EP3124189B1 - Slicing device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to devices and methods for slicing food products, in particular high-performance slicers. The food products can be, for example, sausage, ham, meat, cheese, bread or the like.

The slicing device comprises at least one slicing device with a rotary and / or planetary rotating cutting knife and a drive for the cutting knife. The cutting knife can in particular be a circular or sickle knife.

The slicing device comprises a base for the slicing device that is stationary with respect to a cutting area.

Such slicers are basically known. By default, the slicing device as a whole is always firmly attached to the base. Optionally, the cutting knife can be adjusted or removed, for example, to e.g. to be exchanged.

It is also known to adjust an entire cutter head, in particular a cutting knife with holder and shaft, in order to achieve an optimal cutting position. In particular, the cutter head can be adjusted with the aid of comparatively solid spindles in the XY direction, ie in the cutting plane. The spindles can absorb the forces that occur during cutting and thus have an abutment function. The spindles set the cutter head on the desired position. The cutter head is thus permanently connected to the base by the spindles and fixed to it.

One disadvantage of this is that the cutting knife is relatively difficult to access due to the permanent fixation in the working position at the base. For example, the replacement of a cutting knife and cleaning are therefore relatively difficult, especially because of the weights to be managed.

DE 195 17 636 A1 discloses a meat cutting device comprising a cutting table and a cutting machine with a rotatable cutting disc. The cutting machine is held by means of a machine support arranged on the cutting table and a swivel arm attached to it, the swivel arm being mounted so as to be height-adjustable and lockable.

It is an object of the invention to improve a slicing device and a corresponding method such that, on the one hand, exact cutting positions can be determined with the greatest possible flexibility and, on the other hand, easy access to the cutting knife is ensured.

The object is achieved by slicing devices and methods each having the features of independent claims 1, 2, 13, 14.

According to the invention, the slicing device comprises a transfer device for moving the slicing device relative to the base between a cutting state in which the slicing device is fixed to the base and a transfer state in which the slicing device is detached from the base.

Alternatively or additionally, the slicing device comprises a transfer device for moving the slicing device relative to the base between a cutting position and a non-cutting position located outside the cutting area. In the non-cutting position, the slicing device can be detached from the base. Alternatively, there may also be a connection to the base. For example, the slicing device can be moved relative to the base via a guide.

In the cutting position, the slicing device is arranged within the cutting area. The cutting area also includes, in particular, an area extending perpendicular to the cutting plane, in which the slicing device or a cutting knife can be moved or disengaged, for example for performing empty cuts. Even with empty cuts, i.e. with an axial, i.e. The slicing device is consequently located within the cutting area parallel to the knife axis of rotation or to the adjustment of the slicing device or the cutting knife, respectively.

The slicing device can also be adjusted to a non-cutting position in which the slicing device is arranged outside the cutting area. In the non-cutting position, the slicing device is moved out laterally in particular. This also includes moving straight or obliquely upwards or downwards. It does not include a movement that is only parallel to the knife axis of rotation or to the product feed direction, e.g. when the knife or knife head moves out with empty cuts.

In addition to the cutting knife, the slicing device also includes a drive. In this case, only parts thereof, for example power transmission elements of the drive, such as belt drives, are to be understood as the drive.

In particular, the slicing device can also comprise a shaft of the cutting knife. The cutting knife and the shaft can together form a cutter head.

According to the invention, not only is the cutting knife adjustable, but the entire slicing device can be moved when it is no longer fixed to the base. Only components such as e.g. a housing, the cutting edge and the product feed.

In the transfer state, the slicer is not fixed to the base. The slicing device is thus in particular not braced and at least essentially free to move. However, there may also be a, in particular spatial, reference to the base in the transfer state, for example by means of joints and / or guides. However, these guides, stopping points or connection points allow a relative movement to the base, since the slicing device is detached from the base in the transfer state.

The cutting state means two things: On the one hand, the slicing device is fixed in the cutting state, so that the resulting forces can be absorbed by the base. On the other hand, in the cutting state, the cutting device is fixed in the cutting position in which the cutting knife of the cutting device is positioned with respect to the base so that one or more products can be cut. Different cutting states can differ from one another with regard to the cutting knife position, but have in common that the slicing device is fixed to the base in each case. In the cutting state, the cutting edge of the knife and / or the knife movement is thus guided in such a way that the cutting area, together with the products to be cut, is captured as optimally as possible.

The transfer state also means two things: On the one hand, the slicing device is detached from the base in the transfer state, so that the slicing device can be moved relative to the base. On the other hand, the slicing device can be moved in the transfer state with respect to the base to a different position than in the cutting state and is ready for adjustment. It is possible, but not mandatory, that in the transfer state the cutting knife of the slicing device is again in a cutting position, only in a different cutting position than before, that is to say in a different cutting position than in the previous cutting state. Thus, the slicer can be transferred from one cutting position to another cutting position, from a non-cutting position to a cutting position, or from a cutting position to a non-cutting position.

The transfer of the slicing device can thus e.g. for adjusting or adjusting the cutting position of the cutting knife relative to the base (and thus relative to one or more products to be cut on the base) or for completely moving the cutting knife out of the cutting area into a non-cutting position, for example for cleaning, maintenance or replacement of the cutting knife or one or more other components of the slicer.

In the transfer state, the slicing device can, for example, be arranged at least partially, in particular completely, outside the cutting area. The entire slicing device can thus also be transferred out of the cutting area. In a position outside the cutting area, for example, the cutting knife can be changed since easy access to the cutting knife is ensured. The slicing device can also be serviced and / or cleaned in this position. As a result, high hygienic and ergonomic standards can be maintained. The transfer state but does not rule out that the cutting knife is in a cutting position.

The slicing device, which e.g. equipped with a new and / or ground cutting knife, can be transferred back to the cutting state.

In particular, the transfer movement of the slicing device can comprise a swivel and / or linear movement, that is to say a movement in a defined space or in the region of a movement plane.

The transfer device itself has no or only a slight abutment function for forces occurring during cutting. In particular, the adjustment movement can also be a movement in the Z direction, i.e. perpendicular to the cutting plane. In this way, an optimal cutting result can be achieved by precisely adjusting the cutting knife in relation to the assigned cutting edge. Furthermore, the fixing means that the slicing device is rigidly connected to the base in the cutting state and does not move during the cutting operation.

The transfer device can therefore ensure on the one hand that the slicing device carries out comparatively large transfer movements, in particular out of the cutting area, preferably by pivoting sideways. The radius of action can thus be relatively large. On the other hand, the transfer device can also ensure small transfer movements for exact positioning of the slicing device and thus also of the cutting knife. In particular, a product-specific cutting position can be set using the transfer device. The slicing device can then be fixed at the desired position.

According to the invention, the transfer device comprises two swivel arms mounted on opposite sides of the base, in particular associated with one another, which are coupled to one another at least in the cutting state directly via the slicing device. In particular, the coupling can be mechanical and / or electromagnetic.

The slicing device and / or the transfer device, in particular the swivel arms, can preferably be of modular design. So they can be used for different sizes and adjustment ranges of a slicer.

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

According to one embodiment, a fixing device is provided which is designed to fix the slicing device to the base. In particular, the slicing device is thereby fixed in a cutting position, as a result of which the cutting state is established. The slicing device can in particular be fixed at any point on the base.

The fixing device can be designed, for example, as a separate component. The transfer device can thus adjust the slicing device, while the fixing device provides for at least temporary fixing of the slicing device to the base. In the cutting state, the slicing device can be connected to the base in a rotationally fixed manner.

In particular, the fixing device can be provided in the area of the introduction of force, ie, for example, in the area of the cutter head. The greatest forces occur at this position, so that a secure hold is advantageous in this area.

The fixation is preferably carried out perpendicular to a cutting plane, in particular in order to absorb an empty cut movement in the axial direction.

The fixing device can also be designed to be switchable. In particular, the fixing device can only be active in the cutting state, while in the transfer state it can be passive and, for example, switched off or ineffective. The fixing device is thus only effective in the cutting state.

According to a further embodiment, the fixing device comprises at least one magnetic, electromagnetic and / or vacuum-based device. Parts of the fixing device can in particular be assigned to both the base and the transfer device and / or the slicing device.

In particular, the fixing device can have at least one permanent magnet and / or a magnetic reference surface with at least one associated electromagnet. To fix the slicing device in the cutting state, the electromagnetic device can in particular be temporarily switched on. To move the slicing device, however, the electromagnetic device can be switched off. In this case, the slicing device is detached from the base and transferred to the transfer state. As an alternative or in addition to a magnetic or electromagnetic device, a device based on negative pressure, e.g. a vacuum holder may be provided. In this way, a vacuum can be generated in the cutting state in order to fix the cutting device on the base in this way.

According to a further embodiment, at least part of the fixing device is formed by a housing of the base. The housing itself thus functions as part of the fixing device.

According to a further development, the part of the fixing device comprises a flat section, in particular a plate, of the housing of the base. The slicer can thus e.g. with the help of a magnet on the flat section of the housing. The housing can in particular be a safety housing around the cutting knife. Part of this safety housing can be designed as a plate, for example as a wall to the product feed side.

In particular, the flat section can be flat and preferably extend parallel to a cutting plane. Furthermore, the flat section, e.g. the plate, extend between two sides of the base. Thus, parts of the machine frame are preferably used simultaneously as a reference surface for the fixing device.

The flat section can preferably be designed to be passive. In contrast, the slicing device, for example in the area of the cutter head, can be a magnetic and / or electromagnetic device, e.g. comprise at least one permanent magnet or electromagnet. By activating the magnetic and / or electromagnetic device, the slicing device can be fixed to the plate in the desired cutting position.

According to a further embodiment, at least part of the fixing device is arranged on the slicing device or formed by the slicing device.

For example, the slicing device can have the magnetic and / or electromagnetic device. With the help of this device, the slicing device can finally on the housing, in particular on a flat Section thereof. This has the advantage that only the comparatively light magnetic and / or electromagnetic device has to be moved when adjusting between the cutting state and the transfer state.

Alternatively, the part of the fixing device can be formed by a flat section, in particular a plate, of the slicing device. The flat section can be arranged in the area of the cutter head and e.g. have a contour or extension in the X-Y direction corresponding to the intended adjustment range in the cutting state, that is to say parallel to the cutting plane. In this case, a corresponding magnetic, electromagnetic and / or vacuum-based device is provided on the base.

In particular, the flat section can extend parallel to a cutting plane. Furthermore, the flat section can be flat. Alternatively, this can also have contours that specify a transfer path or fixing point, for example by means of a link guide, grooves and / or pockets. In this way, the slicing device cannot move completely freely even in the transfer state detached from the base.

According to a further embodiment, at least part of the fixing device is arranged on the transfer device or formed by the transfer device.

For example, a fixing device can be provided in a joint of a swivel arm, on the swivel arm itself and / or in a guide of the transfer device. This provides additional rigidity for the slicing unit in the cutting state, for example.

A part of the fixing device, in particular the plate, can also be provided, for example, outside the cutting area. For example, a grinding device or a carriage for changing the cutting knife has a fixing device in order to be able to fix the cutting device there too.

Furthermore, a part of the fixing device can also be arranged in an edge region of the base or directly next to it in such a way that a knife change is possible in an ergonomically advantageous manner in this easily accessible position.

In particular, the transfer device can project inwards from the side of the base. This results in a stop side and an operating side. The latter allows the slicing device to be pivoted outside the cutting area.

According to a further embodiment, at least one of the swivel arms is designed as an articulated arm with at least one articulation.

In particular, the joint can be designed as a swivel joint, preferably with an axis of rotation perpendicular to the cutting plane. Swivel joints are hygienic, durable and easy to seal. Alternatively or additionally, at least one linear guide can be provided, which preferably enables movement parallel to the cutting plane.

A combination of rotary joint and linear guide is advantageous, especially since a position for removing the cutting knife can be moved to the side. It may be necessary to fix the pivot point and / or the linear guide.

According to a further embodiment, at least one of the swivel arms, in particular a partial area of one of the swivel arms, is designed to be variable in length. In particular, a linear guide can be provided here. Also a telescopic swivel arm and / or a swivel arm with several joints is possible. Thus, at least one of the swivel arms, figuratively speaking, can be designed like a pair of scissors on a work platform.

According to a further embodiment, at least one bearing of at least one of the swivel arms can be moved relative to the base. In particular, the storage can be transferred linearly. In this way, the storage, which is arranged, for example, on the base, on a wall or on the floor, can be adjusted.

According to a further embodiment, at least part of the drive is integrated in the transfer device. In particular, a bearing for the cutting knife can be provided on the transfer device, with or without a drive motor. The energy transfer for the rotation of the cutting knife can take place via the transfer device, for example electrically or mechanically, e.g. over straps.

Part of the drive can preferably be integrated into one of the swivel arms.

According to a further embodiment, a drive belt of the drive, in particular a belt drive, extends at least partially along one of the swivel arms.

The drive belt is preferably guided or supported along one of the swivel arms. In particular, the drive can take place through or via at least one swivel arm. The drive, in particular the motor or a bearing for the drive belt, is preferably provided at a joint or node of one of the swivel arms.

The drive can in particular be the drive of the knife shaft and / or, in the case of circular knives, also the drive of the knife head, which ensures a rotational movement and / or the planetary rotation.

The cutter head with cutting blade and shaft and the drive can preferably be arranged on the transfer device, in particular in an end region of one of the swivel arms.

The swivel arms can e.g. to a certain extent form a portal for the slicing device. The slicer can be safely guided in this way.

According to the invention, the swivel arms are coupled to one another via the slicing device, in particular the cutter head or the drive housing, or at least in this area.

The coupling can in particular be designed to be detachable, i.e. for example, one arm can serve as a support from which the other arm can move. In particular, a swivel arm can be arranged on the machine side and a further swivel arm can be provided as a support in front of the cutting knife in the product discharge direction, in particular axially offset.

The swivel arms can preferably engage on the same or on different sides of the cutting knife or its mounting.

In particular, the swivel arms can engage in the axial direction in front of and behind the cutting knife or the cutter head. The swivel arms can also act axially offset on the cutter head.

According to a further embodiment, at least two slicing devices are provided for a common cutting area, each of which is assigned a transfer device. The slicing devices are in particular mounted independently of one another.

According to a further embodiment, at least part of a fixing device can be used in succession by the slicing devices. If two slicers are provided, e.g. the part of the fixing device arranged on the base can be used alternately by the slicing device which is respectively in the cutting state.

In this way it is possible to pre-assemble another cutting knife for a subsequent slicing process. A knife change due to wear can be accelerated, especially since a new and / or ground knife can be mounted in the non-cutting position. The knives can also be mutually different due to different properties, e.g. different diameters, cutting geometries, teeth and / or coatings, add.

The invention also relates to a method for operating a device for slicing food products, in which at least one slicing device with a rotary and / or planetary revolving cutting knife and a drive for the cutting knife by means of a transfer device relative to a base that is stationary with respect to a cutting area between a transfer state, in which the slicer is detached from the base and a cutting state in which the slicer is fixed to the base.

The invention further relates to a method for operating a device for slicing food products, in which at least one slicing device with a rotary and / or planetary revolving cutting knife and a drive for the cutting knife by means of a transfer device relative to a stationary base with respect to a cutting area between a cutting position and a non-cutting position outside the cutting area.

All of the embodiments of the devices described here are in particular designed to be operated according to the methods described here. Furthermore, all of the embodiments of the devices described here and all of the embodiments of the methods described here can be combined with one another.

Fig. 1A bis 1D

Seitenansichten einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung, jeweils in unterschiedlichen Zuständen,

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht einer weiteren nicht erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung,

Fig. 3

eine Alternative zur in Fig. 2 gezeigten Produktzuführung,

Fig. 4

eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung im Längsschnitt,

Fig. 5

eine Seitenansicht einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung,

Fig. 6

eine Seitenansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung,

Fig. 7

eine Seitenansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung,

Fig. 8

eine Seitenansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung,

Fig. 9A und 9B

Seitenansichten einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung,

Fig. 10

eine Seitenansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung, und

Fig. 11

eine Seitenansicht einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung.

The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the drawings. Show it:

1A to 1D

Side views of a slicing device not according to the invention, each in different states,

Fig. 2

2 shows a side view of a further slicing device not according to the invention,

Fig. 3

an alternative to in Fig. 2 product feed shown,

Fig. 4

an embodiment of the slicing device according to the invention in longitudinal section,

Fig. 5

2 shows a side view of a slicing device not according to the invention,

Fig. 6

2 shows a side view of a further embodiment of the slicing device according to the invention,

Fig. 7

2 shows a side view of a further embodiment of the slicing device according to the invention,

Fig. 8

2 shows a side view of a further embodiment of the slicing device according to the invention,

Figures 9A and 9B

Side views of a slicing device not according to the invention,

Fig. 10

a side view of a further embodiment of the slicing device according to the invention, and

Fig. 11

a side view of a slicer not according to the invention.

First, it is noted that the illustrated embodiments are purely exemplary in nature. In particular, the number of food products fed at the same time can vary. The features of one embodiment can also be combined as desired with features of another embodiment. In particular, circular knives can also be used instead of the sickle knives shown. In the case of the fixing device, instead of a magnet, e.g. a vacuum holder can be used.

Fig. 1 shows a device for cutting open food products 26, which are located in a cutting area 24. The slicing device comprises a slicing device 10 with a rotary cutting knife 11 and a drive 20 for the cutting knife 11.

Furthermore, the slicing device comprises a stationary base 28 and a transfer device 12 for moving the slicing device 10 relative to the base 28. The transfer device 12 comprises a swivel arm 14 which has a plurality of joints 16 and swivel axes S.

A bearing 18 of the swivel arm 14 is arranged on the base 28.

According to the front view Fig. 1A as well as in the rear view according to Figure 1B the slicing device 10 is in the cutting state. Here, the slicing device 10 is fixed to the base 28 by means of a fixing device 30. A relative movement between the slicing device 12 and the base 28 is prevented by the fixing device 30. In this way, the products 26 can be cut exactly, since a relative movement between the cutting device 10 and the base 28 is prevented.

The fixing device 30 comprises a plate 32 which is arranged on the cutting device 10 and e.g. is screwed and / or riveted to it. Furthermore, the fixing device 30 has at least one magnet as a magnetic device 34, which is fixedly connected to the base 28.

The magnet 34 can in particular be an electromagnet, which is only activated when the slicing device 10 is in the cutting state.

For slicing, the slicing device 10 is thus pivoted into the cutting area 24 with the aid of the swivel arm 14. At a desired position, which can vary from product to product, the slicing device 10 is fixed to the base 28 by means of the fixing device 30, in which the magnet 34 is activated. A desired position of the cutting knife 11 can thus can be defined exactly. A controlled and, as a result, qualitative slicing of the food products 26 is thus guaranteed.

If the position of the cutting knife 11 is to be changed, e.g. In order to cut open a product of another type or, for example, to improve the cutting result, the fixing device 30 can be switched off. The electromagnet 34 releases the plate 32. In this transfer state, the slicing device 10 is no longer clamped to the base 28, but is detached from it and can be moved relative to the base 28.

Larger movements of the slicing device 10 relative to the base 28 are also possible via the transfer device 12. This is in the 1C and 1D shown. The slicing device 10 is pivoted outside of the cutting area 24 with the aid of the swivel arm 14. In this position, the cutting knife 11 can be changed, for example, in order to be ground in particular. The slicing device, in particular the cutting area 24 and / or the slicing device 10 can also be cleaned in this position.

In Fig. 2 it can be seen that the slicing device 10 can be adjusted in an area in which the magnet 34 is in register with the plate 32. The dimension of the plate 32 thus determines in particular the possible locations at which the slicing device 10 can in principle be fixed to the base 28.

The magnet 34 can be circular, for example. Alternatively, any shape, for example angular, oval, ring-shaped, of the magnet 34 is also conceivable. Several magnets 34 can also be used.

Fig. 3 corresponds to an alternative of the cutting area 24 according to FIG Fig. 2 , To Fig. 3 two cutting areas 24 are provided, which can be equipped with food products 26 via independent feeders. For example, one cutting area 24 can be loaded while the other cutting area 24 is being cut open. With the transfer device 12 according to the invention it is possible to set the cutting knife 11 to the optimal position relative to the respective cutting area 24.

In the embodiment which in Fig. 4 is shown, the plate 32 of the fixing device 30 is fixedly connected to the base 28. The slicing device 10 has a magnet 34 of the fixing device 30. The magnet 34 is an electromagnet which is supplied with current via lines 36. As an alternative to a switchable electromagnet, the magnet 34 can also be designed as a permanent magnet.

The slicing device 10 can be at least temporarily fixed to the plate 32 of the base 28 in a cutting state via the magnet 34. In this cutting state, the cutting knife 11 is located in a cutting area 24. The position of the cutting knife 11 is matched to a cutting edge 38 and to the food products 26 to be cut open.

Around the slicer 10, i.e. to be able to adjust the cutting knife 11, the shaft 40 and possibly drives, the fixing device 30 is released. The cutting position can be adjusted in the released position.

This embodiment variant has the advantage that only the comparatively light magnet 34 of the fixing device 30 is moved with the slicing device 10, while the relatively heavy plate 32 remains on the fixed base 28.

The plate 32 is a, in particular magnetic, part of the base 28 or of the machine frame. The plate 32 can extend like a bridge over a feed area between parts of a frame of the base 28.

The magnet 34, on the other hand, is mounted on the end face around a cutter head 42 or a drive motor. Optionally, this can also be arranged in a ring around a drive area.

The cutter head 42 comprises the cutting knife 11 and a shaft 40. This cutter head 42 can be combined with a drive motor or from the outside, e.g. via belts, which can be guided in particular via a swivel arm 14.

In the Fig. 5 The embodiment not shown according to the invention schematically shows a slicing device 10 which is mounted on one side on a swivel arm 14 with two joints 16. The transfer device 12 protrudes from a machine side. A drive can be integrated in at least one joint 16. Drive belts can also be guided on or with the swivel arm 14.

In Fig. 6 A two-sided transfer device 12 is shown. The swivel arms 14 protrude from both sides of the machine and are coupled to one another directly via the slicing device 10.

The drive 20 for the cutting knife 11 is arranged on a joint 16. Drive belts 22 are guided from the swivel arm 14 to the shaft 40.

In order to adjust the slicing device 10, for example from one cutting area 24 to the other, for example, both swivel arms 14 can be adjusted like a portal. Alternatively, the swivel arm arrangement can also be divisible, ie a swivel arm 14 serves as a support from which the other swivel arm 14 releases and moves out. In the cutting operation, the slicing device 10 is consequently held securely, while a swivel arm 14 is sufficient for the adjustment.

Possible adjustment movements are also in Fig. 7 shown. The slicing device 10 can be held in the cutting area 24 by the two swivel arms 14 (shown in dashed lines). The slicing device 10 can also be adjusted upward and thus outside the cutting area 24 (shown continuously). Furthermore, the slicing device 10 can be further removed from the cutting area 24 (shown in dotted lines), for example to replace the cutting knife 11.

In the embodiment which in Fig. 8 is shown, the two pivot arms 14 are arranged offset from one another in the axial direction. So one swivel arm 14 engages in front and the other behind the cutting knife 11. A swivel arm 14 can, for example, be arranged on the machine side, while the other swivel arm 14 can serve as a support in front of the cutting knife 11 in the product discharge direction.

In Figures 9A and 9B A configuration according to the invention is shown, in which the transfer device 12 comprises a cantilever arm 41. In addition to a swiveling movement, the transfer device 12 can also carry out a linear movement. In this way, a position in which the cutting knife 11 can be removed can also be approached from the side. The joint 16 and a linear guide 43 can each comprise part of the fixing device 30 in order to securely fix the cutting device 10.

According to Fig. 10 a swivel arm 14 can also be designed to be adjustable in length. In the case of designs as a pendulum support structure, this length variation has a direct influence on the position of the joint 16 and thus of the slicing device 10.

In particular, a pneumatic, mechanical and / or hydraulic device can be provided. Another swivel arm 14 can drive belts 22 to the shaft 40 of the cutting knife 11.

The bearing 18 of the swivel arm 14 can be designed to be adjustable in order to move the slicing device 10 out of the cutting area 24. For this purpose, a linear adjustment device 44 is provided for the bearing 18. This can be pneumatic, hydraulic and / or mechanical, e.g. as a spindle or linear guide.

According to Fig. 11 two slicing devices 11 are provided, each of which is mounted on its own transfer device 12. The slicing devices 11 act on a common cutting area 24. The slicing devices 11 can also be alternately fixed to a common fixing device. In this way, for example, a knife 11 can be mounted in a non-cutting position, while the other knife 11 can cut products in the cutting position.

According to the invention, it is generally achieved that the slicing device as a whole, ie the cutting knife and part of the drive, can be detached from the base in order to fix the cutting position or to allow better accessibility, for example for cleaning purposes or for changing the knife. Furthermore, the slicing device is fixed by the fixing device with the base in the cutting state in order to achieve a safe and high-quality slicing.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

cutting device

11

cutting blade

12

transfer device

14

swivel arm

16

joint

18

storage

20

drive

22

drive belts

24

cutting area

26

Food product

28

Base

30

fixing

32

plate

34

magnetic device, magnet

36

management

38

cutting edge

40

wave

41

cantilever

42

cutter head

43

linear guide

44

linear adjusting

S

swivel axis

Claims (14)

1. An apparatus for slicing food products (26), in particular a high-performance slicer, comprising
   at least one slicing device (10) having a cutting blade (11) revolving in a rotational manner and/or in planetary motion and having a drive (20) for the cutting blade (11);
   a base (28) for the slicing device (10), said base (28) being stationary with respect to a cutting region (24); and
   a transfer apparatus (12) for moving the slicing device (10) relative to the base (28) between a cutting state in which the slicing device (10) is fixed to the base (28) and a transfer state in which the slicing device (10) is released from the base (28),
   wherein the transfer apparatus (12) comprises two pivot arms (14) which are supported at oppositely disposed sides of the base (28) and which are directly coupled to one another via the slicing device (10) at least in a cutting state.
2. An apparatus for slicing food products (26), in particular a high-performance slicer, comprising
   at least one slicing device (10) having a cutting blade (11) revolving in a rotational manner and/or in planetary motion and having a drive (20) for the cutting blade (11);
   a base (28) for the slicing device (10), said base (28) being stationary with respect to a cutting region (24); and
   a transfer apparatus (12) for moving the slicing device (10) relative to the base (28) between a cutting position and a non-cutting position disposed outside the cutting region (24),
   wherein the transfer apparatus (12) comprises two pivot arms (14) which are supported at oppositely disposed sides of the base (28) and which are directly coupled to one another via the slicing device (10) at least in a cutting state.
3. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2,
   characterized in that
   a fixing apparatus (30) is provided which is configured to fix the slicing device (10) to the base (28).
4. An apparatus in accordance with claim 3,
   characterized in that
   the fixing apparatus (30) comprises at least one magnetic, electromagnetic and/or vacuum-based device (34).
5. An apparatus in accordance with claim 3 or claim 4,
   characterized in that
   at least one part of the fixing apparatus (30) is formed by a housing of the base (28), with in particular the part of the fixing apparatus (30) comprising an areal section, in particular a plate (32), of the housing of the base (28).
6. An apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims 3 to 5,
   characterized in that
   at least one part of the fixing apparatus (30) is arranged at the slicing device (10) or is formed by the slicing device (10).
7. An apparatus in accordance with any one of the claims 3 to 6,
   characterized in that
   at least one part of the fixing apparatus (30) is arranged at the transfer apparatus (12) or is formed by the transfer apparatus (12).
8. An apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   at least one of the pivot arms (14) is configured as an articulated arm having at least one joint (16).
9. An apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   at least one of the pivot arms (14), in particular a part region of one of the pivot arms (14), is configured as variable in length.
10. An apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    at least one support (18) of at least one of the pivot arms (14) is movable relative to the base (28).
11. An apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    at least one part of the drive (20) is integrated in the transfer apparatus (12); and/or in that
    a drive belt (22) of the drive (20) extends at least partly along one of the pivot arms (14).
12. An apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    at least two slicing devices (10) are provided for a common cutting region (24) and a transfer apparatus (12) is respectively associated with them, with in particular at least one part of a fixing apparatus (30) being usable successively by the slicing devices (10).
13. A method of operating an apparatus for slicing food products (26) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one slicing device (10) having a cutting blade (11) revolving in a rotational manner and/or in planetary motion and having a drive (20) for the cutting blade (11) is moved by means of a transfer apparatus (12) relative to a base (28), which is stationary with respect to a cutting region (24), between a transfer state in which the slicing device is released from the base (28) and a cutting state in which the slicing device (10) is fixed to the base (28).
14. A method of operating an apparatus for slicing food products (26) in accordance with any one of the claims 1 to 12, in which at least one slicing device (10) having a cutting blade (11) revolving in a rotational manner and/or in planetary motion and having a drive (20) for the cutting blade (11) is moved by means of a transfer apparatus (12) relative to a base (28), which is stationary with respect to a cutting region (24), between a cutting position and a non-cutting position disposed outside the cutting region (24).

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