EP3347178B1 - Vertical machine for cutting and stacking slices of a loaf of bread and corresponding method - Google Patents

Vertical machine for cutting and stacking slices of a loaf of bread and corresponding method Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3347178B1
EP3347178B1 EP16777540.2A EP16777540A EP3347178B1 EP 3347178 B1 EP3347178 B1 EP 3347178B1 EP 16777540 A EP16777540 A EP 16777540A EP 3347178 B1 EP3347178 B1 EP 3347178B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bread
loaf
cut
movement
slices
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
EP16777540.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3347178B8 (en
EP3347178A1 (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
Application filed by Jac SA filed Critical Jac SA
Priority to PL16777540T priority Critical patent/PL3347178T3/en
Publication of EP3347178A1 publication Critical patent/EP3347178A1/en
Publication of EP3347178B1 publication Critical patent/EP3347178B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3347178B8 publication Critical patent/EP3347178B8/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status 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
    • B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
    • B26D1/01—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work
    • B26D1/12—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis
    • B26D1/14—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a circular cutting member, e.g. disc cutter
    • B26D1/157—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a circular cutting member, e.g. disc cutter rotating about a movable axis
    • B26D1/16—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a circular cutting member, e.g. disc cutter rotating about a movable axis mounted on a movable arm or the like
    • 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
    • B26D7/0683—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form specially adapted for elongated articles
    • 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
    • B26D2007/0012—Details, accessories or auxiliary or special operations not otherwise provided for
    • B26D2007/0018—Trays, reservoirs for waste, chips or cut 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • B26D2007/013—Means for holding or positioning work the work being tubes, rods or logs
    • 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
    • B26D7/27—Means for performing other operations combined with cutting
    • B26D7/32—Means for performing other operations combined with cutting for conveying or stacking cut product
    • B26D2007/327—Means for performing other operations combined with cutting for conveying or stacking cut product the cut products being slices of bread
    • 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 invention relates to a machine for automatically slicing bread or the like.
  • This machine comprises a loading compartment connected to a receiving compartment and a cutting device for cutting slices of the bread when the latter is moved from the loading compartment to the receiving compartment.
  • a bread support surface extends into the two compartments and defines a direction of movement of the bread parallel to the support surface.
  • a slot is provided between the aforesaid compartments extending essentially transversely with respect to the direction of movement. The cutter can move through this slot in a reciprocating motion to cut slices of the bread.
  • the loading compartment comprises a wall formed by a guide surface which extends in the direction of movement of the bread and which is substantially transverse with respect to the support surface.
  • the document DE 9310092 describes a bread slicer in which the bread is transported in a vertical direction and is sliced on its downward motion.
  • the cut bread must be collected in a different compartment from that in which the bread to be cut has been introduced.
  • the document FROM 4431808 offers a bread slicer in which the bread is cut into slices during its upward movement.
  • the uncut part of the bread rests on the cutting blade while cutting a slice of the bread or the part cut into slices rests on the blade. cutting. This can cause several problems, such as, for example, the displacement of the uncut part of the bread relative to the cut slices or the distortion of the crumb of the bread.
  • the object of the invention is to remedy these problems by providing a machine for automatically cutting a loaf in which the cut slices of the loaf are stacked on top of each other in a regular manner during its cutting during its downward movement.
  • the machine comprises a bearing surface which extends into the receiving compartment in the extension of the guide surface and which is separated from the latter by a slot to allow passage of the device. cutting through this slit.
  • the bearing surface is followed by a sliding surface forming a flaring of the receiving compartment allowing a free fall of a cut slice of the bread towards its already cut part.
  • the machine comprises a gutter extending in the direction of movement of the bread to guide the latter during its movement between the loading compartment and the receiving compartment.
  • This gutter having a bottom formed by the aforesaid support surface.
  • a side wall of this gutter comprises said guide surface, the bearing surface and the sliding surface, the latter forming a flare of the gutter in a direction substantially parallel to the support surface.
  • the cutting device comprises a circular blade extending in the cutting plane.
  • This blade is mounted on a drive arm making it possible to subject the blade to a reciprocating movement in the cutting plane while the blade is driven around its central axis.
  • the sliding surface comprises a part inclined with respect to the direction of movement of the bread, which is connected to the bearing surface, and a part extending substantially parallel to the surface. guidance.
  • the receiving compartment has a side wall comprising the bearing surface and the sliding surface.
  • a pusher with hooking means is provided making it possible to grip the upper end of the bread.
  • This pusher is movable in the direction of movement of the bread to enable the bread to be moved towards the receiving compartment when it is being cut into slices.
  • the machine comprises a movable support for holding the cut part of the bread, drive means being provided to move the movable support in the direction of movement of the bread.
  • the invention also relates to a method for automatically slicing a loaf or the like, in which a loaf is placed in a loading compartment against a support surface and against a guide surface extending substantially transversely to the surface. support surface in such a way that an area of the bread, having the widest section transversely to the support surface, comes into contact with the guide surface.
  • the bread is then moved downward, in a direction of travel, to a receiving compartment as it slides against the support surface.
  • Said direction of movement is substantially vertical or inclined at an angle of less than 45 ° with respect to a vertical direction.
  • This method is characterized in that, when a slice is cut from said area of the bread, this area is supported laterally by said guide surface above the cutting plane and by a bearing surface below this. plan.
  • the stack is then moved at a distance from this cutting plane which is greater than the height of the bearing surface in the direction of movement of the bread plus the thickness of the wafer concerned to allow the fall of this slice after its cutting on the stack.
  • the upper end of the bread is grasped after it has been placed against said support surface and this end is held against gravity during its movement. descending while slices are cut.
  • the bread is moved towards the receiving compartment in discrete steps corresponding approximately to the thickness of the slices while maintaining the upper end of the bread until it is completely cut into slices.
  • the stack formed by the cut bread is, after its complete cutting, transported in said direction of movement towards the loading compartment in order to be able to recover it in the cut state.
  • the figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a loading compartment with an uncut bread and of the receiving compartment of the machine of the invention according to the prior state of the art.
  • the figure 2 is a view similar to that of the figure 1 when the bread is moved a certain distance towards the receiving compartment during its cutting into slices.
  • the figure 3 is a view similar to that of figures 1 and 2 , showing the bread completely sliced in the receiving compartment.
  • the figure 4 is a view similar to that of figures 1 to 3 showing sliced bread in the load compartment.
  • the figure 5 is a schematic front view of the loading compartment and the receiving compartment of the machine, according to the prior art of the technique, as shown in figures 1 to 4 , when part of a loaf has been sliced.
  • the figure 6 is a schematic perspective view from above of the sectional plane of a detail of the machine, according to the invention.
  • the figure 7 is a schematic perspective view from below of the sectional plane of the detail of the machine of the figure 6 .
  • the figures 8 to 12 show a schematic front view of the loading compartment and the receiving compartment of the machine, according to the invention, with different stages when a bread is cut into slices.
  • the figures 13 to 16 present a schematic front view of the loading compartment and of the receiving compartment of the machine showing different stages of the slicing of a loaf, according to a very interesting embodiment of the invention.
  • the machine according to the invention constitutes, in general, an automatic bread slicer in which a bread to be cut is moved in a direction of movement in the machine. During this movement, the slices are cut one after the other in a direction transverse to said direction of movement.
  • This compartment 1 has a support surface 2 for the bread 3 having a plate which extends substantially vertically or which is inclined at an angle ⁇ less than 30 °, in particular, less than 20 °, relative to the vertical.
  • This support surface 2 extends into a receiving compartment 4 and has a slot 5 which delimits this receiving compartment 1 with respect to the loading compartment 4.
  • the loading compartment 1 also has a wall formed by a guide surface 11 which extends into the receiving compartment 4.
  • the guide surface 11 extends substantially transversely with respect to the support surface 2 and has a slot. 12 between the two compartments 1 and 4.
  • the machine also comprises a movable support 6 for the bread 3 extending, preferably, transversely with respect to the support surface 2.
  • This movable support 6 is driven, for example, by an electric motor to transport the bread 3 from the compartment. load 1 to the receiving compartment 4 and vice versa.
  • the bread 2 To cut the bread 2 into slices, it is placed with the side, which forms the bottom of the bread 3, against the support surface 2 in the loading compartment 1 while it is supported by the movable support 6.
  • the bread 3 preferably bears with a lateral side against the guide surface 11.
  • the bread 3 then undergoes a downward movement towards the receiving compartment 4 while it is guided by the support surface 2 and by the surface guide 11 following a corresponding movement of the movable support 6.
  • this support surface 2 determines the direction of movement of the bread, according to which the bread 3 and the movable support 6 are moved.
  • a cutting device 7 comprising a cutting blade 8 which moves through the bread 3 in a horizontal or transverse direction with respect to the direction of movement. , as shown schematically in the figure 2 .
  • the cutting device 7 moves through the slots 5 and 12.
  • the cutting blade 8 comprises a circular blade which is driven around its central axis, as indicated by arrow 9, as it is moved through the bread 3, as indicated by arrow 10, in the direction of the surface. guide 11. After each passage of the cutting blade 8, the bread 3 is lowered by a distance corresponding more or less to the thickness of one slice before cutting the next slice. The cutting device 7 is therefore moved in a reciprocating movement. Thus, a cut bread is obtained, the slices of which are stacked on the mobile support 6.
  • the stack formed by the slices of the bread 3, is transported in said direction of movement towards the loading compartment 1 in order to be able to recover the bread 3 in the cut state.
  • a movable pusher 13 is provided in the loading compartment 1.
  • This pusher 13 has hooking means in the form of movable hooks 14 making it possible to grip the end. upper bread 3.
  • the pusher 13 is driven in the direction of movement of the bread 3 and allows it to be moved towards the receiving compartment when it is being cut into slices while maintaining its upper end. The uncut part of the bread 3 is therefore suspended from the pusher 13 by the hooks 14 during its cutting.
  • the figure 5 shows, in such a case, the stacking of the cut slices in the receiving compartment 4. Following the movement of the blade 8 through the bread 3 towards the guide surface 11, the slices 15 are somewhat carried away by the blade 8 This is especially the case for the slices which come from the place of the area of the bread having the widest section transversely with respect to the support surface 1.
  • the invention proposes to remedy this problem, as shown in figures 6 and 7 .
  • the machine according to the prior art as described above, is modified by having an alternative shape for the part of the guide surface 11 which extends into the receiving compartment 4.
  • the machine for cutting a loaf 3 automatically into slices comprises a bearing surface 16, which extends into the receiving compartment 4 in the extension of the guide surface 11.
  • This bearing surface 16 is separated from the guide surface 11 by the slot 12 to allow the passage of the cutting device 7 through this slot 12.
  • the upper edge of this bearing surface 16 therefore extends in the plane of the guide surface 2 and, preferably, parallel to the section plane. This allows the bread 3 to move, without catching the edges of the slot 12, over this slot towards the loading compartment 1 or towards the receiving compartment 4.
  • the bearing surface 16 is followed by a sliding surface 17 which forms a flaring of the receiving compartment 4.
  • This sliding surface 17 has a first part adjacent to the bearing surface 16, which is inclined with respect to the latter. , and a second part 18, extending substantially parallel to the guide surface 11. This second part 18 is optional and is offset with respect to the guide surface 11.
  • the machine therefore comprises a gutter which extends in the direction of movement of the bread 3 to guide the latter during its movement between the loading compartment 1 and the receiving compartment 4.
  • the support surface 2 forms the bottom of this gutter and the assembly of said guide surface 11, of the bearing surface 16 and of the sliding surface 17 forms part of a side wall of this gutter.
  • the bearing surface 16 defined, in particular, a flaring of the gutter in a direction substantially parallel to the support surface 2 and transverse to the guide surface 11.
  • the cutting device 7 comprises a circular blade 8 which extends in the cutting plane.
  • This blade 8 is mounted on a drive arm 18, one end of which is mounted to pivot relative to the frame of the machine, while the opposite end 19 of this arm 18 has the circular blade 8.
  • the drive arm is moved in a reciprocating motion along the cutting plane in order to direct the blade 8 towards the guide surface 11 through the slot 12 to cut successive slices.
  • the drive arm is moved, together with the blade 8, through the slot 5 as it moves back and forth to cut slices of bread. Simultaneously, the blade 8 is driven around its central axis. Following the movement of the arm 18, the blade 8 also passes through the slot 12 adjacent to the guide surface 11 and the bearing surface 16.
  • the drive arm 18 is mounted on the lower face of the blade 8, so that the upper face of this blade 8 is kept substantially smooth to avoid any catching on the bread 3 during the cutting of the slices.
  • the end 19 of the drive arm 18, which extends below the blade 8, has an inclined wedge-shaped side surface.
  • a loaf 3 to be cut into slices is placed on the movable support 6 in the receiving compartment 1.
  • This loaf is positioned with the bottom against the support surface 2 and with its lateral side in contact with the guide surface 11.
  • the area 20 of the bread 3, having the widest section transversely with respect to the support surface 2 is brought into contact with the guide surface 2.
  • the pusher 13 is moved to the upper end bread 3 so that the hooks 14 of the pusher 13 can grip this end.
  • the movable support 6 is positioned below the level of the section plane.
  • the pusher 13 is raised by a sufficient distance so that a first slice of the lower end of the bread 3 can be cut.
  • the bread 3 is suspended from the pusher 13 by means of the hooks 14.
  • the movable support 6 is lowered a certain distance in order to create a space between the movable support 6 and the bread 3 which allows the cut slices to fall. to the mobile support 6, as described below.
  • the bread 3 is then moved downward, in the direction of movement, towards the receiving compartment 4, driving the movable support 6 and the pusher 13.
  • the bread slides against the support surface 2 and slices 15 are cut from the bread 3, as illustrated in the figures 9 and 10 , by the back and forth movement of the blade 8 along the cutting plane between the loading compartment 1 and the receiving compartment 4.
  • the blade 8 moves in a synchronized manner with the advancement of the bread 8 towards the receiving compartment 4.
  • the cut slices 15 are successively stacked on the movable support 6, below the cutting plane, forming a stack 21 having parallel slices 15 in the receiving compartment 4. During the slicing of the bread 3, this stack 21 is moved downward in said direction of travel.
  • the movable support 6 Before cutting a slice 15, the movable support 6 is lowered together with the stack 21, in order to create a distance, between the stack and the slice 15 which will be cut from the bread 3, which is sufficient for this slice 15 to be able to fall in free fall, after its cutting, towards the stack 21, as illustrated in figure 9 .
  • this slice 15 can fall freely, without being encumbered, it is placed in a regular manner on the stack 21 and parallel to the slices already contained in this stack 21.
  • said distance between the stack and the bread is at least equal to the thickness of a slice 15 and, preferably, greater than this thickness or greater than the total of the height of the driving arm 18 in the compartment. reception 4, depending on the direction of movement of the bread, and the thickness of a slice 15.
  • the bread 3 is moved towards the receiving compartment 4 in discrete steps corresponding, preferably, to the thickness of the slices 15 while maintaining the upper end of the bread by the pusher 13 until it is completely cut.
  • the stack 21, formed by the cut bread 3 is then transported in the direction of movement towards the loading compartment 1, driving the movable support 6, in order to be able to recover it in the cut state. It goes without saying that before the cut bread 3 is removed from the loading compartment 1, its upper end is released from the hooks 14.
  • the area 20 of the loaf is advantageously guided by the upper part of the sliding surface 17 adjacent to the bearing surface 16.
  • FIG. 13 to 16 an alternative embodiment of the machine, according to the invention, is shown.
  • This embodiment differs mainly from the embodiment of the invention shown in figures 8 to 12 in that the side wall of the aforesaid gutter, or, in particular, the side wall of the loading compartment 1 and of the receiving compartment 4 is slightly inclined with respect to the vertical.
  • this bread 3 is placed automatically on the support surface 2 and against the guide surface 11.
  • This wall comprising the guide surface 11 and the second part 18 of the sliding surface, is, for example, inclined at an angle ⁇ less than 30 ° or 15 ° relative to the vertical direction.
  • this angle ⁇ is less than 10 ° or of the order of 5 °, for example 3 °.
  • Said gutter therefore does not necessarily have a cross section which looks like a U, but can also have a V section.
  • the latter is returned to the loading compartment 1 by the upward movement of the movable support 6.
  • the stack 21 of the slices 15 is guided by the sliding surface 17 and hooking of the edges 15, for example, to the lower edge of the guide surface 11 is avoided.
  • This upward movement of the stack 21 is illustrated in figure 16 .
  • only the guide surface 11 is inclined relative to the vertical, as described above, while the bearing surface 16 and the second part 18 of the sliding surface 17 extend substantially vertically.
  • the slot 5 in the support surface 2 is advantageously closed when the blade 8 is not present in this slot 5.
  • the machine preferably comprises at least one movable closure member which makes it possible to close the free part of the slot 5 as the cutting device 7 advances or retreats through the slot 5.
  • the bread 3 can slide on the surface of this closure member during its movement between the compartments in the direction of movement of the bread.
  • the sliding surface 17 has a second part 18, but it can only include a first inclined part which is adjacent to the bearing surface 16.
  • the height of the bearing surface 16, depending on the direction of movement of the bread, is preferably of the order of the thickness of a slice 15, but it may be less than or greater than this thickness.
  • the movable support 6 is positioned in the receiving compartment 4 when a bread 3 to be cut is introduced into the machine, according to the invention. It is clear that it is also possible that this movable support 6 is moved into the loading compartment 1 before a bread to be cut is introduced.
  • This movable support 6 can optionally have a hollow upper surface, in which the lower end of the bread can be housed.
  • the support surface 2 is preferably straight, but it can also be curved. It is, for example, possible that the part of the support surface 2, which extends into the receiving compartment, constitutes a support surface adjacent to the first slot 5.
  • This support surface is, for example, analogous to that provided in the extension of the guide surface 11 and is advantageously also followed by a sliding surface forming a flaring of the receiving compartment 4. This allows a free fall of a cut slice 15 of the bread 3 towards the part already cut bread.
  • the invention relates to a machine for automatically cutting bread, in particular a bread slicer, having a support surface 2 for the bread 3, which is preferably slightly inclined with respect to the vertical.
  • This support surface 2 is, in particular, inclined at an angle less than 45 ° relative to a vertical direction and preferably less than 30 ° or 15 ° relative to the vertical direction.
  • this support surface 2 extends essentially vertically.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Forests & Forestry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Details Of Cutting Devices (AREA)
  • Bakery Products And Manufacturing Methods Therefor (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne une machine à découper automatiquement en tranches un pain ou une denrée analogue. Cette machine comprend un compartiment de chargement connecté à un compartiment de réception et un dispositif de coupe permettant de couper des tranches du pain lorsque celui-ci est déplacé du compartiment de chargement vers le compartiment de réception.The invention relates to a machine for automatically slicing bread or the like. This machine comprises a loading compartment connected to a receiving compartment and a cutting device for cutting slices of the bread when the latter is moved from the loading compartment to the receiving compartment.

Une surface de support pour le pain s'étend dans les deux compartiments et définie une direction de déplacement du pain parallèlement à la surface de support. Dans la surface de support une fente est prévue entre les compartiments susdits s'étendant essentiellement transversalement par rapport à la direction de déplacement. Le dispositif de coupe peut se déplacer à travers cette fente suivant un mouvement de va-et-vient pour couper des tranches du pain.A bread support surface extends into the two compartments and defines a direction of movement of the bread parallel to the support surface. In the support surface a slot is provided between the aforesaid compartments extending essentially transversely with respect to the direction of movement. The cutter can move through this slot in a reciprocating motion to cut slices of the bread.

Le compartiment de chargement comprend une paroi formée par une surface de guidage qui s'étend suivant la direction de déplacement du pain et qui est sensiblement transversale par rapport à la surface de support.The loading compartment comprises a wall formed by a guide surface which extends in the direction of movement of the bread and which is substantially transverse with respect to the support surface.

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 technique.Such bread cutting machines, in which the bread is moved in a substantially vertical direction, are known from the prior art.

Le document DE 9310092 décrit une trancheuse de pain dans laquelle le pain est transporté dans une direction verticale et est coupé en tranches lors de son mouvement descendant. De plus, dans la machine de DE 9310092 le pain coupé doit être récupéré dans un compartiment différent de celui dans lequel le pain à couper a été introduit. Le document DE 4431808 propose une trancheuse de pain dans laquelle le pain est coupé en tranches lors de son mouvement ascendant.The document DE 9310092 describes a bread slicer in which the bread is transported in a vertical direction and is sliced on its downward motion. In addition, in the machine of DE 9310092 the cut bread must be collected in a different compartment from that in which the bread to be cut has been introduced. The document FROM 4431808 offers a bread slicer in which the bread is cut into slices during its upward movement.

Lors de l'utilisation de telles machines appartenant à l'art antérieur de la technique, la partie non-coupée du pain repose sur la lame de coupe pendant la découpe d'une tranche du pain ou la partie coupée en tranches repose sur la lame de coupe. 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.When using such machines belonging to the prior art of the art, the uncut part of the bread rests on the cutting blade while cutting a slice of the bread or the part cut into slices rests on the blade. cutting. This can cause several problems, such as, for example, the displacement of the uncut part of the bread relative to the cut slices or the distortion of the crumb of the bread.

Ainsi, la formation d'un entassement automatique régulier des tranches coupées du pain se révèle être problématique. Suite au frottement entre la lame de coupe et le pain, les tranches découpées ont tendance à être emportées quelque peu par le mouvement de la lame. Ceci empêche que les tranches coupées successivement sont entassées régulièrement l'une sur l'autre.Thus, the formation of a regular automatic piling of the cut slices of the bread proves to be problematic. Due to the friction between the cutting blade and the bread, the cut slices tend to be carried away somewhat by the movement of the blade. This prevents the successively cut slices from being stacked evenly one on top of the other.

L'invention a pour but de remédier à ces problèmes en offrant une machine à couper automatiquement un pain dans laquelle les tranches découpées du pain sont empilées les unes sur les autres d'une manière régulière lors de sa découpe pendant son mouvement descendant.The object of the invention is to remedy these problems by providing a machine for automatically cutting a loaf in which the cut slices of the loaf are stacked on top of each other in a regular manner during its cutting during its downward movement.

A cet effet, suivant l'invention, la machine comprend une surface d'appui qui s'étend dans le compartiment de réception dans le prolongement de la surface de guidage et qui est séparée de cette dernière par une fente pour permettre le passage du dispositif de coupe à travers cette fente. La surface d'appui est suivie par une surface de glissement formant un évasement du compartiment de réception permettant une chute libre d'une tranche coupée du pain vers sa partie déjà coupée.To this end, according to the invention, the machine comprises a bearing surface which extends into the receiving compartment in the extension of the guide surface and which is separated from the latter by a slot to allow passage of the device. cutting through this slit. The bearing surface is followed by a sliding surface forming a flaring of the receiving compartment allowing a free fall of a cut slice of the bread towards its already cut part.

Avantageusement, la machine comprend une gouttière s'étendant suivant la direction de déplacement du pain pour guider ce dernier lors de son déplacement entre le compartiment de chargement et le compartiment de réception. Cette gouttière présentant un fond formé par la surface de support susdite. Une paroi latérale de cette gouttière comprend ladite surface de guidage, la surface d'appui et la surface de glissement, cette dernière formant un évasement de la gouttière dans une direction sensiblement parallèle à la surface de support.Advantageously, the machine comprises a gutter extending in the direction of movement of the bread to guide the latter during its movement between the loading compartment and the receiving compartment. This gutter having a bottom formed by the aforesaid support surface. A side wall of this gutter comprises said guide surface, the bearing surface and the sliding surface, the latter forming a flare of the gutter in a direction substantially parallel to the support surface.

Suivant une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, le dispositif de coupe comprend une lame circulaire s'étendant dans le plan de coupe. Cette lame est montée sur un bras d'entrainement permettant de soumettre la lame à un mouvement de va-et-vient dans le plan de coupe pendant que la lame est entraînée autour de son axe central.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the cutting device comprises a circular blade extending in the cutting plane. This blade is mounted on a drive arm making it possible to subject the blade to a reciprocating movement in the cutting plane while the blade is driven around its central axis.

Suivant une forme de réalisation intéressante de l'invention, la surface de glissement comprend une partie inclinée par rapport à la direction de déplacement du pain, qui est connectée à la surface d'appui, et une partie s'étendant sensiblement parallèle à la surface de guidage.According to an interesting embodiment of the invention, the sliding surface comprises a part inclined with respect to the direction of movement of the bread, which is connected to the bearing surface, and a part extending substantially parallel to the surface. guidance.

Suivant une forme de réalisation préférentielle de l'invention, le compartiment de réception présente une paroi latérale comprenant la surface d'appui et la surface de glissement.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiving compartment has a side wall comprising the bearing surface and the sliding surface.

Suivant une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, un poussoir avec des moyens d'accrochage est prévu permettant de saisir l'extrémité supérieure du pain. Ce poussoir est mobile suivant la direction de déplacement du pain pour permettre de déplacer le pain vers le compartiment de réception lors de sa découpe en tranches.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, a pusher with hooking means is provided making it possible to grip the upper end of the bread. This pusher is movable in the direction of movement of the bread to enable the bread to be moved towards the receiving compartment when it is being cut into slices.

D'une manière intéressante, la machine comprend un support mobile pour maintenir la partie coupée du pain, des moyens d'entraînement étant prévus pour déplacer le support mobile suivant la direction de déplacement du pain.Interestingly, the machine comprises a movable support for holding the cut part of the bread, drive means being provided to move the movable support in the direction of movement of the bread.

L'invention concerne également un procédé pour découper automatiquement en tranches un pain ou une denrée analogue, suivant lequel on place un pain dans un compartiment de chargement contre une surface de support et contre une surface de guidage s'étendant sensiblement transversalement par rapport à la surface de support d'une manière telle à ce qu'une zone du pain, présentant la section la plus large transversalement par rapport à la surface de support, vient en contact avec la surface de guidage. On déplace le pain ensuite en descendant, suivant une direction de déplacement, vers un compartiment de réception pendant qu'il glisse contre la surface de support. Ladite direction de déplacement est sensiblement verticale ou inclinée d'un angle inférieur à 45° par rapport à une direction verticale.The invention also relates to a method for automatically slicing a loaf or the like, in which a loaf is placed in a loading compartment against a support surface and against a guide surface extending substantially transversely to the surface. support surface in such a way that an area of the bread, having the widest section transversely to the support surface, comes into contact with the guide surface. The bread is then moved downward, in a direction of travel, to a receiving compartment as it slides against the support surface. Said direction of movement is substantially vertical or inclined at an angle of less than 45 ° with respect to a vertical direction.

Lors du déplacement du pain, celui-ci est coupé en tranches entre le compartiment de chargement et le compartiment de réception selon un plan de coupe par un dispositif de coupe se déplaçant suivant un mouvement de va-et-vient vers le côté de la surface de guidage. Les tranches découpées sont successivement empilées en-dessous du plan de coupe en formant un empilage présentant des tranches parallèles dans le compartiment de réception. Cet empilage est déplacé vers le bas suivant ladite direction de déplacement.When moving the bread, it is cut into slices between the loading compartment and the receiving compartment according to a cutting plane by a cutting device moving in a back and forth movement towards the side of the surface guidance. The cut slices are successively stacked below the cutting plane, forming a stack having parallel slices in the receiving compartment. This stack is moved downward in said direction of movement.

Ce procédé est caractérisé par le fait que, lorsqu'une tranche est découpée de ladite zone du pain, cette zone est soutenue latéralement par ladite surface de guidage au-dessus du plan de coupe et par une surface d'appui en-dessous de ce plan. L'empilage est alors déplacé à une distance de ce plan de coupe qui est supérieure à la hauteur de la surface d'appui dans la direction de déplacement du pain plus l'épaisseur de la tranche concernée pour permettre la chute de cette tranche après sa découpe sur l'empilage.This method is characterized in that, when a slice is cut from said area of the bread, this area is supported laterally by said guide surface above the cutting plane and by a bearing surface below this. plan. The stack is then moved at a distance from this cutting plane which is greater than the height of the bearing surface in the direction of movement of the bread plus the thickness of the wafer concerned to allow the fall of this slice after its cutting on the stack.

Suivant une forme de réalisation préférentielle du procédé, suivant l'invention, on saisit l'extrémité supérieure du pain après qu'il a été placé contre ladite surface de support et on maintient cette extrémité à l'encontre de la gravité lors de son déplacement descendant pendant que des tranches sont coupées.According to a preferred embodiment of the method, according to the invention, the upper end of the bread is grasped after it has been placed against said support surface and this end is held against gravity during its movement. descending while slices are cut.

Suivant une forme de réalisation particulière du procédé, suivant l'invention, le pain est déplacé vers le compartiment de réception suivant des pas discrets correspondant approximativement à l'épaisseur des tranches en maintenant l'extrémité supérieure du pain jusqu'à sa découpe complète en tranches.According to a particular embodiment of the method, according to the invention, the bread is moved towards the receiving compartment in discrete steps corresponding approximately to the thickness of the slices while maintaining the upper end of the bread until it is completely cut into slices.

De préférence, l'empilage formé par le pain découpé est, après sa découpe complète, transporté dans ladite direction de déplacement vers le compartiment de chargement afin de pouvoir le récupérer à l'état découpé.Preferably, the stack formed by the cut bread is, after its complete cutting, transported in said direction of movement towards the loading compartment in order to be able to recover it in the cut state.

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.Other details and features of the invention will emerge from the description given below, by way of nonlimiting example, of some particular embodiments of the machine and of the method according to the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

La figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un compartiment de chargement avec un pain non-coupé et du compartiment de réception de la machine de l'invention suivant l'état antérieur de la technique.The figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a loading compartment with an uncut bread and of the receiving compartment of the machine of the invention according to the prior state of the art.

La figure 2 est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 1 lorsque le pain est déplacé d'une certaine distance vers le compartiment de réception lors de sa découpe en tranches.The figure 2 is a view similar to that of the figure 1 when the bread is moved a certain distance towards the receiving compartment during its cutting into slices.

La figure 3 est une vue analogue à celle des figures 1 et 2, montrant le pain complètement découpé en tranches dans le compartiment de réception.The figure 3 is a view similar to that of figures 1 and 2 , showing the bread completely sliced in the receiving compartment.

La figure 4 est une vue analogue à celle des figures 1 à 3 montrant le pain découpé dans le compartiment de chargement.The figure 4 is a view similar to that of figures 1 to 3 showing sliced bread in the load compartment.

La figure 5 est une vue schématique frontale du compartiment de chargement et du compartiment de réception de la machine, suivant l'art antérieur de la technique, comme représentée aux figures 1 à 4, lorsqu'une partie d'un pain a été coupée en tranches.The figure 5 is a schematic front view of the loading compartment and the receiving compartment of the machine, according to the prior art of the technique, as shown in figures 1 to 4 , when part of a loaf has been sliced.

La figure 6 est une vue schématique en perspective du dessus du plan de coupe d'un détail de la machine, suivant l'invention.The figure 6 is a schematic perspective view from above of the sectional plane of a detail of the machine, according to the invention.

La figure 7 est une vue schématique en perspective d'en-dessous du plan de coupe du détail de la machine de la figure 6.The figure 7 is a schematic perspective view from below of the sectional plane of the detail of the machine of the figure 6 .

Les figures 8 à 12 montrent une vue schématique frontale du compartiment de chargement et du compartiment de réception de la machine, suivant l'invention, avec différentes étapes lorsqu'un pain est coupé en tranches.The figures 8 to 12 show a schematic front view of the loading compartment and the receiving compartment of the machine, according to the invention, with different stages when a bread is cut into slices.

Les figures 13 à 16 présentent une vue schématique frontale du compartiment de chargement et du compartiment de réception de la machine montrant différentes étapes de la coupe en tranches d'un pain, suivant une forme de réalisation très intéressante de l'invention.The figures 13 to 16 present a schematic front view of the loading compartment and of the receiving compartment of the machine showing different stages of the slicing of a loaf, according to a very interesting embodiment of the invention.

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

La machine, suivant l'invention, constitue, en général, une trancheuse à pain automatique dans laquelle un pain à couper est déplacé suivant une direction de déplacement dans la machine. Lors de ce déplacement, les tranches sont coupées l'une après l'autre dans une direction transversale par rapport à ladite direction de déplacement.The machine according to the invention constitutes, in general, an automatic bread slicer in which a bread to be cut is moved in a direction of movement in the machine. During this movement, the slices are cut one after the other in a direction transverse to said direction of movement.

Pour couper le pain en tranches, celui-ci est placé dans un compartiment de chargement 1 d'une trancheuse, comme représenté dans la figure 1. Ce compartiment 1 présente une surface de support 2 pour le pain 3 présentant une plaque qui s'étend sensiblement verticalement ou qui est inclinée d'un angle α inférieur à 30°, en particulier, inférieur à 20°, par rapport à la verticale.To cut the bread into slices, it is placed in a loading compartment 1 of a slicer, as shown in figure 1 . This compartment 1 has a support surface 2 for the bread 3 having a plate which extends substantially vertically or which is inclined at an angle α less than 30 °, in particular, less than 20 °, relative to the vertical.

Cette surface de support 2 s'étend jusque dans un compartiment de réception 4 et présente une fente 5 qui délimite ce compartiment de réception 1 par rapport au compartiment de chargement 4.This support surface 2 extends into a receiving compartment 4 and has a slot 5 which delimits this receiving compartment 1 with respect to the loading compartment 4.

Le compartiment de chargement 1 présente également une paroi formée par une surface de guidage 11 qui s'étend jusque dans le compartiment de réception 4. La surface de guidage 11 s'étend sensiblement transversalement par rapport à la surface de support 2 et présente une fente 12 entre les deux compartiments 1 et 4.The loading compartment 1 also has a wall formed by a guide surface 11 which extends into the receiving compartment 4. The guide surface 11 extends substantially transversely with respect to the support surface 2 and has a slot. 12 between the two compartments 1 and 4.

La machine comprend également un support mobile 6 pour le pain 3 s'étendant, de préférence, transversalement par rapport à la surface de support 2. Ce support mobile 6 est entraîné, par exemple, par un moteur électrique pour transporter le pain 3 du compartiment de chargement 1 vers le compartiment de réception 4 et vice-versa.The machine also comprises a movable support 6 for the bread 3 extending, preferably, transversely with respect to the support surface 2. This movable support 6 is driven, for example, by an electric motor to transport the bread 3 from the compartment. load 1 to the receiving compartment 4 and vice versa.

Pour couper le pain 2 en tranches, celui-ci est placé avec le côté, qui forme le fond du pain 3, contre la surface de support 2 dans le compartiment de chargement 1 pendant qu'il est supporté par le support mobile 6. Le pain 3 s'appuie, de préférence, avec un côté latéral contre la surface de guidage 11. Le pain 3 subit alors un déplacement descendant vers le compartiment de réception 4 pendant qu'il est guidé par la surface de support 2 et par la surface de guidage 11 suivant un mouvement correspondant du support mobile 6. Ainsi, cette surface de support 2 détermine la direction de déplacement du pain, suivant laquelle le pain 3 et le support mobile 6 sont déplacés.To cut the bread 2 into slices, it is placed with the side, which forms the bottom of the bread 3, against the support surface 2 in the loading compartment 1 while it is supported by the movable support 6. The bread 3 preferably bears with a lateral side against the guide surface 11. The bread 3 then undergoes a downward movement towards the receiving compartment 4 while it is guided by the support surface 2 and by the surface guide 11 following a corresponding movement of the movable support 6. Thus, this support surface 2 determines the direction of movement of the bread, according to which the bread 3 and the movable support 6 are moved.

Lors du mouvement du pain 3, celui-ci est coupé en tranches au moyen d'un dispositif de coupe 7 comprenant une lame de coupe 8 qui se déplace à travers le pain 3 suivant une direction horizontale ou transversale par rapport à la direction de déplacement, comme représenté schématiquement dans la figure 2. Lors de la découpe d'une tranche du pain 3, le dispositif de coupe 7 se déplace à travers les fentes 5 et 12.During the movement of the bread 3, the latter is cut into slices by means of a cutting device 7 comprising a cutting blade 8 which moves through the bread 3 in a horizontal or transverse direction with respect to the direction of movement. , as shown schematically in the figure 2 . When cutting a slice of the bread 3, the cutting device 7 moves through the slots 5 and 12.

La lame de coupe 8 comprend une lame circulaire qui est entraînée autour de son axe central, comme indiqué par la flèche 9, pendant qu'elle est déplacée à travers le pain 3, comme indiqué par la flèche 10, dans la direction de la surface de guidage 11. Après chaque passage de la lame de coupe 8, le pain 3 est descendu d'une distance correspondant plus ou moins à l'épaisseur d'une tranche avant de couper la tranche suivante. Le dispositif de coupe 7 est donc déplacé suivant un mouvement de va-et-vient. Ainsi, un pain coupé est obtenu dont les tranches sont empilées sur le support mobile 6.The cutting blade 8 comprises a circular blade which is driven around its central axis, as indicated by arrow 9, as it is moved through the bread 3, as indicated by arrow 10, in the direction of the surface. guide 11. After each passage of the cutting blade 8, the bread 3 is lowered by a distance corresponding more or less to the thickness of one slice before cutting the next slice. The cutting device 7 is therefore moved in a reciprocating movement. Thus, a cut bread is obtained, the slices of which are stacked on the mobile support 6.

Après que le pain 3 ait été coupé complètement en tranches, comme représenté dans la figure 3, l'empilage, formé par les tranches du pain 3, est transporté suivant ladite direction de déplacement vers le compartiment de chargement 1 pour pouvoir récupérer le pain 3 à l'état découpé.After bread 3 has been cut completely into slices, as shown in the figure 3 , the stack, formed by the slices of the bread 3, is transported in said direction of movement towards the loading compartment 1 in order to be able to recover the bread 3 in the cut state.

Généralement, après que le pain ait été placé contre ladite surface de support pour le couper en tranches, on saisit l'extrémité supérieure du pain 3 et on maintient cette extrémité à l'encontre de la gravité lors de son déplacement descendant pendant que des tranches sont coupées. A cet effet, un poussoir mobile 13 est prévu dans le compartiment de chargement 1. Ce poussoir 13 présente des moyens d'accrochage sous forme de crochets mobiles 14 permettant de saisir l'extrémité supérieure du pain 3. Le poussoir 13 est entraîné suivant la direction de déplacement du pain 3 et permet de le déplacer vers le compartiment de réception lors de sa découpe en tranches en maintenant son extrémité supérieure. La partie non-coupée du pain 3 est, par conséquent, suspendue au poussoir 13 par les crochets 14 lors de sa découpe.Generally, after the bread has been placed against said support surface to cut it into slices, the upper end of the loaf 3 is grasped and this end is held against gravity as it moves downward while the slices are being sliced. are cut. For this purpose, a movable pusher 13 is provided in the loading compartment 1. This pusher 13 has hooking means in the form of movable hooks 14 making it possible to grip the end. upper bread 3. The pusher 13 is driven in the direction of movement of the bread 3 and allows it to be moved towards the receiving compartment when it is being cut into slices while maintaining its upper end. The uncut part of the bread 3 is therefore suspended from the pusher 13 by the hooks 14 during its cutting.

Dans une trancheuse à pain automatique, suivant l'art antérieur, comme représentée aux figures 1 à 4, l'entassement des tranches découpées du pain est généralement irrégulier. De plus, suite à cet entassement irrégulier, lorsque le pain coupé en tranches est déplacé du compartiment de réception 4 vers le compartiment de chargement 1, les tranches les plus larges s'accrochent au bord inférieur de la partie de la surface de guidage 11 s'étendant dans le compartiment de chargement 1.In an automatic bread slicer, according to the prior art, as shown in figures 1 to 4 , the piling of the cut slices of the bread is generally irregular. In addition, as a result of this irregular piling, when the sliced bread is moved from the receiving compartment 4 to the loading compartment 1, the wider slices catch on the lower edge of the part of the guide surface 11 s 'extending into the load compartment 1.

La figure 5 montre, dans un tel cas, l'empilage des tranches découpées dans le compartiment de réception 4. Suite au mouvement de la lame 8 à travers le pain 3 vers la surface de guidage 11, les tranches 15 sont quelque peu emmenées par la lame 8. Ceci est surtout le cas pour les tranches qui proviennent de l'endroit de la zone du pain présentant la section la plus large transversalement par rapport à la surface de support 1.The figure 5 shows, in such a case, the stacking of the cut slices in the receiving compartment 4. Following the movement of the blade 8 through the bread 3 towards the guide surface 11, the slices 15 are somewhat carried away by the blade 8 This is especially the case for the slices which come from the place of the area of the bread having the widest section transversely with respect to the support surface 1.

Ainsi, un empilage de tranches 15 est obtenu, dont les tranches s'appuient contre la surface de guidage 11 et sont inclinées contre cette surface 11, comme montré schématiquement à la figure 5.Thus, a stack of slices 15 is obtained, the slices of which bear against the guide surface 11 and are inclined against this surface 11, as shown schematically on figure 5 .

L'invention propose de remédier à ce problème, comme montré aux figures 6 et 7. Ainsi, la machine suivant l'art antérieur, comme décrite ci-dessus, est modifiée en présentant une forme alternative pour la partie de la surface de guidage 11 qui s'étend dans le compartiment de réception 4.The invention proposes to remedy this problem, as shown in figures 6 and 7 . Thus, the machine according to the prior art, as described above, is modified by having an alternative shape for the part of the guide surface 11 which extends into the receiving compartment 4.

La machine à découper un pain 3 automatiquement en tranches, suivant l'invention, comprend une surface d'appui 16, qui s'étend dans le compartiment de réception 4 dans le prolongement de la surface de guidage 11. Cette surface d'appui 16 est séparée de la surface de guidage 11 par la fente 12 pour permettre le passage du dispositif de coupe 7 à travers cette fente 12. Le bord supérieur de cette surface d'appui 16 s'étend donc dans le plan de la surface de guidage 2 et, de préférence, parallèlement au plan de coupe. Ceci permet que le pain 3 se déplace, sans s'accrocher aux bords de la fente 12, par-dessus de cette fente vers le compartiment de chargement 1 ou vers le compartiment de réception 4.The machine for cutting a loaf 3 automatically into slices, according to the invention, comprises a bearing surface 16, which extends into the receiving compartment 4 in the extension of the guide surface 11. This bearing surface 16 is separated from the guide surface 11 by the slot 12 to allow the passage of the cutting device 7 through this slot 12. The upper edge of this bearing surface 16 therefore extends in the plane of the guide surface 2 and, preferably, parallel to the section plane. This allows the bread 3 to move, without catching the edges of the slot 12, over this slot towards the loading compartment 1 or towards the receiving compartment 4.

La surface d'appui 16 est suivie par une surface de glissement 17 qui forme un évasement du compartiment de réception 4. Cette surface de glissement 17 présente une première partie adjacente à la surface d'appui 16, qui est inclinée par rapport à cette dernière, et une deuxième partie 18, s'étendant sensiblement parallèlement à la surface de guidage 11. Cette deuxième partie 18 est optionnelle et est décalée par rapport à la surface de guidage 11.The bearing surface 16 is followed by a sliding surface 17 which forms a flaring of the receiving compartment 4. This sliding surface 17 has a first part adjacent to the bearing surface 16, which is inclined with respect to the latter. , and a second part 18, extending substantially parallel to the guide surface 11. This second part 18 is optional and is offset with respect to the guide surface 11.

La machine, suivant l'invention, comprend donc une gouttière qui s'étend suivant la direction de déplacement du pain 3 pour guider ce dernier lors de son déplacement entre le compartiment de chargement 1 et le compartiment de réception 4. La surface de support 2 forme le fond de cette gouttière et l'ensemble de ladite surface de guidage 11, de la surface d'appui 16 et de la surface de glissement 17 fait partie d'une paroi latérale de cette gouttière. La surface d'appui 16 définie, en particulier, un évasement de la gouttière dans une direction sensiblement parallèle à la surface de support 2 et transversale par rapport à la surface de guidage 11.The machine, according to the invention, therefore comprises a gutter which extends in the direction of movement of the bread 3 to guide the latter during its movement between the loading compartment 1 and the receiving compartment 4. The support surface 2 forms the bottom of this gutter and the assembly of said guide surface 11, of the bearing surface 16 and of the sliding surface 17 forms part of a side wall of this gutter. The bearing surface 16 defined, in particular, a flaring of the gutter in a direction substantially parallel to the support surface 2 and transverse to the guide surface 11.

Comme illustré aux figures 6 et 7, le dispositif de coupe 7 comprend une lame circulaire 8 qui s'étend dans le plan de coupe. Cette lame 8 est montée sur un bras d'entrainement 18, dont une extrémité est montée à pivotement par rapport au châssis de la machine, tandis que l'extrémité opposée 19 de ce bras 18 présente la lame circulaire 8. Le bras d'entrainement est déplacé suivant un mouvement de va-et-vient selon le plan de coupe afin de diriger la lame 8 vers la surface de guidage 11 à travers la fente 12 pour couper des tranches successives. Le bras d'entrainement est déplacé, ensemble avec la lame 8, à travers la fente 5 lors de son mouvement de va-et-vient pour couper des tranches du pain. Simultanément, la lame 8 est entraînée autour de son axe central. Suite au mouvement du bras 18, la lame 8 traverse également la fente 12 adjacente à la surface de guidage 11 et la surface d'appui 16.As shown in figures 6 and 7 , the cutting device 7 comprises a circular blade 8 which extends in the cutting plane. This blade 8 is mounted on a drive arm 18, one end of which is mounted to pivot relative to the frame of the machine, while the opposite end 19 of this arm 18 has the circular blade 8. The drive arm is moved in a reciprocating motion along the cutting plane in order to direct the blade 8 towards the guide surface 11 through the slot 12 to cut successive slices. The drive arm is moved, together with the blade 8, through the slot 5 as it moves back and forth to cut slices of bread. Simultaneously, the blade 8 is driven around its central axis. Following the movement of the arm 18, the blade 8 also passes through the slot 12 adjacent to the guide surface 11 and the bearing surface 16.

Le bras d'entrainement 18 est monté à la face inférieure de la lame 8, de telle sorte que la face supérieure de cette lame 8 est maintenue sensiblement lisse pour éviter tout accrochage au pain 3 pendant la découpe des tranches.The drive arm 18 is mounted on the lower face of the blade 8, so that the upper face of this blade 8 is kept substantially smooth to avoid any catching on the bread 3 during the cutting of the slices.

L'extrémité 19 du bras d'entrainement 18, qui s'étend en-dessous de la lame 8, présente une surface latérale inclinée en forme de coin. Ainsi, le contact entre le bras d'entraînement 18 et une tranche 15, qui est découpée du pain 3, est évité. S'il y aurait néanmoins un contact entre l'extrémité 19 du bras 18 et la tranche 15, cette tranche 15 est conduite vers l'empilage des tranches, suite à la présence de la surface latérale inclinée.The end 19 of the drive arm 18, which extends below the blade 8, has an inclined wedge-shaped side surface. Thus, the contact between the driving arm 18 and a slice 15, which is cut from the bread 3, is avoided. If there would nevertheless be a contact between the end 19 of the arm 18 and the section 15, this wafer 15 is led to the stack of wafers, due to the presence of the inclined side surface.

Dans les figures 8 à 12 la découpe des tranches du pain, suivant l'invention, est expliquée. Comme illustré dans la figure 8, un pain 3 à couper en tranches est placé sur le support mobile 6 dans le compartiment de réception 1. Ce pain est positionné avec le fond contre la surface de support 2 et avec son côté latéral en contact avec la surface de guidage 11. En particulier, la zone 20 du pain 3, présentant la section la plus large transversalement par rapport à la surface de support 2, est mise en contact avec la surface de guidage 2. Ensuite, le poussoir 13 est déplacé jusqu'à l'extrémité supérieure du pain 3 pour que les crochets 14 du poussoir 13 puissent saisir cette extrémité.In the figures 8 to 12 the cutting of the slices of bread, according to the invention, is explained. As illustrated in the figure 8 , a loaf 3 to be cut into slices is placed on the movable support 6 in the receiving compartment 1. This loaf is positioned with the bottom against the support surface 2 and with its lateral side in contact with the guide surface 11. In In particular, the area 20 of the bread 3, having the widest section transversely with respect to the support surface 2, is brought into contact with the guide surface 2. Then, the pusher 13 is moved to the upper end bread 3 so that the hooks 14 of the pusher 13 can grip this end.

Dans le cas représenté à la figure 8, le support mobile 6 est positionné en-dessous du niveau du plan de coupe. Avant d'entamer la découpe en tranches du pain, le poussoir 13 est remonté d'une distance suffisante pour qu'une première tranche de l'extrémité inférieure du pain 3 puisse être découpée. Ainsi, le pain 3 est suspendu au poussoir 13 au moyen des crochets 14. Eventuellement, le support mobile 6 est descendu d'une certaine distance afin de créer un espace entre le support mobile 6 et le pain 3 qui permet que les tranches découpées tombent vers le support mobile 6, comme décrit ci-dessous.In the case shown in figure 8 , the movable support 6 is positioned below the level of the section plane. Before starting to cut the bread into slices, the pusher 13 is raised by a sufficient distance so that a first slice of the lower end of the bread 3 can be cut. Thus, the bread 3 is suspended from the pusher 13 by means of the hooks 14. Optionally, the movable support 6 is lowered a certain distance in order to create a space between the movable support 6 and the bread 3 which allows the cut slices to fall. to the mobile support 6, as described below.

Le pain 3 est ensuite déplacé en descendant, suivant la direction de déplacement, vers le compartiment de réception 4, en entraînant le support mobile 6 et le poussoir 13. Lors de ce déplacement avec des pas discrets correspondant à l'épaisseur d'une tranche, ou approximativement correspondant à l'épaisseur d'une tranche, le pain glisse contre la surface de support 2 et des tranches 15 sont découpées du pain 3, comme illustré dans les figures 9 et 10, par le mouvement de va-et-vient de la lame 8 suivant le plan de coupe entre le compartiment de chargement 1 et le compartiment de réception 4. La lame 8 se déplace d'une manière synchronisée avec l'avancement du pain 8 vers le compartiment de réception 4.The bread 3 is then moved downward, in the direction of movement, towards the receiving compartment 4, driving the movable support 6 and the pusher 13. During this movement with discrete steps corresponding to the thickness of a slice , or approximately corresponding to the thickness of a slice, the bread slides against the support surface 2 and slices 15 are cut from the bread 3, as illustrated in the figures 9 and 10 , by the back and forth movement of the blade 8 along the cutting plane between the loading compartment 1 and the receiving compartment 4. The blade 8 moves in a synchronized manner with the advancement of the bread 8 towards the receiving compartment 4.

Les tranches 15 découpées sont successivement empilées sur le support mobile 6, en-dessous du plan de coupe, en formant un empilage 21 présentant des tranches 15 parallèles dans le compartiment de réception 4. Pendant la découpe en tranches du pain 3 cet empilage 21 est déplacé vers le bas suivant ladite direction de déplacement.The cut slices 15 are successively stacked on the movable support 6, below the cutting plane, forming a stack 21 having parallel slices 15 in the receiving compartment 4. During the slicing of the bread 3, this stack 21 is moved downward in said direction of travel.

Avant de découper une tranche 15, le support mobile 6 est descendu ensemble avec l'empilage 21, afin de créer une distance, entre l'empilage et la tranche 15 qui sera découpée du pain 3, qui soit suffisante pour que cette tranche 15 puisse tomber en chute libre, après sa découpe, vers l'empilage 21, comme illustré à la figure 9. Par le fait que cette tranche 15 peut tomber librement, sans être encombrée, elle se pose d'une manière régulière sur l'empilage 21 et parallèlement aux tranches déjà contenues dans cet empilage 21.Before cutting a slice 15, the movable support 6 is lowered together with the stack 21, in order to create a distance, between the stack and the slice 15 which will be cut from the bread 3, which is sufficient for this slice 15 to be able to fall in free fall, after its cutting, towards the stack 21, as illustrated in figure 9 . By the fact that this slice 15 can fall freely, without being encumbered, it is placed in a regular manner on the stack 21 and parallel to the slices already contained in this stack 21.

De préférence, ladite distance entre l'empilage et le pain est au moins égale à l'épaisseur d'une tranche 15 et, de préférence, supérieure à cette épaisseur ou supérieure au total de la hauteur du bras d'entrainement 18 dans le compartiment de réception 4, suivant la direction de déplacement du pain, et l'épaisseur d'une tranche 15.Preferably, said distance between the stack and the bread is at least equal to the thickness of a slice 15 and, preferably, greater than this thickness or greater than the total of the height of the driving arm 18 in the compartment. reception 4, depending on the direction of movement of the bread, and the thickness of a slice 15.

Lorsqu'une tranche 15 est découpée de ladite zone 20 du pain 3, cette zone 20 est soutenue latéralement par la surface de guidage 11 au-dessus du plan de coupe et par la surface d'appui 16 en-dessous de ce plan, comme illustré dans la figure 10. Avant que la tranche 15 tombe en chute libre vers l'empilage 21, ce dernier est déplacé à une distance du plan de coupe qui est supérieure à la hauteur de la surface d'appui 16, dans la direction de déplacement du pain 3, en plus de l'épaisseur de la tranche 15 concernée. Ainsi, la tranche 15, qui vient d'être découpée, peut tomber en chute libre vers l'empilage 21 sans qu'elle vienne en contact avec la paroi latérale du compartiment de réception 4 à la hauteur de l'évasion formée par la surface de glissement 17. Même si une tranche 15 est déplacée latéralement vers la surface d'appui 16, suite au frottement qui pourrait être présent entre la lame 8 et cette tranche 15, une chute libre de la tranche 15 est obtenue par la présence de l'évasement du compartiment de réception 4 formé par la surface de glissement 17. En particulier, la tranche 15 tombe en chute libre dans l'espace entre le niveau inférieur de la surface d'appui 16 et le côté supérieur de l'empilage 21.When a slice 15 is cut from said zone 20 of the bread 3, this zone 20 is supported laterally by the guide surface 11 above the cutting plane and by the bearing surface 16 below this plane, as illustrated in the figure 10 . Before the wafer 15 falls in free fall towards the stack 21, the latter is moved at a distance from the cutting plane which is greater than the height of the bearing surface 16, in the direction of movement of the bread 3, in more than the thickness of the wafer 15 concerned. Thus, the wafer 15, which has just been cut, can fall in free fall towards the stack 21 without it coming into contact with the side wall of the receiving compartment 4 at the height of the escape formed by the surface. sliding 17. Even if a wafer 15 is moved laterally towards the bearing surface 16, following the friction which could be present between the blade 8 and this wafer 15, a free fall of the wafer 15 is obtained by the presence of the The flaring of the receiving compartment 4 formed by the sliding surface 17. In particular, the edge 15 falls in free fall in the space between the lower level of the bearing surface 16 and the upper side of the stack 21.

De cette façon le pain 3 est déplacé vers le compartiment de réception 4 suivant des pas discrets correspondant, de préférence, à l'épaisseur des tranches 15 en maintenant l'extrémité supérieure du pain par le poussoir 13 jusqu'à sa découpe complète . L'empilage 21, formé par le pain 3 découpé, est ensuite transporté dans la direction de déplacement vers le compartiment de chargement 1, en entraînant le support mobile 6, afin de pouvoir le récupérer à l'état découpé. Il va de soi qu'avant que le pain coupé 3 est enlevé du compartiment de chargement 1, son extrémité supérieure est libérée des crochets 14.In this way the bread 3 is moved towards the receiving compartment 4 in discrete steps corresponding, preferably, to the thickness of the slices 15 while maintaining the upper end of the bread by the pusher 13 until it is completely cut. The stack 21, formed by the cut bread 3, is then transported in the direction of movement towards the loading compartment 1, driving the movable support 6, in order to be able to recover it in the cut state. It goes without saying that before the cut bread 3 is removed from the loading compartment 1, its upper end is released from the hooks 14.

Lors du déplacement ascendant du pain coupé 3 vers le compartiment de chargement 1, la zone 20 du pain est, avantageusement, guidée par la partie supérieure de la surface de glissement 17 adjacente à la surface d'appui 16.During the upward movement of the cut loaf 3 towards the loading compartment 1, the area 20 of the loaf is advantageously guided by the upper part of the sliding surface 17 adjacent to the bearing surface 16.

Dans les figures 13 à 16 une forme de réalisation alternative de la machine, suivant l'invention, est représentée. Cette forme de réalisation se distingue principalement de la forme de réalisation de l'invention représentée aux figures 8 à 12 par le fait que la paroi latérale de la gouttière susdite, ou, en particulier, la paroi latérale du compartiment de chargement 1 et du compartiment de réception 4 est légèrement inclinée par rapport à la verticale. Ainsi, lorsqu'on place un pain 3 dans le compartiment de chargement 1, comme illustré dans la figure 13, ce pain 3 se pose automatiquement sur la surface de support 2 et contre la surface de guidage 11.In the figures 13 to 16 an alternative embodiment of the machine, according to the invention, is shown. This embodiment differs mainly from the embodiment of the invention shown in figures 8 to 12 in that the side wall of the aforesaid gutter, or, in particular, the side wall of the loading compartment 1 and of the receiving compartment 4 is slightly inclined with respect to the vertical. Thus, when placing a loaf 3 in the loading compartment 1, as illustrated in figure 13 , this bread 3 is placed automatically on the support surface 2 and against the guide surface 11.

Cette paroi, comprenant la surface de guidage 11 et la deuxième partie 18 de la surface de glissement, est, par exemple, inclinée d'un angle α inférieur à 30° ou à 15° par rapport à la direction verticale. De préférence, cet angle α est inférieur à 10° ou de l'ordre de 5°, par exemple 3°.This wall, comprising the guide surface 11 and the second part 18 of the sliding surface, is, for example, inclined at an angle α less than 30 ° or 15 ° relative to the vertical direction. Preferably, this angle α is less than 10 ° or of the order of 5 °, for example 3 °.

Ladite gouttière ne présente, par conséquent, pas nécessairement une section transversale qui a l'allure d'un U, mais peut également avoir une section en V.Said gutter therefore does not necessarily have a cross section which looks like a U, but can also have a V section.

Suite à l'inclinaison de la surface de guidage 11 et de la partie inférieure 18 de la surface de glissement 17, au moins certaines des tranches découpées contenues dans l'empilage 21 peuvent venir en contact avec cette partie inférieure 18 de la surface de glissement 17, comme illustré dans la figure 15.Following the inclination of the guide surface 11 and of the lower part 18 of the sliding surface 17, at least some of the cut slices contained in the stack 21 can come into contact with this lower part 18 of the sliding surface. 17, as illustrated in figure 15 .

Après que le pain ait été complètement coupé en tranches 15, celui-ci est remonté vers le compartiment de chargement 1 par le mouvement ascendant du support mobile 6. Lors de ce déplacement du pain découpé, l'empilage 21 des tranches 15 est guidé par la surface de glissement 17 et un accrochement des tranches 15, par exemple, au bord inférieur de la surface de guidage 11 est évité. Ce déplacement ascendant de l'empilage 21 est illustré dans la figure 16.After the bread has been completely cut into slices 15, the latter is returned to the loading compartment 1 by the upward movement of the movable support 6. During this movement of the cut bread, the stack 21 of the slices 15 is guided by the sliding surface 17 and hooking of the edges 15, for example, to the lower edge of the guide surface 11 is avoided. This upward movement of the stack 21 is illustrated in figure 16 .

Dans encore une autre forme de réalisation de l'invention, seulement la surface de guidage 11 est inclinée par rapport à la verticale, comme décrit ci-dessus, tandis que la surface d'appui 16 et la deuxième partie 18 de la surface de glissement 17 s'étendent sensiblement verticalement.In yet another embodiment of the invention, only the guide surface 11 is inclined relative to the vertical, as described above, while the bearing surface 16 and the second part 18 of the sliding surface 17 extend substantially vertically.

Dans les différentes formes de réalisation de l'invention décrites ci-dessus, la fente 5 dans la surface de support 2 est, avantageusement fermée quand la lame 8 n'est pas présente dans cette fente 5. A cet effet, la machine, suivant l'invention, comprend, de préférence, au moins un organe de fermeture mobile qui permet de fermer la partie libre de la fente 5 au fur et à mesure de l'avancement ou du reculement du dispositif de coupe 7 à travers la fente 5. Ainsi, le pain 3 peut glisser sur la surface de cet organe de fermeture lors de son déplacement entre les compartiments suivant la direction de déplacement du pain.In the various embodiments of the invention described above, the slot 5 in the support surface 2 is advantageously closed when the blade 8 is not present in this slot 5. For this purpose, the machine, according to the invention preferably comprises at least one movable closure member which makes it possible to close the free part of the slot 5 as the cutting device 7 advances or retreats through the slot 5. Thus, the bread 3 can slide on the surface of this closure member during its movement between the compartments in the direction of movement of the bread.

L'invention n'est bien entendu pas limitée à la forme de réalisation décrite ci-dessus et représentée aux figures annexées, mais bien d'autres variantes pourraient être envisagées sans sortir du cadre de l'invention.The invention is of course not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the appended figures, but many other variants could be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Ainsi, il n'est pas essentiel que la surface de glissement 17 présente une deuxième partie 18, mais elle peut seulement comprendre qu'une première partie inclinée qui est adjacente à la surface d'appui 16.Thus, it is not essential that the sliding surface 17 has a second part 18, but it can only include a first inclined part which is adjacent to the bearing surface 16.

La hauteur de la surface d'appui 16, suivant la direction de déplacement du pain, est de préférence de l'ordre de l'épaisseur d'une tranche 15, mais elle peut être inférieure ou supérieure à cette épaisseur.The height of the bearing surface 16, depending on the direction of movement of the bread, is preferably of the order of the thickness of a slice 15, but it may be less than or greater than this thickness.

Dans les figures 8 et 13, le support mobile 6 est positionné dans le compartiment de réception 4 lorsqu'un pain 3 à couper est introduit dans la machine, suivant l'invention. Il est clair qu'il est également possible que ce support mobile 6 est déplacé jusque dans le compartiment de chargement 1 avant qu'un pain à découper est introduit.In the figures 8 and 13 , the movable support 6 is positioned in the receiving compartment 4 when a bread 3 to be cut is introduced into the machine, according to the invention. It is clear that it is also possible that this movable support 6 is moved into the loading compartment 1 before a bread to be cut is introduced.

Ce support mobile 6 peut éventuellement présenter une surface supérieure creuse, dans laquelle l'extrémité inférieure du pain peut être logée.This movable support 6 can optionally have a hollow upper surface, in which the lower end of the bread can be housed.

La surface de support 2 est de préférence tout droite, mais elle peut également être courbée. Il est, par exemple, possible que la partie de la surface de support 2, qui s'étend dans le compartiment de réception, constitue une surface d'appui adjacente à la première fente 5. Cette surface d'appui est, par exemple, analogue à celle prévue dans le prolongement de la surface de guidage 11 et est avantageusement également suivie par une surface de glissement formant un évasement du compartiment de réception 4. Ceci permet une chute libre d'une tranche 15 coupée du pain 3 vers la partie déjà coupée du pain.The support surface 2 is preferably straight, but it can also be curved. It is, for example, possible that the part of the support surface 2, which extends into the receiving compartment, constitutes a support surface adjacent to the first slot 5. This support surface is, for example, analogous to that provided in the extension of the guide surface 11 and is advantageously also followed by a sliding surface forming a flaring of the receiving compartment 4. This allows a free fall of a cut slice 15 of the bread 3 towards the part already cut bread.

Comme décrit ci-dessus, l'invention concerne une machine à couper automatiquement un pain, en particulier une trancheuse à pain, présentant une surface de support 2 pour le pain 3, qui est de préférence légèrement inclinée par rapport à la verticale. Cette surface de support 2 est, en particulier, inclinée d'un angle inférieur à 45° par rapport à une direction verticale et de préférence inférieur à 30° ou à 15° par rapport à la direction verticale. Néanmoins, il est également possible que cette surface de support 2 s'étend essentiellement verticalement.As described above, the invention relates to a machine for automatically cutting bread, in particular a bread slicer, having a support surface 2 for the bread 3, which is preferably slightly inclined with respect to the vertical. This support surface 2 is, in particular, inclined at an angle less than 45 ° relative to a vertical direction and preferably less than 30 ° or 15 ° relative to the vertical direction. However, it is also possible that this support surface 2 extends essentially vertically.

Claims (13)

  1. Machine for automatically slicing a loaf of bread (3) or a similar commodity, comprising:
    - an input compartment (1) which is connected to a receiving compartment (4),
    - a cutting device (7) for cutting slices of the loaf of bread (3) while the latter is being moved from the input compartment (1) to the receiving compartment (4),
    - a support surface (2) for the loaf of bread (3) extending into the two compartments and defining a direction of movement of the loaf of bread (3) parallel to the support surface (2),
    - a first slot (5) provided in the support surface (2) between said compartments (1,4) extending mainly transversely with respect to the direction of movement, in which the cutting device (7) can move in a back-and-forth movement according to the longitudinal direction of the first slot (5) to cut slices of the loaf of bread (3),
    - a guiding surface forming a wall of the input compartment (1) and extending in the direction of movement, substantially transversely to the support surface (2),
    - a mobile support (6) for holding the cut part of the loaf of bread (3), drive means being provided to move the mobile support (6) in the direction of movement of the loaf of bread (3),
    this machine being characterised in that it comprises a bearing surface (16) extending in the receiving compartment (4), in the extension of the guiding surface (2), and separated from the latter by a second slot (12) to allow the passage of the cutting device (7) through this second slot (12), the bearing surface (16) being followed by a sliding surface (17) forming a widening of the receiving compartment (4) allowing the free fall of a cut slice (15) of the loaf of bread (3) on to the already cut part of the loaf.
  2. Machine according to claim 1, comprising a groove extending in the direction of movement of the loaf to guide the latter as it moves between the input compartment (1) and the receiving compartment (4), the groove having a bottom formed by said support surface (2) and a side wall comprising said guiding surface (11), the bearing surface (16) and the sliding surface (17), the latter forming a widening of the groove in a direction substantially parallel to the support surface (2).
  3. Machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cutting device (7) comprises a circular blade (8) extending in the cutting plane, this blade (8) being mounted on a drive arm (18) allowing the blade (8) to be subjected to a back-and-forth movement in the cutting plane while the blade (8) is being driven around its central axis.
  4. Machine according to claim 3, wherein the aforesaid drive arm (18) comprises a far end (19) on which said blade (8) is mounted, this far end (19) having an inclined, wedge-shaped side surface.
  5. Machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the drive arm (18) is mounted on the underside of said blade (8).
  6. Machine according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sliding surface (17) comprises a part which is inclined in relation to the direction of movement, connected to the bearing surface (16), and a part extending substantially parallel to the guiding surface (2).
  7. Machine according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the receiving compartment (4) has a side wall comprising the bearing surface (16) and the sliding surface (17).
  8. Machine according to any of claims 1 to 7, having a push rod (13) with hooking devices (14) making it possible to grip the top of the loaf of bread (3), this push rod (13) being movable in the direction of movement of the loaf of bread (3), allowing the loaf (3) to be moved towards the receiving compartment (4) while it is being cut into slices, or in the opposite direction.
  9. Machine according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the guiding surface (11) is inclined at an angle (□) of less than 30°, or less than 15°, with respect to the vertical direction, this angle (□) being preferably less than 10° or in the order of 5°, for example 3°.
  10. Method for automatically slicing a loaf of bread (3) or a similar commodity, wherein a loaf of bread (3) is put in an input compartment (1) against a support surface (2) and against a guiding surface (11) extending substantially transversely to the support surface (2) in such a way that a portion (20) of the loaf (3) representing the largest cross section transversely to the support surface (2), comes into contact with the guiding surface (11), and the loaf (3) is then moved downwards in a direction of movement towards a receiving compartment (4) as it slides against the support surface (2), said direction being substantially vertical or inclined at an angle of less than 45° with respect to a vertical direction, the loaf of bread (3) being cut into slices between the input compartment (1) and the receiving compartment (4) according to a cutting plane by a cutting device (7) moving back and forth towards the side of the guiding surface (11), the cut slices (15) being successively stacked below the cutting plane forming a stack (21) with parallel slices (15) in the receiving compartment (4), this stack (21) being displaced downwards in said direction of movement, characterised in that, when a slice is cut from said portion (20) of the loaf of bread (3), that portion (20) is supported laterally by said guiding surface (11) above the cutting plane and by a bearing surface (16) below that plane, while the stack is moved at a distance from this cutting plane which is greater than the height of the bearing surface (16) in the direction of movement of the loaf of bread (3) plus the thickness of the slice (15) concerned so as to enable this slice (15) to fall, after having been cut, on the stack (21).
  11. Method according to claim 10, wherein, after the loaf of bread (3) has been placed against said support surface (2), the top of the loaf (3) is gripped and this top of the loaf (3) is being held against the forces of gravity as it moves downward while slices (15) are being cut.
  12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the loaf of bread (3) is moved towards the receiving compartment (4) in discrete steps corresponding to the thickness of the slices (15) by holding the top of the loaf (3) until it is completely cut into slices, after which the stack (21) formed by the cut loaf (3) is transported in said direction of movement towards the input compartment (1) so that it can be picked up in its sliced state.
  13. Method according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the stack (21) is raised after the loaf of bread (3) has been sliced, said portion (20) being guided into the receiving compartment (4) by a sliding surface (17) adjacent to the bearing surface (16).
EP16777540.2A 2015-09-11 2016-09-09 Vertical machine for cutting and stacking slices of a loaf of bread and corresponding method Active EP3347178B8 (en)

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PL16777540T PL3347178T3 (en) 2015-09-11 2016-09-09 Vertical machine for cutting and stacking slices of a loaf of bread and corresponding method

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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BE2015/0234A BE1024058B1 (en) 2015-09-11 2015-09-11 VERTICAL MACHINE FOR CUTTING AND EMPLOYING SLICES OF A BREAD AND CORRESPONDING METHOD
PCT/EP2016/071338 WO2017042353A1 (en) 2015-09-11 2016-09-09 Vertical machine for cutting and stacking slices of a loaf of bread and corresponding method

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EP3347178A1 EP3347178A1 (en) 2018-07-18
EP3347178B1 true EP3347178B1 (en) 2021-04-14
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CN107599039A (en) * 2017-11-08 2018-01-19 江门市神川自动化设备有限公司 A kind of method rod bread positioner
CN107696092A (en) * 2017-11-08 2018-02-16 江门市神川自动化设备有限公司 A kind of method rod cutting machine of bread
DE102018005830A1 (en) * 2018-07-25 2020-01-30 Siller Holding GmbH String food cutting machine

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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
DE202014005952U1 (en) * 2014-07-22 2014-09-17 Uwe Schmidt Training of the operator-side front wall in bread slicing machines

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WO2017042353A1 (en) 2017-03-16
EP3347178B8 (en) 2021-05-19
PL3347178T3 (en) 2021-10-25
EP3347178A1 (en) 2018-07-18
BE1024058A1 (en) 2017-11-08

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