according to the following formula: $$s=q\cdot \frac{l^3}{b\cdot H^3}\frac{F}{e}$$

F corresponds to the force, E the elastic modulus, I the folding length, b the disc width, h the disc thickness and q the design factor, which is set at 4.

The folding force F = l · b · h · p · g is the product of folding length I, width b of disc, disc thickness h, ρ density and gravity g.

s entspricht hierbei der kreisförmigen Bewegung der Scheibenhälfte beim Falten um 180°. s ist insbesondere größer als ein Sollwert s_soll = π · l. This results in the deflection s: $$s=q\cdot \frac{{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="4"\; label="l"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0003.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">l</figure-callout>}}^4\cdot \rho \cdot \mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="G\; H"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">G\; </figure-callout>}}{H^{}}$$

Here s corresponds to the circular movement of the disc half when folding by 180 °. s is in particular greater than a setpoint s _soll = π · l.

The pleat length I thus has a stronger effect on a stable folding than the thickness h of the disk.

Due to the fact that the folding property depends substantially on the thickness of the pane, the thickness of the pane can be selected such that the best possible folding property is achieved.

According to a further embodiment, the product-specific data relate to the contour, in particular the length, width and / or height of the product. Thus, a product can be measured by means of a suitable detection device and, in particular, the external shape of the product can be detected.

The course of the recorded data over the length of a product can also be determined. Preferably, the product can be divided into areas. For example, in the case of a cheese or sausage loaf, a starting region, a middle region and an end region can result, the middle region having the largest cross section. On the other hand, at the beginning region and at the end region, a product may have a smaller cross-section which increases in the direction of the middle region. Furthermore, for example, a salami may have a cross section that varies over the length, in particular a conically increasing diameter. Therefore, the optimization according to the invention can be applied to the variation of the slice thickness depending on the currently cut cross section and the resulting folding behavior.

The product specific data may further relate to the temperature, consistency, stiffness, or modulus of elasticity of the product. Measuring the temperature is particularly advantageous because certain product properties and thus also the folding properties, in particular in the case of cheese, can change under different external conditions. The elastic modulus value can in particular be determined and stored once for a product type or entered manually.

Alternatively or additionally, the structure can be determined, in particular the density distribution and / or the distribution or size of holes or regions with different density in the product. The regions of differing density may in particular be product inclusions, in particular fat deposits, cheeses, vegetables, e.g. Peppers, mushrooms, nuts, pistachios or the like act. These areas or holes in the product can affect the folding property of a disk. At the radius of a folded disc, these areas or holes in the product have the greatest effect, so that in particular the product-specific data in the area of a later convolution are determined or weighted more heavily.

Finally, the product-specific data can also affect the weight of the product. In this case, for example, a balance may be provided. By means of the weight and the volume, which is determined in particular from the contour of the product, thus, for example, the density of the product can be calculated. Also, it can be determined what weight a single disc has.

Preferably, all product-specific data are recorded prior to slicing. Alternatively or additionally, however, it is also possible for product data of individual slices or of the portions to be measured after slicing. In particular, the calculated data can be checked and, if necessary, corrected on the basis of the slice or portion weight.

According to the invention, the slicing unit, the feeding device and / or the depositing device can thus be controlled in such a way on the basis of product-specific data that a pane has the best possible folding property. For example, the data can be taken once for each product. Alternatively, however, the data may be determined separately for each slice, or at least along the length of a product bar with correction values from an underlying, to be changed on an ongoing basis. The first variant is less expensive, but less accurate, while the second variant is more effort, but provides more accurate results. Also, a subdivision of the product into several areas is possible, so that the product is divided, for example, in an initial, middle and end area and the data for each area are determined.

The product-specific data can in particular be forwarded to an evaluation unit, in particular stored there and / or evaluated and then forwarded to the control device.

According to a further embodiment, the control takes place such that an additional condition is fulfilled. It is thus not just focused on the folding property of a disc, but included a further prerequisite. The additional condition may relate, in particular, to the length and / or the weight of a portion comprising at least one slice, the number of portions produced per minute and / or the weight, the thickness, the number and / or the spacing of the slices of a portion. Preferably, portions are thus produced according to the invention with a predetermined weight, in which the discs are folded. Especially with regard to the total weight of the portion tight tolerances are to be observed. A portion may, for example, have 50 g, 80 g, 100 g, 200 g, etc. Also, the length of the portion may be limited, for example, to comply with a predetermined packaging length. Typical packaging lengths are about 160 mm to 200 mm. In order for a required length of the portion to be maintained, a portion can in particular be compressed, for example by a slower moving removal device, which is combined in particular with the removal device after the portioning region. This reduces in particular the distance of the folded disks to each other. The length of the portion can be reduced in particular by about 10% to 20%.

The number of portions produced per minute may be about 80 to 100. Furthermore, a fixed number of slices per portion may be predetermined, for example 8 or 10 slices per portion, in particular to comply with the portion length.

Also for the pane thickness, a specific frame condition can be predetermined, for example in the range of 0.7 mm to 0.9 mm.

The control device or an evaluation unit thus determines, for example based on the product-specific data and the predetermined conditions, the pane thickness, which has the best possible folding property.

According to a further embodiment, the folding property and / or an additional condition is variable within one portion or within a sequence of slices. For example, the thickness of the slices may vary within one portion and, in particular, increase as the cross-section of a product decreases. Also, the distance between the slices may change within one portion and, in particular, decrease as the weight of the slices decreases.

Also, the last slice of a serving can be folded or designed differently to favor a stronger folding, a pressing effect and / or a stay in the storage position.

According to a further embodiment, an additional condition, in particular the number of slices of a portion, is variable within a product, wherein in particular more slices per portion are separated from an initial region and / or end region of a product than in an intermediate central region, wherein preferably the distance between the slices of a smaller portion than the distance between the slices of a portion comprising fewer slices. In particular, the product can be divided into different areas based on the product-specific data. In this case, for example, a starting region which enlarges in cross-section, a center region which is comparatively constant in cross section and an end region which decreases in cross-section may be present.

Different product areas can be treated differently. The control of the slicing unit, the feeding device and / or the depositing device can therefore also, in particular stepped, be carried out depending on the area which is being cut open. Thus, the adjustment values may be constant within a range or may be e.g. change linearly. In one end region, more discs can thus be separated for one portion, in particular with a constant slice thickness, than in a central region. The distances between the folded panes can in this case in particular be reduced in order to comply with a predefinable, in particular entered into the control device, portion length.

Alternatively, it would also be possible to increase the thickness of the discs. However, this can negatively affect the folding property.

The fact that the different areas are handled separately, the end areas can still be processed well, which would otherwise be left as comparatively large remaining pieces or would possibly cause filing errors.

In particular, a classification into different areas based on the product-specific data can be proposed on the machine side. This classification can eg be confirmed or varied by a user.

Preferably, the position of the folding means can be adjusted depending on the area and aligned, for example, based on a central axis of the product. Alternatively or additionally, the drop height of the disc, in particular the height to a portioning belt, can be varied.

According to a further embodiment, the control takes place in such a way that the spacing of the slices of a portion, viewed in the removal direction, corresponds at least substantially to twice the height of a folded slice. In this way, a visually appealing format can be formed.

According to a further embodiment, the depositing device comprises a removal device, in particular at least one conveyor belt, and at least one folding means, which is arranged in the region of the slice fall line. The folding means may in particular have at least one of the features described above. In particular, the folding means as, preferably in opposite directions to the Abtransporteinrichtung, driven conveyor formed and arranged in operation in the disc-fall line, that only the front in Abtransportrichtung part of a falling disc is detected by the folding means to fold the disc.

Preferably, the removal device and / or the folding means can be controlled by the control device accordingly to achieve a desired folding result.

According to a further embodiment, the control device controls the rotational speed of the slicing unit, the feed speed of the feed device, the rotational speed, the direction of rotation and / or the position of a folding means and / or the removal speed of a removal device. It can thus different components of the slicer be controlled alone or together to meet a desired folding property and possibly a certain additional condition.

According to a further embodiment, at least two folding means are provided, wherein at least one folding means, preferably two folding means, is designed as a driven conveying means. The conveying means can be controlled, in particular independently of one another.

According to a further embodiment, the position of a folding means, in particular the distance to the Abtransporteinrichtung, the distance to the slicing unit and / or the position to the further associated folding means, in the region of the disc-fall line adjustable. The adjustment can in particular be made at least substantially parallel and / or orthogonal to the removal direction.

The distance of the folding means to the removal device can be in particular about 30 mm, so that a folded disc is preferably forced through the resulting gap between the folding means and Abtransporteinrichtung.

The distance of the folding means for slicing, in particular to the cutting plane, for example, be about 40 mm.

The position of a folding means may be fixed during the slicing operation and may be adjusted, for example, only during slicing pauses. Alternatively, it is also possible that the position of a folding means is adjusted during the slicing process. Thus, for example, the position of a folding means can be adapted to a central axis of a product to be cut. Also, a folding means may move during the folding operation to thereby assist the folding. In this case, the folding means can be pivoted or moved, for example, to transmit an impulse to the disc. Also by an eccentric bearing a rotation axis of the folding means a pulse can be generated. Furthermore, the folding means may have an eccentric geometry which rotates about the axis of rotation.

The position can be set, for example, on the basis of default values which were obtained, in particular, using product-specific data. Also, the position can be adjusted according to determined product areas. Furthermore, the position can be varied if monitoring or evaluation of the folding result provides insufficient results.

In accordance with a further embodiment, a removal device of the delivery device comprises a portioning belt and a control belt, wherein the portioning belt, which adjoins the cutting unit, is inclined downward in the removal direction, in particular between approximately 5 ° and 25 °, preferably between approximately 10 ° and 20 ° , and the control band, which adjoins the Portionierband, is inclined in Abtransportrichtung upwards, in particular between about 1 ° and 15 °, preferably between about 2 ° and 10 °.

According to a further embodiment, a folding means of the depositing device is divided along the axis of rotation into a plurality of individually controllable sections, each section of a track being associated with a multi-track feeding device. In this way, the discs can be folded in particular track individual. In particular, the rotational speeds can be varied during one revolution to produce a particular depositing effect. Also, a portion of the folding means can be adapted to the current knife rotation angle and / or the cutting or folding course.

The invention also relates to a method for folding product slices with a device for slicing food products, in particular high-performance slicers. The slicing device comprises a slicing unit, in particular with a circular or sickle knife, which product slices disconnects, a feeding device, which feeds products, in particular multi-track, to Aufschneideeinheit, a detection device which detects product-specific data, and a depositing device, which disc, falling in particular from the slicing unit, in portions, deposits. The slicing unit, the feeding device and / or the depositing device is controlled in such a way with the aid of the acquired data that at least one slice has at least one predetermined folding characteristic.

All embodiments of the devices described here are in particular designed to be operated according to the method described here. Furthermore, all embodiments of the devices described here as well as all embodiments of the method described here can each be combined with each other.

Fig. 1a, b, c

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung mit einem als Bandförderer ausgebildeten Faltmittel und einem als Rollenförderer ausgebildeten Faltmittel in verschiedenen Betriebsstellungen,

Fig. 2a, b

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung mit zwei als Rollenförderer ausgebildeten Faltmitteln in verschiedenen Betriebsstellungen,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer dritten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung mit zwei als Rollenförderer ausgebildeten Faltmitteln,

Fig. 4

eine Seitenansicht gefalteter Scheiben,

Fig. 5

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer vierten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung,

Fig. 6

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer fünften Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung,

Fig. 7

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer sechsten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung,

Fig. 8

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines als Rollenförderer ausgebildeten Faltmittels sowie eines Produktes, und

Fig. 9

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines in Bereiche aufgeteilten Produktes.

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

Fig. 1a, b, c

a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a slicing device according to the invention with a designed as a belt conveyor folding means and designed as a roller conveyor folding means in different operating positions,

Fig. 2a, b

FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of a second embodiment of a slicing device according to the invention with two folding means designed as roller conveyors in different operating positions, FIG.

Fig. 3

a schematic side view of a third embodiment of a slicing device according to the invention with two folding means designed as a roller conveyor,

Fig. 4

a side view of folded panes,

Fig. 5

a schematic side view of a fourth embodiment of a slicing device according to the invention,

Fig. 6

a schematic side view of a fifth embodiment of a slicing device according to the invention,

Fig. 7

a schematic side view of a sixth embodiment of a slicing device according to the invention,

Fig. 8

a schematic side view of a trained as a roller conveyor folding means and a product, and

Fig. 9

a schematic side view of a divided into areas product.

First, it will be noted that the illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary in nature. In particular, the number of folding means can vary between one and any number of folding means. The illustrated folding means can each be replaced by driven or non-driven rollers or conveyor belts. Also, the respective directions of rotation can be reversed. Instead of a circular knife, a sickle knife can also be used. Furthermore, any detection devices can be used to capture product-specific data. Finally, the features of an embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with features of another embodiment. In particular, in the systems shown any Abtransporteinrichtungen can be used.

Fig. 1 a shows a slicer 1 with a circular blade 2 revolving on a planetary orbit as a slicing unit, by means of which a food product 3, for example cheese, can be sliced.

The food product 3 is held in a feed device designed as a feed device 4, which has a sloping product support surface 5.

The circular blade 2 extends substantially perpendicular to the product support surface 5 and is inclined relative to the horizontal at an angle of approximately 45 °.

In the product removal-side free space of the slicer 1, a portioning belt 6, designed as a conveyor belt 6, of a removal device is arranged below the circular blade 2, to which a control belt 7 of the removal device, likewise designed as a conveyor belt, follows. The removal device (6, 7) is part of a depositing device 7 '.

The transport surface of Abtransporteinrichtung 6, 7 extends substantially horizontally.

The angle of inclination between the plane of the circular blade 2 and the transport surface of the Abtransporteinrichtung 6, 7 may, if necessary compared to the in Fig. 1 a embodiment shown also be modified.

In the area of the disc-fall line, a folding means designed as a knife-edge belt conveyor 8 is provided as part of the depositing device 7 ', which has a belt 11 circulating over a roller 9 and a surface element 10. In this case, the belt 11 that is in each case running above the surface element 10 forms the actual conveying surface, which ultimately comes into contact with the falling disk.

The direction of rotation D of the knife edge belt conveyor 8 is opposite to the Abtransportrichtung T of Abtransporteinrichtung 6, 7, that is, the roller 9 is driven in a clockwise direction, while the rollers 12 of the Abtransporteinrichtung 6, 7 are driven in the counterclockwise direction.

In the area of the disc-fall line next to the knife edge belt conveyor 8, a further, as a roller conveyor 9 'formed folding means is provided which forms part of the depositing device 7'. This rotates counter to the Abtransportrichtung T of Abtransporteinrichtung 6, 7, i. clockwise.

The surface element 10 and thus the transport surface of the knife edge belt conveyor 8 is inclined so that the angle between the surface element 10 and the transport surface of the Abtransporteinrichtung 6, 7 approximately half the angle between the plane of the circular blade 2 and the transport surface of the Abtransporteinrichtung 6, 7th is.

When operating the Slicer according to Fig. 1 a fall slices 13, which are cut off from the circular blade 2 from the front end of the food product 3, in the direction of Portionierbandes 6. These falling discs 13 perform a slight tilting movement in the direction of the horizontal.

The partial region of the disc 13 located in the removal direction T at the front comes into contact with the material passing over the surface element 10 during the dropping operation Band 11 and is thereby accelerated in the conveying direction of the belt 11, that is, in the direction of the portion of the disk 13 which does not come into contact with the belt 11.

Since the disc 13 continues to perform its falling movement in the direction of the Portionierbandes 6 of the Abtransporteinrichtung during this acceleration process, the disc 13 takes in the further course of the dropping operation to a substantially increasingly S-shaped configuration, as in Fig. 1b is shown. You can see in Fig. 1b in that the front portion 13a is conveyed toward the rear portion 13b at this stage and thus the folding of the portion 13a on the portion 13b is initiated.

This Umklappbewegung is further completed during the further drop of the product 13, as is made Fig. 1c is apparent. The folding movement is supported by the roller conveyor 9 '.

The rear, non-accelerated portion 13b here is already shingled on previously stored, folded discs 14, while the front portion 13a still executes the remaining folding movement.

After completed folding movement of the front part 13a is to form a fold 15 on the Abtransporteinrichtung 6, 7. The final shape of the disc is discarded from the provided with the reference numeral 14 folded discs visible.

While the front area 13a executes the remaining folding movement, already the next pane 16 drops out of the area of the circular blade 2 in the direction of the folding means 8, whereupon the described process repeats.

In the Fig. 2a The device shown essentially corresponds to the device according to FIGS Fig. 1a . b . c wherein the knife edge belt conveyor 8 is here replaced by a roller conveyor 17 which is driven in a clockwise direction.

The Fig. 2a and 2 B show as well as the Fig. 1a . b and c temporally successive operating positions of the device, and it is from the Fig. 2a . b it can be seen that the process of folding over a product 13 with a roller conveyor 17 can be achieved in the same way as with a belt conveyor according to FIGS Fig. 1 a, b and c, since the required acceleration forces can be applied to the product by means of the illustrated roller conveyor 17.

Also in the embodiment according to the Fig. 2a and 2 B an additional roller conveyor 9 'is provided, which supports the folding process.

Fig. 3 shows two roller conveyors 17, 9 'as a folding means. The folding means 17, 9 'are respectively driven and rotate in the directions of rotation D, D'. The disc 13, which reaches the roller conveyor 17, thus experiences a pulse, so that a folding process is initiated. Subsequently, the disc hits the roller conveyor 9 ', which is arranged below the roller conveyor 17 and is offset in the removal direction T to the front. There, the disc 13 undergoes an additional impulse and is folded further. In particular, the direction of rotation D 'of the roller 9' can also be opposite, so that a folded disc 14, which is located on the Portionierband 6, even during transport in Abtransportrichtung T folded further or not deployed.

The roller conveyor 9 'is arranged at a distance from the portioning belt 6, which is smaller than the height of the folded disc 14. The disc 14 is thus pressed down and prevented from unfolding. In principle, however, the roller conveyor 9 'can also be arranged at a distance which is greater than that Height of the folded disc 14. The disc 14 can be transported unhindered in this case.

The portioning belt 6 is inclined relative to the horizontal by an angle α, which is approximately 20 °. Accordingly, the portioning belt 6 runs obliquely downwards. This promotes especially the folding process.

The control band 7, however, inclined obliquely upward by an angle β. The angle β is about 12 °.

Characterized in that the Portionierband 6 and the control belt 7 is inclined in different directions, the structure of the folded discs 14 is maintained.

In Fig. 4 two folded discs 14 are shown. Shown here are the fold length I, the slice thickness h and the force F. These factors in particular affect the deflection s.

As can be seen, the folded discs 14 overlap one another. The weight of the overhead disc 14 prevents this, that the underlying disc 14 unfolds again.

Fig. 5 shows three roller conveyors 17, 17 ', 9' as a folding means. The folding means 17, 17 ', 9' are each driven and rotate in the rotational directions D, D ', D ". The distance between the two folding means 17, 17' is smaller than the extent of the disk 13. The folding means 17, 17 'form - figuratively speaking - a sort of gate, which has to pass through the disc 13. As it passes through, the disc 13 experiences a pulse at both ends by the oppositely rotating folding means 17, 17 ', so that a folding process is initiated folded folded on the Portionierband 6. Optionally, a further folding means 9 'is provided to support the folding process or the removal.

The embodiment according to Fig. 6 corresponds substantially to the embodiment according to Fig. 5 , wherein instead of the roller conveyors 17, 17 ', two belt conveyors 8, 8' are provided. These folding means 8, 8 'transmitted to the two ends of the disc 13 a pulse, whereby the disc 13 is folded.

Fig. 7 shows a slicing device according to the invention, which comprises a trained as an X-ray scanner 18 detection device. The X-ray scanner 18 records product-specific data, such as the density of the product 3. When the product 3 is cheese, in particular the distribution of the holes can be determined.

The determined data are forwarded to a control device 19. From the data, for example, a specific slice thickness is determined, which, in compliance with any additional conditions such. the weight of a portion having an optimum folding property. The control device 19 controls the feed device 4, the circular blade 2, the roller conveyor 17 and / or the Portionierband 6 accordingly.

If a cheese 3 has a multiplicity of holes, for example in the area of a later fold, the slice 13 can be thicker. In order to produce a thicker slice 13, the cheese can be pushed by the feed device 4 at a relatively low speed on the circular blade.

If, on the other hand, the proportion of holes in the region of a subsequent folding is comparatively small, for example, the leg length of the upper half of the disk can be made longer. This is particularly advantageous in disc shapes, in where the width in the folding area is greater than at the end, such as in round discs.

In Fig. 8 a displaceably arranged roller conveyor 17 is shown. This can be aligned according to a central axis MA of the product 3. The orientation of the roller conveyor 17 can in particular be based on empirical values already stored or else on the basis of product-specific data. The position of the roller conveyor 17 can also be changed or at least readjusted during the slicing process. The roller conveyor 17 is thus always in an ideal folding position.

Also, the position of the roller conveyor 17 can be changed during the folding operation by means of a control device. In this way, the movable roller conveyor 17 can support the folding process.

As in Fig. 9 can be seen, a product 3 can be divided into several areas A, M, E using product-specific data, in this case the contour. In this case, an initial region A has a substantially continuously increasing cross section, a middle region M has a substantially constant cross section and an end region E has a substantially continuously decreasing cross section. The different cross sections are in particular production-related.

Based on these different areas A, M, E, the control device can now control the slicing unit, the feeding device and / or the depositing device. In particular, the position of the folding means corresponding to the areas A, M, E can be adjusted.

In particular, in the initial region A and in the end region E, the number of slices separated per portion can change continuously while the number of slices can be constant in the middle region M. If the number of slices changes, in particular the distance between the folded slices can also be adapted.

With the invention can thus be achieved in a simple manner, for example, in cheese or other difficult-to-fold products in which the product properties change, a satisfactory Faltergebnis.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

slicer

2

Circular knife, slicing unit

3

Food product, cheese

4

Feed device, feeding device

5

Product support surface

6

Transport equipment, portioning belt

7

Transfer facility, tax band

7 '

depositing device

8th

Knife edge belt conveyor, folding means

8th'

Belt conveyor, folding means

9

role

9 '

roller conveyors

10

surface element

11

tape

12

roll

13

disc

13a

front section

13b

rear section

14

folded disc

15

fold

16

disc

17

Roller conveyor, folding means

17 '

Roller conveyor, folding means

18

X-ray scanner, detection device

19

control device

α, β

tilt angle

D, D ', D "

direction of rotation

T

removal direction

I

folding length

H

thickness

F

force

MA

central axis

A

initial region

M

the central region

e

end

Claims (15)

1. An apparatus for the slicing of food products (3), in particular a high-performance slicer (1), comprising
   a slicing unit (2), in particular having a circular blade or a scythe-like blade, for the cutting off of product slices (13); and
   a placement apparatus (7') for the placement, in particular the portion-wise placement, of the slices (13) which drop from the slicing unit (2), having a device for transporting away (6, 7), in particular at least one conveyor belt, characterized in that
   the placement apparatus (7') comprises at least two folding means (8, 17, 9') which are arranged in the region of the falling trajectory of the slices, with at least one folding means (8, 17, 9') being configured as a driven conveying means; and
   in that the at least two folding means (8, 17, 9') are associated with one another such that the at least two folding means (8, 17, 9') mutually assist one another on the folding of a respective slice.
2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1,
   characterized in that
   a folding means (8, 17) is configured to initiate a folding procedure for the folding of a slice (13); and in that at least one further folding means (9') is configured to assist the folding procedure, a placement procedure and/or a transporting away of the slice (13).
3. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2,
   characterized in that
   at least one folding means (8, 17), in particular a folding means which initiates a folding procedure for the folding of a slice, is driven in an opposite sense to the device for transporting away and is arranged in the falling trajectory of the slices in operation such that only the part region of a dropping slice (13) which is disposed at the front in the transporting-away direction (T) is gripped by the folding means (8, 17) in order to fold the slice (13); and/or
   in that at least one folding means (9'), in particular a folding means which assists a folding procedure, a placement procedure and/or a transporting away of the slice (13), is arranged at a spacing from the device for transporting away (6, 7) which substantially corresponds to a height of a folded slice (14), in particular a pre-definable height.
4. An apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   at least one folding means (8, 17, 9') is configured as a roller conveyor (17, 9'), preferably as a shaft, with an axis of rotation of the roller conveyor (17, 9') in particular extending transversely to the transporting-away direction (T) in a substantially horizontal plane; and/or
   in that a plurality of driven conveying means (8, 17, 9') have the same rotary speeds and/or directions of rotation (D, D').
5. An apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   two folding means (8, 8', 17, 17') are configured to simultaneously initiate a folding procedure for the folding of a slice (13), with the slice (13) in particular passing through an intermediate space between the folding means (8, 8', 17, 17'),
   with the two folding means (8, 8', 17, 17') in particular being driven and having different directions of rotation (D, D"), in particular in the direction of an intermediate space.
6. An apparatus in accordance with claim 5,
   characterized in that
   the spacing of the two folding means (8, 8', 17, 17') is settable with respect to one another.
7. An apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   a feeding apparatus (4) for the feeding of products (3), in particular the multi-track feeding of products, to the slicing unit (2) is provided;
   in that a detection apparatus (18) for the detection of product-specific data is provided; and
   in that a control apparatus (19) is provided which is configured to control the slicing unit (2), the feeding apparatus (4) and/or the placement apparatus (7') with the aid of the detected data such that at least one slice has at least one pre-definable folding property.
8. An apparatus in accordance with claim 7,
   characterized in that
   the folding property depends on the thickness (h) of the slice (13).
9. An apparatus in accordance with claim 7 or claim 8,
   characterized in that
   the product-specific data relate to the contour, in particular to the length, breadth and/or height of the product (3); to the temperature; to the consistency; to the value of the modulus of elasticity; to the structure, in particular to the density distribution and/or to the distribution of holes or of regions with different densities in the product (3), preferably in the region of a later folding; and/or to the weight of the product (3).
10. An apparatus in accordance with any one of the claims 7 to 9,
    characterized in that
    the control takes place such that an additional condition is satisfied, with the additional condition in particular relating to the length and/or to the weight of a portion comprising at least one slice; to the number of portions produced per minute; and/or to the weight, the thickness (h), the number, and/or the spacing of the slices (14) of a portion; and/or
    in that the folding property and/or an additional condition is/are variable within a portion or within a sequence of slices (14).
11. An apparatus in accordance with any one of the claims 7 to 10,
    characterized in that
    an additional condition, in particular the number of slices (14) of a portion, is variable within a product (3), with more slices (13) per portion in particular being cut off from a starting region (A) and/or from an end region (E) of a product (3) than in a middle region (M) disposed therebetween, with the spacing between the slices (14) of a portion comprising a plurality of slices (14) preferably being smaller than the spacing between the slices (14) of a portion comprising fewer slices (14).
12. An apparatus in accordance with any one of the claims 7 to 11,
    characterized in that
    the placement apparatus (7') comprises a device for transporting away (6, 7), in particular at least one conveyor belt; and
    at least one folding means (8, 17, 9') which is arranged in the region of the falling trajectory of the slices, with the folding means (8,17, 9') in particular being configured as a conveying means which is driven, preferably in an opposite sense to the transporting-away direction (T), and being arranged in the falling trajectory of the slices in operation such that only the part region of a dropping slice (13) which is disposed at the front in the transporting-away direction (T) is gripped by the folding means (8, 17, 9') in order to fold the slice (13).
13. An apparatus in accordance with any one of the claims 7 to 12,
    characterized in that
    the control apparatus (19) controls the rotational speed of the slicing unit (2); the feeding speed of the feeding apparatus (4); the rotary speed, the direction of rotation (D, D') and/or the position of a folding means (8, 17, 9'); and/or the transporting-away speed of a device for transporting away (6, 7).
14. An apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the position of at least one folding means (8, 17, 9'), in particular the spacing from the device for transporting away (6, 7) and/or the spacing from the slicing unit (2), can be set in the region of the falling trajectory of the slices.
15. A method for the slicing of food products (3) by means of an apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
    in which the at least two folding means (8, 17, 9') mutually assist one another on the folding of a respective slice,
    wherein in particular the apparatus comprises a feeding apparatus (4) for the feeding of products (3), in particular the multi-track feeding of products, to the slicing unit (2); and a detection apparatus (18) for the detection of product-specific data; and wherein the slicing unit (2), the feeding apparatus (4) and/or the placement apparatus (7') is/are controlled with the aid of the detected data such that at least one slice (14) has at least one predefined folding property.

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