EP3459699B1 - Cutting blade - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a cutting knife, in particular a sickle knife or a spiral knife or a circular knife, for a device for slicing food products, in particular for a high-speed slicer that rotates about an axis of rotation during a cutting operation. The knife has a radially outer circumferential edge which acts as a cutting edge and which has a curved profile around the axis of rotation. Furthermore, the cutting knife has a plurality of cutting teeth which are arranged successively distributed along the circumferential edge, each cutting tooth having a cutting edge which comprises a cutting surface and a cutting edge delimiting the cutting surface radially on the outside.

Cutting knives with which food products such as, in particular, sausage, cheese and meat are cut into slices or pieces, are known in a wide variety of designs. Particularly in the field of high-speed slicers, with which high cutting speeds of several 100 to several 1,000 slices per minute are cut from a strand or loaf-shaped food product, a basic distinction is made between so-called circular knives on the one hand and so-called sickle or spiral knives (hereinafter simply "sickle knives") ) on the other hand.

Circular knives have a cutting edge that runs circularly around the axis of rotation, whereby a circular knife not only rotates itself around the axis of rotation, but also revolves around an eccentric axis, i.e. parallel to the axis of rotation, around the cutting movement relative to the product required for the cutting of slices to create.

Sickle knives have a cutting edge that also has a curved course around the axis of rotation, but the radius of the cutting edge varies between a smallest radius and a largest radius in such a way that the cutting edge describes a sickle or spiral curve. Sickle knives rotate exclusively around their axis of rotation, whereby here it is the course of the cutting edge deviating from a circular shape that ensures the necessary cutting movement relative to the product. The intended direction of rotation of sickle knives is selected in such a way that the knife dips into the product at an initial circumferential area of the cutting edge which has a relatively small radius, which is also referred to as the immersion area, whereby the actual cutting movement for separating a slice or a piece from the product is thereby takes place that with further rotation of the knife the radius increases and consequently the cutting edge is moved through the product. In this context, one speaks of "pulling" the cutting edge through the product or of a "pulling cut".

The term "radius", which is not used here for sickle knives in the strictly mathematical sense, for a section which perpendicularly cuts the axis of rotation of the knife, must be distinguished from the term "radius of curvature". In accordance with the common convention for defining a tangent at a given point on a non-circular plane curve, the radius of curvature is the radius of contact of the circle of curvature that best approximates the curve at that point. The tangent of the curve at this point is perpendicular to the contact radius of this point. In the case of a sickle knife, which consequently has a non-circular cutting edge, the center of the circle of curvature does not lie, or at least not necessarily, on the axis of rotation of the knife.

Since the radius on the one hand and the radius of curvature on the other hand do not coincide with a sickle knife for a certain point on the cutting edge, the tangent perpendicular to the radius of curvature does not coincide at this point with the motion vector of this point when the knife is rotating. Since every point on the cutting edge rotates around the axis of rotation of the knife, the motion vector of every point is perpendicular to the relevant radius, but not to the relevant radius of curvature.

While the radius and the radius of curvature and thus the tangent at this point and the motion vector of this point are identical for a certain point on the cutting edge only with a circular knife, it depends on the specific design of a sickle knife whether you want the radius and the radius of curvature or Tangent and motion vector for a property of the knife being considered as being approximately the same or not.

In the following, for a specific point on the blade of the knife, the term "radius" denotes a line perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the knife through this point and the term "motion tangent" or "motion vector" denotes a straight line through this point that is perpendicular to the radius. The terms "radius of curvature" and "tangent" conform to the aforementioned convention. In the case of a circular knife, the radius and the radius of curvature as well as the movement tangent and the tangent are consequently identical in each case.

It is also known to design cutting knives for slicing food products, both circular knives and sickle knives, either with a non-toothed cutting edge or to provide them with a toothing. Cutting knives with teeth are made for example EP 0 548 615 B1 and FR 2 661 634 A1 known.

It is also known to vary the so-called cutting angle in the circumferential direction of cutting knives with an toothless cutting edge. This is for example in DE 10 2007 040 350 A1 described in connection with a sickle knife. A smaller cutting edge angle is selected in the immersion area in order to reduce product compression when the knife is immersed. Starting from the immersion area, the cutting edge angle can, for example, increase continuously so that the cutting edge angle is greatest towards the end of the cutting process. If the smaller cutting edge angle in the plunge area is referred to as "flat", then the larger cutting edge angle can be referred to as "steep". With a relatively steep cutting edge angle, an advantageous depositing of the severed slices can be achieved, since the cutting edge can transmit an impulse directed out of the cutting plane to the respective severed disc. Therefore, the circumferential area of the knife edge which is effective towards the end of the cutting process and in which a steeper cutting edge angle is provided can also be referred to as the storage area.

Despite the known measures explained above and the diverse design options, in practice, at least some food products, sometimes serious cutting defects occur again and again. If, for example, the product to be sliced has a rind, the rind can come off when it is cut. Furthermore, it can be observed that product slices tear or tear. Furthermore, undesired wedge-shaped disks can be severed. Another problem that occurs in practice is folding in, or at least folding together in certain areas, of the product slices. Investigations carried out by the inventors with high-speed cameras when cutting cooked ham, for example, have shown that the slices in the upper area, i.e. where the cutting knife dips into the product, tend to collapse during the cutting process, so that at least some of the slices that have been cut do not move lay flat, but partly on the front side in the direction of removal are folded in and are consequently inclined as a result. This is unacceptable for the respective operator, especially when several product slices cut open one after the other are to form a stack-like or shingle-like portion of slices placed one on top of the other. The mentioned cutting deficiencies can result in portions that are not only unsightly, but in some cases cannot be properly packaged at all and consequently have to be sorted out. With so-called multi-lane cutting, i.e. when several products lying next to one another are cut at the same time, the mentioned cutting defects may not occur in all lanes. The problems described above occur in principle both with sickle knives and with circular knives.

As the closest prior art, the DE3049147 A1 viewed.

The object of the invention is to create or to be able to produce a cutting knife of the type mentioned at the beginning, that is, in particular a circular knife or sickle or spiral knife, with which an improved cutting quality can be achieved. In particular, the same cutting quality as possible should be achieved over the entire cutting width of a slicing machine that can be used for products, also referred to as the cutting shaft width.

This problem is solved by the features of the independent claims 1 and 3.

With regard to all independent aspects, the invention can in principle be used both for sickle or spiral knives and for circular knives.

According to a first aspect of the invention (claim 1) it is provided that each cutting surface runs inclined with respect to a clamping plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation or a cutting plane and the inclination of the cutting surfaces varies along the peripheral edge. The cutting plane is to be understood as a plane of the cutting knife which is clearly defined by the knife edge forming cutting edges of the cutting teeth can be defined. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which all or at least several cutting edges lie in a common plane, this plane is the cutting plane.

In contrast to conventional tooth systems, the invention consequently provides that not all cutting surfaces of the cutting teeth have the same inclination. Rather, it is provided that the cutting surfaces of the cutting teeth have different orientations in space, e.g. have with respect to the mounting level.

The clamping plane can coincide with the cutting plane defined by the cutting edge of the knife. However, this definition of the clamping level is not mandatory. The clamping level can e.g. the plane defined by the back of a knife base body is also referred to. Depending on whether the cutting plane defined by the knife edge is spaced from the plane defined by the rear of the knife base in the direction of the axis of rotation of the knife (case 1) or not (case 2), the clamping plane is then spaced from the cutting plane ( Case 1) or the clamping plane coincides with the cutting plane (case 2). In case 1, the non-zero distance measured in the direction of the axis of rotation between the cutting plane and the plane defined by the rear of the knife base body is also referred to as the pitch. The gauge is zero in case 2.

At the one below in connection with Fig. 3 The embodiment described is based on a knife according to Case 1, in which the cutting plane is spaced from the rear of the knife base body.

For the definitions made here with regard to the toothing according to the invention, the actual position of the clamping plane is not decisive, rather it is only important that the clamping plane is perpendicular to the axis of rotation runs. Therefore, in the present disclosure, in part, in an alternative to the clamping plane, a “plane parallel to the clamping plane” is used.

It has surprisingly been found that with such a toothing, much better cutting results, in particular over the entire available cutting shaft width, are achieved than is possible with conventionally toothed cutting knives or with cutting knives without toothing. In particular, phenomena such as tearing or tearing of the panes and folding or collapsing of the panes no longer occur. In connection with sickle knives, in particular, it has also been found that the placement behavior of the severed product slices can also be improved.

The direction and extent of the inclination of the cutting surfaces can in principle be selected as a function of different criteria, in particular as a function of the properties of the food product to be sliced. In addition, an adaptation to the positioning of the products to be sliced with respect to the cutting knife or the axis of rotation of the cutting knife can take place.

In order to describe the inclination of a cutting surface geometrically, the inclination can be described as a superposition of a tilt and an adjustment. An "inclined cutting surface" is to be understood here as meaning that the cutting surface - more or less pronounced, in particular depending on the size of the bevel angle of the cutting edge, see below - points in the intended direction of rotation of the knife.

Alternatively, the slope of a cutting surface, including its cutting edge, can be defined using a single angle defined by the cutting surface with the cutting plane. The cutting edge then forms the line of intersection between the cutting surface and the cutting plane. This assumes that - according to a preferred embodiment of the invention - the cutting edge lies in the cutting plane with respect to which the inclination of the cutting surface is to be defined. In the following, this angle, at which the cutting surface runs inclined to the cutting plane, will be referred to as the tilt angle KW. This definition forms an independent third aspect of the invention (claim 2), for which protection is also claimed separately.

If the cutting surface inclined by the tilt angle KW with respect to the cutting plane is inclined and consequently points in the intended direction of rotation of the knife, this also means that the cutting edge of the cutting surface has a bevel angle other than zero. This cut angle can be defined in different ways and represents an independent aspect (claim 5) of the invention, for which protection is also claimed separately.

As already mentioned above, all three above-mentioned independent aspects can be implemented both on a sickle or spiral knife and on a circular knife.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that each cutting surface is inclined with respect to the cutting plane by the tilt angle KW and at the same time the cutting edge of each cutting surface has a lead angle, e.g. with respect to the movement tangent at a defined point of the cutting edge, for example the rear end point of the cutting edge.

Different inclinations of the cutting surfaces can therefore be achieved, for example, by varying the tilt angle while keeping the cutting angle constant, or vice versa. Alternatively, it is possible to vary both angles. The inclination of a cutting surface that results in each case can be selected as a function of the circumferential position at which the relevant cutting tooth is located.

If the inclination of the cutting surfaces varies, then either only the tilt angle or only the lead angle can vary and the respective other angle can be constant, either zero or different from zero. Alternatively, both angles can vary. Consequently, a large number of different angle combinations can be realized along the circumferential edge.

At this point it should be made clear that when the inclination of the cutting surfaces varies along the circumferential edge, it is not excluded that the cutting surfaces of two or more cutting teeth are inclined identically. In other words, not all cutting teeth have to have differently inclined cutting surfaces.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment, it is provided that only the tilt angle of the cutting surfaces varies along the circumferential edge, the angle of the cutting edges being constant along the circumferential edge, but different from zero. Regardless of whether the cutting surfaces - viewed in the circumferential direction - overlap or not, the inclined cutting edges of the cutting surfaces, i.e. the cutting edges each having a bevel angle other than zero, can be referred to as a staggered or scale-like arrangement, which is characterized in particular by the fact that in each case between There is a transition between two successive cutting surfaces, which in principle can be designed as desired, but is preferably always characterized in that in the area of the transition the two immediately successive cutting surfaces are offset from one another with respect to the axis of rotation. In other words, there is a transition from a cutting surface There is a height offset or a jump to the cutting surface of a cutting tooth immediately following in the circumferential direction.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, despite this height offset or jump, there is provided an uninterrupted, effective cutting edge located in the clamping plane or in a plane parallel to the clamping plane, which is formed cohesively by the cutting teeth and the transitions and here also is referred to as a continuous cutting edge.

Experiments by the inventors have shown that the cutting quality can be increased considerably if at least some of the cutting edges of the cutting surfaces are provided with a bevel angle other than zero, so that - if, according to the preferred embodiment of the toothing, the cutting surfaces of the immediately successive cutting teeth are adjusted - a transition identifiable as such is present between these cutting surfaces.

As already mentioned, one aspect of the invention (claim 5) relates to the orientation of the cutting edges, which can basically be described and defined independently of the size and orientation of the cutting surfaces and also regardless of whether the cutting surfaces are flat or curved.

According to this aspect of the invention it is provided, inter alia, that at least some cutting edges or each cutting edge with a movement tangent includes a bevel angle, in particular one different from zero, the movement tangent and the radius intersecting at a point of the cutting edge in question, and / or that at least some Cutting edges are each oriented such that a front end of the cutting edge, seen in the intended direction of rotation, lies on a different, preferably a smaller, radius than the rear end of the cutting edge in question, and / or that at least some cutting edges or each cutting edge with a connecting line includes a bevel angle, in particular non-zero, the connecting line including the two rear ends or the two front ends of a respective cutting edge and the immediately preceding or connecting the following cutting edge.

By means of the lead angle or the orientation of the cutting edges, it can be determined - in principle individually for each cutting edge - how a respective cutting edge, e.g. is oriented in a fixed reference system, and thus under which orientation the relevant cutting edge cuts into the product to be cut. For a straight cutting edge lying in a defined plane, one point on the cutting edge is sufficient for a clear definition of its orientation.

As an alternative to a center point of the cutting edge selected - to this extent arbitrarily - in the definition with regard to the motion vector, another point of the cutting edge can also be selected, for example one of the two end points of the cutting edge. The definition of the orientation of the cutting edge in relation to the movement tangent, i.e. to the movement vector, is in principle arbitrary, but it is useful insofar as the movement vector of a point on the cutting edge indicates the direction in which this point of the cutting edge is at the moment of cutting moved into the product relative to the product.

In general, the absolute value of the angle between the cutting edge and the motion vector of a point on the cutting edge depends on which point on the cutting edge it is. If absolute values are given below for the lead angle, then these relate - as far as the lead angle is defined in relation to the motion vector, ie between the Movement vector and the cutting edge is measured - always on the point of the cutting edge in question at the rear in the direction of rotation.

In the case of a sickle knife, in contrast to a circular knife, due to the radius which by definition decreases in the circumferential direction - viewed in the intended direction of rotation - the front end of each cutting edge, viewed in the intended direction of rotation, lies on a smaller radius than the rear end of the relevant cutting edge . According to the invention, however, a more "inclined position" of the cutting edges is preferably provided for a sickle knife, i. the front end is preferably on a radius that is smaller than the radius on which the front end would lie if the front end and the rear end were on an imaginary curve which corresponds to the cutting edge of a conventional toothless sickle knife.

As a result, the orientation of the cutting edges can alternatively also be defined in such a way that at least some cutting edges or each cutting edge with a connecting line includes a bevel angle, in particular non-zero, the connecting line including the two rear ends or the two front ends of a respective cutting edge and the direct connects preceding or following cutting edge with each other.

In particular, with a sickle knife, all rear ends of the cutting edges and / or all front ends of the cutting edges can each lie on an imaginary curve that is not a circle, which corresponds at least approximately to the cutting edge of a conventional, toothless sickle knife. The connecting lines then together form a polygon that approximates this imaginary curve. The cutting edges of the knife preferably have a "greater inclination" in that each cutting edge encloses an angle other than zero with its connecting path, which is also here as Lead angle should be designated. The front end of each cutting edge consequently does not lie on a connecting path connecting the two immediately adjacent rear ends, but on a smaller radius.

The value ranges specified in this disclosure for the lead angle apply both to its definition with regard to the motion vector and to its definition with regard to the connecting path. For a given toothing, the specific value for the size of the cutting angle depends on its definition, but at least for the cutting knives used in practice on high-speed slicers for slicing food products, the difference is due to the short length of a cutting edge compared to the total length of the circumferential edge of the knife is small or negligible.

A preferred embodiment, with which extremely good cutting results can be achieved, is described below in connection with the drawing. This exemplary embodiment is a sickle knife. Exceptionally good cutting results can also be achieved with a circular knife designed according to the invention, as tests carried out on different products, including cheese, have shown.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention, which are basically possible for all aspects of the invention and - unless otherwise mentioned - can be implemented on circular knives as well as sickle or spiral knives, are also in the dependent claims, the following description and the drawing specified.

As far as the cutting edge is concerned, a bevel angle other than zero can be in a range from about 1 ° to 10 ° and preferably be about 3 ° to 6 °. Alternatively, the lead angle can be in a range from about 10 ° to 20 °. As already mentioned, a preferred embodiment is characterized in that the lead angle is constant for all cutting surfaces.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the cutting surfaces are each set pointing in the intended direction of rotation.

The cutting surfaces are preferably each curved at least essentially planar or without edges. As an alternative to planar cutting surfaces, e.g. concave or convex curved cutting surfaces possible. Such cutting surfaces can be produced, for example, by means of a so-called form milling cutter or by means of a grinding tool. Analogously to the geometrical definition set out above, a reference can also be made at least approximately for such curved cutting surfaces, e.g. a reference plane or reference lines with radii of curvature can be defined in order to clearly define the inclination of the respective curved cutting surface with respect to the clamping plane or the cutting plane.

As already mentioned, a further parameter of the toothing according to the invention is the orientation of the cutting edges of the cutting teeth. According to one embodiment, it is provided that at least some cutting edges or each cutting edge or that the projection of at least some cutting edges or each cutting edge into the clamping plane with a movement rod includes a bevel angle, in particular non-zero, with the movement rod and the radius, for example, in the rear Cut the end point of the cutting edge in question, and / or that at least some cutting edges or each cutting edge with a connecting path includes a bevel angle, in particular non-zero, the connecting path including the two rear ends or the two front ends of a respective cutting edge and the immediately preceding or following Cutting edge connects together.

The size of the cutting angle of one or each cutting edge is basically arbitrary and can be selected as a function of the properties of the food product to be cut. Preferably the lead angle is a few degrees, especially not more than about 10 ° and e.g. in the range between 3 ° to 6 °, although larger chamfer angles are also possible in principle.

The cutting edges can each be oriented such that a front end of each cutting edge, viewed in the intended direction of rotation, lies on a different, in particular smaller, radius than the rear end of the relevant cutting edge - based on the axis of rotation of the knife. The course of each cutting edge between its front end and its rear end can in principle be arbitrary, i.e. both a straight course and a course that is in principle arbitrarily curved are possible.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the cutting edges of two immediately successive cutting teeth are connected to one another by a transition edge, the transition edge being designed as a cutting edge.

As a cutting edge of the cutting knife according to the invention, therefore, not only the cutting edges of the cutting teeth or the cutting edges delimiting the cutting surfaces radially on the outside are effective, but also the transition edges, which connect two cutting edges of the cutting teeth that are immediately consecutive in the circumferential direction. Consequently, the cutting behavior of the cutting knife according to the invention can also be influenced by the shape or the course of a transition between two immediately successive cutting surfaces.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that all cutting edges lie in a common plane, preferably in the clamping plane or in a plane parallel to the clamping plane, and / or that all cutting edges and all transition edges connecting two immediately consecutive cutting edges together form an uninterrupted cutting edge which in particular lies in the clamping plane or in a plane parallel to the clamping plane.

However, this is not mandatory. The cutting edges can also be in different planes. In particular, in principle e.g. it can be provided that the cutting edges each intersect the clamping plane or a plane parallel to the clamping plane. Also e.g. it should be provided that an uninterrupted cutting edge formed jointly by all cutting edges and all transition edges connecting two immediately consecutive cutting edges intersects the clamping plane or a plane parallel to the clamping plane multiple times, coming alternately from one side and the other of this plane, wherein the sections of the cutting edge that intersect the plane are either only cutting edges, only transition edges, or both cutting edges and transition edges.

The effective as a cutting edge of the knife can be provided with a so-called clearance angle that is different from zero, which is below in connection with Figures 5a and 5b is explained in more detail. If the clearance angle is different from zero, the cutting edges and the transition edges do not lie in a common plane. However, a clearance angle of 0 ° is preferably provided, so that in a preferred embodiment all cutting edges and all transition edges lie in a common plane, namely in the clamping plane or in a plane parallel to the clamping plane.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the cutting surfaces each intersect the clamping plane radially on the outside, the cutting lines each cutting the cutting edge form, and cut radially on the inside of an inclined surface of the cutting knife which includes an angle with the clamping plane. This angle between the inclined surface and the clamping plane is preferably smaller than the smallest tilt angle of the cutting surfaces, so that an imaginary radial extension of the inclined surface would intersect the clamping plane radially outside the cutting edges of the cutting surfaces.

In a further preferred embodiment, the cutting edges and / or transition edges, which each connect two immediately successive cutting edges, are each straight. Alternatively, e.g. concave or convex curved cutting edges and / or transition edges possible. Analogous to the geometrical definition set out above, a straight line can also be defined for a curved cutting edge at least approximately, analogously to the motion tangent set out above, which enables a clear definition of the orientation of the cutting edge.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the cutting surfaces of two immediately successive cutting teeth are connected to one another by a transition surface, the transition surface in particular being designed as a recess that is set back with respect to the cutting surfaces.

The recess can be designed as a notch, channel, furrow or groove running in the radial direction. The recess can form an undercut.

Preferably, the radial extent of two immediately successive cutting teeth is at least essentially the same as the radial extent of the transition surface between the two cutting surfaces. In other words, the cutting surfaces merge into the transition surface over their entire radial extent.

A transition edge can be present between the cutting surfaces and the transition surface. These transition edges can each be a relatively sharp, non-rounded edge or a rounded edge with a comparatively small radius of curvature. Alternatively, the transition edge can form a comparatively gentle transition and in particular be rounded with a comparatively large radius of curvature. As a result, an undulating surface can be formed overall by the cutting surfaces and transition surfaces. It is also possible to design the two transition edges differently, so that the transition from one cutting surface to the transition surface is comparatively sharp-edged and the transition between the other cutting surface and the transition surface is relatively gentle.

The transition surface can be delimited radially on the outside by a transition edge connecting the two cutting edges of the two cutting teeth. As already mentioned above, this transition edge can itself be designed as a cutting edge.

The cross-sectional shape of the transition surface or its profile can in principle be designed as desired. In particular, the transition surface can have any course between the two cutting surfaces. The transition surface preferably has a curved profile, i. the cross-sectional shape or the profile of the transition surface is not straight. The transition surface is preferably curved at least approximately in a U or V shape.

The profile of the transition surface is determined in particular by the tool used for production. A cylindrical milling tool or a grinding tool with a longitudinal axis inclined with respect to the clamping plane is preferred used so that the transition surface defined by the recess intersects the clamping plane radially on the outside.

Alternatively, another one, e.g. a straight profile of the transition surface is possible, i.e. the transition surface can then e.g. represent the shortest path between the two transition edges in the adjacent cutting surfaces.

The transition surface can, based on the size of the adjacent cutting surfaces, occupy a relevant part of the circumferential angle range. In particular, the transition surface can extend over a circumferential angle range which is approximately 0.1 to 0.5 times the circumferential angle range of one of the cutting surfaces.

The transitions between immediately successive cutting surfaces are preferably designed such that the two immediately successive cutting surfaces - viewed in the circumferential direction of the axis of rotation - do not overlap.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the cutting edges of two successive cutting teeth, viewed in the circumferential direction, do not overlap and / or do not merge directly into one another.

The cutting edges preferably have a constant circumferential length and / or a constant edge length, i. all cutting edges preferably have the same circumferential length.

As far as the cutting teeth are concerned, it is provided in particular that each cutting tooth has a circumferential length and / or a tooth length of approximately 3 mm to 7 mm, preferably approximately 5 mm.

The term "circumferential length" refers to the extent or extent of the cutting edges or cutting teeth measured in the circumferential direction, i.e. not the length of the cutting edge or the cutting tooth measured along the cutting edge. This length is referred to as edge length or tooth length in this disclosure.

This distinction takes into account the fact that the cutting edges do not lie on a circumferential line of the knife in the strict geometrical sense, in particular due to the inclination of the cutting surfaces and / or the angle of the cutting edges, which may be different from zero. Consequently, the circumferential length of the cutting edges is in each case smaller than the division, since the division is the sum of the circumferential length of the cutting edge and the non-zero circumferential length of the transition edge adjoining the relevant cutting edge. In contrast, it is in principle possible for the edge length of a cutting edge to be just as large as the division or greater than the division if the transition edge is relatively small and / or the setting angle of the cutting surface is relatively large.

The pitch of the cutting teeth is preferably constant and is in particular approximately between 3 mm and 6 mm, preferably approximately 5 mm. The division of the cutting teeth is to be understood as the distance between two cutting teeth immediately following one another in the circumferential direction, measured between corresponding points of the two cutting teeth. With a division of, for example, 5 mm, the distance between the two front ends of the cutting edges of the two cutting teeth in the intended direction of rotation is 5 mm.

In an alternative embodiment, the pitch of the cutting teeth can vary in the circumferential direction, in particular with regard to the circumferential lengths of the Cutting teeth and / or in terms of the circumferential lengths of the transitions between the cutting teeth.

According to the invention, it is not essential that the toothing of the cutting knife is identical in each circumferential area, i.e. not all cutting teeth of the cutting knife are necessarily designed identically, although such a configuration is encompassed by the invention. In addition, according to the invention, it is not essential that the entire effective cutting edge of the cutting knife is provided with a toothing.

In a preferred embodiment of the cutting knife according to the invention, at least essentially the entire effective cutting edge is provided with a toothing which, however, is designed differently in individual circumferential areas.

According to one embodiment, the peripheral edge has at least one peripheral region of type I with a plurality of cutting teeth, the cutting surfaces of which have the same tilt angle.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the peripheral edge has at least one peripheral region of type II with a plurality of cutting teeth, the cutting surfaces of which have a varying tilt angle.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the peripheral edge has one or more peripheral areas of type I and additionally one or more peripheral areas of type II.

In the case of a circumferential area of type II it can be provided that the tilt angle varies from one cutting tooth to an immediately adjacent cutting tooth, or that the tilt angle varies from a group of n> 1 consecutive Cutting teeth with mutually identical tilt angles to a directly adjacent group of m> 1 successive cutting teeth with mutually identical tilt angles varies. In particular, n = m = 2, 3, 4 or 5. In other words, in a circumferential area of type II, the tilt angle can vary either from tooth to tooth or from tooth group to tooth group.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the circumferential edge between two circumferential areas of type I comprises a circumferential area of type II in which the value of the tilt angle varies from the tilt angle value of one circumferential area of type I to the tilt angle value of the other circumferential area of type I.

In particular when the cutting knife is a sickle knife or a spiral knife, a preferred development can provide that the radius of curvature of the circumferential edge, viewed in the intended direction of rotation, decreases from a largest radius to a smallest radius, the value of the tilt angle of the circumferential area of type II seen in the direction of rotation decreases from a larger tilt angle value to a smaller tilt angle value, in particular in equally large angular steps from cutting tooth to cutting tooth.

In this way, by appropriately tilting the individual cutting surfaces along the circumferential edge, a cutting edge course can be obtained that shows both optimal immersion behavior and optimal deposit behavior. In particular, a cutting edge course can be reproduced, as is known, for example, from the prior art for sickle knives with toothless knife cutting edges and in which - as initially in connection with DE 10 2007 040 350 A1 mentioned - there is a comparatively flat cutting edge angle in an immersion area and a comparatively steep cutting edge angle is present in a storage area.

Correspondingly, with the cutting knife according to the invention, the tilt angle of the cutting surfaces of the cutting teeth can be selected to be comparatively small in a circumferential area of type I that forms the immersion area, whereas in a circumferential area of type I that forms the deposit area, the tilt angle of the cutting surfaces is selected to be relatively large. The transition area between the immersion area and the deposit area is then formed by the circumferential area of type II, in which - seen from the immersion area - the tilt angle of the cutting surfaces increases from the lower value of the immersion area to the larger value in the deposit area, this increase steadily from the cutting tooth to cutting tooth or from cutting tooth group to cutting tooth group with a constant tilt angle in each case within a group, as has already been generally explained above.

In a possible embodiment of a cutting knife according to the invention, which is designed as a sickle knife or spiral knife, the deposit area extends over a circumferential angle area approximately twice as large as the immersion area, the transition area between the immersion area and the deposit area extending over a circumferential angle area that is slightly more than is half of the circumferential angular range of the immersion area.

In a further possible embodiment of the cutting knife, the larger tilt angle value of one circumferential area of type I can be in the range of 20 ° to 30 ° and preferably between 22 ° and 26 °, with the smaller tilt angle value of the other circumferential area of type I in the range of 15 ° to 22 ° and is preferably between 17 ° and 19 °, and each angle change in the type II circumferential region is in the range from 0.2 ° to 1 °, preferably in the range from 0.25 ° to 0.5 °.

In a specific embodiment, the smaller tilt angle value is approximately 18 °, either the larger tilt angle value is approximately 26 ° and each angle change is approximately 0.5 °, or the larger tilt angle value is approximately 22 ° and each angle change is approximately 0.25 °.

Even with a cutting knife according to the invention designed as a circular knife, the inclination or the tilt angle of the cutting surfaces can either be constant over the entire peripheral edge or vary along the peripheral edge. With a varying tilt angle, several circumferential areas can be provided, of which at least two circumferential areas differ in terms of the value of the constant tilt angle within the respective circumferential area or in terms of the change behavior of the tilt angle within the respective circumferential area or in that the tilt angle is constant in one circumferential area and in the other circumferential area of the tilt angle varies.

E.g. the tilt angle vary "in a wave-like manner" and alternately increase and decrease from circumferential area to circumferential area and, for example, between a minimum of e.g. 18 ° and a maximum of e.g. "Oscillate" 22 ° or 26 °. The "gradient" can e.g. 0.25 ° or 0.5 ° per cutting tooth, i.e. the tilt angle can change in equal angular steps from cutting tooth to cutting tooth.

A variation of the tilt angle over the circumferential edge of the circular knife is preferred, since with a circular knife - unlike a sickle knife - due to the superposition of the rotation around the axis of rotation and the circular movement around the axis running parallel to the axis of rotation - is not predetermined in practice the circumferential area with which the circular knife hits a product to be cut. For example, in the case of the above mentioned "wave-like" variation of the tilt angle the total circumference of 360 ° can be an integral multiple of a period of the "tilt angle oscillation".

It has already been mentioned several times that surprisingly good cutting results can be achieved with a cutting knife according to the invention. Particularly in the case of critical products, such as boiled ham, a significant reduction or elimination of the so-called folding or collapsing effect was observed in the separated product slices.

Overall, the invention makes it possible to improve the quality of the severed product slices. This increases the product yield and reduces manual reworking on the severed slices or on the portions formed from them. This in turn reduces downtimes on a packaging machine connected downstream of the slicing device.

A particular advantage of the cutting knife according to the invention is that the improved cutting quality simultaneously enables the cutting speed to be increased.

The individual machining of the cutting teeth according to the invention and, in particular, the individual design of the cutting surfaces, makes it possible to realize a wide variety of designs for knife teeth. This allows the cutting knives to be specifically adapted to specific product properties. An adjustment can also be made with regard to the cutting geometry. In particular, with regard to the applications for which the cutting knife is designed, the way in which the knife penetrates the respective product can be taken into account when producing the toothing, taking into account the position of the product in the cutting device, in particular in a so-called Cutting shaft, as well as taking into account the size of the overall cutting area provided, in particular the cutting shaft width.

Such adaptation options are particularly important in so-called multi-lane cutting, that is to say when cutting several adjacent products at the same time. In the case of multi-lane cutting, the products are simultaneously fed to the cutting plane defined by the knife edge, at least essentially at right angles to the cutting plane.

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht entlang der Drehachse auf eine mögliche Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Schneidmessers,

Fig. 2

eine vergrößerte Ansicht eines Teils der Verzahnung des Schneidmessers von Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

verschiedene Ansichten eines erfindungsgemäßen Schneidmessers mit vergrößerten Detailansichten zur Erläuterung der Ausgestaltung der Messerverzahnung,

Fig. 4

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt einer erfindungsgemäßen Verzahnung zur Erläuterung der Geometrie der Verzahnung, und

Fig. 5a und 5b

Darstellungen zur Erläuterung des Freiwinkels.

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

Fig. 1

a plan view along the axis of rotation of a possible embodiment of a cutting knife according to the invention,

Fig. 2

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of part of the teeth of the cutting knife of FIG Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 3

various views of a cutting knife according to the invention with enlarged detailed views to explain the design of the knife teeth,

Fig. 4

an enlarged section of a toothing according to the invention to explain the geometry of the toothing, and

Figures 5a and 5b

Representations to explain the clearance angle.

The in Fig. 1 The illustrated embodiment of a cutting knife according to the invention for a high-speed slicer for slicing food products, as is known in principle to the person skilled in the art, is is a sickle knife, which rotates around an axis of rotation 11 in an intended direction of rotation during a cutting operation.

The radially outer circumferential edge 13 of the cutting knife 10, which acts as a cutting edge, extends approximately over a circumferential angle range of almost 270 °, namely from a smallest radius Rmin to a largest radius Rmax.

In a slicing operation, the rotating knife 10 plunges into the product to be sliced with an immersion area 33, which extends, for example, over a circumferential angle range of 74 ° and has a circumferential length of approximately 317 mm. The immersion area 33 is followed by a transition area 32, which extends, for example, over a circumferential angle range of 41 ° and has a circumferential length of approximately 205 mm. This transition area 32 of the circumferential edge 13 is followed by a storage area 31 of the knife edge, which extends over a circumferential angle range of approximately 150 ° and has a circumferential length of approximately 917 mm.

The knife edge having these three areas 31, 32 and 33 is provided with a toothing according to the invention, which will be discussed in more detail below. Each cutting tooth of the toothing has, among other things, a cutting surface 17 facing the front of the knife 10 (cf. Fig. 2 ), which has a certain slope. The three areas 31, 32, 33 differ from one another with regard to the inclination of the cutting surfaces 17. This is explained in more detail below.

The Fig. 1 is a plan view of the front of the knife 10, which faces away from the product to be sliced or the products to be sliced at the same time during the cutting operation. The axis of rotation 11 runs centrally through a circular receiving opening 12 of the knife 10, by means of which the knife 10 is attached to a knife holder of the slicing device, not shown here can be attached. The knife holder comprises, for example, a rotor hub of a high-speed slicer, as is fundamentally known to the person skilled in the art.

Adjoining the receiving opening 12 is an end face 38 which, in this exemplary embodiment, is planar and runs perpendicular to the axis of rotation 11.

Like the illustrations on the far left and far right in Fig. 3 show, an inclined surface 37 adjoins the end face 38 radially on the outside, from which the individual cutting surfaces 17 of the cutting teeth 15 ( Fig. 2 ) extend radially outward. The tilt angle of the inclined surface 37, i.e. the angle between the inclined surface 37 and a clamping plane AE (cf. Fig. 3 ) is smaller than the smallest tilt angle provided for the cutting surfaces 17. In other words, the inclined surface 37 runs flatter than each cutting surface 17, so that an imaginary radial extension of the inclined surface 37 extends the clamping plane AE radially outside the peripheral edge 13 ( Fig. 1 ) would cut.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged section of FIG Fig. 1 in the immersion area 33, which shows the first nine cutting teeth 15 of the toothing starting from the smallest radius Rmin of the knife 10. How Fig. 2 shows, the cutting surfaces 17 are each delimited radially on the outside by a cutting edge 19. Transitions 27 formed as depressions between the cutting teeth 15 are also radially outward from a cutting edge 21 ( Fig. 3 ) that connects two cutting edges 19 of the cutting surfaces 17. In Fig. 2 it can also be seen that the transition from the inclined surface 37 to the cutting surfaces 17 of the cutting teeth 15 is each formed by a straight inner edge 36, from the end points of which an edge extends to the corresponding end point of the relevant cutting edge 19. These edges 25 ( Fig. 4 ) thus each extend between the inclined surface 37 and the clamping plane AE. The inner edges 36 can each be sharp-edged or rounded.

How Fig. 1 shows, a transition edge 39 is also formed between the flat end face 38 and the inclined face 37. The edge 39 can be sharp-edged or rounded.

The inventive geometry of the cutting teeth 15, in particular the cutting surfaces 17 and the transitions 27, is described below in connection with the Fig. 3 and 4th explained in more detail.

In Fig. 3 The middle upper illustration with the section BB shows an enlarged section of the toothing of the knife 10 from FIG Fig. 1 in the storage area 31. The illustration below shows an enlargement of the teeth in the transition area 32, whereas the illustration below with the section CC shows an enlargement of the teeth in the immersion area 33. The intended direction of rotation red of the knife 10 is indicated in each case by an arrow. The cutting surfaces 17 are not only tilted, ie each connect the inner edge 36 located above the clamping plane AE in the inclined surface 37 with the clamping plane AE, but are also positioned pointing in the direction of rotation red.

In the embodiment of Fig. 3 the cutting surfaces 17 of the cutting teeth 15 in all three circumferential regions 31, 32 and 33 of the knife toothing are both tilted and set.

As for the tilt angle KW, so is Fig. 3 it can be seen that the tilt angle KW in the storage area 31 (upper middle illustration in Fig. 3 ) is comparatively large. The tilt angle KW is preferably 26 ° here. In the immersion area 33 (penultimate middle representation in Fig. 3 ) the tilt angle KW is smaller than in the storage area 31. The tilt angle KW here is preferably 18 °.

In the immersion area 33, the cutting surfaces 17 are consequently flatter or less steep than in the storage area 31. As already explained at the beginning, this in particular avoids compressions of the product when the knife 10 is immersed, whereas at the end of the cutting process due to the steeper cutting surfaces 17 in the storage area 31 improved storage of the respectively separated product slice can be achieved.

In the transition area 32, of which an exemplary section is shown in the second central illustration in FIG Fig. 3 is shown, the cutting surfaces 17 are tilted such that three consecutive cutting surfaces 17 each have the same tilt angle KW. Starting from the value 26 ° in the transition area 32, the tilt angle KW decreases by 0.5 ° from the group of three to the immediately following group of three, with the last group of three in front of the immersion area 33 having a tilt angle KW of 18.5 °, which is then followed the cutting teeth 15 of the immersion area 33 each connect with a tilt angle KW of the cutting surface 17 of 18 °.

In an alternative embodiment, the tilt angle value in the immersion area 33 can again be 18 °, whereas in the deposit area 31 the tilt angle value is 22 ° and each angle step between immediately successive groups of three of cutting teeth 15 in the transition area 32 has a value of 0.25 °.

The pitch a of the toothing is constant over the entire circumferential area and in this exemplary embodiment is 5 mm. Alternatively, the pitch of the toothing can vary, as already explained in the introductory part.

As a result of the adjustment of the cutting surfaces 17, immediately successive cutting surfaces 17 do not lie in a common plane and immediately successive cutting surfaces 17 do not merge directly into one another.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, a transition 27 is provided between two immediately successive cutting surfaces 17, which transition 27 is designed as a recess running in the radial direction with a U-shaped cross section.

Each transition 27 (see also Fig. 4 ) comprises a transition surface 23, which merges radially on the inside via a transition edge 35 into the inclined surface 37 and is delimited radially on the outside by a transition edge 21 which lies in the cutting plane SE.

A special feature of this exemplary embodiment is that these transition edges 21 connect the cutting edges 19 of the adjoining cutting surfaces 17 and are themselves designed as cutting edges. As a result, all of the cutting edges 19 and all of the transition edges 21 connecting two immediately consecutive cutting edges 19 together form a continuous, uninterrupted overall cutting edge.

Another special feature of this exemplary embodiment is that this uninterrupted cutting edge, which is formed jointly by the cutting edges 19 and the transition edges 21, lies continuously in the cutting edge plane SE. This is evident from the last two middle representations in Fig. 3 illustrates, the last, lowest middle representation schematically showing a section DD perpendicular to the cutting plane SE through the dash-dotted line of the representation above.

The dash-dotted line runs through the lowest point of the transition surface 23. Points 1 and 2 are the points of intersection of the dash-dotted line with the cutting plane SE (point 1) or with the inclined surface 37 (point 2). Points 3 and 4 are the points of intersection of a first transition edge 25 with the cutting plane SE (point 4) and with the inclined surface 37 (point 3), whereas points 5 and 6 are the points of intersection of a second transition edge 25 with the cutting plane SE (point 5 ) or the inclined surface 37 (point 6). The two transition edges 25, the cutting edge 19 and the inner edge 36 span the respective cutting surface 17, which in this example is planar, that is to say does not have any curved course.

As can be seen from the sectional view, points 1, 4 and 5 as well as the cutting edge 19 connecting points 5 and 4 and the transition edge 21 connecting points 4 and 1 lie in the cutting plane SE, while points 2, 3 and 6 and the the inner edge 36 connecting points 6 and 3 and the transition edge 35 connecting points 3 and 2 lie in the inclined surface 37.

Here, however, points 6 and 3 - measured in the radial direction - are at different distances from the axis of rotation 11, with point 6 being radially further out than point 3 and - since the inclined surface 37 is inclined with respect to the cutting plane SE - therefore closer located at the cutting plane SE than the point 3, ie the point 6 lies lower than the point 3. The point 2 in turn lies radially further inward than the point 3 and consequently higher than the point 3 and higher than the point 6.

Correspondingly, point 1 lies radially further inward than point 4, which in turn lies radially further inward than point 5. However, all three points 1, 4 and 5 are at the same height level because they lie in the common cutting plane SE.

In addition, the specific lengths and relative positions of the edges 19, 25, 36 of the relevant cutting surface 17 connecting points 3, 4, 5 and 6 are selected in this exemplary embodiment in such a way that the cutting surface 17 is not only tilted, but also positioned, and in such a way that the cutting surface 17 faces red in the direction of rotation.

Also the Fig. 4 it can be seen that in the illustrated embodiment, the cutting surfaces 17 are each set in such a way that the cutting surfaces 17 point in the intended direction of rotation red.

The adjustment of the cutting surfaces 17 results in a height offset or jump in the circumferential direction radially within the cutting edges 19, 21 between two immediately successive cutting surfaces 17 in the area of the relevant transition 27.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the four corner points 19a, 19b, 36a and 36b lie in a common plane, namely in the plane of the planar cutting surface 17. However, a planar cutting surface 17 is not mandatory. With the same relative arrangement of the mentioned corner points, the cutting surface 17 can also be made concave or curved. It can also be provided that the corner points mentioned do not all lie in a common plane. The cutting surface 17 is then correspondingly curved.

Fig. 4 shows, purely by way of example, the possibilities of clearly defining the orientation of the cutting surface 17 in a fixed reference system.

In Fig. 4 the rear end 19b of the cutting edge 19 as seen in the intended direction of rotation red forms the reference point. The movement tangent T 'at the rear end 19b is perpendicular to the radius R through the rear end 19b and is identical to the motion vector of the rear end 19b. In terms of of this motion vector T ', the cutting edge 19 is inclined by an angle β, specifically in such a way that the cutting edge 19 points in the direction of rotation red.

Another alternative possibility for defining the "inclination" of the cutting edges 19 and thus the lead angle AsW is also shown in FIG Fig. 4 shown.

As mentioned in the introductory part, the lead angle AsW can be the angle between a cutting edge 19 and, for example, that (in Fig. 4 dash-dotted) connecting path V can be defined, which connects the rear end 19b of the relevant cutting edge 19 and the rear end 19b of the cutting edge 19 immediately following in the intended direction of rotation red.

As also mentioned in the introduction, all these connecting lines V together form a polygon, which approximates an imaginary continuous curve, which is not a circle, on which all rear ends 19b of the cutting edges 19 lie and which corresponds at least approximately to the cutting edge of a conventional toothless sickle knife. In this exemplary embodiment, the front end 19a of each cutting edge does not lie on the relevant connecting path V, but on a smaller radius, i.e. closer to the axis of rotation of the knife than any point on the connecting line V. The cutting edge can, however, also lie on the connecting line V.

In principle, it is also possible that the cutting surfaces 17 each consist of several individual surfaces, each of which is planar and / or, for example, convexly or concavely curved. In particular, the cutting surfaces 17 can have angular or rounded transitions between the individual surfaces. Preferably, however, the cutting surfaces 17 are each when they are curved part of a regular or differentiable surface in the mathematical sense and consequently has no edges.

Figure 5a shows the example of conventional knives the definition of the so-called clearance angle FW in a section perpendicular to the cutting plane SE defined by the cutting edge SK and parallel to the axis of rotation, not shown. In the illustration on the left, FW = 0 °, that is to say on the rear side of the knife RS a surface FL adjoining the cutting edge SK lies in the cutting plane SE. In contrast, the illustration on the right shows a knife with a clearance angle FW other than zero.

Out Figure 5b it emerges that with a knife according to the invention and a clearance angle FW other than zero, the cutting edges 19 and transition edges 21 (and thus points 1, 4 and 5 according to FIG Fig. 3 ) no longer lie in a common plane. The right representation shows the two sections aa and bb according to the left representation.

The invention includes both knives with FW = 0 ° and with FW ≠ 0 °, FW = 0 ° being the preferred embodiment.

List of reference symbols

10

Cutting knife

11

Axis of rotation

12

Receiving opening

13

Peripheral edge

15th

Cutting tooth

17th

Cutting surface

19th

Cutting edge

19a

front cutting edge end

19b

rear cutting edge end

21st

Transition edge between cutting edges

23

Transition surface

25th

Transition edge between cutting surface and transition surface

27

crossing

29

Back of knife

31

Type I perimeter area, storage area

32

Type II peripheral area, transition area

33

Type I circumferential area, immersion area

35

Transition edge

36

Inside edge

36a

front inner edge end

36b

rear inner edge end

37

Bevel

38

Face

39

Edge

Rmax

largest radius of the peripheral edge

Rmin

smallest radius of the peripheral edge

AE

Clamping level

SE

Cutting plane

P

Intersection in the cutting surface

R.

radius

a

division

NW

Inclination angle

KW

Tilt angle

red

Direction of rotation

AsW

Lead angle

T '

Motion tangent, motion vector

β

angle

V

Link

Claims (15)

1. A cutting blade, in particular a scythe-like blade or spiral blade or circular blade, for an apparatus for slicing food products, in particular for a highspeed slicer, the cutting blade rotating about an axis of rotation (11) during a cutting operation,
   having a radially outer peripheral edge (13) which acts as a blade edge and which has a curved extent about the axis of rotation (11); and
   having a plurality of cutting teeth (15) which are arranged distributed following one another along the peripheral edge (13),
   wherein each cutting tooth (15) has a blade edge which comprises a cutting surface (17) and a cutting edge (19) radially outwardly bounding the cutting surface (17);
   wherein the cutting edges (19) lie in a common cutting plane (SE); and wherein the cutting surfaces (17) each extend inclined with respect to the cutting plane (SE) and intersect the cutting plane (SE) at a tilt angle (KW), with the cutting edges (19) forming the respective intersection line between the cutting surface (17) and the cutting plane (SE),
   wherein the respective cutting surfaces (17) of two cutting teeth (15) directly following one another are connected to one another by a transition surface (23), with the transition surface (23) being formed as a recess projecting backwards with respect to the cutting surfaces (17), characterized in that each cutting surface (17) is connected both to the cutting surface (17) of a directly preceding cutting tooth (15) and to the cutting surface (17) of a directly following cutting tooth (15) by one of the recesses.
2. A cutting blade in accordance with claim 1,
   wherein the cutting edges (19) are each oriented such that the cutting surfaces (17) are each angled facing in the intended direction of rotation (Rot); and/or wherein the tilt angle (KW) of the cutting surfaces (17) is constant along the peripheral edge (13); and/or wherein the tilt angle (KW) is in a range from approximately 15° to 30° and preferably amounts to approximately 20°.
3. A cutting blade, in particular a scythe-like blade or spiral blade or circular blade, for an apparatus for slicing food products, in particular for a highspeed slicer, the cutting blade rotating about an axis of rotation (11) during a cutting operation,
   having a radially outer peripheral edge (13) which acts as a blade edge and which has a curved extent about the axis of rotation (11); and
   having a plurality of cutting teeth (15) which are arranged distributed following one another along the peripheral edge (13),
   wherein each cutting tooth (15) has a blade edge which comprises a cutting surface (17) and a cutting edge (19) radially outwardly bounding the cutting surface (17);
   wherein at least some cutting edges (19) or each cutting edge (19) includes/include a lead angle (AsW), which in particular differs from zero, with a movement tangent (T') in a cutting plane (SE), with the movement tangent (T') and the radius (R) intersecting at a rear end point (19b) of the respective cutting edge (19);
   and/or wherein at least some cutting edges (19) are each oriented such that a front end (19a) of the cutting edge (19) viewed in the intended direction of rotation (Rot) lies on a smaller radius than the rear end (19b) of the respective cutting edge (19);
   and/or wherein at least some cutting edges (19) or each cutting edge (19) includes/include a lead angle (AsW), which in particular differs from zero, with a connection path (V), with the connection path (V) connecting the two rear ends (19b) or the two front ends (19a) of a respective cutting edge (19) and of the directly preceding or following cutting edge (19) to one another, wherein the respective cutting surfaces (17) of two cutting teeth (15) directly following one another are connected to one another by a transition surface (23), with the transition surface (23) being formed as a recess projecting backwards with respect to the cutting surfaces (17), characterized in that each cutting surface (17) is connected both to the cutting surface (17) of a directly preceding cutting tooth (15) and to the cutting surface (17) of a directly following cutting tooth (15) by one of the recesses.
4. A cutting blade in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the recess is formed as a notch, a channel, a furrow or a groove extending in the radial direction; and/or wherein the recess forms an undercut.
5. A cutting blade in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the cutting surfaces (17) are each angled facing in the intended direction of rotation (Rot); and/or wherein the cutting surfaces (17) are each at least substantially planar or extend in a curved manner, in particular convexly or concavely, without edges.
6. A cutting blade in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein at least some cutting edges (19) or each cutting edge (19) includes/include a lead angle (AsW), which in particular differs from zero, with a movement tangent (T') in the cutting plane (SE), with the movement tangent (T') and the radius (R) intersecting at a rear end point (19b) of the respective cutting edge (19);
   and/or wherein at least some cutting edges (19) or each cutting edge (19) includes/include a lead angle (AsW), which in particular differs from zero, with a connection path (V), with the connection path (V) connecting the two rear ends (19b) or the two front ends (19a) of the respective cutting edge (19) and of the directly preceding or following cutting edge (19) to one another.
7. A cutting blade in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the lead angle (AsW) of the cutting edges (19) is constant along the peripheral edge (13) and differs from zero; and/or wherein all the cutting edges (19) lie in a common plane, preferably in a cutting plane (SE) or in a plane in parallel with the spanned plane (AE); and/or in that all the cutting edges (19) and all the transition edges (21) connecting a respective two cutting edges (19) directly following one another jointly form an uninterrupted blade edge which in particular lies in a cutting plane (SE) or in a plane in parallel with the spanned plane (AE); and/or wherein the cutting edges (19) and/or transition edges (21) connecting a respective two cutting edges (19) directly following one another are each in a straight line.
8. A cutting blade in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein at least some cutting edges (19) are each oriented such that a front end (19a) of the cutting edge (19) viewed in the intended direction of rotation (Rot) lies on a smaller radius than the rear end (19b) of the respective cutting edge (19).
9. A cutting blade in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the respective cutting edges (19) of two cutting teeth (15) directly following one another are connected to one another by a transition edge (21), with the transition edge (21) being configured as a cutting edge.
10. A cutting blade in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the transition surface (23) is radially outwardly bounded by a transition edge (21) connecting the two cutting edges (19) of the cutting teeth (15); and/or wherein the transition surface (23) in cross-section has an extent between the two cutting surfaces (17) which is in particular curved in a U shape or in a V shape, with the open side of the U or of the V facing in the same direction as the cutting surfaces (17).
11. A cutting blade in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the cutting edges (19) have a constant peripheral length and/or a constant edge length; and/or wherein the pitch (a) of the cutting teeth (15) is constant and in particular amounts to approximately between 3 mm and 6 mm, preferably to approximately 5 mm; or
    wherein the pitch of the cutting teeth (15) varies in the peripheral direction, in particular with respect to the peripheral lengths of the cutting teeth (15) and/or with respect to the peripheral lengths of the transitions (27) between the cutting teeth (15).
12. A cutting blade in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the peripheral edge (13) has at least one peripheral region (31, 33) of type I comprising a plurality of cutting teeth (15) whose cutting surfaces (17) have the same tilt angle (KW); and/or wherein the peripheral edge (13), in particular in addition to at least one peripheral region (31, 33) of type I, has at least one peripheral region (32) of type II comprising a plurality of cutting teeth (15) whose cutting surfaces (17) have a varying tilt angle (KW), with the tilt angle (KW) in particular varying from a respective cutting tooth (15) to a directly adjacent cutting tooth (15), or with the tilt angle (KW) varying from a respective group of n > 1 cutting teeth (15) following one another and having the same tilt angle (KW) with respect to one another to a directly adjacent group of m > 1 cutting teeth (15) following one another and having the same tilt angle (KW) with respect to one another, where n = m = 2, 3, 4 or 5 in particular applies.
13. A cutting blade in accordance with claim 12,
    wherein the peripheral edge (13) between two peripheral regions (31, 33) of type I comprises a peripheral region (32) of type II in which the value of the tilt angle (KW) varies from the tilt angle value of the one peripheral region (31) of type I to the tilt angle value of the other peripheral region (33) of type I.
14. A cutting blade in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the cutting blade is a circular blade; wherein the tilt angle (KW) of the cutting surfaces (17) is either constant over the total peripheral edge (13) or varies along the peripheral edge (13); and
    wherein, in particular with a varying tilt angle (KW), a plurality of peripheral regions are provided of which at least two peripheral regions differ with respect to the value of the tilt angle (KW) which is constant within the respective peripheral region or with respect to the change behavior of the tilt angle (KW) within the respective peripheral region or differ in that the tilt angle (KW) is constant in the one peripheral region and the tilt angle (KW) varies in the other peripheral region.
15. A cutting blade in accordance with claim 12 or claim 13,
    wherein the cutting blade is a scythe-like blade or a spiral blade; wherein the radius of curvature of the peripheral edge (13) decreases from a maximum radius (Rmax) to a minimum radius (Rmin) viewed in the intended direction of rotation (Rot); and wherein the value of the tilt angle (KW) of the peripheral region (32) of type II decreases from a larger tilt angle value to a smaller tilt angle value viewed in the direction of rotation (Rot), in particular in equal angular steps from cutting tooth (15) to cutting tooth (15), with the larger tilt angle value of the one peripheral region (31) of type I in particular being in a range from 20° to 30° and preferably amounting to between 22° and 26° and the smaller tilt angle value of the other peripheral region (33) of type I being in a range from 15° to 22° and preferably amounting to between 17° and 19°, and with each angular step being in a range from 0.2° to 1°, preferably in a range from 0.25° to 0.5°.

Images