EP3331674B1 - Vertical bread cutting machine with gripping means for the bread - Google Patents

Vertical bread cutting machine with gripping means for the bread Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3331674B1
EP3331674B1 EP16756601.7A EP16756601A EP3331674B1 EP 3331674 B1 EP3331674 B1 EP 3331674B1 EP 16756601 A EP16756601 A EP 16756601A EP 3331674 B1 EP3331674 B1 EP 3331674B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bread
compartment
movement
loaf
gripping means
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP16756601.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3331674A1 (en
Inventor
Baudouin Van Cauwenberghe
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
JAC SA
Original Assignee
Jac SA
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP3331674A1 publication Critical patent/EP3331674A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
    • B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D7/06—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form
    • B26D7/0641—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form using chutes, hoppers, magazines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
    • B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D7/06—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form
    • B26D7/0608—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form by pushers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
    • B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D7/06—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form
    • B26D7/0625—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form by endless conveyors, e.g. belts
    • B26D7/0633—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form by endless conveyors, e.g. belts by grippers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
    • B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D7/01—Means for holding or positioning work
    • B26D2007/011—Means for holding or positioning work by clamping claws, e.g. in high speed slicers for food products
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
    • B26D2210/00—Machines or methods used for cutting special materials
    • B26D2210/02—Machines or methods used for cutting special materials for cutting food products, e.g. food slicers
    • B26D2210/06—Machines or methods used for cutting special materials for cutting food products, e.g. food slicers for bread, e.g. bread slicing machines for use in a retail store

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a slicing machine automatically slices a bread or a similar commodity.
  • This machine comprises a first loading and unloading compartment, which is connected to a second receiving compartment. Between the first and the second compartment a cutting member, in particular a circular blade, is provided for cutting slices of the bread.
  • the first compartment has a support surface for the bread extending vertically or inclined at an angle less than 45 ° with respect to a vertical direction. The bread can be moved from the first compartment to the second compartment in a direction of movement of the bread parallel to the support surface.
  • This machine has a movable pusher which is arranged in the first compartment and which can be moved in the direction of movement of the bread to exert a pushing force on the bread to direct it to the second compartment.
  • a mobile support is provided in the second compartment. This support is also movable in the direction of movement of the bread to support the sliced portion of the bread and to transport the bread, after its complete slicing, to the first compartment.
  • the invention relates, in particular, to a machine whose base occupies a relatively small area compared to conventional automatic slicers and wherein a bread is introduced into the same compartment from which it is recovered after cutting.
  • the document DE 9310092 describes a bread slicer in which the bread is transported in a vertical direction and cut into slices during its downward movement.
  • the part uncut bread rests on the cutting blade while cutting a slice of bread.
  • This can cause several problems, such as, for example, moving the uncut portion of the bread relative to cut slices or the deformation of the crumb of the bread.
  • the cut bread must be recovered from a compartment different from that in which the bread to be cut was introduced.
  • the invention as defined in claim 1, is intended to remedy these problems by providing a machine to automatically cut a bread in which it is avoided that the bread rests on the cutting blade to prevent it moves under the action of the cutting blade or the crumb of the bread is deformed.
  • the invention ensures, in particular, that the pressure force exerted by the bread on the cutting blade in the direction of advancement of the bread is nonexistent or very limited.
  • the aforementioned mobile pusher comprises hooking means for gripping and holding the bread against the action of gravity to maintain the uncut portion of the bread in successive fixed positions in the first compartment.
  • Means are provided to drive the pusher in the direction of movement of the bread and advance to the second compartment in steps corresponding to the thickness of a slice to be cut.
  • the attachment means comprise at least one hook that can penetrate the bread to grasp and hold it.
  • the attachment means for the bread allow, in particular, to hold the end of the opposite bread at the end located near the movable support.
  • the aforementioned hooking means are retractable relative to the pusher and are movable between a retracted position and a stretched position, for grasping and holding the bread in the stretched position.
  • the machine has a bread proximity detection system relative to the pusher to drive the hooking means of the retracted position to their stretched position to grip the bread when it comes into contact with the pusher or is positioned a short distance from it.
  • the bread proximity detection system comprises a detector which is attached to the pusher. This detector is intended to detect the proximity of the bread or the contact of the bread with the pusher.
  • the detection system comprises a plate pivotally mounted to the pusher on the side of the movable support, this plate cooperating with a switch which controls the attachment means.
  • the detection system comprises a capacitive proximity sensor cooperating with the attachment means to drive them when the presence of a bread near the pusher has been detected.
  • the cutting member comprises a blade movable along a cutting plane extending substantially transversely to said direction of movement of the bread, between the first compartment and the second compartment.
  • At least one clamping device is present in the first compartment for exerting a pressure force on the bread in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the bread in order to keep it in a fixed position in the first compartment.
  • the aforesaid pusher is driven in the direction of movement of the bread by drive means to overcome the frictional force between the bread and the clamping device, to advance the bread to the second compartment.
  • This latter embodiment may optionally be applied without the aforementioned attachment means being provided in the machine.
  • the clamping device comprises a first clamping element extending over at least a portion of the height of the first compartment in said direction of displacement and extending, preferably, at least over half of this height.
  • the clamping member cooperates with drive means for moving the clamping member between a remote position, in which the roll bears freely against the support surface, and a clamping position in which the roll is clamped. between this clamping element and a counterplate present in the first compartment.
  • the counter-plate extends substantially transversely with respect to the said support surface and in the direction of movement of the bread.
  • the counterplate may also be formed by the surface of the bread support.
  • the above-mentioned plate is formed by a second clamping element cooperating with drive means for moving the second clamping element between a remote position, in which the bread is presses freely against said support surface, and a clamping position, wherein the bread is clamped between the first and second clamping members.
  • said drive means make it possible to keep the clamping element in contact with the bread as it moves towards the second compartment.
  • the invention also relates to a method for automatically slicing a bread or similar commodity as defined in claim 11.
  • a pressure force is exerted on the bread in the first compartment in a direction substantially transverse to said direction of movement, so that the bread is held in a position fixed by a friction force.
  • the bread is then moved to the second compartment maintaining said pressing force and exerting a pushing force on the bread in its direction of travel. This pushing force is greater than said friction force to advance the bread until it is completely cut into slices.
  • the cut bread is then transported in said direction of movement to the first compartment in order to recover the cut bread.
  • FIGS 1 to 3 schematically represent a first loading and unloading compartment 1 of a bread slicing machine illustrating the loading of a bread 2 in this compartment 1.
  • the first compartment 1 has a support surface 3 for the bread 2 which extends in a plane which is preferably slightly inclined relative to the vertical.
  • the support surface 3 is preferably smooth, so that the bread 2 can slide against this surface for placed on a mobile support 4, which is positioned at the location of the lower part of the first compartment 1 or at the top of a second reception compartment 5.
  • a movable pusher 6 is mounted in the first compartment 1 and is driven, for example by an electric motor, to move along the support surface 3 in a direction of movement of the bread 2.
  • the pusher 6 may, optionally, also undergo a horizontal displacement which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the bread and substantially parallel to the support surface 3. Thus, it is possible to position the pusher 6 above the bread 2. For this purpose, the pusher 6 cooperates with a corresponding slide extending horizontally in the first compartment 1.
  • the pusher 6 can move freely in this horizontal direction or can, possibly, be driven by an electric motor.
  • the pusher 6 After a cutter 2 has been placed in the loading space against the support surface 3 and the mobile support 4, lower the pusher 6 from a position at the top of the first compartment 1 until it comes into contact with the upper end of the bread 2 or to a small distance from it. Then, the length of the bread 2, in said direction of movement, is preferably determined automatically. This length corresponds to the distance between the pusher 6 and the mobile support 4.
  • the pusher 6 is also provided with attachment means 7 for the bread 4.
  • attachment means 7 comprise, for example, hooks 8 or tongs which automatically grip the upper end 9 of the bread 2 when the pusher 6 is in the vicinity. 2.
  • these attachment means 7 can hold the end 9 of the opposite bread 2 to the end located near the mobile support 4.
  • the aforementioned gripping means 7 are retractable relative to the pusher 6 and are movable between a retracted position, as shown in FIGS. Figures 1 and 2 , and a stretched position, for grasping and holding the bread 4 in the stretched position, as shown in FIG. figure 3 .
  • a proximity detection system of the bread 2 is provided. This system controls the attachment means 7 to drive them from the retracted position to their stretched position to grip the bread 2 when it comes into contact with the pusher 6 or is positioned at a small distance therefrom.
  • the bread proximity detection system comprises a detector which is fixed to the pusher 6 to detect the proximity of the bread 2 or the contact of the bread 2 with the pusher 6.
  • the detection system comprises a plate 10 mounted to pivot about an axis 11 to the pusher 6 on the side of the mobile support 4.
  • This plate 10 cooperates with a switch which controls the hooking means 7, so that when this plate 10 is rotated following contact with the bread 2, an electrical signal is generated which triggers the driving of the hooking means 7 to their stretched position.
  • the plate 10 is folded around its axis 11 so that a first portion 12 of this plate 10 extends below the pusher 6 and a second portion 13 extends laterally relative to the pusher.
  • the two parts 12 and 13 are separated by the axis 11.
  • the plate 10 hangs freely under the influence of gravity, or by the action of a spring not shown, so that a free space 14 is formed between the bottom of the pusher 6 and the plate 10. In this position, the second portion 13 bears against the lateral side of the pusher 6 to limit the height of the free space 14 at a determined distance.
  • the plate 10 At the moment when the first part 12 of the plate 10 comes into contact with the bread 2, during the downward movement of the pusher 6, the plate 10 is rotated about its axis 11 by eliminating the free space 14, as illustrated in FIG. figure 2 .
  • the bread 2 is then clamped between the plate 10 and the mobile support 4.
  • the aforesaid switch is actuated and an electrical signal is generated which triggers the driving of the attachment means 7 to grip the upper end 9 bread 2, as shown in figure 3 .
  • This switch can be provided in the free space 14. Alternatively, the switch can cooperate with the pivot axis 11 or the second part 13 of the plate 10.
  • the proximity detection system of the bread 2 comprises a capacitive proximity sensor cooperating with the attachment means 7 to drive them when the presence of a bread near the pusher 6 has been detected. In such a case, a direct contact between the pusher and the upper end 9 of the bread is avoided.
  • the mobile support 4 is lowered towards the second receiving compartment 5 to cut the bread into slices as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 4 to 7 .
  • the bread 2 is then held by the attachment means 7 against the gravity.
  • a cutting member which cuts slices of the bread 2 which moves from this first compartment 1 to the second compartment 5.
  • This cutting member comprises a blade 16 which is moved according to a cutting plane in a space 17 provided, for this purpose, between the first compartment 1 and the second compartment 5.
  • the support surface 3 preferably comprises a portion 3 'which extends into the second compartment 5 to the lower part thereof to allow the bread 2 to slide against this support surface 3 towards the second compartment 2.
  • said cutting plane extends through the support surface 3 so that said space 17 is located above the portion 3 'of the support surface 3.
  • the bread 4 is moved in its direction of displacement by the action of the pusher 6 over successive distances corresponding to the thickness of a slice to be cut.
  • the blade 16 is moved through the space 17 provided between the compartments 1 and 5 to cut a slice of the bread 2. After this slice has been cut, the blade 16 is removed from the space 17 in order to advance the bread 2 to cut a next slice.
  • the mobile support 4 When advancing the bread 2, the slices already cut, and in particular the cut portion of the bread, are supported by the mobile support 4. The latter is moved at a speed that corresponds to the speed of movement of the bread 2 or which, in particular, corresponds to the speed of movement of the pusher 6.
  • the bread 2 is held against the gravity by the attachment means 7 of the pusher 6 .
  • the movable support 4 moves, therefore, down the second compartment 5 at least until the complete slicing of the bread 2 or at least until the pusher 6 is positioned a short distance above of the cutting plane.
  • the pusher 6 is preferably moved in the direction of the cutting plane over successive distances corresponding to the thickness of a wafer.
  • the thickness of a slice depends, among other things, on the length of the bread.
  • the downward movement of the mobile support 4 is synchronized with the movement of the pusher 6 in order to support the cut portion of the bread as and when the bread 2 advances, as shown in FIGS. Figures 4 and 5 .
  • the bread 2 At the moment when the bread 2 has been cut completely into slices, it is transported to the first compartment 1 by mounting the mobile support 4.
  • This mobile support 4 is preferably moved up to the level of the cutting plane for to be able to recover the bread cut from the first compartment 1.
  • the pusher 8 is also moved upwards at a speed corresponding to the speed of the mobile support 4. This makes it possible to clamp the bread cut between the pusher 6 and the mobile support 4 to prevent the slices away from each other. Nevertheless, the pusher 6 may possibly rise at a higher speed than that of the mobile support 4 or may first be moved upwards.
  • the attachment means 7 are automatically detached from the bread 2, for example, just before the cutting of the last slice or before the pusher 6 is raised after cutting the bread 2. It is also possible that the attachment means 7 are only detached from the bread 2 at the moment when a door, which closes the first compartment 1, is opened to recover the cut bread 2.
  • FIGS. 8 to 12 schematically represent a part of a bread-cutting machine, according to a second embodiment of the invention, comprising a first loading and unloading compartment 101 which is connected to a second receiving compartment 102.
  • the first compartment 101 has a support surface 103 for the bread which extends in a plane which is preferably slightly inclined with respect to the vertical.
  • a chopping roll 104 is placed on this support surface 103 in a loading space of the first compartment 101.
  • the support surface 103 is smooth, so that the bread 104 can slide against this surface to land on a support mobile 105, which is positioned at the location of the lower portion of the first compartment 101 or at the top of the second compartment 102.
  • the support surface 103 defines the direction of movement of the bread which is parallel to the support surface 103.
  • a clamping device 106 is provided in the first compartment 101. This device 106 makes it possible to exert a pressing force on the lateral side of the bread 104 in a direction substantially transverse to said direction of movement of the bread, in order to be able to maintain this one in a fixed position in the first compartment.
  • this clamping device 106 comprises a clamping element 107 which extends over at least a portion of the height of the first compartment 101 in the direction of movement of the bread.
  • this clamping element 107 is formed by a plate 108 which is preferably slightly curved, so that the lateral side of the bread can be contained in the hollow thus formed.
  • the clamping device 106 also comprises driving means which cooperate with the clamping element 107 and which make it possible to move this element 107 between a remote position and a clamping position.
  • the remote position there is preferably no contact between the clamping member 107 and the bread 104, so that the latter bears freely against the support surface 103 in the loading space, as shown in the figure 8 .
  • the clamping member 107 In the clamping position the clamping member 107 has been moved against the roll, which is thus clamped between this clamping member 107 and a backplate 109 provided in the first compartment 101.
  • This counterplate 109 extends substantially transversely with respect to the support surface 103 and in the direction of movement of the bread 104.
  • the support surface 103 and the counterplate 109 are formed of a single metal plate which is bent at a right angle.
  • the clamping element 107 extends over at least half the height of the first compartment 101 and this, preferably, from the bottom of this compartment.
  • the plate 108, which forms the clamping element, is advantageously somewhat elastic, in order to be able to deform upon contact with the bread and to adapt to the various shapes of the loaves to be clamped.
  • a movable pusher 110 is mounted in the first compartment 101 and is driven, for example by an electric motor, to move in said direction of movement of the bread.
  • this pusher 110 can exert a pushing force on the bread 104 to direct it to the second compartment 102.
  • the pusher 110 may also preferably be horizontally displaced which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the bread and substantially parallel to the support surface 103.
  • the pusher 110 cooperates with a corresponding slide extending horizontally in the first compartment 101.
  • the pusher 110 can move freely in this horizontal direction or can, possibly, be driven by an electric motor.
  • the pusher 110 is lowered from a position at the top of the first compartment 1 to it comes into contact with the upper end of the bread 104.
  • the length of the bread 104 is preferably determined automatically. This length corresponds to the distance between the pusher 110 and the mobile support 105.
  • the pusher 110 is preferably also provided with attachment means 111 for the bread 104 as described in connection with the first embodiment of the machine according to the invention.
  • These attachment means 111 comprise, for example, hooks or tongs which automatically grip the upper end of the bread when the pusher 110 comes into contact with the bread 104.
  • these attachment means 111 make it possible to hold the end of the bread. 104 bread opposite the end located near the movable support 105. Nevertheless, the presence of the attachment means is not necessarily required when the machine has the clamping device according to the invention.
  • a cutting member which cuts slices of bread moving from this first compartment 101 to the second compartment 102.
  • This cutting member comprises a blade 112 which is moved according to a cutting plane in a space 113 provided, for this purpose, between the first compartment 101 and the second compartment 102.
  • the support surface 103 preferably includes a portion 103 'which extends into the second compartment 102 to the lower portion thereof to allow the bread 104 to slide against this support surface. 103 in the second compartment 102.
  • said cutting plane extends through the support surface 103 so that said space 113 is located above the portion 103 'of the support surface 103.
  • Said against-plate 109 preferably also has a portion 109 'which extends into the second compartment, as shown in FIGS. Figures 8 to 12 . Said space 113 is located above this portion 109 'to allow the blade 112 to move along the cutting plane above this portion 109' of the counterplate 109.
  • the bread 104 is moved in its direction of displacement by the action of the pusher 110 over successive distances corresponding to the thickness of a slice to be cut. Each time the bread is advanced such a distance, the blade 112 is moved through the space 113 provided between the compartments 101 and 102 to cut a slice of the bread 104. After this slice has been cut, the blade 112 is removed from the space 113 in order to advance the bread 104 to cut a next slice.
  • the slices already cut, and in particular the cut portion of the bread are supported by the mobile support 105.
  • the latter is moved at a speed which corresponds to the speed of movement of the bread 4 or which , in particular, corresponds to the speed of movement of the pusher 110.
  • the movable support 105 moves, therefore, towards the bottom of the second compartment at least until the complete slicing of the bread or at least until the pusher 110 is positioned a short distance above the cutting plane.
  • the bread is, on the one hand, held by the attachment means 111 of the pusher 110 and, on the other hand, clamped by the clamping device 106 comprising at least one clamping element 107.
  • the section of bread that is present in the first compartment 101 and which is clamped by the clamping device 106 varies. For example, as soon as half of a round loaf has been cut, the section of this bread sandwiched in the first compartment decreases substantially continuously.
  • said drive means make it possible to maintain the clamping element in contact with the bread as it moves towards the second compartment. This takes place, for example, by a substantially continuous detection of the pressure exerted by the bread on the clamping element and by the displacement of the clamping element towards the bread, so as to maintain sufficient clamping.
  • a pushing force is exerted on the bread 104 by the pusher 110 in said direction of movement of the bread.
  • the pusher 110 is preferably moved in the direction of the cutting plane over successive distances corresponding to the thickness of a slice.
  • the bread is moved to the second compartment maintaining the pressing force on the bread by the clamping device, in particular by the clamping element.
  • a frictional force is present between the bread and the clamping device which keeps the bread in a fixed position.
  • the pushing force exerted on the bread by the pusher in the direction of movement of the bread is made greater than said friction force.
  • the pusher is driven in the direction of movement of the bread in successive steps by drive means for overcoming the friction force between the bread and the clamping device, to advance the bread to the second compartment following successive distances corresponding to the desired thickness of the slices.
  • the mobile support 105 When the bread has been cut completely into slices, it is transported to the first compartment by mounting the mobile support 105.
  • This mobile support 105 is preferably moved to beyond the level of the cutting plane to be able to recover the bread cut off from the first compartment 101.
  • the pusher 110 is also moved upwards at a speed corresponding to the speed of the mobile support 105.
  • the pusher 110 may possibly go up at a higher speed than that of the mobile support 105 or can be moved upwards first.
  • the attachment means 111 when present, are automatically detached from the bread, for example, just before the cutting of the last slice or before the pusher 110 is reassembled after the cutting of the slice. bread. It is also possible that the hooking means are only detached from the bread when a door, which closes the first compartment, is open to recover the cut bread.
  • the backplate 109 provided in the first compartment 101, is part of the clamping device and is formed by a second clamping member.
  • the machine according to the invention has two clamping elements 107 which extend on either side of the loading space. This second clamping element is also movable between a remote position, in which the bread is free against the support surface 103, and a clamping position, wherein the bread is clamped between the first and second clamping members.
  • a clamping element is provided on each lateral side of the bread 104, the latter is positioned in a central position between the clamping elements and, when advancing towards the second compartment, by the action of the pusher, the uncut portion of the bread is held in this central position.
  • the clamping element 107 extends in its clamping position opposite the support surface 103.
  • the bread is clamped in this clamping position between the surface of the support 3 and the clamping element.
  • FIG. 13 to 16 a particular embodiment of the invention is shown schematically.
  • the machine differs from the one represented in the Figures 8 to 12 in that the clamping device 106 comprises two clamping elements 107 and 107 '.
  • Each of these clamping members 107 and 107 ' comprises a resilient plate 108, respectively 108', which is attached to its upper portion 114 relative to the support surface 103 and which extends substantially transversely to that surface 103.
  • the clamping members 107 and 107 ' are preferably somewhat bent and mounted in the first compartment 101 so that the loading space 115, extending between the clamping members 108 and 108', presents the the appearance of a funnel for the bread 104 to be cut.
  • the narrow portion of this funnel extends a short distance above the cutting plane, along which the blade 112 moves to cut the bread.
  • a movable support 105 is provided in the second compartment 102 and extends, for example, below the cutting plane at a distance from this plane corresponding to the thickness of a wafer. As described in connection with the previous embodiments of the invention, this movable support 5 serves to support the sliced portion of the bread.
  • the pusher 110 provided above the loading space 115 is lowered and exerts a pushing force on the bread 104 in its direction of movement to the second compartment 102.
  • This pushing force is such overcoming the holding force to move the bread 104 to the second compartment 102 in successive discrete steps corresponding to the desired thickness of a wafer.
  • the pusher is lowered until it comes into contact with the bread to be cut.
  • the pusher 110 is then lowered until the bread comes into contact with the mobile support 105, as shown in FIG. figure 15 .
  • the bread is in a position in which its cut can be cut and its length can be measured automatically to determine, for example, the number of slices to cut or to choose a thickness slices to cut.
  • the clamping elements 107 and 107 ' are deformed in an elastic manner so as to allow the passage of the bread 4 between these clamping elements 107 and 107' while maintaining a pressing force against the bread to prevent the bread from moving under the force of gravity.
  • the cutting blade 112 After each movement a distance corresponding to the desired thickness of a slice, the cutting blade 112 is moved along the cutting plane through the space 113 provided, for this purpose, to cut a slice of the bread.
  • the downward movement of the mobile support 105 is synchronized with the movement of the pusher 110 to support the cut portion of the bread as the bread advances, as shown in FIG. figure 16 .
  • the pusher is positioned above the cutting plane at a distance therefrom corresponding to the thickness of the last slice cut.
  • the clamping elements 107 and 107 ' are withdrawn to a position remote from each other by the action of the drive means provided for this purpose, so that that the distance, in a plane parallel to the cutting plane, between the clamping elements 108 and 108 'is greater than the width of the bread cut in this plane.
  • the cut bread is then reassembled to the first compartment 101 by moving the mobile support 105 with the bread towards this first compartment 101. After the arrival of the cut bread in the first compartment 101, the pusher 110 is moved away from the end corresponding bread to allow the bread to be removed from the first compartment 101.
  • clamping members 107 and 107 ', formed by elastic plates 108, of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. Figures 13 to 16 can also be moved by drive means, as is the case in the embodiment shown in FIGS. Figures 8 to 12 .
  • the clamping members are not necessarily limited to resilient or non-elastic plates, but may also include one or several flexible belts extending essentially in the direction of movement of the bread. When the clamping member is moved to said clamping position, this clamping member is deformed somewhat to accommodate the shape of the corresponding lateral side of the roll.
  • Such a flexible belt may be formed by a belt conveyor, the bread-directed portion of which extends substantially in the direction of movement of the bread.
  • the thrust force can be exerted partially or entirely by this flexible belt when the latter is driven in its longitudinal direction.
  • the clamping element is formed by a conveyor belt
  • the conveyor by the pushing force exerted by the pusher 110 on the bread, the conveyor is driven by the bread due to the friction force present between the conveyor and the bread.
  • the various embodiments of the machine according to the invention may comprise the pusher with the hooking means and the clamping device cooperating in a single machine. It is also possible that the machine comprises only the clamping device or only the pusher with the attachment means, to maintain the bread against gravity. This is also the case for the process according to the invention.
  • the invention relates to a machine for automatically cutting a bread, in particular a bread slicer, having a support surface for the bread, which is preferably slightly inclined relative to the vertical.
  • This support surface extending along the two compartments 1 and 5 is, in particular, inclined at an angle less than 45 ° with respect to a vertical direction and preferably less than 20 ° with respect to the vertical direction. Nevertheless, it is also possible that this support surface extends substantially vertically.

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  • Food-Manufacturing Devices (AREA)
  • Manufacturing And Processing Devices For Dough (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne une machine à découper automatiquement en tranches un pain ou une denrée analogue. Cette machine comprend un premier compartiment de chargement et de déchargement, qui est connecté à un deuxième compartiment de réception. Entre le premier et le deuxième compartiment un organe de coupe, en particulier une lame circulaire, est prévu permettant de couper des tranches du pain. Le premier compartiment présente une surface de support pour le pain s'étendant verticalement ou inclinée d'un angle inférieur à 45° par rapport à une direction verticale. Le pain peut être déplacé du premier compartiment vers le deuxième compartiment suivant une direction de déplacement du pain parallèlement à la surface de support.The present invention relates to a slicing machine automatically slices a bread or a similar commodity. This machine comprises a first loading and unloading compartment, which is connected to a second receiving compartment. Between the first and the second compartment a cutting member, in particular a circular blade, is provided for cutting slices of the bread. The first compartment has a support surface for the bread extending vertically or inclined at an angle less than 45 ° with respect to a vertical direction. The bread can be moved from the first compartment to the second compartment in a direction of movement of the bread parallel to the support surface.

Cette machine présente un poussoir mobile qui est arrangé dans le premier compartiment et qui peut être déplacé suivant la direction de déplacement du pain afin d'exercer une force de poussée sur le pain pour diriger celui-ci vers le deuxième compartiment.This machine has a movable pusher which is arranged in the first compartment and which can be moved in the direction of movement of the bread to exert a pushing force on the bread to direct it to the second compartment.

Un support mobile est prévu dans le deuxième compartiment. Ce support est également déplaçable suivant la direction de déplacement du pain pour soutenir la partie coupée en tranches du pain et pour transporter le pain, après sa découpe complète en tranches, vers le premier compartiment.A mobile support is provided in the second compartment. This support is also movable in the direction of movement of the bread to support the sliced portion of the bread and to transport the bread, after its complete slicing, to the first compartment.

L'invention concerne, en particulier, une machine dont la base occupe une superficie relativement petite en comparaison avec des trancheuses automatiques classiques et dans laquelle un pain est introduit dans le même compartiment à partir duquel il est récupéré après sa découpe.The invention relates, in particular, to a machine whose base occupies a relatively small area compared to conventional automatic slicers and wherein a bread is introduced into the same compartment from which it is recovered after cutting.

De telles machines à découper un pain, dans lesquelles le pain est déplacé suivant une direction sensiblement verticale sont connues par l'art antérieur de la technologie.Such bread slicing machines in which the bread is moved in a substantially vertical direction are known from the prior art of the art.

Le document DE 9310092 décrit une trancheuse à pain dans laquelle le pain est transporté suivant une direction verticale et coupé en tranches lors de son mouvement descendant. Lors de l'utilisation de cette machine, la partie non-coupée du pain repose sur la lame de coupe pendant le découpage d'une tranche du pain. Ceci peut provoquer plusieurs problèmes, comme, par exemple, le déplacement de la partie non-coupée du pain par rapport aux tranches coupées ou la déformation de la mie du pain. En plus, dans la machine de DE 9310092 le pain coupé doit être récupéré d'un compartiment différent de celui dans lequel le pain à couper a été introduit.The document DE 9310092 describes a bread slicer in which the bread is transported in a vertical direction and cut into slices during its downward movement. When using this machine, the part uncut bread rests on the cutting blade while cutting a slice of bread. This can cause several problems, such as, for example, moving the uncut portion of the bread relative to cut slices or the deformation of the crumb of the bread. In addition, in the machine of DE 9310092 the cut bread must be recovered from a compartment different from that in which the bread to be cut was introduced.

Le document DE 4431808 , lequel est la base du préambule des revendications 1 et 11, donne une solution à ces problèmes en proposant une trancheuse à pain dans lequel le pain est coupé en tranches lors de son mouvement ascendant. Néanmoins, dans cette machine, la partie coupée en tranches du pain repose sur la lame de coupe, ce qui donne lieu aux mêmes problèmes.The document DE 4431808 , which is the basis of the preamble of claims 1 and 11, provides a solution to these problems by providing a bread slicer in which the bread is sliced during its upward movement. However, in this machine, the sliced portion of the bread rests on the cutting blade, which gives rise to the same problems.

L'invention, telle que définie dans la revendication 1, a pour but de remédier à ces problèmes en offrant une machine à couper automatiquement un pain dans lequel il est évité que le pain repose sur la lame de coupe afin de prévenir que celui-ci se déplace sous l'action de la lame de coupe ou que la mie du pain se déforme. L'invention assure, en particulier, que la force de pression exercée par le pain sur la lame de coupe dans la direction de l'avancement du pain est inexistante ou très limitée.The invention, as defined in claim 1, is intended to remedy these problems by providing a machine to automatically cut a bread in which it is avoided that the bread rests on the cutting blade to prevent it moves under the action of the cutting blade or the crumb of the bread is deformed. The invention ensures, in particular, that the pressure force exerted by the bread on the cutting blade in the direction of advancement of the bread is nonexistent or very limited.

A cet effet, suivant l'invention, le poussoir mobile susdit comprend des moyens d'accrochage permettant de saisir et de maintenir le pain contre l'action de la gravité afin de maintenir la partie non-coupée du pain dans des positions successives fixes dans le premier compartiment. Des moyens sont prévus pour entraîner le poussoir suivant la direction de déplacement du pain et le faire avancer vers le deuxième compartiment suivant des pas correspondant à l'épaisseur d'une tranche à couper.For this purpose, according to the invention, the aforementioned mobile pusher comprises hooking means for gripping and holding the bread against the action of gravity to maintain the uncut portion of the bread in successive fixed positions in the first compartment. Means are provided to drive the pusher in the direction of movement of the bread and advance to the second compartment in steps corresponding to the thickness of a slice to be cut.

Avantageusement, les moyens d'accrochage comprennent au moins un crochet pouvant pénétrer le pain pour saisir et maintenir celui-ci.Advantageously, the attachment means comprise at least one hook that can penetrate the bread to grasp and hold it.

Les moyens d'accrochage pour le pain permettent, en particulier, de tenir l'extrémité du pain opposée à l'extrémité située près du support mobile.The attachment means for the bread allow, in particular, to hold the end of the opposite bread at the end located near the movable support.

Suivant l'invention, les moyens d'accrochage susdits sont rétractables par rapport au poussoir et sont déplaçables entre une position retraitée et une position étirée, permettant de saisir et de maintenir le pain dans la position étirée.According to the invention, the aforementioned hooking means are retractable relative to the pusher and are movable between a retracted position and a stretched position, for grasping and holding the bread in the stretched position.

La machine, suivant l'invention, présente un système de détection de proximité du pain par rapport au poussoir pour entraîner les moyens d'accrochage de la position retraitée vers leur position étirée pour saisir le pain lorsque celui-ci vient en contact avec le poussoir ou est positionné à une petite distance de celui-ci.The machine, according to the invention, has a bread proximity detection system relative to the pusher to drive the hooking means of the retracted position to their stretched position to grip the bread when it comes into contact with the pusher or is positioned a short distance from it.

Suivant une forme de réalisation préférentielle de l'invention, le système de détection de proximité du pain comprend un détecteur qui est fixé au poussoir. Ce détecteur est prévu pour détecter la proximité du pain ou le contact du pain avec le poussoir.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bread proximity detection system comprises a detector which is attached to the pusher. This detector is intended to detect the proximity of the bread or the contact of the bread with the pusher.

Suivant une forme de réalisation avantageuse de la machine, suivant l'invention, le système de détection comprend une plaque montée à pivotement au poussoir du côté du support mobile, cette plaque coopérant avec un interrupteur qui commande les moyens d'accrochage. Ainsi, lorsque cette plaque subit une rotation suite au contact avec le pain, lors du mouvement descendant du poussoir dans la direction du support mobile, un signal électrique est généré qui déclenche l'entraînement des moyens d'accrochage.According to an advantageous embodiment of the machine, according to the invention, the detection system comprises a plate pivotally mounted to the pusher on the side of the movable support, this plate cooperating with a switch which controls the attachment means. Thus, when this plate is rotated following contact with the bread, during the downward movement of the pusher in the direction of the movable support, an electrical signal is generated which triggers the driving of the hooking means.

Dans une forme de réalisation alternative de l'invention, le système de détection comprend un détecteur de proximité capacitif coopérant avec les moyens d'accrochage pour les entraîner lorsque la présence d'un pain à proximité du poussoir a été détectée.In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the detection system comprises a capacitive proximity sensor cooperating with the attachment means to drive them when the presence of a bread near the pusher has been detected.

De préférence, l'organe de coupe comprend une lame déplaçable suivant un plan de coupe s'étendant essentiellement transversalement par rapport à ladite direction de déplacement du pain, entre le premier compartiment et le deuxième compartiment.Preferably, the cutting member comprises a blade movable along a cutting plane extending substantially transversely to said direction of movement of the bread, between the first compartment and the second compartment.

Suivant une autre forme de réalisation de l'invention, au moins un dispositif de serrage est présent dans le premier compartiment permettant d'exercer une force de pression sur le pain suivant une direction sensiblement transversale par rapport à la direction de déplacement du pain afin de maintenir celui-ci dans une position fixe dans le premier compartiment. Le poussoir susdit est entraîné suivant la direction de déplacement du pain par des moyens d'entraînement pour vaincre la force de friction entre le pain et le dispositif de serrage, pour faire avancer le pain vers le deuxième compartiment.According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one clamping device is present in the first compartment for exerting a pressure force on the bread in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the bread in order to keep it in a fixed position in the first compartment. The aforesaid pusher is driven in the direction of movement of the bread by drive means to overcome the frictional force between the bread and the clamping device, to advance the bread to the second compartment.

Cette dernière forme de réalisation peut éventuellement être appliquée sans que les moyens d'accrochage susdits soient prévus dans la machine.This latter embodiment may optionally be applied without the aforementioned attachment means being provided in the machine.

Avantageusement, le dispositif de serrage comprend un premier élément de serrage s'étendant sur au moins une partie de la hauteur du premier compartiment suivant ladite direction de déplacement et s'étendant, de préférence, au moins sur la moitié de cette hauteur. L'élément de serrage coopère avec des moyens d'entraînement pour déplacer l'élément de serrage entre une position éloignée, dans laquelle le pain s'appuie librement contre la surface de support, et une position de serrage, dans laquelle le pain est serré entre cet élément de serrage et une contre-plaque présente dans le premier compartiment.Advantageously, the clamping device comprises a first clamping element extending over at least a portion of the height of the first compartment in said direction of displacement and extending, preferably, at least over half of this height. The clamping member cooperates with drive means for moving the clamping member between a remote position, in which the roll bears freely against the support surface, and a clamping position in which the roll is clamped. between this clamping element and a counterplate present in the first compartment.

Suivant une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, la contre-plaque s'étend sensiblement transversalement par rapport à la surface de support susdite et suivant ladite direction de déplacement du pain.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the counter-plate extends substantially transversely with respect to the said support surface and in the direction of movement of the bread.

La contre-plaque peut également être formée par la surface du support pour le pain.The counterplate may also be formed by the surface of the bread support.

Suivant une forme de réalisation intéressante de l'invention, la contre-plaque susdite est formée par un deuxième élément de serrage coopérant avec des moyens d'entraînement permettant de déplacer ce deuxième élément de serrage entre une position éloignée, dans laquelle le pain s'appuie librement contre ladite surface de support, et une position de serrage, dans laquelle le pain est serré entre le premier et le deuxième élément de serrage.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the above-mentioned plate is formed by a second clamping element cooperating with drive means for moving the second clamping element between a remote position, in which the bread is presses freely against said support surface, and a clamping position, wherein the bread is clamped between the first and second clamping members.

Suivant une forme de réalisation préférentielle de l'invention, lesdits moyens d'entraînement permettent de maintenir l'élément de serrage en contact avec le pain lors de son avancement vers le deuxième compartiment.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said drive means make it possible to keep the clamping element in contact with the bread as it moves towards the second compartment.

L'invention concerne également un procédé pour découper automatiquement en tranches un pain ou une denrée analogue, tel que défini dans la revendication 11.The invention also relates to a method for automatically slicing a bread or similar commodity as defined in claim 11.

Suivant une forme de réalisation intéressante du procédé, suivant l'invention, une force de pression est exercée sur le pain dans le premier compartiment suivant une direction sensiblement transversale par rapport à ladite direction de déplacement, de sorte que le pain est maintenu dans une position fixe par une force de friction. Le pain est alors déplacé vers le deuxième compartiment en maintenant ladite force de pression et en exerçant une force de poussée sur le pain dans sa direction de déplacement. Cette force de poussée est supérieure à ladite force de friction pour faire avancer le pain jusqu'à sa découpe complète en tranches. Le pain découpé est ensuite transporté suivant ladite direction de déplacement vers le premier compartiment afin de pouvoir récupérer le pain découpé.According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, according to the invention, a pressure force is exerted on the bread in the first compartment in a direction substantially transverse to said direction of movement, so that the bread is held in a position fixed by a friction force. The bread is then moved to the second compartment maintaining said pressing force and exerting a pushing force on the bread in its direction of travel. This pushing force is greater than said friction force to advance the bread until it is completely cut into slices. The cut bread is then transported in said direction of movement to the first compartment in order to recover the cut bread.

D'autres détails et particularités de l'invention ressortiront de la description donnée ci-après, à titre d'exemple non limitatif, de quelques formes de réalisation particulières de la machine et du procédé suivant l'invention avec référence aux dessins annexés.

  • La figure 1 est une vue schématique latérale du compartiment de chargement et de déchargement lorsqu'un pain à couper est placé contre la surface de support, suivant une première forme de réalisation de l'invention.
  • La figure 2 est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 1 lorsque le poussoir vient en contact avec le pain.
  • La figure 3 est une vue analogue à celle des figures 1 à 2 lorsque les moyens d'accrochage pénètrent le pain à couper.
  • La figure 4 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un compartiment de chargement et de déchargement avec un pain non-coupé et du compartiment de réception de la machine de l'invention suivant une forme de réalisation intéressante.
  • La figure 5 est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 4 lorsque le pain est déplacé d'une certaine distance vers le deuxième compartiment lors de sa découpe en tranches.
  • La figure 6 est une vue analogue à celle des figures 4 et 5, montrant le pain découpé complètement en tranches et se trouvant dans le compartiment de réception.
  • La figure 7 est une vue analogue à celle des figures 4 à 6 montrant le pain découpé dans le compartiment de chargement et de déchargement.
  • La figure 8 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un premier compartiment de chargement et de déchargement avec un pain non-coupé et du compartiment de réception de la machine de l'invention suivant une deuxième forme de réalisation de l'invention.
  • La figure 9 est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 8 lors du serrage du pain par un élément de serrage.
  • La figure 10 est une vue analogue à celle des figures 8 et 9 lorsque le pain est déplacé d'une certaine distance vers le deuxième compartiment lors de sa découpe en tranches.
  • La figure 11 est une vue analogue à celle des figures 8 à 10, montrant le pain découpé complètement en tranches et se trouvant dans le compartiment de réception.
  • La figure 12 est une vue analogue à celle des figures 8 à 11 montrant le pain découpé dans le compartiment de chargement et de déchargement.
  • La figure 13 est une vue schématique de face du premier et du deuxième compartiment de la machine de l'invention, suivant une forme de réalisation alternative, après l'introduction d'un pain à couper.
  • La figure 14 est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 13 au moment où le poussoir s'appuie contre une extrémité du pain.
  • La figure 15 est une vue analogue à celle des figures 13 et 14 lorsque le pain a été avancé vers le deuxième compartiment juste avant sa découpe en tranches.
  • La figure 16 est une vue analogue à celle des figures 13 à 15 après qu'une partie du pain a été coupée en tranches.
Other details and features of the invention will emerge from the description given below, by way of non-limiting example, of some particular embodiments of the machine and the method according to the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.
  • The figure 1 is a schematic side view of the loading and unloading compartment when a bread to be cut is placed against the support surface, according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • The figure 2 is a view similar to that of the figure 1 when the pusher comes in contact with the bread.
  • The figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figures 1 to 2 when the attachment means penetrate the bread to be cut.
  • The figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a loading and unloading compartment with an uncut bread and the receiving compartment of the machine of the invention according to an interesting embodiment.
  • The figure 5 is a view similar to that of the figure 4 when the bread is moved a certain distance to the second compartment when sliced.
  • The figure 6 is a view similar to that of Figures 4 and 5 , showing sliced bread completely in the receiving compartment.
  • The figure 7 is a view similar to that of Figures 4 to 6 showing the bread cut out in the loading and unloading compartment.
  • The figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of a first loading and unloading compartment with an uncut bread and the receiving compartment of the machine of the invention according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • The figure 9 is a view similar to that of the figure 8 when clamping the bread by a clamping element.
  • The figure 10 is a view similar to that of Figures 8 and 9 when the bread is moved a certain distance to the second compartment when sliced.
  • The figure 11 is a view similar to that of Figures 8 to 10 , showing sliced bread completely in the receiving compartment.
  • The figure 12 is a view similar to that of Figures 8 to 11 showing the bread cut out in the loading and unloading compartment.
  • The figure 13 is a schematic front view of the first and second compartment of the machine of the invention, according to an alternative embodiment, after the introduction of a bread cut.
  • The figure 14 is a view similar to that of the figure 13 at the moment when the pusher is leaning against one end of the bread.
  • The figure 15 is a view similar to that of Figures 13 and 14 when the bread has been advanced to the second compartment just before slicing it.
  • The figure 16 is a view similar to that of Figures 13 to 15 after some of the bread has been cut into slices.

Dans les différentes figures, les mêmes chiffres de référence concernent des éléments analogues ou identiques.In the different figures, the same reference numerals relate to similar or identical elements.

Les figures 1 à 3 représentent schématiquement un premier compartiment de chargement et de déchargement 1 d'une machine à couper un pain illustrant le chargement d'un pain 2 dans ce compartiment 1.The Figures 1 to 3 schematically represent a first loading and unloading compartment 1 of a bread slicing machine illustrating the loading of a bread 2 in this compartment 1.

Le premier compartiment 1 présente une surface de support 3 pour le pain 2 qui s'étend dans un plan qui est, de préférence, légèrement inclinée par rapport à la verticale. Ainsi, le pain à découper 2 est posé sur cette surface de support 3 dans un espace de chargement du premier compartiment 1. La surface de support 3 est, de préférence, lisse, de sorte que le pain 2 peut glisser contre cette surface pour se poser sur un support mobile 4, qui est positionné à l'endroit de la partie inférieure du premier compartiment 1 ou en haut d'un deuxième compartiment de réception 5.The first compartment 1 has a support surface 3 for the bread 2 which extends in a plane which is preferably slightly inclined relative to the vertical. Thus, the bread to be cut 2 is placed on this support surface 3 in a loading space of the first compartment 1. The support surface 3 is preferably smooth, so that the bread 2 can slide against this surface for placed on a mobile support 4, which is positioned at the location of the lower part of the first compartment 1 or at the top of a second reception compartment 5.

Un poussoir mobile 6 est monté dans le premier compartiment 1 et est entraîné, par exemple par un moteur électrique, pour se déplacer le long de la surface de support 3 suivant une direction de déplacement du pain 2.A movable pusher 6 is mounted in the first compartment 1 and is driven, for example by an electric motor, to move along the support surface 3 in a direction of movement of the bread 2.

Le poussoir 6 peut, éventuellement, également subir un déplacement horizontal qui est sensiblement perpendiculaire à la direction de déplacement du pain et sensiblement parallèle à la surface de support 3. Ainsi, il est possible de positionner le poussoir 6 au-dessus du pain 2. A cet effet, le poussoir 6 coopère avec une glissière correspondante s'étendant horizontalement dans le premier compartiment 1. Le poussoir 6 peut se déplacer librement suivant cette direction horizontale ou peut, éventuellement, être entraîné par un moteur électrique.The pusher 6 may, optionally, also undergo a horizontal displacement which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the bread and substantially parallel to the support surface 3. Thus, it is possible to position the pusher 6 above the bread 2. For this purpose, the pusher 6 cooperates with a corresponding slide extending horizontally in the first compartment 1. The pusher 6 can move freely in this horizontal direction or can, possibly, be driven by an electric motor.

Après qu'un pain 2 à découper ait été placé dans l'espace de chargement contre la surface de support 3 et sur le support mobile 4, on fait descendre le poussoir 6 d'une position située en haut du premier compartiment 1 jusqu'à ce qu'il entre en contact avec l'extrémité supérieure du pain 2 ou jusqu'à une petite distance de celui-ci. Ensuite, la longueur du pain 2, suivant ladite direction de déplacement, est, de préférence, déterminée automatiquement. Cette longueur correspond à la distance entre le poussoir 6 et le support mobile 4.After a cutter 2 has been placed in the loading space against the support surface 3 and the mobile support 4, lower the pusher 6 from a position at the top of the first compartment 1 until it comes into contact with the upper end of the bread 2 or to a small distance from it. Then, the length of the bread 2, in said direction of movement, is preferably determined automatically. This length corresponds to the distance between the pusher 6 and the mobile support 4.

Le poussoir 6 est également pourvu de moyens d'accrochage 7 pour le pain 4. Ces moyens d'accrochage 7 comprennent par exemple des crochets 8 ou des pinces qui agrippent automatiquement l'extrémité supérieure 9 du pain 2 lorsque le poussoir 6 est à proximité du pain 2. Ainsi, ces moyens d'accrochage 7 permettent de tenir l'extrémité 9 du pain 2 opposée à l'extrémité située près du support mobile 4.The pusher 6 is also provided with attachment means 7 for the bread 4. These attachment means 7 comprise, for example, hooks 8 or tongs which automatically grip the upper end 9 of the bread 2 when the pusher 6 is in the vicinity. 2. Thus, these attachment means 7 can hold the end 9 of the opposite bread 2 to the end located near the mobile support 4.

Les moyens d'accrochage 7 susdits sont rétractables par rapport au poussoir 6 et sont déplaçables entre une position retraitée, comme représentée aux figures 1 et 2, et une position étirée, permettant de saisir et de maintenir le pain 4 dans la position étirée, comme il est montré dans la figure 3.The aforementioned gripping means 7 are retractable relative to the pusher 6 and are movable between a retracted position, as shown in FIGS. Figures 1 and 2 , and a stretched position, for grasping and holding the bread 4 in the stretched position, as shown in FIG. figure 3 .

Pour détecter la proximité du pain 2 par rapport au poussoir 6 un système de détection de proximité du pain 2 est prévu. Ce système commande les moyens d'accrochage 7 pour entraîner ceux-ci de la position retraitée vers leur position étirée pour saisir le pain 2 lorsque celui-ci vient en contact avec le poussoir 6 ou est positionné à une petite distance de celui-ci.To detect the proximity of the bread 2 relative to the pusher 6 a proximity detection system of the bread 2 is provided. This system controls the attachment means 7 to drive them from the retracted position to their stretched position to grip the bread 2 when it comes into contact with the pusher 6 or is positioned at a small distance therefrom.

Ainsi, le système de détection de proximité du pain comprend un détecteur qui est fixé au poussoir 6 pour détecter la proximité du pain 2 ou le contact du pain 2 avec le poussoir 6.Thus, the bread proximity detection system comprises a detector which is fixed to the pusher 6 to detect the proximity of the bread 2 or the contact of the bread 2 with the pusher 6.

Suivant une forme de réalisation avantageuse de la machine, suivant l'invention, le système de détection comprend une plaque 10 montée à pivotement autour un axe 11 au poussoir 6 du côté du support mobile 4. Cette plaque 10 coopère avec un interrupteur qui commande les moyens d'accrochage 7, de sorte que, lorsque cette plaque 10 subit une rotation suite au contact avec le pain 2, un signal électrique est généré qui déclenche l'entraînement des moyens d'accrochage 7 vers leur position étirée.According to an advantageous embodiment of the machine, according to the invention, the detection system comprises a plate 10 mounted to pivot about an axis 11 to the pusher 6 on the side of the mobile support 4. This plate 10 cooperates with a switch which controls the hooking means 7, so that when this plate 10 is rotated following contact with the bread 2, an electrical signal is generated which triggers the driving of the hooking means 7 to their stretched position.

La plaque 10 est pliée autour de son axe 11 de sorte qu'une première partie 12 de cette plaque 10 s'étend en dessous du poussoir 6 et une deuxième partie 13 s'étend latéralement par rapport au poussoir. Les deux parties 12 et 13 sont séparée par l'axe 11.The plate 10 is folded around its axis 11 so that a first portion 12 of this plate 10 extends below the pusher 6 and a second portion 13 extends laterally relative to the pusher. The two parts 12 and 13 are separated by the axis 11.

Lorsque le poussoir 6 n'est pas en contact avec le pain 2, la plaque 10 pend librement sous l'influence de la gravité, ou par l'action d'un ressort non-représenté, de sorte qu'un espace libre 14 est formé entre le bas du poussoir 6 et la plaque 10. Dans cette position, la deuxième partie 13 prend appui contre la côté latéral du poussoir 6 afin de limiter la hauteur de l'espace libre 14 à une distance déterminée.When the pusher 6 is not in contact with the bread 2, the plate 10 hangs freely under the influence of gravity, or by the action of a spring not shown, so that a free space 14 is formed between the bottom of the pusher 6 and the plate 10. In this position, the second portion 13 bears against the lateral side of the pusher 6 to limit the height of the free space 14 at a determined distance.

Au moment où la première partie 12 de la plaque 10 vient en contact avec le pain 2, lors du mouvement descendant du poussoir 6, la plaque 10 subit une rotation autour de son axe 11 en éliminant l'espace libre 14, comme illustré dans la figure 2. Le pain 2 est alors serré entre la plaque 10 et le support mobile 4. Par cette action, l'interrupteur susdit est actionné et un signal électrique est généré qui déclenche l'entraînement des moyens d'accrochage 7 pour saisir l'extrémité supérieure 9 du pain 2, comme montré à la figure 3. Cet interrupteur peut être prévu dans l'espace libre 14. Alternativement, l'interrupteur peut coopérer avec l'axe de pivotement 11 ou la deuxième partie 13 de la plaque 10.At the moment when the first part 12 of the plate 10 comes into contact with the bread 2, during the downward movement of the pusher 6, the plate 10 is rotated about its axis 11 by eliminating the free space 14, as illustrated in FIG. figure 2 . The bread 2 is then clamped between the plate 10 and the mobile support 4. By this action, the aforesaid switch is actuated and an electrical signal is generated which triggers the driving of the attachment means 7 to grip the upper end 9 bread 2, as shown in figure 3 . This switch can be provided in the free space 14. Alternatively, the switch can cooperate with the pivot axis 11 or the second part 13 of the plate 10.

Dans une forme de réalisation alternative du système de détection de proximité du pain 2, celui-ci comprend un détecteur de proximité capacitif coopérant avec les moyens d'accrochage 7 pour les entraîner lorsque la présence d'un pain à proximité du poussoir 6 a été détectée . Dans un tel cas, un contact direct entre le poussoir et l'extrémité supérieure 9 du pain est évité.In an alternative embodiment of the proximity detection system of the bread 2, it comprises a capacitive proximity sensor cooperating with the attachment means 7 to drive them when the presence of a bread near the pusher 6 has been detected. In such a case, a direct contact between the pusher and the upper end 9 of the bread is avoided.

Lorsque les moyens d'accrochage 7 sont déplacés vers leur position étirée, les crochets 8 correspondants subissent une rotation autour de leur point de fixation, comme illustré à la figure 3 par la flèche 15.When the hooking means 7 are moved towards their stretched position, the corresponding hooks 8 are rotated around their attachment point, as illustrated in FIG. figure 3 by the arrow 15.

Après que le pain 2 ait été saisi par les moyens d'accrochage 7, le support mobile 4 est descendu vers le deuxième compartiment de réception 5 pour couper le pain en tranches comme illustré dans les figures 4 à 7. Le pain 2 est alors maintenu par les moyens d'accrochage 7 à l'encontre de la gravité.After the bread 2 has been gripped by the hooking means 7, the mobile support 4 is lowered towards the second receiving compartment 5 to cut the bread into slices as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 4 to 7 . The bread 2 is then held by the attachment means 7 against the gravity.

Entre le premier compartiment 1 et le deuxième compartiment 5, un organe de coupe est prévu qui permet de couper des tranches du pain 2 qui se déplace de ce premier compartiment 1 vers le deuxième compartiment 5. Cet organe de coupe comprend une lame 16 qui est déplacée suivant un plan de coupe dans un espace 17 prévu, à cet effet, entre le premier compartiment 1 et le deuxième compartiment 5.Between the first compartment 1 and the second compartment 5, a cutting member is provided which cuts slices of the bread 2 which moves from this first compartment 1 to the second compartment 5. This cutting member comprises a blade 16 which is moved according to a cutting plane in a space 17 provided, for this purpose, between the first compartment 1 and the second compartment 5.

La surface de support 3 comprend, de préférence, une partie 3' qui s'étend dans le deuxième compartiment 5 jusqu'à la partie inférieure de ce dernier pour permettre de faire glisser le pain 2 contre cette surface de support 3 vers le deuxième compartiment 2. Dans un cas tel, ledit plan de coupe s'étend à travers la surface de support 3 de sorte que ledit espace 17 est situé au-dessus de la partie 3' de la surface de support 3.The support surface 3 preferably comprises a portion 3 'which extends into the second compartment 5 to the lower part thereof to allow the bread 2 to slide against this support surface 3 towards the second compartment 2. In such a case, said cutting plane extends through the support surface 3 so that said space 17 is located above the portion 3 'of the support surface 3.

Le pain 4 est déplacé suivant sa direction de déplacement par l'action du poussoir 6 sur des distances successives correspondant à l'épaisseur d'une tranche à couper. Chaque fois que le pain 2 est avancé d'une telle distance, la lame 16 est déplacée à travers l'espace 17 prévu entre les compartiments 1 et 5 pour couper une tranche du pain 2. Après que cette tranche a été coupée, la lame 16 est retirée de l'espace 17 afin de pourvoir avancer le pain 2 pour découper une tranche suivante.The bread 4 is moved in its direction of displacement by the action of the pusher 6 over successive distances corresponding to the thickness of a slice to be cut. Whenever the bread 2 is advanced such a distance, the blade 16 is moved through the space 17 provided between the compartments 1 and 5 to cut a slice of the bread 2. After this slice has been cut, the blade 16 is removed from the space 17 in order to advance the bread 2 to cut a next slice.

Lors de l'avancement du pain 2, les tranches déjà coupées, et en particulier la partie coupée du pain, sont supportées par le support mobile 4. Ce dernier est donc déplacé à une vitesse qui correspond à la vitesse de déplacement du pain 2 ou qui, en particulier, correspond à la vitesse de déplacement du poussoir 6.When advancing the bread 2, the slices already cut, and in particular the cut portion of the bread, are supported by the mobile support 4. The latter is moved at a speed that corresponds to the speed of movement of the bread 2 or which, in particular, corresponds to the speed of movement of the pusher 6.

Afin d'éviter que la partie non-coupée du pain repose sur la lame de coupe 16 et exerce une pression sur cette lame 16, le pain 2 est maintenu à l'encontre de la gravité par les moyens d'accrochage 7 du poussoir 6.To prevent the uncut portion of the bread rests on the cutting blade 16 and exerts pressure on the blade 16, the bread 2 is held against the gravity by the attachment means 7 of the pusher 6 .

Le support mobile 4 se déplace, par conséquent, vers le bas du deuxième compartiment 5 au moins jusqu'à la découpe complète en tranches du pain 2 ou au moins jusqu'à ce que le poussoir 6 est positionné à une petite distance au-dessus du plan de coupe. En particulier, en tenant compte de la longueur mesurée du pain, le poussoir 6 est de préférence déplacé dans la direction du plan de coupe sur des distances successives correspondant à l'épaisseur d'une tranche. L'épaisseur d'une tranche dépend, entre-autres, de la longueur du pain.The movable support 4 moves, therefore, down the second compartment 5 at least until the complete slicing of the bread 2 or at least until the pusher 6 is positioned a short distance above of the cutting plane. In particular, taking into account the measured length of the bread, the pusher 6 is preferably moved in the direction of the cutting plane over successive distances corresponding to the thickness of a wafer. The thickness of a slice depends, among other things, on the length of the bread.

Le mouvement descendant du support mobile 4 est donc synchronisé avec le mouvement du poussoir 6 afin de soutenir la partie coupée du pain au fur et au mesure de l'avancement du pain 2, comme représenté aux figures 4 et 5.The downward movement of the mobile support 4 is synchronized with the movement of the pusher 6 in order to support the cut portion of the bread as and when the bread 2 advances, as shown in FIGS. Figures 4 and 5 .

Au moment où le pain 2 a été coupé complètement en tranches, celui-ci est transporté vers le premier compartiment 1 en montant le support mobile 4. Ce support mobile 4 est de préférence déplacé jusqu'au-delà du niveau du plan de coupe pour pouvoir récupérer le pain coupé du premier compartiment 1. Lors du déplacement ascendant du support mobile 4, le poussoir 8 est également déplacé vers le haut à une vitesse correspondant à la vitesse du support mobile 4. Ceci permet de serrer le pain coupé entre le poussoir 6 et le support mobile 4 pour éviter que les tranches s'écartent l'une de l'autre. Néanmoins, le poussoir 6 peut éventuellement monter à une vitesse plus élevée que celle du support mobile 4 ou peut d'abord être déplacé vers le haut.At the moment when the bread 2 has been cut completely into slices, it is transported to the first compartment 1 by mounting the mobile support 4. This mobile support 4 is preferably moved up to the level of the cutting plane for to be able to recover the bread cut from the first compartment 1. During the upward movement of the mobile support 4, the pusher 8 is also moved upwards at a speed corresponding to the speed of the mobile support 4. This makes it possible to clamp the bread cut between the pusher 6 and the mobile support 4 to prevent the slices away from each other. Nevertheless, the pusher 6 may possibly rise at a higher speed than that of the mobile support 4 or may first be moved upwards.

Les moyens d'accrochage 7 sont automatiquement détachés du pain 2, par exemple, juste avant la découpe de la dernière tranche ou avant que le poussoir 6 soit remonté après la découpe du pain 2. Il est également possible que les moyens d'accrochage 7 sont seulement détachés du pain 2 au moment où une porte, qui ferme le premier compartiment 1, est ouverte pour récupérer le pain coupé 2.The attachment means 7 are automatically detached from the bread 2, for example, just before the cutting of the last slice or before the pusher 6 is raised after cutting the bread 2. It is also possible that the attachment means 7 are only detached from the bread 2 at the moment when a door, which closes the first compartment 1, is opened to recover the cut bread 2.

Les figures 8 à 12 représentent schématiquement une partie d'une machine à couper un pain, suivant une deuxième forme de réalisation de l'invention, comprenant un premier compartiment de chargement et de déchargement 101 qui est connecté à un deuxième compartiment de réception 102.The Figures 8 to 12 schematically represent a part of a bread-cutting machine, according to a second embodiment of the invention, comprising a first loading and unloading compartment 101 which is connected to a second receiving compartment 102.

Le premier compartiment 101 présente une surface de support 103 pour le pain qui s'étend dans un plan qui est, de préférence, légèrement inclinée par rapport à la verticale. Ainsi, un pain à découper 104 est posé sur cette surface de support 103 dans un espace de chargement du premier compartiment 101. La surface de support 103 est lisse, de sorte que le pain 104 peut glisser contre cette surface pour se poser sur un support mobile 105, qui est positionné à l'endroit de la partie inférieure du premier compartiment 101 ou en haut du deuxième compartiment 102.The first compartment 101 has a support surface 103 for the bread which extends in a plane which is preferably slightly inclined with respect to the vertical. Thus, a chopping roll 104 is placed on this support surface 103 in a loading space of the first compartment 101. The support surface 103 is smooth, so that the bread 104 can slide against this surface to land on a support mobile 105, which is positioned at the location of the lower portion of the first compartment 101 or at the top of the second compartment 102.

Lorsque le pain se déplace du premier compartiment vers le deuxième compartiment, par exemple sous l'action de la gravité, celui-ci glisse sur la surface de support 103 et est ainsi supporté par cette surface 103. De cette façon, la surface de support 103 définie la direction de déplacement du pain qui est parallèle à la surface de support 103.When the bread moves from the first compartment to the second compartment, for example under the action of gravity, the latter slides on the support surface 103 and is thus supported by this surface 103. In this way, the support surface 103 defines the direction of movement of the bread which is parallel to the support surface 103.

Un dispositif de serrage 106 est prévu dans le premier compartiment 101. Ce dispositif 106 permet d'exercer une force de pression sur le côté latéral du pain 104 suivant une direction sensiblement transversale par rapport à ladite direction de déplacement du pain, afin de pouvoir maintenir celui-ci dans une position fixe dans le premier compartiment.A clamping device 106 is provided in the first compartment 101. This device 106 makes it possible to exert a pressing force on the lateral side of the bread 104 in a direction substantially transverse to said direction of movement of the bread, in order to be able to maintain this one in a fixed position in the first compartment.

Dans la forme de réalisation représentée aux figures 8 à 12, ce dispositif de serrage 106 comprend un élément de serrage 107 qui s'étend sur au moins une partie de la hauteur du premier compartiment 101 suivant la direction de déplacement du pain. Dans les figures 8 à 12, cet élément de serrage 107 est formé par une plaque 108 qui est, de préférence, légèrement courbée, de sorte que le côté latéral du pain peut être contenu dans le creux ainsi formé.In the embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 12 , this clamping device 106 comprises a clamping element 107 which extends over at least a portion of the height of the first compartment 101 in the direction of movement of the bread. In the Figures 8 to 12 this clamping element 107 is formed by a plate 108 which is preferably slightly curved, so that the lateral side of the bread can be contained in the hollow thus formed.

Le dispositif de serrage 106 comprend également des moyens d'entraînement qui coopèrent avec l'élément de serrage 107 et qui permettent de déplacer cet élément 107 entre une position éloignée et une position de serrage. Dans la position éloignée, il n'y a de préférence aucun contact entre l'élément de serrage 107 et le pain 104, de sorte que ce dernier s'appuie librement contre la surface de support 103 dans l'espace de chargement, comme représenté dans la figure 8. Dans la position de serrage l'élément de serrage 107 a été déplacé contre le pain, qui est ainsi serré entre cet élément de serrage 107 et une contre-plaque 109 prévue dans le premier compartiment 101.The clamping device 106 also comprises driving means which cooperate with the clamping element 107 and which make it possible to move this element 107 between a remote position and a clamping position. In the remote position, there is preferably no contact between the clamping member 107 and the bread 104, so that the latter bears freely against the support surface 103 in the loading space, as shown in the figure 8 . In the clamping position the clamping member 107 has been moved against the roll, which is thus clamped between this clamping member 107 and a backplate 109 provided in the first compartment 101.

Cette contre-plaque 109 s'étend sensiblement transversalement par rapport à la surface de support 103 et suivant la direction de déplacement du pain 104. Dans la forme de réalisation des figures 8 à 12, la surface de support 103 et la contre-plaque 109 sont formées d'une seule plaque métallique qui est pliée d'un angle droit.This counterplate 109 extends substantially transversely with respect to the support surface 103 and in the direction of movement of the bread 104. In the embodiment of FIG. Figures 8 to 12 the support surface 103 and the counterplate 109 are formed of a single metal plate which is bent at a right angle.

Avantageusement, l'élément de serrage 107 s'étend sur au moins la moitié de la hauteur du premier compartiment 101 et ceci, de préférence, à partir du bas de ce compartiment. La plaque 108, qui forme l'élément de serrage, est avantageusement quelque peu élastique, afin de pouvoir se déformer lors du contact avec le pain et de s'adapter aux formes diverses des pains à serrer.Advantageously, the clamping element 107 extends over at least half the height of the first compartment 101 and this, preferably, from the bottom of this compartment. The plate 108, which forms the clamping element, is advantageously somewhat elastic, in order to be able to deform upon contact with the bread and to adapt to the various shapes of the loaves to be clamped.

Un poussoir mobile 110 est monté dans le premier compartiment 101 et est entraîné, par exemple par un moteur électrique, pour se déplacer suivant ladite direction de déplacement du pain. Ainsi, ce poussoir 110 peut exercer une force de poussée sur le pain 104 pour diriger celui-ci vers le deuxième compartiment 102. Le poussoir 110 peut, de préférence, également subir un déplacement horizontal qui est sensiblement perpendiculaire à la direction de déplacement du pain et sensiblement parallèle à la surface de support 103. A cet effet, le poussoir 110 coopère avec une glissière correspondante s'étendant horizontalement dans le premier compartiment 101. Le poussoir 110 peut se déplacer librement suivant cette direction horizontale ou peut, éventuellement, être entraîné par un moteur électrique.A movable pusher 110 is mounted in the first compartment 101 and is driven, for example by an electric motor, to move in said direction of movement of the bread. Thus, this pusher 110 can exert a pushing force on the bread 104 to direct it to the second compartment 102. The pusher 110 may also preferably be horizontally displaced which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the bread and substantially parallel to the support surface 103. For this purpose, the pusher 110 cooperates with a corresponding slide extending horizontally in the first compartment 101. The pusher 110 can move freely in this horizontal direction or can, possibly, be driven by an electric motor.

Après qu'un pain 104 à découper ait été placé dans l'espace de chargement contre la surface de support 103 et sur le support mobile 105, on fait descendre le poussoir 110 d'une position située en haut du premier compartiment 1 jusqu'à ce qu'il entre en contact avec l'extrémité supérieure du pain 104. Lors de ce contact, la longueur du pain 104, suivant ladite direction de déplacement, est, de préférence, déterminée automatiquement. Cette longueur correspond à la distance entre le poussoir 110 et le support mobile 105.After a bread 104 to be cut has been placed in the loading space against the support surface 103 and on the mobile support 105, the pusher 110 is lowered from a position at the top of the first compartment 1 to it comes into contact with the upper end of the bread 104. During this contact, the length of the bread 104, in said direction of movement, is preferably determined automatically. This length corresponds to the distance between the pusher 110 and the mobile support 105.

Le poussoir 110 est, de préférence, également pourvu de moyens d'accrochage 111 pour le pain 104 comme décrit en rapport avec la première forme de réalisation de la machine, suivant l'invention. Ces moyens d'accrochage 111 comprennent par exemple des crochets ou des pinces qui agrippent automatiquement l'extrémité supérieure du pain lorsque le poussoir 110 vient en contact avec le pain 104. Ainsi, ces moyens d'accrochage 111 permettent de tenir l'extrémité du pain 104 opposée à l'extrémité située près du support mobile 105. Néanmoins, la présence des moyens d'accrochage n'est pas nécessairement requise lorsque la machine présente le dispositif de serrage, suivant l'invention.The pusher 110 is preferably also provided with attachment means 111 for the bread 104 as described in connection with the first embodiment of the machine according to the invention. These attachment means 111 comprise, for example, hooks or tongs which automatically grip the upper end of the bread when the pusher 110 comes into contact with the bread 104. Thus, these attachment means 111 make it possible to hold the end of the bread. 104 bread opposite the end located near the movable support 105. Nevertheless, the presence of the attachment means is not necessarily required when the machine has the clamping device according to the invention.

Entre le premier compartiment 101 et le deuxième compartiment, un organe de coupe est prévu qui permet de couper des tranches du pain qui se déplace de ce premier compartiment 101 vers le deuxième compartiment 102. Cet organe de coupe comprend une lame 112 qui est déplacée suivant un plan de coupe dans un espace 113 prévu, à cet effet, entre le premier compartiment 101 et le deuxième compartiment 102.Between the first compartment 101 and the second compartment, a cutting member is provided which cuts slices of bread moving from this first compartment 101 to the second compartment 102. This cutting member comprises a blade 112 which is moved according to a cutting plane in a space 113 provided, for this purpose, between the first compartment 101 and the second compartment 102.

La surface de support 103 comprend, de préférence, une partie 103' qui s'étend dans le deuxième compartiment 102 jusqu'à la partie inférieure de ce dernier pour permettre de faire glisser le pain 104 contre cette surface de support 103 vers le deuxième compartiment 102. Dans un cas tel, ledit plan de coupe s'étend à travers la surface de support 103 de sorte que ledit espace 113 est situé au-dessus de la partie 103' de la surface de support 103. Ladite contre-plaque 109 présente, de préférence, également une partie 109' qui s'étend dans le deuxième compartiment, comme représenté dans les figures 8 à 12. Ladite espace 113 est situé au-dessus de cette partie 109' afin de permettre que la lame 112 se déplace suivant le plan de coupe au-dessus de cette partie 109' de la contre-plaque 109.The support surface 103 preferably includes a portion 103 'which extends into the second compartment 102 to the lower portion thereof to allow the bread 104 to slide against this support surface. 103 in the second compartment 102. In such a case, said cutting plane extends through the support surface 103 so that said space 113 is located above the portion 103 'of the support surface 103. Said against-plate 109 preferably also has a portion 109 'which extends into the second compartment, as shown in FIGS. Figures 8 to 12 . Said space 113 is located above this portion 109 'to allow the blade 112 to move along the cutting plane above this portion 109' of the counterplate 109.

Le pain 104 est déplacé suivant sa direction de déplacement par l'action du poussoir 110 sur des distances successives correspondant à l'épaisseur d'une tranche à couper. Chaque fois que le pain est avancé d'une telle distance, la lame 112 est déplacée à travers l'espace 113 prévu entre les compartiments 101 et 102 pour couper une tranche du pain 104. Après que cette tranche a été coupée, la lame 112 est retirée de l'espace 113 afin de pourvoir avancer le pain 104 pour découper une tranche suivante.The bread 104 is moved in its direction of displacement by the action of the pusher 110 over successive distances corresponding to the thickness of a slice to be cut. Each time the bread is advanced such a distance, the blade 112 is moved through the space 113 provided between the compartments 101 and 102 to cut a slice of the bread 104. After this slice has been cut, the blade 112 is removed from the space 113 in order to advance the bread 104 to cut a next slice.

Lors de l'avancement du pain, les tranches déjà coupées, et en particulier la partie coupée du pain, sont supportées par le support mobile 105. Ce dernier est donc déplacé à une vitesse qui correspond à la vitesse de déplacement du pain 4 ou qui, en particulier, correspond à la vitesse de déplacement du poussoir 110. Le support mobile 105 se déplace, par conséquent, vers le bas du deuxième compartiment au moins jusqu'à la découpe complète en tranches du pain ou au moins jusqu'à ce que le poussoir 110 est positionné à une petite distance au-dessus du plan de coupe.During the advancement of the bread, the slices already cut, and in particular the cut portion of the bread, are supported by the mobile support 105. The latter is moved at a speed which corresponds to the speed of movement of the bread 4 or which , in particular, corresponds to the speed of movement of the pusher 110. The movable support 105 moves, therefore, towards the bottom of the second compartment at least until the complete slicing of the bread or at least until the pusher 110 is positioned a short distance above the cutting plane.

Afin d'éviter que la partie non-coupée du pain repose sur la lame de coupe 112 et exerce une pression sur cette lame 112, le pain est, d'une part, maintenu par les moyens d'accrochage 111 du poussoir 110 et, d'autre part, serré par le dispositif de serrage 106 comprenant au moins un élément de serrage 107.In order to prevent the uncut part of the bread from resting on the cutting blade 112 and exerting pressure on this blade 112, the bread is, on the one hand, held by the attachment means 111 of the pusher 110 and, on the other hand, clamped by the clamping device 106 comprising at least one clamping element 107.

Lors de l'avancement du pain vers le deuxième compartiment 2 à travers le plan de coupe, la section du pain qui est présente dans le premier compartiment 101 et qui est serrée par le dispositif de serrage 106 varie. Par exemple, dès que la moitié d'un pain rond a été coupée, la section de ce pain enserré dans le premier compartiment diminue de façon sensiblement continue.When advancing the bread to the second compartment 2 through the cutting plane, the section of bread that is present in the first compartment 101 and which is clamped by the clamping device 106 varies. For example, as soon as half of a round loaf has been cut, the section of this bread sandwiched in the first compartment decreases substantially continuously.

Afin de pouvoir maintenir ladite pression sur le pain par le dispositif de serrage, lesdits moyens d'entraînement permettent de maintenir l'élément de serrage en contact avec le pain lors de son avancement vers le deuxième compartiment. Ceci a lieu, par exemple, par une détection sensiblement continue de la pression exercée par le pain sur l'élément de serrage et par le déplacement de l'élément de serrage vers le pain, de manière à maintenir un serrage suffisant.In order to be able to maintain said pressure on the bread by the clamping device, said drive means make it possible to maintain the clamping element in contact with the bread as it moves towards the second compartment. This takes place, for example, by a substantially continuous detection of the pressure exerted by the bread on the clamping element and by the displacement of the clamping element towards the bread, so as to maintain sufficient clamping.

Pour avancer le pain 104 vers le deuxième compartiment 102 à travers le plan de coupe, une force de poussée est exercée sur le pain 104 par le poussoir 110 suivant ladite direction de déplacement du pain. En particulier, en tenant compte de la longueur mesurée du pain, le poussoir 110 est de préférence déplacé dans la direction du plan de coupe sur des distances successives correspondant à l'épaisseur d'une tranche.To advance the bread 104 to the second compartment 102 through the cutting plane, a pushing force is exerted on the bread 104 by the pusher 110 in said direction of movement of the bread. In particular, taking into account the measured length of the bread, the pusher 110 is preferably moved in the direction of the cutting plane over successive distances corresponding to the thickness of a slice.

Le pain est déplacé vers le deuxième compartiment en maintenant la force de pression sur le pain par le dispositif de serrage, en particulier par l'élément de serrage. Ainsi, une force de friction est présente entre le pain et le dispositif de serrage qui permet de maintenir le pain dans une position fixe. Pour mouvoir le pain, la force de poussée exercée sur le pain par le poussoir dans la direction du déplacement du pain, est rendue supérieure à ladite force de friction.The bread is moved to the second compartment maintaining the pressing force on the bread by the clamping device, in particular by the clamping element. Thus, a frictional force is present between the bread and the clamping device which keeps the bread in a fixed position. To move the bread, the pushing force exerted on the bread by the pusher in the direction of movement of the bread, is made greater than said friction force.

Donc le poussoir est entraîné suivant la direction de déplacement du pain en étapes successives par des moyens d'entraînement permettant de vaincre la force de friction entre le pain et le dispositif de serrage, pour faire avancer le pain vers le deuxième compartiment suivant des distances successives correspondant à l'épaisseur désirée des tranches.Therefore the pusher is driven in the direction of movement of the bread in successive steps by drive means for overcoming the friction force between the bread and the clamping device, to advance the bread to the second compartment following successive distances corresponding to the desired thickness of the slices.

Au moment où le pain a été coupé complètement en tranches, celui-ci est transporté vers le premier compartiment en montant le support mobile 105. Ce support mobile 105 est de préférence déplacé jusqu'au-delà du niveau du plan de coupe pour pouvoir récupérer le pain coupé du premier compartiment 101. Lors du déplacement ascendant du support mobile 105, le poussoir 110 est également déplacé vers le haut à une vitesse correspondant à la vitesse du support mobile 105. Le poussoir 110 peut éventuellement monter à une vitesse plus élevée que celle du support mobile 105 ou peut d'abord être déplacé vers le haut.When the bread has been cut completely into slices, it is transported to the first compartment by mounting the mobile support 105. This mobile support 105 is preferably moved to beyond the level of the cutting plane to be able to recover the bread cut off from the first compartment 101. During the upward movement of the mobile support 105, the pusher 110 is also moved upwards at a speed corresponding to the speed of the mobile support 105. The pusher 110 may possibly go up at a higher speed than that of the mobile support 105 or can be moved upwards first.

Les moyens d'accrochage 111, lorsqu'ils sont présents, sont automatiquement détachés du pain, par exemple, juste avant la découpe de la dernière tranche ou avant que le poussoir 110 soit remonté après la découpe du pain. Il est également possible que les moyens d'accrochage sont seulement détachés du pain au moment où une porte, qui ferme le premier compartiment, est ouverte pour récupérer le pain coupé.The attachment means 111, when present, are automatically detached from the bread, for example, just before the cutting of the last slice or before the pusher 110 is reassembled after the cutting of the slice. bread. It is also possible that the hooking means are only detached from the bread when a door, which closes the first compartment, is open to recover the cut bread.

Dans une forme de réalisation alternative de l'invention, qui n'est pas représentée dans les figures, la contre-plaque 109, prévue dans le premier compartiment 101, fait partie du dispositif de serrage et est formée par un deuxième élément de serrage. Ainsi, la machine, suivant l'invention, présente deux éléments de serrage 107 qui s'étendent de part et d'autre de l'espace de chargement. Ce deuxième élément de serrage est également déplaçable entre une position éloignée, dans laquelle le pain s'appuie librement contre la surface de support 103, et une position de serrage, dans laquelle le pain est serré entre le premier et le deuxième élément de serrage.In an alternative embodiment of the invention, which is not shown in the figures, the backplate 109, provided in the first compartment 101, is part of the clamping device and is formed by a second clamping member. Thus, the machine according to the invention has two clamping elements 107 which extend on either side of the loading space. This second clamping element is also movable between a remote position, in which the bread is free against the support surface 103, and a clamping position, wherein the bread is clamped between the first and second clamping members.

Par le fait qu'un élément de serrage est prévu à chaque côté latéral du pain 104, ce dernier est positionné dans une position centrale entre les éléments de serrage et, lors de son avancement vers le deuxième compartiment, par l'action du poussoir, la partie non-découpée du pain est maintenue dans cette position centrale. Ainsi, l'on assure que les tranches découpées successivement sont empilées les unes sur les autres d'une manière ordonnée et alignée.In that a clamping element is provided on each lateral side of the bread 104, the latter is positioned in a central position between the clamping elements and, when advancing towards the second compartment, by the action of the pusher, the uncut portion of the bread is held in this central position. Thus, it is ensured that the successively cut slices are stacked one on the other in an orderly and aligned manner.

Suivant encore une autre forme de réalisation de l'invention, l'élément de serrage 107 s'étend dans sa position de serrage en face de la surface de support 103. Ainsi, le pain est enserré dans cette position de serrage entre la surface de support 3 et l'élément de serrage.According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the clamping element 107 extends in its clamping position opposite the support surface 103. Thus, the bread is clamped in this clamping position between the surface of the support 3 and the clamping element.

Dans les figures 13 à 16 une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention est représentée schématiquement. La machine, suivant cette forme de réalisation, diffère entr'autre de celle représentée dans les figures 8 à 12 par le fait que le dispositif de serrage 106 comprend deux éléments de serrage 107 et 107'.In the Figures 13 to 16 a particular embodiment of the invention is shown schematically. The machine, according to this embodiment, differs from the one represented in the Figures 8 to 12 in that the clamping device 106 comprises two clamping elements 107 and 107 '.

Chaqu'un de ces éléments de serrage 107 et 107' comprend une plaque élastique 108, respectivement 108', qui est fixée à sa partie supérieure 114 par rapport à la surface de support 103 et qui s'étend sensiblement transversalement par rapport à cette surface 103. Les éléments de serrage 107 et 107' sont, de préférence, quelque peu courbés et montés dans le premier compartiment 101 afin que l'espace de chargement 115, s'étendant entre les éléments de serrage 108 et 108', présente l'allure d'un entonnoir pour le pain 104 à découper.Each of these clamping members 107 and 107 'comprises a resilient plate 108, respectively 108', which is attached to its upper portion 114 relative to the support surface 103 and which extends substantially transversely to that surface 103. The clamping members 107 and 107 'are preferably somewhat bent and mounted in the first compartment 101 so that the loading space 115, extending between the clamping members 108 and 108', presents the the appearance of a funnel for the bread 104 to be cut.

La partie étroite de cet entonnoir, formé par les éléments de serrage 107 et 107', s'étend à une petite distance au-dessus du plan de coupe, suivant lequel la lame 112 se déplace pour couper le pain.The narrow portion of this funnel, formed by the clamping members 107 and 107 ', extends a short distance above the cutting plane, along which the blade 112 moves to cut the bread.

Lorsqu'un pain 104 est posé dans l'espace de chargement 115 du premier compartiment 101, celui-ci glisse vers le bas contre la surface de support 103 sous l'action de la gravité jusqu'à entrer en contact avec les élément de serrage 107 et 107', comme représenté dans la figure 13. Ces éléments de serrages se déforment quelque peu d'une manière élastique et exercent une force de maintien sur le pain 104 contre l'action de la gravité, afin de maintenir celui-ci dans une position fixe entre les éléments de serrage. Cette force de maintien se manifeste, en particulier, par une force de pression qui est exercée par les éléments de serrage 107 et 107' sur le pain 104.When a roll 104 is placed in the loading space 115 of the first compartment 101, the latter slides downwards against the support surface 103 under the action of gravity until it comes into contact with the clamping elements. 107 and 107 ', as shown in the figure 13 . These clamping elements are deformed somewhat elastically and exert a holding force on the bread 104 against the action of gravity, to maintain it in a fixed position between the clamping elements. This holding force is manifested, in particular, by a pressing force which is exerted by the clamping elements 107 and 107 'on the bread 104.

Un support mobile 105 est prévu dans le deuxième compartiment 102 et s'étend, par exemple, en dessous du plan de coupe à une distance de ce plan correspondant à l'épaisseur d'une tranche. Comme décrit en rapport avec les formes de réalisation précédentes de l'invention, ce support mobile 5 sert à soutenir la partie coupée en tranches du pain.A movable support 105 is provided in the second compartment 102 and extends, for example, below the cutting plane at a distance from this plane corresponding to the thickness of a wafer. As described in connection with the previous embodiments of the invention, this movable support 5 serves to support the sliced portion of the bread.

Pour couper le pain en tranches, le poussoir 110 prévu au-dessus de l'espace de chargement 115 est descendu et exerce une force de poussée sur le pain 104 suivant sa direction de déplacement vers le deuxième compartiment 102. Cette force de poussée est telle à vaincre la force de maintien afin de déplacer le pain 104 vers le deuxième compartiment 102 en des pas discrets successifs correspondants à l'épaisseur désirée d'une tranche.To slice the bread, the pusher 110 provided above the loading space 115 is lowered and exerts a pushing force on the bread 104 in its direction of movement to the second compartment 102. This pushing force is such overcoming the holding force to move the bread 104 to the second compartment 102 in successive discrete steps corresponding to the desired thickness of a wafer.

Dans la figure 7 le poussoir est descendu jusqu'à ce qu'il entre en contact avec le pain à couper. L'on fait alors descendre le poussoir 110 jusqu'à ce que le pain entre en contact avec le support mobile 105, comme représenté dans la figure 15. A ce moment, le pain se trouve dans une position dans laquelle sa découpe peut être entamée et sa longueur peut être mesurée automatiquement pour déterminer, par exemple, le nombre de tranches à couper ou pour choisir une épaisseur des tranches à couper.In the figure 7 the pusher is lowered until it comes into contact with the bread to be cut. The pusher 110 is then lowered until the bread comes into contact with the mobile support 105, as shown in FIG. figure 15 . At this time, the bread is in a position in which its cut can be cut and its length can be measured automatically to determine, for example, the number of slices to cut or to choose a thickness slices to cut.

Lors du déplacement du pain 104, les éléments de serrage 107 et 107' se déforment d'une manière élastique afin de permettre le passage du pain 4 entre ces éléments de serrage 107 et 107' en maintenant une force de pression contre le pain pour empêcher que le pain se déplace sous l'action de la force de gravité.During the displacement of the bread 104, the clamping elements 107 and 107 'are deformed in an elastic manner so as to allow the passage of the bread 4 between these clamping elements 107 and 107' while maintaining a pressing force against the bread to prevent the bread from moving under the force of gravity.

Après chaque déplacement d'une distance correspondant à l'épaisseur désirée d'une tranche, la lame de coupe 112 est déplacée suivant le plan de coupe à travers l'espace 113 prévue, à cet effet, pour découper une tranche du pain.After each movement a distance corresponding to the desired thickness of a slice, the cutting blade 112 is moved along the cutting plane through the space 113 provided, for this purpose, to cut a slice of the bread.

Le mouvement descendant du support mobile 105 est synchronisé avec le mouvement du poussoir 110 afin de soutenir la partie coupée du pain au fur et au mesure de l'avancement du pain, comme représenté à la figure 16.The downward movement of the mobile support 105 is synchronized with the movement of the pusher 110 to support the cut portion of the bread as the bread advances, as shown in FIG. figure 16 .

A la fin de la découpe du pain 104, le poussoir est positionné au-dessus du plan de coupe à une distance de celui-ci correspondant à l'épaisseur de la dernière tranche coupée.At the end of cutting bread 104, the pusher is positioned above the cutting plane at a distance therefrom corresponding to the thickness of the last slice cut.

Pour permettre de remonter le pain coupé vers le premier compartiment 101, les éléments de serrage 107 et 107' sont retirés vers une position éloignée l'un de l'autre par l'action des moyens d'entraînement prévus à cet effet, de sorte que la distance, dans un plan parallèle au plan de coupe, entre les éléments de serrage 108 et 108' est supérieure à la largeur du pain coupé suivant ce plan.To enable the cut bread to be brought up to the first compartment 101, the clamping elements 107 and 107 'are withdrawn to a position remote from each other by the action of the drive means provided for this purpose, so that that the distance, in a plane parallel to the cutting plane, between the clamping elements 108 and 108 'is greater than the width of the bread cut in this plane.

Le pain coupé est, ensuite, remonté vers le premier compartiment 101 en déplaçant le support mobile 105 avec le pain vers ce premier compartiment 101. Après l'arrivée du pain coupé dans le premier compartiment 101, le poussoir 110 est éloigné de l'extrémité du pain correspondant pour permettre d'enlever le pain du premier compartiment 101.The cut bread is then reassembled to the first compartment 101 by moving the mobile support 105 with the bread towards this first compartment 101. After the arrival of the cut bread in the first compartment 101, the pusher 110 is moved away from the end corresponding bread to allow the bread to be removed from the first compartment 101.

L'invention n'est bien entendu pas limitée aux différentes formes de réalisation décrites ci-dessus et représentées aux figures annexées, mais que bien d'autres variantes pourraient être envisagées sans sortir du cadre de l'invention.The invention is of course not limited to the various embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying figures, but that many other variants could be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Ainsi, les éléments de serrage 107 et 107', formés par des plaques élastiques 108, de la forme de réalisation de l'invention représentée aux figures 13 à 16, peuvent également être déplacés par des moyens d'entrainement, comme c'est le cas dans la forme de réalisation montrée aux figures 8 à 12.Thus, the clamping members 107 and 107 ', formed by elastic plates 108, of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. Figures 13 to 16 , can also be moved by drive means, as is the case in the embodiment shown in FIGS. Figures 8 to 12 .

Les éléments de serrage ne sont pas nécessairement limités à des plaques élastiques ou non-élastiques, mais peuvent également comprendre une ou plusieurs courroies souples s'étendant essentiellement suivant le sens de déplacement du pain. Lorsque l'élément de serrage est déplacée vers ladite position de serrage, cet élément de serrage se déforme quelque peu afin de s'adapter à la forme du côté latéral correspondant du pain.The clamping members are not necessarily limited to resilient or non-elastic plates, but may also include one or several flexible belts extending essentially in the direction of movement of the bread. When the clamping member is moved to said clamping position, this clamping member is deformed somewhat to accommodate the shape of the corresponding lateral side of the roll.

Une telle courroie souple peut être formée par un convoyeur à bande, dont la partie dirigée vers le pain s'étend essentiellement suivant ladite direction de déplacement du pain. Dans un cas tel, la force de poussée peut être exercée partiellement ou entièrement par cette courroie souple lorsque cette dernière est entraînée suivant sa direction longitudinale.Such a flexible belt may be formed by a belt conveyor, the bread-directed portion of which extends substantially in the direction of movement of the bread. In such a case, the thrust force can be exerted partially or entirely by this flexible belt when the latter is driven in its longitudinal direction.

Alternativement, lorsque l'élément de serrage est formé par un convoyeur à bande, par la force de poussée, exercée par le poussoir 110 sur le pain, le convoyeur est entraîné par le pain suite à la force de frottement présente entre le convoyeur et le pain.Alternatively, when the clamping element is formed by a conveyor belt, by the pushing force exerted by the pusher 110 on the bread, the conveyor is driven by the bread due to the friction force present between the conveyor and the bread.

Les différentes formes de réalisation de la machine, suivant l'invention, peuvent comprendre le poussoir avec les moyens d'accrochage et le dispositif de serrage coopérant dans une seule machine. Il est également possible que la machine comprend seulement le dispositif de serrage ou seulement le poussoir avec les moyens d'accrochage, pour maintenir le pain à l'encontre de la gravité. Ceci est également le cas pour le procédé suivant l'invention.The various embodiments of the machine according to the invention may comprise the pusher with the hooking means and the clamping device cooperating in a single machine. It is also possible that the machine comprises only the clamping device or only the pusher with the attachment means, to maintain the bread against gravity. This is also the case for the process according to the invention.

Comme d'écrit plus haut, l'invention concerne une machine à couper automatique un pain, en particulier une trancheuse à pain, présentant une surface de support pour le pain, qui est de préférence légèrement inclinée par rapport à la verticale. Cette surface de support s'étendant le long des deux compartiments 1 et 5 est, en particulier, inclinée d'un angle inférieur à 45° par rapport à une direction verticale et de préférence inférieur 20° par rapport à la direction verticale. Néanmoins, il est également possible que cette surface de support s'étend essentiellement verticalement.As described above, the invention relates to a machine for automatically cutting a bread, in particular a bread slicer, having a support surface for the bread, which is preferably slightly inclined relative to the vertical. This support surface extending along the two compartments 1 and 5 is, in particular, inclined at an angle less than 45 ° with respect to a vertical direction and preferably less than 20 ° with respect to the vertical direction. Nevertheless, it is also possible that this support surface extends substantially vertically.

Claims (13)

  1. Machine for automatically slicing a loaf of bread (2, 104) or a similar product, comprising:
    - a first input and output compartment (1,101), which is connected to a second receiving compartment (5,102),
    - a cutting member (16,112) for cutting slices of bread (2,104) between the first and second compartment,
    - a support surface (3,103) for the loaf of bread (2,104), said surface being provided in the first compartment (1,101) and extending vertically or inclined at an angle of less than 45° with respect to a vertical direction and defining a direction of movement of the bread (2,104) extending parallel to the support surface (3,103),
    - a movable push rod (6,110) arranged in the first compartment (1,101) and which can be moved in said direction of movement of the bread (2,104) in order to move the bread (2,104) to the second compartment (5,102),
    - a movable support (4,105) provided in the second compartment (5,102) which can be moved in said direction of movement of the bread (2,104) so as to support the sliced portion of the bread,
    whereby this machine is characterised in that said movable push rod (6,110) comprises gripping means (7,111) for gripping and holding the loaf of bread (2,104) against the action of gravity in order to hold the uncut portion of the bread in successive fixed positions in the first compartment (1,101), the gripping means (7,111) being retractable in relation to the push rod (6,110) and being movable between a withdrawn position and an extended position, making it possible to grip and hold the bread (2,104) in the extended position, means being provided to drive said push rod (6,110) in said direction of movement of the bread (2,104) towards the latter and to advance it towards the second compartment (5,102) following steps corresponding to the thickness of a slice to be cut, in which the machine has a proximity detection system for the bread (2,104) with respect to the push rod (6,110) to drive the gripping means (7,111) from the withdrawn position to their extended position so as to grip the bread (2,104) when it comes into contact with the push rod (6,110) or is positioned at a short distance from the latter.
  2. Machine according to claim 1, wherein the gripping means (7) comprise at least one hook (8) that can penetrate the bread (2,104) so as to grip and hold it.
  3. Machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the proximity detection system for the bread (2,104) comprises a detector which is attached to the push rod (6,110), said detector being provided to detect the proximity of the bread (2,104) or the bread (2,104) making contact with the push rod (6,110).
  4. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detection system comprises a plate (10) which is pivotally mounted to the push rod (6,110) on the side of the movable support (4,105), said plate (10) cooperating with a switch which controls the gripping means (7,111), so that, when said plate (10) is rotated following the contact with the bread (2,104), when the push rod (6,110) moves down in the direction of the movable support (4,105), an electric signal is generated which triggers the driving of the gripping means (7,111).
  5. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detection system comprises a capacitive proximity sensor cooperating with the gripping means (7,111)) to drive them when a loaf of bread (2,104) is detected being in the vicinity of the push rod (6,110).
  6. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cutting member (16,112) comprises a blade which can be moved along a cutting plane extending substantially transversely to said direction of movement of the loaf of bread (2,104), between the first compartment (1,101) and the second compartment (5,102).
  7. Machine according to claim 6, wherein said blade (16) is circular in shape and is driven about its central axis.
  8. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the movable support (4, 105) is driven in the direction of movement of the loaf of bread so as to allow it to be transported, after it has been completely sliced, to the first compartment (1, 101).
  9. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one clamping device (106) is present in the first compartment (101), mounted in such a way as to be able to exert a holding force on the loaf of bread (104) against the action of gravity in order to hold it in a fixed position in the first compartment (101) depending on the position of the movable push rod (110), means being provided to drive said push rod (110) in said direction of movement of the loaf of bread and to overcome the holding force of the bread (104), so as to advance the bread (104) towards the second compartment (102).
  10. Machine according to claim 9, wherein the clamping device (106) is mounted in such a way as to exert a holding force formed by a pressure force in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the bread, said push rod (110) drive means allowing to overcome a friction force resulting from said pressure force and which is present between the bread (104) and the clamping device (106) in order to advance the bread (104).
  11. Method for automatically slicing a loaf of bread (2) or a similar product, wherein a loaf of bread (2) is placed against a support surface (3) in a first input and output compartment (1), and is then moved downwards in a direction of movement towards a second receiving compartment (5), said direction being substantially vertical or inclined at an angle of less than 45° with respect to a vertical direction, during the movement of the loaf of bread (2) being sliced between the first and second compartment while the cut portion of the loaf of bread (2) is being supported by a movable support (4) moving along said direction of movement at a speed substantially equal to the moving speed of the loaf of bread (2), characterised in that, after the loaf of bread has been placed against said support surface (3), the upper end (9) of the bread (2) is gripped by gripping means (7) and this end (9) of the bread is being held against the force of gravity as it moves down while being cut into slices, after which the gripping means (7) are moved at a speed substantially equal to the speed of the movable support (4), the bread (2) being moved towards the second compartment (5) in discrete steps by maintaining the upper end (9) of the bread by the gripping means (7) in such a way as to advance the bread (2) until it has been completely cut into slices, after which the sliced bread (2) is transported in said direction of movement towards the first compartment (1) so that it can be collected as sliced, wherein the loaf of bread (2) to be sliced is placed against the support surface (3) between the movable support (4) and the gripping means (7), and the gripping means (7) are then lowered towards the bread (2) as the proximity of the bread (2) in relation to the gripping means (7) is being detected, and as soon as the bread (2) is close to the gripping means (7), the bread (2) is gripped by the gripping means (7).
  12. Method according to claim 11 in which the bread (2) is held by its end (9) opposite the end near the movable support (4) when advancing the bread (2) to the second compartment (5).
  13. Method according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein, in the first compartment, a lateral holding force is exerted on the loaf of bread in such a way as to keep the bread in a fixed position against gravity, the bread being moved to the second compartment (102) in discrete steps by maintaining said holding force and exerting a pushing force on the bread (104) in the direction of movement of the bread, said pushing force being greater than said holding force so as to advance the bread (104) until it is completely sliced, after which the sliced bread is transported in said direction of movement towards the first compartment (101) in order to be able to collect it as sliced.
EP16756601.7A 2015-08-03 2016-08-01 Vertical bread cutting machine with gripping means for the bread Active EP3331674B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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BE2015/5491A BE1024087B1 (en) 2015-08-03 2015-08-03 VERTICAL CUTTING MACHINE HAVING HANGING MEANS
PCT/EP2016/068354 WO2017021381A1 (en) 2015-08-03 2016-08-01 Vertical bread-cutting machine having hanging means

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EP3331674A1 EP3331674A1 (en) 2018-06-13
EP3331674B1 true EP3331674B1 (en) 2019-10-02

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WO (1) WO2017021381A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

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EP3831558A1 (en) 2019-12-05 2021-06-09 Bizerba SE & Co. KG Bread cutting machine with cutting process aid and preferential operating method

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BE1028272B1 (en) * 2020-05-06 2021-12-06 Jac S A OBLIQUE BREAD SLICER

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DE9310092U1 (en) * 1993-07-07 1993-10-28 Gebr. Herlitzius GmbH & Co KG, 59494 Soest Bread slicer
DE9313637U1 (en) * 1993-09-09 1993-11-25 MHS Schneidetechnik GmbH, 74223 Flein Bread slicer
GB2446565B (en) * 2007-02-15 2009-01-07 Aew Delford Systems Ltd Gripping food products in slicing machines
DE102014001511B4 (en) * 2014-02-06 2015-08-20 Rudi Siller Cutting machine and cutting method for rope-shaped food

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3831558A1 (en) 2019-12-05 2021-06-09 Bizerba SE & Co. KG Bread cutting machine with cutting process aid and preferential operating method
WO2021110361A1 (en) 2019-12-05 2021-06-10 Bizerba SE & Co. KG Bread cutting machine with cutting process aid, and preferred operating method

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WO2017021381A1 (en) 2017-02-09
BE1024087A1 (en) 2017-11-10
BE1024087B1 (en) 2017-11-13
EP3331674A1 (en) 2018-06-13

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