CUTTING AND SHARING MACHINE

Abstract

The invention relates to a cutting and shaping device (1) for producing shaped cut items (2) of a block of food (3). The cutting and shaping device (1) comprises at least a receptacle (4) for positioning the block of food (3), a blade (9) for cutting the items (2) off the block of food (3), a shaping gripper (13) for gripping and shaping the cut items, and a control unit (30).

Description

[0001] CUTTING AND FORMING MACHINE

[0002] PRIORITY CLAIM

[0003] This international patent application claims priority from Swiss patent application CH 000082 / 2022, filed on January 28, 2022, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to a cutting and forming system for producing shaped cuttings.

[0006] DESCRIPTION OF THE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0007] In the field of food processing, it is a specialty to produce food products in special shapes for sale. For example, cheese is known to be offered not only in pieces or slices, but also alternatively as curds, sliced ​​rolls, or rosettes. Such shaped pieces usually require the cheese to be processed by hand, which makes production complex. For example, the staff must work in a refrigerated environment, and a larger number of shaped cheese products requires a correspondingly large number of staff. Furthermore, the staff must be appropriately trained to achieve a uniform shape of the food.Particularly in the production of more complex shaped products such as Tete de Moine rosettes, human processing of the rosettes, for example for shaping and filling, has been necessary in order to achieve, for example, visually appealing yet standardized rosette shapes and their arrangement in the.

[0008] sales box.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is the object of the present invention to provide a device for the automated cutting and shaping of cuttings from a food block.

[0011] The object is achieved by providing a cutting and forming system having the features of claim 1. Further embodiments are defined in further claims.

[0012] The cutting and forming system includes:

[0013] A holder with a support surface. The holder is designed so that a food block can be placed on the support surface and, if necessary, positioned relative to other elements of the cutting and forming system.

[0014] The holder and / or support surface can be adapted to the shape of the food block to be processed. Alternatively, if, for example, the design of the holder and / or support surface is determined by other parameters, it is conceivable to adapt the food block to the design of the holder and / or support surface.

[0015] For example, the support surface can be plate-shaped. Other, modified, or alternative shapes of the support surface are also possible, for example, shapes that are not a flat surface but a three-dimensional surface, such as a wedge shape. The side of the food block that rests on the support surface of the holder is also defined in the context of the present invention as the underside of the food block.

[0016] The cutting and forming system also includes a knife with a cutting edge. This cutting edge can be used to cut off food from a block of food positioned on the support surface of the holder. For this purpose, the knife is positioned opposite the support surface and, if possible, can also be positioned.

[0017] The blade or the holder is designed to be rotatable about a first rotation axis, or the blade and the holder are designed to be rotatable about a first rotation axis. It is important that the rotation moves the blade and the support surface relative to each other and against each other. This relative movement of the blade and support surface, as well as their relative positions, allows one or more pieces to be cut from a block of food placed on the support surface.

[0018] In the context of the present invention, the terms rotation, rotational movement, and rotary movement are used interchangeably unless explicitly used for different contexts. They describe a movement around an axis. This axis is also referred to as the rotation axis.

[0019] It is also provided that the blade and the holder are designed to be movable relative to each other along the first rotation axis. For this purpose, the blade can be movable, or the holder can be designed to be movable accordingly. Alternatively, both the blade and the holder can be movable accordingly. It is provided that during this movement, both a forward movement toward each other and a backward movement, i.e., a movement away from each other, are possible.

[0020] The cutting and forming system also includes a forming gripper. The forming gripper can be aligned with a distal end toward the cutting edge of the knife. It is also designed to automatically grip and form cut-off material. For this purpose, the forming gripper is preferably positionable relative to the cutting edge of the knife. The positioning of the forming gripper relative to the cutting edge of the knife can preferably be achieved by moving the forming gripper. Alternatively, the holder and the knife can be moved relative to the forming gripper, or both the forming gripper and the holder and knife can be designed to be movable relative to one another.

[0021] The distal end of the mold gripper refers to the end with which the mold gripper is positioned closest to the knife when the knife is in a cutting position and the mold gripper is in the correspondingly aligned gripping position. Preferably, the distal end positioned opposite the mold gripper extends along a straight line aligned with the cutting edge of the knife. Particularly preferably, the distal end of the mold gripper is aligned parallel to the cutting edge of the knife.

[0022] It can be provided that at a proximal end of the shape gripper, it comprises holding elements with which the shape gripper is held within the cutting and forming system. The proximal end here refers to the end opposite the distal end. It can be provided that the shape gripper is replaceably fastened to a gripper holder, for example with one or more holding elements at its proximal end. Finally, the cutting and forming system comprises a controller designed to control the shape gripper. In addition, the controller is designed to control the positions of the shape gripper, the holder, and the cutting edge of the knife relative to one another.

[0023] In the context of the present invention, cutting is understood to mean cutting, planing and scraping. When cutting, the knife usually extends parallel to the cutting surface on the food block. When planing, the knife is arranged at a short angle to the cutting surface on the food block. When scraping, the knife is arranged perpendicular to the cutting surface on the food block. In the case of the present invention, it is irrelevant whether the knife is moved relative to a stationary food block, whether the food block is moved relative to a stationary knife, or whether both, knife and food block, are moved relative to one another. For the sake of simplicity, the term cutting is understood to mean any separation of parts of the food block using the knife, unless explicit reference is made to a specific process.The cutting and shaping system according to the invention can be designed for cutting, planing or scraping according to the arrangement of the knife, whereby cutting is used more as an umbrella term.

[0024] As described in more detail later, in a preferred embodiment the cutting and forming system is designed for scraping scraped material, wherein the knife is arranged vertically opposite a cutting surface and the food block is rotated relative to the knife by means of the holder.

[0025] In the context of the present invention, a food block is understood to be a solid or semi-solid food body that can be positioned and rotated on a holder in a substantially dimensionally stable manner. The firmness of the food block is described below using the example of a cheese block. For example, according to Article 52 paragraph 2 VLtH (Ordinance of the Federal Department of Foodstuffs of Animal Origin of December 16, 2016; SR 817.022.108), Swiss cheese types are classified according to the water content of the fat-free cheese (wff) into the following firmness levels: a. extra-hard up to 500 g / kg; b. hard more than 500 to 540 g / kg; c. semi-hard more than 540 to 650 g / kg; d. soft more than 650 g / kg.

[0026] A cutting and forming system according to the present invention can be designed in particular to process a hard and semi-hard cheese block as defined above. Food blocks that have a comparable hardness are also suitable for use in a cutting and forming system according to the invention. Suitability can be achieved or improved by, for example, coordinating the hardness and thickness of the knife, the rotation speed of the food block relative to the knife, and the penetration depth of the knife into the food block. The firmness of a food product and thus its suitability can also be influenced, for example, by the processing temperature. Processability can also be achieved by means of the knife temperature or other aids such as ultrasound (to prevent cut food from sticking to the knife) or coatings on the food block (e.g. wax).In addition to various blocks of cheese, other suitable foods in block form include sausage or meat products, fats such as butter, or even chocolate or ice cream. The support surface has a shape and size suitable for securely supporting the desired block of food. Its shape can be adapted to the shape of the food block. A preferred shape is, for example, a circle (i.e. plate-shaped) or a circular ring. Also suitable is a quadrilateral, in particular a square or a regular polygon. If the holder is designed to be rotatable about the first axis of rotation, the shape of the support surface and preferably also the shape of the holder itself are preferably selected so that a smooth rotational movement is possible.

[0027] The support surface can have a vertical extension in addition to its base surface. For example, the support surface can be conical or truncated cone-shaped. In this case, it has a circular base surface and also a peripheral surface that extends vertically. In this case, a food block can be placed on the peripheral surface in particular. The support surface can provide additional support for the food block. Other surfaces are also conceivable, as long as a food block can be placed and positioned on the holder.

[0028] The first axis of rotation preferably extends perpendicular to the support surface or, if the support surface has a vertical extension, perpendicular to its base surface.

[0029] The control system of the cutting and forming system is a processing unit that controls one or more processes according to pre-stored commands. Such commands can be stored, for example, in the form of a software program. The control system controls the various functions or actions of the cutting and forming system by connecting the individual components functionally and control-technically and coordinating them. In particular, the control system is designed to control the mold gripper for forming the

[0030] The control system is also designed to:

[0031] - to control the rotation of the holder about the first rotation axis if the holder is designed to be rotatable. Preferably, in this case, the controller is designed to control a drive of the holder, with which the holder is automatically rotated about the rotation axis; and / or

[0032] - to control a movement of the holder along the first axis of rotation if the holder is designed to be movable along the axis of rotation.

[0033] Preferably, the control system in this case is designed to control a drive of the holder, with which the holder is moved along the first rotation axis. This movement is preferably linear; and / or

[0034] -to control a rotation of the knife about the first rotation axis, if the knife is designed to be rotatable about the rotation axis. Preferably, in this case, the controller is designed to control a drive of the knife, with which the knife is moved about the first rotation axis; and / or

[0035] - a movement of the knife along the first rotational axis, if the knife is movable along the first rotational axis. In this case, the controller is preferably designed to control a drive of the knife, with which the knife is moved along the first rotational axis. This movement is preferably linear.

[0036] It can be provided that the cutting and forming system comprises a central control system which is functionally connected to the various elements of the cutting and forming system. Alternatively, it can be provided that individual elements or each element of the cutting and forming system comprises its own control system. In this case, the individual controls are preferably functionally connected to one another. A control system can be an internal or external processor. An internal processor can, for example, be a processor integrated into the respective element of the cutting and forming system. An external processor can, for example, be a processor of a personal computer (PC) or generally of a computer system which is functionally connected to the corresponding element of the cutting and forming system.

[0037] The controller can control the various elements of the cutting and forming system using one or more sensors, as explained later.

[0038] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or yet to be mentioned, provided they do not conflict with each other, the shaping gripper comprises at least two gripper jaws movable relative to each other. Each gripper jaw has an inner side. The gripper jaws, together with their inner sides, form a shaping receptacle for the cut product cut from a block of food.

[0039] In this case, moving relative to each other means moving toward each other and moving away from each other. Both gripper jaws can be configured to move toward or away from each other. Alternatively, only one gripper jaw can be moved relative to the other, while the other gripper jaw remains stationary.

[0040] By moving the gripper jaws against each other, the shaping gripper is brought into a closed state, in which the gripper jaws are positioned as close to each other as possible, and into an open state, in which the gripper jaws are further apart from each other. In the closed state, the shaping receptacle is reduced in size, while in the open state it is enlarged. Preferably, in the closed state, the shaping gripper can hold cut material in its receptacle, even if it is moved away from the knife, for example, to convey the cut material to a filling station. In the open state, however, the shaping gripper can pick up cut food slices and release them again. In addition, the gripper jaws are dimensioned and shaped in such a way that in the closed state they shape the cut material in the receptacle into the desired shape.

[0041] Preferably, those sides of the gripper jaws which are closer to the cutting edge of the knife form the distal end of the mold gripper.

[0042] The gripper jaws can be attached to a gripper mount. An interchangeable mount is particularly suitable. For example, the same cutting and forming system can be used to automatically shape cut material into different shapes by using differently shaped grippers or gripper jaws in the cutting and forming system. It can also be provided that the entire shape gripper, or just individual gripper jaws, or each gripper jaw within the shape gripper can be replaced.

[0043] Alternatively, the gripper jaws can be designed to be immobile relative to one another. In this case, the forming process occurs simply by picking up the material to be cut into the forming receptacle. Whether the gripper jaws are designed to be movable relative to one another or immobile can be determined, for example, by the properties of the material to be cut and the desired shape.

[0044] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned, provided that they do not contradict each other, the shaped gripper is designed as an angular gripper or as a parallel gripper.

[0045] Particularly preferably, the shape gripper is designed as a parallel gripper.

[0046] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned, provided that they do not contradict each other, the gripper jaws are designed and arranged relative to each other in such a way that they form a conical receptacle at the distal end of the mold gripper.

[0047] This shape is particularly suitable for shaping scraps from a block of cheese into a rosette shape.

[0048] A conical holder is particularly well suited for forming rosettes, for example, cheese rosettes. The shape can be influenced in an initial step by choosing the arrangement of the knife (for example, as a scraper) during cutting. The shape gripper can then bring the pre-formed cut product into a standardized shape and size, for example, into a standardized rosette shape. In this way, standardized cut product (here, rosettes) can be placed into the appropriate packaging. A conical shape also encloses a truncated cone shape. Alternative holder shapes, such as a circular cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, or prism-shaped cylinder, can also be provided. The shape can be based on a straight or an oblique basic shape.

[0049] The arrangement of the conical holder at the distal end facilitates shaping the cut material. This allows the material cut with the knife to fall into the open shaping gripper immediately after the cutting process and be formed into the desired shape by closing the shaping gripper. The height of the receiving cone preferably extends along the straight line of the distal end. Thus, both the more pointed end and the wider end of the receiving cone are located at the distal end of the shaping gripper.

[0050] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other previously mentioned or yet-to-be-mentioned embodiment, provided they do not conflict with each other, the mold gripper comprises an ejector with a support surface for cut material. The ejector is designed to be movable back and forth within the receptacle and toward the distal end of the mold gripper. The ejector can optionally also be designed to be movable outward from the distal end of the mold gripper.

[0051] In this embodiment, the ejector, with its support surface, limits the receptacle between the gripper jaws, specifically on the side opposite the distal end. Using the ejector, a food portion located in the receptacle of the shaped gripper can be ejected from the shaped gripper. Ejection occurs when the shaped gripper is opened and the ejector is moved toward the distal end. The food product lying on the support surface of the ejector is thus lifted out of the receptacle.

[0052] It can be provided that when the ejector moves towards the distal end, the support surface is moved, for example, until it is flush with the distal end of the shape gripper or even further beyond the distal end, so that the cut material is ejected even better from the shape gripper.

[0053] It can be provided that the support surface of the ejector is adapted to the shape of the

[0054] The gripper jaws are adapted to the receptacle and thus also influence the shaping of the material to be cut in the shape gripper. For example, if the gripper jaws are conical, the support surface can complete the conical shape in the proximal direction – for example, the lateral surface can extend parallel to the straight line of the distal end, while the imaginary base of the cone extends between the distal and proximal ends. The support surface can thus essentially close the receptacle on the side opposite the distal end with a precise fit.

[0055] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned, provided they do not conflict with each other, at least one, preferably both, gripper jaws at the distal end of the mold gripper are finger-shaped with a recess between each finger. Optionally, the ejector can comprise finger-shaped extensions that engage in the recesses between the fingers of the gripper jaws.

[0056] The finger shape at the distal end of the gripper jaws not only saves material, it also reduces the surface area to which the clippings can stick. This improves the handling of the clippings with the gripper, especially when releasing the clippings from the gripper. If the ejector is also equipped with fingers that engage in the recesses of the gripper jaw fingers, the handling of the clippings can be further improved. For example, the clippings can be moved more easily in the holder without becoming trapped at the boundary between the inside of the gripper jaw and the contact surface of the ejector, and the risk of the ejector itself becoming jammed when moving between the gripper jaws is reduced.

[0057] It can also be provided that the mold gripper has a

[0058] Has a limiting element which limits the receptacle of the shape gripper. If, for example, the receptacle is conical, a limiting element can be attached at least to the larger end of the cone (the imaginary base area). This can prevent the inserted cut material from falling out sideways when the shape gripper moves, even when the shape gripper is in a closed state. A further limiting element can be attached to the narrower end of the conical receptacle. This can be particularly the case if the receptacle is more frustoconical. Regardless of the shape of the receptacle, one or two limiting elements are provided laterally of the receptacle. It can be provided that they are attached immovably to the shape gripper.

[0059] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other previously mentioned or yet-to-be-mentioned embodiment, provided they do not conflict with each other, the holder is designed to rotate at a rotational speed about the first rotational axis. The cutting and forming system comprises a holder drive for rotating the holder about the first rotational axis. This holder drive is controlled by the controller.

[0060] In particular, it can be provided that in this embodiment the first axis of rotation is perpendicular to the support surface of the receptacle.

[0061] Using the mount drive, the mount can be rotated around the first rotation axis in a controlled and automated manner. A suitable mount drive could be, for example, a servo motor-controlled drive, a three-phase motor (e.g., 230V or 400V), or a pneumatic rotary module. The rotation drive is controlled by the controller. In particular, the controller is functionally connected to the mount drive in such a way that the controller can control the rotation speed of the mount. This includes not only the rotation itself, but also the start and end of rotation. Thus, whether the mount is not rotating is also under the control of the controller; in this case, the rotation speed = 0.

[0062] A speed particularly suitable for the production of Tete de Moine rosettes can be, for example, 400 to 500 revolutions per minute (rpm).

[0063] The holder is mounted so that it can rotate around the first axis of rotation.

[0064] If the holder is designed to rotate about the first rotational axis, the knife can be designed to be rotationally fixed relative to the first rotational axis. Alternatively, it is possible, although less desirable from a technical perspective, for not only the holder but also the knife to be designed to rotate about the first rotational axis. In this case, the rotation of the holder and the rotation of the knife must counteract each other in order to separate the sliced ​​product from a cheese block placed on the holder. In this case, the positioning of the mold gripper for picking up the sliced ​​product must be coordinated in time and location with the movement of the knife and holder.

[0065] Alternatively, it can be provided that only the knife is designed to be rotatable about the first axis of rotation, while the holder is rotationally fixed. In this embodiment, too, the relative movement between the knife and the holder allows cuttings to be cut from a food block positioned on the holder. In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned below, provided they do not contradict each other, the knife and the shape gripper are designed to be movable parallel to the first axis of rotation. In this case, the controller is designed to control the movement of the knife and the shape gripper parallel to the first axis of rotation.

[0066] In particular, the control system controls the movement of the knife toward or away from the holder, particularly along the first rotation axis. The control system also controls the corresponding movement of the mold gripper toward and away from the holder. Finally, the control system coordinates the movement of the knife and the mold gripper in relation to each other, both in terms of timing and their relative positions.

[0067] The thickness of the material to be cut can be influenced by coordinated rotation of the holder and the movement of the knife. For example, to produce rosettes for a semi-hard cheese such as Tete de Moine, a defined cutting depth can be achieved in a placed cheese wheel by adjusting the rotation speed of the holder and advancing the knife towards the holder for each full revolution of the holder. An example is a feed movement of the knife towards the holder of 0.1 mm to 10 mm per full revolution of the holder, with which rosettes weighing between 6 and 60 g can be scraped off a semi-hard cheese such as Tete de Moine with a diameter of 5 cm to 30 cm at a speed with the holder of 300 to 800 revolutions per minute.Even if the position of the knife is variable along the first rotational axis (i.e., by a movement parallel to the first rotational axis), the distance of the knife from the first rotational axis (as seen perpendicular to the first rotational axis) can be constant. In particular, the knife is arranged at a fixed distance from the first rotational axis, so that its cutting edge does not pass through the first rotational axis.

[0068] It can be provided that the knife is constantly positioned with its cutting edge in relation to its distance from the first axis of rotation.

[0069] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned, provided they do not conflict with each other, the cutting and forming system comprises a knife drive with which the knife is moved parallel to the first rotation axis. The cutting and forming system also comprises a mold gripper drive with which the mold gripper is moved parallel to the first rotation axis.

[0070] The control is designed to control the movements of the knife along the first rotational axis and of the mold gripper along the first rotational axis and to coordinate them with each other by controlling the knife drive and controlling the mold gripper drive.

[0071] The knife drive can, for example, be a servo motor with an incremental position measuring system. The controller is connected to the servo motor via signal transmission and can thus determine the position of the knife relative to the holder, for example, and control it accordingly. This can be a servo motor-controlled linear drive, for example, or alternatively, a pneumatic or electromagnetic linear drive.

[0072] The drive for moving the mold gripper along the first rotation axis can be, for example, an electric direct drive, a pneumatic drive or a hydraulic drive, if necessary with a rotation module.

[0073] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other previously mentioned or yet-to-be-mentioned embodiment, provided they do not conflict with each other, the mold gripper is attached to a rotating device. The rotating device is part of the cutting and forming system. By means of the rotating device, the mold gripper can be moved relative to the first rotation axis. For this purpose, the rotating device is operatively connected to a rotating device drive.

[0074] It can be provided that the mold gripper, together with the rotating device, is movable parallel to the first rotation axis. In this case, it is suspended in the cutting and forming system with axial guidance.

[0075] The rotating device can move the mold gripper away from the first rotational axis. The rotating device can be designed, for example, as a rotating wheel with one or more locations for attaching the mold gripper. It can be provided that the mold gripper itself is fixed to the rotating device, immovable relative to the rotating device. The rotating device itself is designed to be movable about its own, second rotational axis.

[0076] The movement of the mold gripper around a second rotation axis can be, for example, a rotary movement or a tilting movement

[0077] A suitable drive can be, for example: a servo motor controlled

[0078] Drive, a three-phase motor (e.g., 230V or 400V), or a pneumatic rotary module. The rotary device drive is controlled by the control system.

[0079] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned, provided they do not conflict with each other, the rotating device is designed as a cross-shaped rotating wheel with connection points for four mold grippers. One mold gripper is arranged at each end of the cross arm.

[0080] In this or other embodiments, a shape gripper in the cutting and forming system can be interchangeable. An interchangeable shape gripper has the advantage that a shape gripper with a correspondingly shaped receptacle is used for a desired cut material shape. For this purpose, it can be provided that, for example, only the gripper jaws that form the receptacle are replaced, or other elements of the shape gripper are also replaced. Interchangeability can be achieved, for example, through reversible fastening systems. Examples include screw or pin connections, or frictional connections.

[0081] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned, provided they do not conflict with each other, the cutting edge of the knife extends perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. Furthermore, the cutting edge is arranged adjacent to the first axis of rotation.

[0082] In this embodiment, the cutting edge of the knife and the first rotation axis form a 90° angle. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotation axis does not pass through the cutting edge of the knife. However, it may be possible for one end of the cutting edge to lie on the first rotation axis.

[0083] Alternatively, the cutting edge of the knife may extend at an angle to the first rotational axis that is less than or greater than 90°. Preferably, in this alternative embodiment, the cutting edge of the knife is arranged at an angle of less than 90° to the first rotational axis. In these alternative variants, the rotational axis also does not extend through the cutting edge of the knife. However, it may be possible for one end of the cutting edge to lie on the rotational axis.

[0084] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned, provided that they do not contradict each other, the support surface of the receptacle is plate-shaped and extends perpendicular to the first axis of rotation.

[0085] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned, provided that they do not contradict each other, the holder comprises one or more holding elements which are arranged at least on the support surface for holding a food block to be placed on the holder.

[0086] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other previously mentioned or yet-to-be-mentioned embodiment, provided they do not conflict with each other, such a holding element is selected from a group comprising: - a web extending from the receptacle toward the planer blade. The web can also extend circumferentially around the first rotation axis or radially away from the first rotation axis toward the outer edge of the support surface;

[0087] - a mandrel or clamping nail extending from the holder towards the planer blade;

[0088] - a pair of claws or grippers arranged to the side of the support surface and used to clamp a block of food placed on it;

[0089] - a clamping ring. The clamping ring can rotate together with the holder if the latter is designed to rotate; and

[0090] - a vacuum device designed to suck up a food block placed on the holder.

[0091] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other previously mentioned or yet-to-be-mentioned embodiment, provided they do not conflict with each other, the cutting and forming system comprises a separating device. The separating device is designed to guide cut-off material into the forming gripper. For this purpose, the separating device is designed to be movable back and forth relative to the first rotational axis. The movement of the separating device, depending on the position of the knife, is controlled by the controller.

[0092] In particular, it is provided that the cutting device can be positioned relative to the knife, in particular relative to its cutting edge. Positioning is achieved via a back-and-forth movement. The cutting and forming system also includes a cutting device drive, with which the movement of the cutting device is carried out under the control of the controller. By means of such a controlled cutting device drive, the material to be cut from a placed food block can be automatically guided into the holder of the forming gripper. The movement of the cutting device can, for example, be a linear movement, a rotational movement, or a tilting movement.

[0093] The separating device assists in separating the cut material from the food block. The cutting material is initially cut from the food block using the blade, and the separation occurs when the blade is released from the food block. The blade can be released, for example, by moving the blade backward, away from the food block. When the blade is retracted, the separating device can be advanced at the same time, pushing the cutting material away from the food block and, if necessary, away from the blade.

[0094] A separating device is particularly suitable when the cut product easily catches on the knife, creating a risk of being torn apart when the knife is retracted. This is the case, for example, with different types of cheese. Using the separating device, the cut product can be guided from the food block away from the knife and into the shaping gripper. This can also be advantageous, for example, when the shape of the cut product created by the cutting process needs to be retained as much as possible, as may be the case with shaved-off cheese rosettes from a piece of Tete de Moine cheese.

[0095] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other previously mentioned or yet-to-be-mentioned embodiment, provided they do not conflict with each other, the separating device is designed as a sheet-metal or wedge-shaped piece and movable perpendicular to the first rotational axis. Alternatively, the separating device is designed as an angled sheet metal piece that can be tilted relative to the first rotational axis. The cutting and forming system comprises a separating device drive, with which the movement of the separating device is carried out under the control of the control system.

[0096] The movement of the separating device can, for example, be a linear back-and-forth movement, or a tilting movement with which the separating device is positioned relative to the first rotation axis. In particular, the position of the separating device is controlled depending on the position of the knife and also depending on the position of the mold gripper.

[0097] Alternative shapes of the cutting device are possible, as long as they allow the cutting device to be positioned opposite the knife and the shape gripper and to guide the cut-off material from the food block or the knife toward the gripper's receptacle. A stripping edge, such as that used for guiding a sheet or wedge die, is not mandatory. Alternative shapes can be provided, for example, if a specific shape of the cut material is to be achieved using a cutting device, or if the dimensions of the food block, the knife, the shape gripper, and / or their drives require an alternative shape.

[0098] Even if a sheet metal or a sheet metal shape is mentioned in this context, it is possible that the separating device is made of a different material. Also suitable, for example, is a separating device made of plastic, or a separating device made of a combination of plastic and metal areas. Other materials such as rubber, or foil-coated or coated workpieces, or the like are conceivable. The same applies to separating devices of other shapes such as wedge-shaped or the like. In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned, provided they do not contradict one another, the holder comprises a centering mandrel. The centering mandrel extends essentially perpendicularly from the support surface of the holder in the direction of the planer blade along the first axis of rotation.

[0099] This arrangement and alignment of the centering mandrel, holder, and rotation axis is particularly suitable for shaving rosettes from a Tete de Moine cheese wheel placed on the holder, for example. The cheese wheel is placed on the centering mandrel in such a way that it holds the cheese wheel in position on the holder, even when the holder rotates for shaving.

[0100] The centering pin can be manufactured as a single piece with the holder, or it can be manufactured as a separate workpiece and attached to the holder. If the centering pin is manufactured as a single piece with the holder, it can be made of the same material. Alternatively, the centering pin can be formed from a different material than the holder. A suitable material can be metal or plastic, for example. The choice of material for the centering pin can be based, for example, on the properties of the food block to be attached. For example, the centering block can be provided with a non-stick coating or, additionally or alternatively, can comprise retaining structures on the surface of the centering pin.

[0101] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned, provided that they do not contradict each other, the holder with the centering mandrel is designed to be pivotable from the first rotation axis. In this embodiment, the loading and unloading of the holder can be carried out with a

[0102] Food block can be simplified.

[0103] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned below, provided they do not conflict with each other, the cutting and forming system comprises a monitoring device with which the presence of a food block positioned on the holder can be detected. The monitoring device is controlled by the controller.

[0104] Such a monitoring device is provided in particular for embodiments in which the receptacle is designed to be rotatable about the first axis of rotation.

[0105] Various monitoring devices are conceivable for detecting whether a food block is present on the holder. For example, a suitable monitoring device can be a capacitive sensor, a reed switch, an optical sensor, a light barrier or light scanner, a distance sensor, or a proximity sensor, or it can comprise one or more such sensors for detecting the presence of a food block and additional, for example, mechanical elements. This can be, for example, a spring-return bolt that protrudes beyond the support surface and is pushed backward by a food block placed on it. In such a detection position, the bolt can be detected by a sensor.Also possible, for example, is a vacuum detection device, which creates a vacuum on the underside of a food block by means of a placed food block, which in turn can be detected by a sensor. A monitoring device with a detection wheel, as described later, is also possible.

[0106] In particular, it can be provided that by means of a monitoring device not only the presence of a food block itself can be detected, but that a faulty food block which no longer rotates evenly on the holder can also be detected.

[0107] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other previously mentioned or yet-to-be-mentioned embodiment, provided they do not conflict with each other, the monitoring device comprises a detection wheel designed to be rotatable about a third axis of rotation. The third axis of rotation runs parallel to the first axis of rotation. Furthermore, the detection wheel is designed to be movable with its third axis of rotation parallel to and perpendicular to the first axis of rotation.

[0108] In this embodiment, the detection wheel is used to check whether a food block placed on the holder is rotating correctly during operation of the cutting and forming system. To do this, the detection wheel can be moved far enough in the direction of the first rotation axis that it impacts the food block. Provision can be made to control the impact pressure by controlling the path of the detection wheel in the direction of the rotation axis and as a function of the circumference of the food block, e.g. by means of a controller. The pressure is selected such that when the food block is rotated by the holder, the food block in turn rotates the detection wheel. The detection wheel thus rotates with the rotation of the food block, in the opposite direction. If the food block is intact and rotates on the holder as specified, the detection wheel rotates accordingly.If, however, the food block is broken, for example, the rotation of the detection wheel is altered. This can be detected either by operators or by a sensor, and the production process can be halted, for example, by stopping the rotation of the holder.

[0109] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned, provided that they do not contradict each other, the monitoring unit comprises a sensor system with which a rotation of the detection wheel can be detected.

[0110] It can be provided that the rotation of the rotary wheel is detected by sensors, as indicated above. Suitable sensors can be, for example, optical sensors such as light barriers or light sensors, or proximity sensors based on the principle of induction, for example, or reed switches.

[0111] Light barriers can, for example, detect selected structures of the detection wheel that change as a result of rotation. Examples include spokes in the detection wheel, or an asymmetrical signal transmitter coupled to the detection wheel, such as a metallic half-disk or other alternative asymmetrically shaped signal transmitters that rotate together with the detection wheel. This can be achieved, for example, by attaching the half-disk to the same rotation axis as the rotary wheel. The sensor is arranged in such a way that it monitors the rotation of the half-disk: if the half-disk passes the sensor range during rotation, the sensor receives a signal. If the half-disk is outside the sensor range, the sensor receives no signal. For such a

[0112] For example, a capacitive sensor is also suitable as an alternative detection setup.

[0113] When the food block is rotating correctly, the sensor receives a signal at regular intervals, which it transmits to the control system. The control system stores the timing at which the food block is rotating correctly.

[0114] If the rotation of the half-disk detected by the sensor deviates from the correct rotation, the control system can detect a change in the sensor signals. For example, if the food block is broken or has come loose from the holder, or the detection wheel no longer rotates or no longer rotates correctly, the deviating sensor signals are transmitted to the control system. The control system can then trigger the detection wheel to move away from the holder or the attached food block and / or to stop the holder from rotating.

[0115] Such a sensor system with a detection wheel is particularly suitable for use with a cheese block, for example a Tete de Moine block.

[0116] Alternatively, it may be possible to design the monitoring unit in such a way that the direction of rotation of the food block can also be detected, for example by means of an asymmetrically designed signal trigger in the sensor system.

[0117] Alternatively, the cutting process on the top side of the food block can be monitored using a laser sensor, for example. The laser sensor moves along the process at a defined distance from the top edge. As long as the laser beam remains at a constant distance from the top edge, it is confirmed that the food block is being cut. However, if the laser beam hits the food block, for example, this could indicate that the food block is not rotating with the holder, and thus the knife cannot cut the food. A sensor positioned in this way detects faulty material removal.

[0118] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned, provided that they do not contradict each other, the monitoring device comprises a laser which is connected in a fixed position to the knife or the knife drive and which is aligned with a laser spot which is located above the top side of the food block when the food block is placed on it and correctly separated with the knife.

[0119] In this embodiment, the laser would detect the top side of the food block instead of the laser spot if, for example, the food block rotates on the holder and no material can be cut off with the knife. In this situation, the knife would be guided into the food block during continuous operation because it is not reduced in size by the lack of cutting off of the material. Accordingly, the top side remains at the same height. Due to the fixed position of the laser with the knife, the laser is also guided further towards the holder, which means that the laser spot is not above the top side of the food block, but rather inside the food block. If a section is missing, the laser therefore detects the food block instead of an empty spot, which the control system can evaluate as a signal.

[0120] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned, provided they do not contradict each other, the cutting and forming system comprises a holding element on the holder, which is designed as a vacuum device for sucking a food block placed on the holder. The vacuum device comprises at least one vacuum sensor for detecting a vacuum on the holder. Such a combination of vacuum device and vacuum sensor can also serve as a monitoring device, since the control system can detect that a food block is placed when a vacuum is applied, while it can conclude that no food block is sitting on it (or is not placed correctly) if no vacuum is created.

[0121] Such a vacuum device can ensure that a food block placed on the holder remains in place, even when the holder rotates during operation. A vacuum device can be included in addition to or as an alternative to other holding elements as previously discussed. For example, the vacuum device can be used to hold the food block itself on the holder, while additional holding elements can be provided on the support surface of the holder, with which the food block is held in the desired position on the support surface.

[0122] For safe operation, it may be suitable to install both the vacuum device and the detection device with sensors in a cutting and forming system.

[0123] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned, provided that they do not contradict each other, the cutting and forming system is designed for the automated production of shaped Tete de Moine rosettes.

[0124] The various elements and embodiments of a cutting and forming system discussed above have already been explained as examples for the operation of the system with a scraping knife and a mold gripper specifically adapted to a rosette shape. In particular, the knife's orientation, in which the cutting edge runs perpendicular to the first rotational axis and can also be moved parallel to the first rotational axis for cutting, is particularly suitable for scraping Tete de Moine rosettes. For this purpose, the mold gripper holder is designed with a truncated cone.

[0125] The invention also relates to a mold gripper for the automated production of molded Tete de Moine rosettes in one or more embodiments of the cutting and forming machine described in more detail above. The corresponding mold gripper comprises at least two gripper jaws, each with an inner side, which can be moved relative to one another. As previously discussed, the gripper jaws and their inner sides together form a Tete de Moine rosette-forming receptacle.

[0126] In one embodiment of the invention, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned, provided they do not contradict each other, the shape gripper is attached to a rotating device. The features and variants of the rotating device described above in connection with the cutting and forming machine also apply in this context. By means of the rotating device, the shape gripper is movable relative to the first rotation axis of the cutting and forming system. The rotating device is designed as a rotating wheel which comprises two or more holding positions for attaching additional shape grippers. The rotating wheel is operatively connected to a rotating device drive in one embodiment as described above.

[0127] By means of such a rotary wheel, the production of a variety of Tete de Moine

[0128] Rosettes can be processed automatically and efficiently. This means that for each newly shaved rosette, a mold gripper with an empty holder can be provided at short intervals. Once the knife is retracted and the rosette is inserted into the assigned mold gripper, the now occupied mold gripper can be rotated away from the "active" position near the knife using the rotary wheel, and a new, empty mold gripper can be immediately pivoted into the active position. This allows the knife to immediately pierce the cheese wheel again and shave off the next rosette, without having to wait for the originally occupied mold gripper to shape the picked-up rosette into its final shape, release it (for example, into a prepared tray), and return it to the active position.

[0129] For example, a gripper wheel with four crosswise arranged forming grippers can be installed in the cutting and forming system for Tete de Moine rosettes. Each 90° rotation of the gripper wheel allows an empty forming gripper on the knife to be pivoted into the active position. The time between each knife cut into the cheese wheel to twist off a rosette can thus be minimized to the time required for the 90° rotation.

[0130] The features of the above-mentioned cutting and forming system designs can be used in any possible combination, as long as they do not conflict with each other. Ranges include the stated limits.

[0131] The invention also relates to a method for producing shaped slices of a food block. It comprises the following steps:

[0132] Providing a cutting and forming system in one of the previously described

[0133] Embodiments or a combination thereof. In addition to the holder, the mold gripper, and the knife, it may be possible to integrate other elements described here into the cutting and forming system as required.

[0134] Place a food block onto the support surface of the holder. Depending on the design of the support surface, one or more retaining elements may be provided on or at the support surface to improve the grip of the food block.

[0135] The blade and / or the holder are moved towards each other under the control of the control system until the blade pierces the top of the placed food block. The penetration depth determines the thickness of the cut-off product. It can vary depending on the desired shape and type of food to be processed and can be stored in the control system, for example. It can be provided that, for example, by selecting the appropriate type of food block, the control system automatically triggers settings such as the movement of the blade (for the penetration depth), the time of penetration and movement of the blade during the separation process (for the length of the cut-off product), the speed of the holder, and similar.

[0136] Initiating a rotational movement of the holder around the first rotation axis and continuously moving the blade and / or the holder toward each other, thereby cutting a piece of food from the top of the attached food block. The blade can be continuously moved toward the holder to ensure continuous penetration into the food block. The penetration can be monitored, for example, using additional sensors.

[0137] Positioning the shape gripper relative to the surface of the placed food block, and picking up the cut product in the shape gripper, whereby the cut product is shaped. It can be provided that, in order to securely pick up the cut product, the shape gripper is also positioned relative to the knife, in particular its cutting edge. The alignment of the shape gripper, in particular the gripper jaws and their receptacle, can take into account various aspects such as the shape and position of the freshly separated cut product, the shape and dimensions of the receptacle in the shape gripper, and the alignment of the opening in the receptacle when the gripper jaws are moved apart. As soon as the cut product is picked up in the receptacle of the shape gripper, the gripper jaws are moved towards one another as described above and thus brought into a closed state. The cut product is shaped by the resulting narrowing of the receptacle.

[0138] In one embodiment of the method, which can be combined with any other previously mentioned or yet-to-be-mentioned embodiment, provided they do not conflict with each other, the holder is rotated about the first rotational axis for the cutting process, and for piercing, the knife is moved along the first rotational axis toward the holder until the cutting edge pierces the food block. In this alignment of knife to holder, the material to be cut can be efficiently separated from the food block without excessive material loss.

[0139] In one embodiment of the method, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned, provided they do not contradict each other, the knife is moved away from the food block to interrupt the cutting off of the material to be cut. It is particularly advantageous if, for this purpose, the knife is retracted again along the first axis of rotation, i.e. moved away from the holder. It can be provided that the length of the path for this backward movement is specified in the control system. In one embodiment of the method, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned, provided they do not contradict each other, the shape gripper comprises two gripper jaws that can be moved relative to each other. The gripper jaws are positioned opposite the knife during the cutting off of the material to be cut in order to directly pick up the severed material to be cut.For this purpose, the gripper jaws each have an inner surface, with which they together form a shaping receptacle for the cut product cut from a block of food. To pick up the cut product cut by the knife, the gripper jaws are moved away from each other, while they are moved toward each other to shape the picked-up cut product.

[0140] By moving them apart, the shape gripper is brought into an open state, as described above. The distance by which the gripper jaws are spaced apart in the open position can be stored in the control system. The distance can be adjusted to suit the type of food and the shape and size of the cut product being produced.

[0141] By moving toward each other, the shape gripper is closed, as also described above. It can be provided to store in the control system how far the gripper jaws are moved toward each other, and thus how the holder is ultimately closed. The holder's shape and dimensions are preferably adapted to the material to be cut.

[0142] In one embodiment of the method, which can be combined with any other previously mentioned or yet-to-be-mentioned embodiment, provided they do not conflict with each other, the mold gripper comprises an ejector with a support surface. Cuttings received in the mold gripper rest on the support surface and / or are ejected from the mold gripper by means of the ejector. The descriptions above or below in connection with the ejector can also be applied here.

[0143] In one embodiment of the method, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned, provided that they do not contradict each other, the picked up and shaped cuttings are transported away from the food block by means of the shaping gripper.

[0144] It can be provided here that the shape gripper is functionally connected to an additional movement unit, such as a rotating device, which is explained in more detail above or in the figures. The advantage is that in this way the shaped cut material does not have to be removed from the shape gripper directly at the knife, but can be removed at another location. In particular, it can be provided that immediately after the shape gripper loaded with cut material has been moved away, the now free position in front of the knife is occupied by an unloaded shape gripper. This is possible, for example, by means of a rotating device with several shape gripper positions, as presented in connection with Figure 12.

[0145] In one embodiment of the method, which can be combined with any other previously mentioned or yet-to-be-mentioned embodiment, provided they do not conflict with each other, the cutting and forming system comprises a separating device for guiding cut-off material from the knife into the forming gripper. To pick up the cut-off material in the forming gripper, the knife is retracted, interrupting the separating process, and simultaneously, the separating device is moved toward the forming gripper, so that the material cut off by the knife is guided into the forming gripper by the separating device.

[0146] The descriptions of the separating device in connection with the cutting and forming system or also the figures can be applied directly here, in particular the explanations regarding the design of the separating device.

[0147] In one embodiment of the method, which can be combined with any other previously mentioned or yet-to-be-mentioned embodiment, provided they do not conflict with each other, the cutting and forming system comprises a monitoring device with a detection wheel and a sensor system. The rotation of the applied food block is monitored by moving the detection wheel toward the food block until it contacts the food block. The resulting rotation of the detection wheel is detected by the sensor system.

[0148] In this embodiment, the rotation of the food block is monitored indirectly via a rotation of a detection wheel triggered by the rotation, which in turn can be monitored by sensors. Alternatively, as previously described, it may be possible to monitor the food block or its rotation directly using sensors.

[0149] In one embodiment of the method, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned, provided that they do not conflict with each other, the food block is a Tete de Moine cheese block, and Tete de Moine rosettes are scraped and formed with the cutting and forming device.

[0150] In one embodiment of the method, which can be combined with any other embodiment mentioned above or to be mentioned, provided that they do not contradict each other, the food block used is a Tete de Moine cheese block and the cutting and forming system is designed to cut and form Tete de Moine rosettes.

[0151] In this embodiment of the method, the cutting and forming system is designed as described above and below, so that rosettes of the Tete de

[0152] Moine cheese blocks are scraped off, which meet the specifications of the

[0153] Tete de Moine, Fromage de Bellelay variety organization; available at www.tetedemoine.ch.

[0154] SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0155] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to figures (Fig.). These figures are selected for illustrative purposes and their description is not to be understood as limiting. In the following:

[0156] Fig. 1 is a schematic, spatial overview of a cutting and forming system in a simple embodiment;

[0157] Fig. 2 is a schematic, spatial overview of a cutting and forming system according to Figure 1 with a food block placed on top;

[0158] Fig. 3 is a schematic, spatial view of a holder of a cutting and forming system with a food block and forming gripper attached;

[0159] Fig. 4 is a schematic, spatial view of the image from Figure 3 with a knife;

[0160] Fig. 5 is a schematic, spatial view of the holder from Figure 3 with mold gripper and knife;

[0161] Fig. 6 is a schematic, spatial view obliquely from the front of an exemplary mold gripper with two gripper jaws; Fig. 7 is a schematic, spatial representation of the two gripper jaws from Figure 6 with an ejector in a view obliquely from the front;

[0162] Fig. 8 is a schematic, spatial side view of the gripper jaw and ejector assembly according to Figure 7;

[0163] Fig. 9 is a schematic, spatial representation of a mold gripper with two gripper jaws and movement mechanism as well as an ejector with guide rod for the movement between the gripper jaws, in a view from the front and slightly from above;

[0164] Fig. 10 is a schematic, spatial view of a mold gripper in a further embodiment, obliquely from the side;

[0165] Fig. 11 is a schematic, spatial view of a mold gripper with ejector ejected and cut material just thrown out;

[0166] Fig. 12 is a schematic, spatial view of a rotating device for fastening four mold grippers, one of the mold grippers being positioned in relation to a centering mandrel of a holder with a food block attached;

[0167] Fig. 13 is a schematic, spatial view of a knife with an exemplary separating device;

[0168] Fig. 14 is a schematic, spatial view of a knife with an alternative separating device;

[0169] Fig. 15 is a highly schematic sectional drawing of a holder with alternatively shaped holder surfaces and various possible positions of the knife;

[0170] Fig. 16 is a highly schematic sectional drawing of a holder with alternative holding elements; Fig. 17 is a highly schematic sectional drawing of a holder with a

[0171] Surveillance device

[0172] Fig. 18 shows a schematic section of a cutting and forming system with an alternative monitoring device in a spatial view;

[0173] Fig. 19 is a schematic side view of a cutting and forming system according to Figure 18 additionally with a rotary wheel for four forming grippers;

[0174] Fig. 20 is a highly schematic overview of the functioning of a monitoring device according to Fig. 18;

[0175] Fig. 21 is a highly schematic overview of the functioning of another alternative monitoring device;

[0176] Fig. 22 a schematic overview of possible process steps in the production of shaped cuttings using a cutting and forming system; and

[0177] Fig. 23 is a highly schematic view of process steps in gripping and shaping cuttings.

[0178] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0179] The present invention relates to a cutting and forming system with which sliced ​​material can be automatically separated and formed from a food block. Although the cutting and forming system is also suitable for other types of food, the exemplary design of the cutting and forming system for the production of Tete de Moine rosettes is used for better illustration.

[0180] Figure 1 shows a cutting and forming system 1 in a simple embodiment, comprising a holder 4, a knife 9, and a forming gripper 13. For the automated production of shaped cutting material, in this embodiment, the holder 4 is rotatable about a first rotational axis 12. The rotational movement is enabled by a holder drive 31. Figure 1 shows a holder drive with a gear 31' and a motor 31". The first rotational axis 12, around which the holder 4 rotates, is shown in dash-dotted lines.

[0181] The holder 4 here comprises a flat support surface 5 and a centering mandrel 8. In this embodiment, the support surface 5 is arranged perpendicular to the first rotation axis 12 and extends in a first plane 7. When the holder 4 rotates about the first rotation axis 12, the support surface moves in this first plane 7.

[0182] The centering mandrel 8 extends along the first rotation axis 12, so that when the holder 4 rotates, the centering mandrel 8 is also rotated accordingly about the first rotation axis 12. A food block 3, for example, a block of Tete de Moine cheese, can be placed on the centering mandrel 8 (see Figure 2).

[0183] Figure 1 shows the knife 9 from the side. The cutting edge 10 is oriented downwards towards the support surface 5. It is advantageous if the cutting edge does not run through the first axis of rotation 12 and also does not contact the centering mandrel 8 during a movement in the direction of the holder 4. This can prevent the holder 4 from rotating during operation of the cutting and forming system 1 shown, i.e. when a food block 3 is positioned on the holder 4, and in order to separate cut material 2, the knife 9 is pushed towards the holder 4 during rotation, and the system is blocked by the contact of the knife 9 with the centering mandrel 8. In order to cut material 2 from a food block 3 placed on the holder, the cutting edge 10 of the knife therefore extends laterally away from the centering mandrel 8, for example, as shown in Figure 1, parallel to the first plane.The movement of the knife 9 along the first rotation axis 12 can be carried out automatically by means of a knife drive 32.

[0184] The shape gripper 13 comprises two gripper jaws 14 that can be moved relative to one another and that, with their inner sides 15, form a receptacle 16 for the cut product 2. The shape gripper is aligned with its receptacle 16 in relation to the knife 9, in particular to its cutting edge 10. The alignment is such that the cut product 2, which is separated from the food block 3 at the cutting edge 10, can be guided by the cutting edge 10 into the receptacle 16 in such a way that, by moving the gripper jaws 14 toward one another, the cut product 2 is shaped into the desired shape in the receptacle 16.

[0185] The shape gripper 13 is movable along the first rotational axis 12 in a similar way to the knife—it is therefore guided axially. Thus, when the knife is moved toward the holder 4 for piercing while a mounted food block 3 is rotating, the shape gripper 13 can be moved axially along with the knife 9. Thus, as the cutting material 2 is continuously separated and the food block 3 is reduced in size, the cutting material 2 can be continuously picked up and shaped by the shape gripper 13. The movement of the shape gripper 13 along the first rotational axis 12 can be automated by means of a shape gripper drive 33. The axial guidance of the shape gripper 13 and the knife 9 is not shown here for reasons of clarity.

[0186] Alternatively, it can be provided that, to insert the knife 9 into a placed food block 3, not the knife 9 (and, analogously, the mold gripper 13) but instead the receptacle 4 is moved toward the knife 9, or the knife 9 (and mold gripper 13) and the receptacle 4 can be moved toward each other on both sides. However, since this embodiment involves increased technical complexity, it may be less preferred. The various mobility options are indicated by arrows.

[0187] In the embodiment shown, the shape gripper 13 has a distal end that can be opened and closed. The distal end is opposite the side on which the shape gripper 13, in this embodiment, is attached to a rotating device 34 for rotating the shape gripper 13. By means of the rotating device 34 and a rotating device drive 35, the shape gripper can be rotated away from the blade 9 after picking up a cut product 2, for example, in order to place the then shaped cut product 2 in a packaging tray (not shown). The rotating device 34 acts here as a suspension for the shape gripper 13. The shape gripper 13 can - together with the rotating device - be moved axially along the first rotation axis 12 by means of the shape gripper drive 33.

[0188] Also visible are two sensors 29, which determine the position of the knife relative to the holder 4 (and thus indirectly the penetration depth when a food block 3 is positioned on the holder 4) and can be controlled by feedback to a controller 30. The sensors 29 shown here are each proximity sensors.

[0189] The cutting and forming system 1 also includes a controller 30. The controller 30 is functionally connected to the shape gripper 13, the knife 9, and the holder 4, in particular to the shape gripper drive 33, the holder drive 31, and the knife drive 32, so that the rotation of the holder 4, the movement of the knife 9 for piercing, and the positioning of the shape gripper 13 relative to the knife 9 can be controlled automatically. In the embodiment shown, the rotating device drive 35 is also connected to the controller 30. The functional connections of the individual elements of the cutting and forming system 1 to the controller 30 are illustrated in simplified form by lines.

[0190] Figure 2 shows the cutting and forming system 1 shown in Figure 1 with a food block 3 mounted on it. It can be seen that a food block 3 placed on the holder 4 almost completely covers the support surface 5 when in place. If the food block is smaller, it is possible that the support surface is only partially covered.

[0191] Ideally, the food block 3 is placed approximately rotationally symmetrically on the centering mandrel 8 and on the holder 4. The centering mandrel 8 then holds the food block 3 stably on the holder when the holder is rotated or is stationary.

[0192] Deviating from the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the cutting and forming system 1 is divided into at least two separate controls 30', 30", which are functionally connected to one another. Alternatively, it is possible for each element of the cutting and forming system 1 to have its own control (30 1, 30", 30", etc.), which are all interconnected and controlled and coordinated, for example, by a central controller 30.

[0193] Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of a holder of a cutting and forming system 1 with a food block 3 placed on the holder 4 and a positioned shape gripper 13. The shape gripper 13 is positioned laterally next to the centering mandrel 8. The mobility of the shape gripper 13 in this case is indicated by a double arrow; for the sake of clarity, the shape gripper drive 33 is not shown, nor is the rotatability of the holder 4. The support surface 5 of the holder 4 comprises various holding means 6 - in this case several webs that extend towards the shape gripper 13. The webs penetrate the placed food block 3, for example a cheese block, from below and thus prevent the food block 3 from slipping on the support surface 5 when the holder 4 is rotated.

[0194] The mold gripper 13 is constructed from two gripper jaws 14, which have finger-shaped extensions at their distal end (i.e., opposite the side of the mold gripper with which the mold gripper is attached to a holder). Parts of an ejector 17 engage in the spaces between the finger-shaped extensions. The support surface 18 of the ejector 17 (see Fig. 14 or 16) and the inner sides of the gripper jaws 14 form a shaped receptacle 16. The receptacle 16 is delimited laterally by a respective limiting element 20. The limiting elements 20 are attached to the holder so that they are immovable relative to the gripper jaws 14.

[0195] Cuttings 2 that have been scraped, cut, or planed from the food block 3 are received in the holder 16 when the shape gripper 13 is open. If the shape gripper 13 is closed, i.e., the gripper jaws 14 are moved toward each other, the holder 16 is reduced in size, thus shaping the cuttings 2 into the desired shape. To eject the now shaped cuttings 2, for example, into packaging, the shape gripper 13 can be opened again and ejected from the holder 16 by means of the ejector 17. Since the ejector 17 has a correspondingly shaped support surface 18, the shape of the cuttings 2 is not further affected by the ejection process. For the automated process, it is useful if the mold gripper 13 is moved away from the "collecting position" for ejection and advantageously brought into a "unloading position" in which the cut material 2 is collected accordingly (not shown). Fig.Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the holder from Figure 3, without the shape gripper 13 for the sake of clarity, but with the knife 9. Here it can be seen that the knife 9 is positioned such that the cutting edge 10 cannot contact the centering mandrel 8 when the knife 9 is moved towards the holder 4 during operation. If the holder 4 does not comprise a centering mandrel 8, this position of the knife 9 is not necessary, but may still be desired in order to ensure uniform removal of material from the top side of the food block 3. In such an embodiment, however, the knife 9 can alternatively extend over the entire length of the holder 4 or of the desired food block 3.

[0196] Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of the holder from Figure 3 with the shape gripper 13 and knife 9 from Figure 4. Here, the relative positioning of the cutting edge 10 of the knife 9 to the distal end of the shape gripper 13 can be clearly seen. In this embodiment, the shape gripper 13 is aligned with the edge of its distal end approximately parallel to the cutting edge 10 of the knife 9. The length of the cutting edge 10 and the length of the holder 16 of the shape gripper are also coordinated with one another, so that cut-off cutting material 2 can be received in the shape gripper 13 completely and almost immediately after the separation process by the knife 9. Figure 5 indicates that in this embodiment, the cutting edge 10 of the knife 9 extends in a second plane 11.If the knife 9 and the shape gripper 13 are moved in the direction of the holder to separate the cut material, this second plane 11 is moved virtually, and the arrangement of the cutting edge 10 to the distal edge of the shape gripper 13 remains the same with respect to the second plane 11. For the sake of clarity, no food block 3 is shown in Fig. 5, so that the design of the support surface 5 can be seen. A plurality of holding elements are attached to the support surface 5, each extending in the direction of the knife 9 or shape gripper 13 perpendicular to the support surface 5. There are both radially arranged webs and, in this case, a web that runs around the centering mandrel 8. With regard to the number and arrangement of the holding elements 6, a balance must be struck between providing as much hold as possible without, however, damaging the integrity of the food block 3 too much.This can, for example, prevent the food block 3 from breaking due to the holding elements 6. This consideration also takes into account the consistency of the food block 3 – for example, different holding elements may be appropriate for a block of hard cheese than for a block of salami. As mentioned, a circumferential clamping ring or grippers or claws engaging the sides of the food block 3 may be preferred as a less invasive holding device.

[0197] The rotatability of the mount is indicated by a curved double arrow.

[0198] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a mold gripper 13 with two gripper jaws 14 in a preferred embodiment. Each gripper jaw 14 has a distal end 43 or a distal edge, with which the mold gripper 13 can be positioned relative to the knife 9. Each distal end 43 or the corresponding end region has a finger shape in this embodiment. In particular, each gripper jaw has finger-shaped extensions with recesses between the fingers. As can be seen in Figure 7, complementary extensions of an ejector 17, if provided, can move into these recesses. This enables a guided movement of an ejector 17 between the gripper jaws 14. With regard to the ejector 17, its outer edges of the support surface can alternatively also be designed without such extensions.Each gripper jaw 14 is specially shaped, with the shape being determined in particular by the inner sides 15 of the gripper jaws 14. Together, the inner sides 15 of the gripper jaws 14 form a mold with which the cut material 2, which is picked up in the shaping gripper 13, can be shaped as soon as the gripper jaws 14 are closed. In this case, the gripper jaws 14 do not serve to simply "grab" material to transport it safely from A to B; they do not function purely as tongs. Gripping too tightly, i.e., applying excessive force to the picked material with the inner sides 15 of the gripper jaws, is actually undesirable, as this carries the risk of deforming the cut material to such an extent that it deviates from the intended shape and may no longer be appealing to a buyer.It should be remembered that this is cuttings from a semi-solid or solid food, which, depending on the type, may crumble or mash if pressed too tightly.

[0199] Figure 6 shows an example of how the gripper jaws can be designed to be movable. For example, the proximal end of a gripper jaw 14 is fastened to its own jaw holder 40. This can be a permanent attachment, such as a weld, or alternatively the connection can be a detachable one, for example via a screw connection. A detachable connection can be particularly advantageous if the gripper jaw(s) 14 in an existing cutting and forming system are to be replaced, for example for different foods, different shapes for one type of food, or for repairs. Alternatively, a gripper jaw 14 can be designed as a one-piece workpiece with the jaw holder 40.

[0200] The jaw holder 40, in turn, is connected to an adapter plate 41. This plate establishes the connection to a movement unit 44 for the respective gripper jaw 14 (see also Fig. 9). In the embodiment shown, the gripper jaws 14 are designed to function as parallel grippers. Alternatively, the gripper jaws 14 can be movable as angular grippers (not shown). The advantage of a parallel gripper is that, if necessary, only one gripper jaw 14 needs to be movable, while the other remains stationary. Deviating from the embodiment shown here, for example, instead of a left and a right gripper jaw 14, each gripper jaw 14 can be formed by two or more jaw parts, which, for example, give the inner receptacle 16 the desired shape through different movements in the direction of the opposite gripper jaw(s) (not shown). In the embodiment shown, each gripper jaw 14 is one-piece.

[0201] The direction of movement of each gripper jaw 14 is shown here for the adapter plate 41. A double arrow is shown for each gripper jaw 14, since in this embodiment each gripper jaw 14 can be moved back and forth in the indicated directions. If the gripper jaws 14 are moved away from each other accordingly, the shaped gripper 13 can be brought into an open state; the gripper jaws 14 are spaced apart from each other with their distal ends such that cut material 2, which was previously separated from the food block 3 with the knife 9, can be brought into the receptacle 16 between the gripper jaws 14 or removed from the receptacle 16. The control system controls the maximum distance to which the gripper jaws 14 are moved from one another. If the gripper jaws 14 are moved towards each other, the shaped gripper 13 is brought into a closed state. Here the gripper jaws 14 are positioned with a predetermined minimum distance from each other.This minimum distance is selected such that when the forming gripper 13 moves, the picked-up shredded product 2 does not fall out of the holder 16, even when the gripper jaws 14 are closed. For example, the control system 30 can store the corresponding path lengths for the back and forth movements to bring the forming gripper 13 into the closed or open state. Shown here is an example of shredded product 2, such as is produced when scraping Tete de Moine rosettes. Details for the production of Tete de Moine rosettes can be found in the specifications of the Tete de Moine, Fromage de Bellelay variety organization. Explicit reference is made to Article 3, which stipulates that shredding is a requirement: Rosettes produced with a girolle or a similar device must be compact.Rosettes are understood to mean: The Tete de Moine is generally not cut, but rather scraped with a girolle or a similar device and formed into rosettes, as shown on the label according to Article 20 (see specifications). A cutting and forming system is particularly preferably designed so that rosettes can be scraped off according to these specifications and automatically formed with the forming gripper 13 and subsequently deposited.

[0202] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of the two gripper jaws from Fig. 6 with an ejector 17 positioned between the gripper jaws 14, viewed obliquely from the front. The ejector 17 has a support surface 18 pointing towards the distal end. Cuttings 2, which have been separated from a food block such as Tete de Moine cheese and transferred to the forming gripper, come to rest on this support surface 18. In this embodiment, the ejector 17 has finger-shaped extensions which engage in the recesses of the gripper jaws 14. If the ejector 17 is moved up and down in the receptacle 16 of the forming gripper 13 (i.e. between the distal end 43 and the proximal end), its movement is guided by the recesses. If the material to be cut 2 is picked up and the gripper jaws 14 are brought into the closed state, the support surface 18 also forms part of the shaping surface.This can also be seen in Figure 8, in which the ensemble of gripper jaws 14 and ejector 17 is shown in a schematic side view. In particular, these two figures show the conical shape of the receptacle 16, which is particularly suitable for the production of Tete de Moine rosettes. Figure 8 also clearly shows the distal end 43, which is aligned relative to the cutting edge 10 of the knife 9. Preferably, the alignment is such that the edge runs parallel or approximately parallel to the cutting edge of the knife 9. This is particularly advantageous for the production of Tete de Moine rosettes, since the naturally occurring rosette shape can be optimally utilized for further processing thanks to the alignment of the shape gripper.

[0203] Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a mold gripper 13 with a movement mechanism 44 for moving the gripper jaws 14 towards and away from each other in a front view slightly from above. In addition, the ejector 17 is shown with a guide rod 45, which establishes the connection for a drive of the ejector (not shown). By means of such a drive, the ejector 17 can be moved up and down between the gripper jaws 14. If the ejector 17 is positioned at the bottom, i.e. further away from the distal end 43, it forms part of the receptacle 16 for the cut material 2. If the ejector 17 is positioned at the top, i.e. at the distal end 43 of the mold gripper, picked-up cut material 2 can be released from the receptacle 16 (see also Figure 11). For this purpose, it can be provided that the ejector 17 is even moved out of the receptacle 16 - in this case it projects beyond the distal end 43 of the mold gripper 13.

[0204] In Fig. 10 is a schematic view of a mold gripper 13 in a further

[0205] Embodiment obliquely from the side. In this embodiment, the

[0206] The mold gripper 13 additionally has two limiting elements 20, which laterally limit the receptacle 16 between the gripper jaws 14 and the ejector 17. The two gripper jaws 14 and the limiting elements 20 form, so to speak, side walls of the receptacle 16, while the support surface 18 of the ejector 17 forms the base. Finally, the mold gripper 13 is open at the distal end 43, whereby the opening is larger in the open state than in the closed state. In the closed state, the distal end 43 can be so narrow, solely due to the gripper jaws 43, that inserted cut material 2 does not fall out during a gripper movement.

[0207] Figure 10 shows additional mounting plates 44, with which the mold gripper 12 is attached to a holder, for example, a rotating device 34 (see also Figure 12). For clarity, the movement mechanism 44 for the gripper jaws 14 is not shown here.

[0208] One or more mounting plates 44 may be provided. In the embodiment shown here, two mounting plates 44 are shown – one extending in a distal-to-proximal direction; this is visible at the front. A further, second mounting plate 44 extends perpendicular to this front mounting plate 44 and is connected to it – the connecting elements themselves (e.g., screws) are not shown. The two limiting elements 20 are also attached to this second mounting plate 44.

[0209] In Figures 6 to 10, individual connecting elements are shown or omitted for clarity. It is the responsibility of a specialist to select and implement the correct type of connection.

[0210] In Fig. 11 is a schematic view of a mold gripper 13 with ejected

[0211] Ejector 17 and the freshly ejected cut material 2 are shown. The shape gripper 13 is directed downwards toward a container, for example, a sales tray, so that upon ejection of the ejector 17, the shaped cut material 2 falls into the provided container 47 by gravity. Once the cut material 2 is in the container 47, further processing steps can take place, for example, weighing the cut material 2 and / or packaging.

[0212] It is clearly visible that the ejector 17 has been moved so far out of the shape gripper 13 that its support surface 18 is no longer located in the receptacle 16 of the shape gripper 13. In this view, the ejector 17 therefore transports the cut material completely out of the shape gripper 13. However, if the gripper jaws are opened sufficiently wide and the shape gripper 13 is aligned accordingly, it may also be sufficient for the ejector 17 to transport the cut material 2 within the receptacle 16 toward the distal end without protruding from the shape gripper 13.

[0213] Fig. 12 shows a schematic view of four mold grippers 13, which are attached, for example, to a rotating device 34. For clarity, one of the mold grippers 13 is shown in a position relative to a holder 4 with a centering mandrel 8 and a food block 3 mounted thereon, as may be implemented in a cutting and forming system 1.

[0214] The rotating device 34 is designed as a gripper wheel. This means that it is rotatable about a second rotational axis 37. It can be provided that rotation about the second rotational axis 37 in one direction is provided—in this embodiment, the gripper wheel is rotatable in both directions about the second rotational axis 37. By means of this rotary movement, once the cuttings have been separated from the food block with the knife 9 and received in the shaped gripper 13, the now loaded shaped gripper 13 can be rotated away immediately thereafter, thereby automatically bringing an unloaded shaped gripper 13 into a receiving position near the knife 9 and the food block 3. The knife 9 can already be retracted into the food block 3 and can separate the next cutting 2.

[0215] It is particularly advantageous if the loaded mold gripper 13 can release the then formed cut material 2 into a correspondingly positioned collecting container, for example, a tray. In this way, the automated production of cut material 2 and the subsequent shaping (and release) of the cut material 2 can be accelerated. This acceleration can be achieved simply by using two or more mold grippers 13 on a holding or rotating device 34; an embodiment with four mold grippers 13 on a rotating device 34 has proven particularly advantageous for the production of Tete de Moine rosettes.

[0216] The automated rotation of the rotating device 34 is realized by means of a rotating device drive 35, which is controlled by the controller 30. For reasons of clarity, the rotating device drive 35 is not shown here, but can be seen, for example, in Fig. 1 or Fig. 18. The rotating device drive 35 can be, for example, a servomotor-controlled drive, a three-phase motor (e.g., with 230V or 400V), or a pneumatic rotary module.

[0217] To position a mold gripper 13 of the rotating device 34, the rotating device is additionally movable along the first rotation axis 12, as previously discussed. For this purpose, the rotating device is integrated into the cutting and forming system 1 in an axially movable manner.

[0218] Fig. 13 shows a schematic view of a knife with an exemplary

[0219] Separating device 21 is shown. This is a highly simplified section. In the embodiment shown, it is an angled sheet. For clarity, the angled sheet is depicted here as if it were penetrating the knife 9. In fact, the knife 9 and the separating device 21 must not come into contact during operation of the cutting and forming system 1; the chosen representation is intended to clarify that the separating device 21 crosses the path of the knife 9. The path of the knife 9 is understood here to be the distance over which the knife 9 is moved up and down.

[0220] As previously explained, the knife 9 is moved downwards, i.e. in the direction of the holder 4, until it pierces a predefined depth into a placed food block 3. If the food block 3 is rotated, the cut material 2 is separated. Once a desired amount of cut material 2 has been separated, the knife 9 is retracted, i.e. moved upwards. The separating device 21 assists in transporting the cut material from the food block 3 into the shape gripper 13 by moving the separating device 21, in this case the angled plate, towards the shape gripper 13, from left to right in Figure 13. The angled plate does not contact the knife 9 because the knife has been moved far enough upwards.

[0221] The movement of the separating device 21 is effected by means of a dedicated movement device 22. This is controlled by the controller 30. In this way, the movement of the separating device 21 is synchronized with the movement of the knife 9 and, advantageously, also with the rotational movement of the mold gripper 13.

[0222] Fig. 14 shows a schematic view of a knife 9 with an alternative separating device 21. In this case, the separating device 21 is wedge-shaped, with the wedge tip oriented toward the knife 9 or the mold gripper 13 (not shown). By means of a dedicated movement device 22, the wedge-shaped separating device 21 can be moved back and forth along the direction of the arrow shown. Here, too, the knife 9 and the separating device 21 do not contact each other during operation—a more detailed description of an exemplary movement sequence can be found in Fig. 23.

[0223] By means of the wedge shape, the cut material 2 can be easily moved into a correspondingly positioned shape gripper 13.

[0224] Fig. 15 is a highly schematic sectional drawing of a holder 4 with a centering mandrel 8, showing two possible, alternatively shaped holder surfaces 5 as well as various possible positions of the knife 9. In one alternative shown, the holder surface 5 is flat and extends in a first plane 7. This first plane 7, in turn, is pierced perpendicularly by the first axis of rotation 12. The knife 9 can, for example, be positioned relative to the holder 4 such that its cutting edge 10 extends parallel to the first plane 7 (see knife 9 shown on the right). Alternatively, the knife 9 can be positioned in a different orientation (see knife 9 shown on the left). The drive 31 for the rotation of the holder 4 is indicated here.

[0225] If a holder 4 with a centering mandrel 8 is provided, the knife 9 must not contact the centering mandrel 8 or other holding elements 6 during operation of the cutting and forming system 1. This can be achieved, for example, by appropriate positioning or by appropriate control of the movement using the control system 30.

[0226] An alternative support surface 5 is shown with a dashed line. This support surface is conical, with the cone apex located in the first rotation axis 12. Such a conical shape can be useful, for example, if the food block 3 already has a complementarily shaped underside. The shape and size of the support surface 5 can therefore be adapted to the shape and size of the food block 3 to be processed.

[0227] Fig. 16 shows a highly schematic sectional view of a receptacle 4 with alternative holding elements 6. In this embodiment, the receptacle 4 has a plurality of spikes extending from the support surface 5 parallel to the rotation axis 12. If the support surface 5 has a different shape, it is provided that the holding elements 6 are designed and oriented in such a way that they allow both a good hold for a food block 3 to be placed thereon and good handling in connection with the placement of the food block 3.

[0228] In this figure, for example, the knife 9 has been omitted for clarity. Only the drive 31 for the rotation of the holder 4 is indicated here.

[0229] Fig. 17 shows a highly schematic overview of a monitoring device 23, which can be used to check whether a food block 3 is positioned on the holder 4 or not. The monitoring device 23 shown here is designed as a bolt with a spring return. The bolt is attached to the holder in such a way that when a food block 3 is placed on it, it is pushed backwards into the housing and is thereby detected by a sensor 25. If the holder 4 is not occupied by a food block 3, the bolt protrudes upwards and cannot be detected by the sensor 25. The sensor 25 is in turn connected to a controller 30 (not shown), which then controls the actions of the other elements of the cutting and forming system 1. In Fig.Figure 18 shows a schematic section of a cutting and forming system with an additional monitoring device 23 (for a complete overview, see Figure 19). The forming gripper 13 as well as the knife 9 are indicated here for clarity and are not shown fully installed. The holder 4 comprises a centering mandrel 8 and is rotatable about the first rotation axis 12 by means of a rotary drive 31.

[0230] The monitoring device 23 serves to check whether a placed food block 3 is rotating properly with the holder 4. In this embodiment, the monitoring device 23 comprises a detection wheel 24, which is movable perpendicular to the first rotation axis 12. To monitor the rotation of the food block 3, the detection wheel 24 is moved in the direction of the first rotation axis 12 until it rests lightly on the food block 3.

[0231] As a result, the detection wheel 24 also rotates in the opposite direction. The corresponding rotation axis 38 of the detection wheel 24 is shown in Fig. 18. It may be possible to control the pressure with which the detection wheel 24 comes to rest on the food block 3, for example, by means of the controller 30.

[0232] The rotation of the detection wheel 24 is then monitored by a sensor system 25 in order to draw conclusions about the rotation of the food block 3. The term sensor system 25 refers here not only to a signal detector, but to a unit or combination of a signal detector and a signal trigger. The signal trigger comprises or causes a signal detectable by the signal detector. The sensor system 25 or parts thereof are also functionally connected to the controller 30. The controller 30 is designed to receive and process a signal transmitted by the sensor system, for example by triggering an alarm if the detection wheel 24 does not rotate (correctly) despite the rotating holder 4 and the food block 3 being placed on it.

[0233] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 18, the control is carried out by means of a combination of an inductive proximity sensor 25 and a half-disk 25 made of metal, for example, stainless steel. The half-disk acts as a signal trigger, and the inductive proximity sensor as a signal detector. The half-disk and the detection wheel 24 are mounted on the same axis, so that the half-disk rotates with the detection wheel 24 when the latter is rotated by the food block 3. When the food block 3 rotates properly, the detection wheel 24 and with it the half-disk also rotate at a corresponding speed. The half-disk is positioned relative to the sensor such that the sensor detects the presence of the metal half-side at regular intervals. No signal is detected and forwarded to the controller 30 if, due to the rotation, the half-disk is not in front of the sensor.The inductive proximity sensor detects the presence of the half-disk at regular intervals and transmits a corresponding signal to the control system. As long as the time interval between the signals remains unchanged or within a specified range, it can be concluded that food block 3 is also rotating properly. If the detected signal deviates, this can be considered an indication that food block 3 is not rotating properly, for example, because it has broken or become detached from holder 4. In this case, the control system can be configured to stop the rotation of holder 4, for example, in order to replace food block 3.

[0234] Fig. 19 shows a schematic side view of a cutting and forming system 1 according to Fig. 18, additionally with a rotary wheel for four form grippers 13. On the left side of this figure, a holding plate is indicated, to which, for example, the monitoring device, as well as the knife 9 and the form gripper 13 including the detection wheel 34, can be axially guided. The fastenings and connections are not shown for reasons of clarity.

[0235] In this preferred embodiment, the cutting and forming system 1 shown comprises, in addition to the rotatable holder 4, a rotary wheel designed for the attachment of four mold grippers 13. However, only the position of one mold gripper 13 is shown here, and the complete attachment has been omitted here as well.

[0236] Fig. 20 schematically shows the operation of a detection wheel 34 in an exemplary embodiment. The monitoring device 23 here comprises a two-part sensor system 25 coupled to the detection wheel 24. In particular, this comprises two series-connected reed sensors connected to a cylinder coupled to the detection wheel 24. If there is no food block 3 on the holder 4 (whether intentionally or unintentionally), the cylinder and thus the detection wheel 24 are fully extended. This cylinder position can be detected by the first sensor facing the detection wheel 24 (upper situation).

[0237] In a waiting position (Fig. 20 center), the cylinder with the detection wheel 24 is fully retracted, so that the second, rear sensor triggers a corresponding signal and reports it back to the controller 30. A signal from this second sensor indicates that the cutting and forming system 1 is ready.

[0238] In a detection position (Fig. 20 below), the cylinder and the detection wheel 24 are partially extended. In this position, the detection wheel 24 engages an existing and rotating food block 3. However, in this position, no signal is triggered, neither by the first nor the second sensor. This missing signal can be interpreted by the controller 30 as OK, indicating that a food block is correctly positioned and rotated.

[0239] The signals of the corresponding cylinder positions can be processed by the controller 30 (not shown) as required for the further operation of the cutting and forming system 1.

[0240] Fig. 21 schematically illustrates a further, alternative monitoring device 23 and its mode of operation. In this embodiment, the monitoring device 23 comprises a laser 46. This laser is connected in a fixed position to the blade and / or its drive 32. In this figure, the laser 46 and the blade drive 32 are attached to a common mount 48. Accordingly, when the blade 9 is moved toward the holder 4 by means of the blade drive 32 to separate the cutting material 2, the laser 46 is also moved toward the holder.

[0241] The laser 46 is aligned such that it is focused on a defined laser spot. During normal operation, this laser spot lies just above the surface of the attached food block 3, i.e., slightly above the cutting edge 10 of the blade 9. If, during normal operation, material 2 is continuously separated from the food block 3, the laser spot is still not on the food block 3, since the height of the food block 3 (see double arrow) continuously decreases (top view). However, if material 2 is not separated, the blade 9 initially continues to move in the direction of the holder 4, but the height of the food block 3 (see double arrow, bottom view) does not change, so that the laser spot lies in the food block 3. The laser thus sees the food block 3, and the detected signal can be recognized as an error by the controller 30.

[0242] Fig. 22 shows a schematic overview of possible process steps in the production of shaped cutting material 2 by means of a cutting and forming system 1 according to the present invention.

[0243] Fig. 23 shows, in highly schematic form, an exemplary sequence of process steps for gripping and shaping a cut material 2. The respective directions of movement are indicated by bold arrows. The illustrated movements are intended to be controlled by a controller 30:

[0244] 1. Due to a rotational movement of the food block 3, the cut material 2 is first scraped off by means of the attached knife 9. The shape gripper 13 is positioned opposite the cutting edge 10 of the knife 9 in an open state of the gripper jaws 14 such that the separated cut material 2 comes to rest in the receptacle 16. For gripping and shaping, the knife 9 is moved upwards along the first rotation axis 12, while the separating device 21, here wedge-shaped, is also moved towards the shape gripper 13. Due to the movement of the wedge-shaped separating device 21, the cut material 2 is pushed completely into the receptacle 16 of the shape gripper.

[0245] 2. The cut material 2 is completely contained in the forming gripper 13. The separating device 21 is moved back to the passive position. In addition, the gripper jaws 14 are moved toward each other and thus closed.

[0246] 3. By closing the gripper jaws 14, the cut product 2 is shaped into the desired form. This also ensures that the cut product 2 does not fall out during transport when the shape gripper 13 is moved away from the food block 3. The extent to which the gripper jaws 14 are closed can depend, for example, on the desired shape and consistency of the cut product 2.

[0247] 4. The shaped gripper 13 is moved away from the food block 3 with the cut product 2 and positioned above a container 47. To eject the cut product 2 into the container 47, the gripper jaws 14 are opened and the ejector 17 is moved out of the shaped gripper 13. The cut product 2 can then fall into the container. Meanwhile, the knife 9 can be repositioned onto the food block 3 and a new, empty shaped gripper 13 is aligned opposite the positioned knife 9. 5. The cut product 2 falls into the provided container 47. The ejector 17 can be retracted into the shaped gripper 13. In addition, the knife 9 and the new shaped gripper 13 are positioned such that the food block 3 rotates again and the next cut product 2 is cut off.In particular, it can be provided that the number of shape grippers 13 used and their movements as well as the movement of the knife 9 and the separating device and the rotation of the food block 3 are coordinated with one another in such a way that an almost continuous separation of cut material 2 from the food block 3 can take place.

[0248] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0249] 1 cutting and forming system 25 sensors of the

[0250] 2 Cuttings monitoring device

[0251] 3 Food Block 30 Control

[0252] 4 Recording 31 Recording drive

[0253] 5 Support surface 31' Gear of the receiving

[0254] 6 Holding element drive

[0255] 7 first level 31" motor of the recording drive

[0256] 8 Centering mandrel 32 Knife drive

[0257] 9 knives 33 mold gripper drive

[0258] 10 Cutting edge 34 Rotating device of the

[0259] 11 second level mold gripper

[0260] 12 first rotation axis 35 rotary device drive

[0261] 13 Form gripper 36 Separator drive

[0262] 14 Gripper jaw 37 Rotation axis of the gripper wheel

[0263] 15 Inside of the gripper jaw 38 Rotation axis of the

[0264] 16 Holder for planed material detection wheel

[0265] 17 Ejector 39 Sensor

[0266] 18 Ejector support surface 40 Jaw holder

[0267] 19 Gripper holder 41 Adapter plate

[0268] 20 Limiting element 42 Mounting plate

[0269] 21 Separating device 43 distal end of the mold gripper

[0270] 22 Movement device of the 44 Movement unit of the separating device gripper jaws

[0271] 23 Monitoring device 45 Guide rod

[0272] 24 Detection row

Claims

REQUIREMENTS 1. Cutting and forming system (1) for producing shaped cut product (2) from a food block (3), wherein the cutting and forming system (1) comprises: - a receptacle (4) with a support surface (5) on which a food block (3) can be positioned, - a knife (9) with a cutting edge (10) for cutting off food (2) from a food block (3) positioned on the support surface (5) of the receptacle (4), wherein the knife (9) or the receptacle (4) is rotatable about a first axis of rotation (12), or wherein the knife (9) and the receptacle (4) are rotatable about a first axis of rotation (12), and wherein the knife (9) and the receptacle (4) are movable relative to each other along the first axis of rotation (12), characterized in that the cutting and forming device (1) further comprises: - a shape gripper (13) which can be aligned with a distal end towards the cutting edge (10) of the knife and is designed to automatically grip and shape cut material (2), and - a control (30) which is designed to control the form gripper, the knife and the holder as well as to control the positions of the form gripper, the holder and the knife relative to each other.

2. Cutting and forming system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the forming gripper (13) comprises at least two gripper jaws (14) movable relative to each other, each with an inner surface (15), wherein the gripper jaws (14) with their inner surfaces (15) together form a forming receptacle (16) for the cut food (2) from a food block (3).

3. Cutting and forming system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the forming gripper (13) is designed as an angle gripper or as a parallel gripper.

4. Cutting and forming system (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the gripper jaws (14) are designed and arranged to each other in such a way that they form a conical receptacle (16) at the distal end of the forming gripper (13).

5. Cutting and forming system (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the forming gripper (13) comprises a ejector (17) with a support surface (18) for material to be cut (2), wherein the ejector (17) is designed to be movable in the receptacle (16) and in the direction of the distal end of the forming gripper (13) and is optionally also designed to be movable out of the distal end of the forming gripper.

6. Cutting and forming system (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that at least one, preferably both gripper jaws (14) at the distal end of the forming gripper (13) are finger-shaped with a recess between each finger, and wherein the ejector (17) optionally comprises finger-shaped extensions which engage in the recesses between the fingers of the gripper jaws (14).

7. Cutting and forming system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (4) is rotatable about the first axis of rotation (12) at a rotational speed, wherein the cutting and forming Device (1) for rotating the recording about the first axis of rotation (12) The intake drive (31) is included, which is controlled by the control unit (30).

8. Cutting and forming system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the knife (9) and the forming gripper (13) are designed to be movable parallel to the first axis of rotation (12), wherein the control (30) is designed to control the movement of the knife (9) and the forming gripper (13) parallel to the first axis of rotation (12).

9. Cutting and forming system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a knife drive (32) with which the knife (9) is moved parallel to the first axis of rotation (12), and that it comprises a forming gripper drive (33) with which the forming gripper (13) is moved parallel to the first axis of rotation (12).

10. Cutting and forming system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the forming gripper (13) is attached to a rotary device (34) with which the forming gripper (13) can be moved relative to the first axis of rotation (12), wherein the rotary device (34) is operatively connected to a rotary device drive (35).

11. Cutting and forming system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting edge (10) of the knife (9) extends perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (12) and is arranged next to this first axis of rotation (12).

12. Cutting and forming system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support surface (5) of the receiving (4) is plate-shaped and extends perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (12).

13. Cutting and forming system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving (4) comprises one or more holding elements (6) which are arranged at least on the support surface (5) for holding a food block (3) to be placed on the receiving (4).

14. Cutting and forming system (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that a holding element (6) is selected from a group comprising: - a bridge extending from the intake (4) towards the planer blade (9), - a mandrel or clamping nail extending from the receptacle (4) towards the planer blade (9), - a pair of claws or grippers arranged laterally to the support surface (5) and clamping a food block placed on it to fix it in place, - a clamping ring, and - a vacuum device designed to draw in a food block (3) placed on the receptacle (4).

15. Cutting and forming system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a separating device (21) for guiding cut material (2) into the forming gripper, wherein the separating device (21) is designed to be movable back and forth relative to the first axis of rotation (12), wherein the movement of the separating device (21) is controlled by the control unit (30) depending on the position of the knife (9).

16. Cutting and forming system (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the cutting device (21) is sheet-shaped or wedge-shaped and is movable perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (12), or that the cutting device (21) is an angle plate which is tiltable relative to the first axis of rotation (12), wherein the cutting and forming system comprises a cutting device drive (36) with which the movement of the cutting device (21) is carried out under the control of the control unit (30).

17. Cutting and forming system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (4) comprises a centering mandrel (8) which extends substantially perpendicularly from the bearing surface (5) of the receptacle (4) in the direction of the planer knife (9) along the first axis of rotation (12).

18. Cutting and forming system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a monitoring device (23) with which the presence of a food block (3) positioned on the receiving (4) can be detected, wherein the monitoring device (23) is controlled by means of the control system.

19. Cutting and forming system according to claim 18, characterized in that the monitoring device (23) comprises a detection wheel (24) which is designed to rotate about a second axis of rotation (25), wherein the second axis of rotation (25) runs parallel to the first axis of rotation (12), and wherein the detection wheel is equipped with is movable parallel to its second axis of rotation (25) and perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (12).

20. Cutting and forming system (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that the monitoring device (23) comprises a sensor (25) with which a rotation of the detection wheel (24) can be detected.

21. Cutting and forming system (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that the monitoring device (23) comprises a laser which is fixedly connected to the knife or the knife drive (32) and which is directed towards a laser point which, when the food block is placed and when the cutting is carried out correctly with the knife, is located above the top of the food block.

22. Cutting and forming system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a holding element (6) on the receptacle (4) which is designed as a vacuum device for suctioning a food block (3) placed on the receptacle (4), wherein the vacuum device comprises at least one vacuum sensor for detecting a vacuum on the receptacle (4).

23. Cutting and forming system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed for the automated production of formed Tête de Moine rosettes. CORRECTED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP 24. Form gripper (13) for the automated forming of Tête de Moine rosettes in a cutting and forming system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the form gripper (13) comprises at least two gripper jaws (14) movable relative to each other, each with an inner surface (15), wherein the gripper jaws (14) with their inner surfaces (15) together form a Tête de Moine rosette forming receptacle (16).

25. Form gripper (13) according to claim 24, characterized in that it is attached to a rotary device (34) with which the form gripper can be moved relative to the first axis of rotation (12) of the cutting and forming system (1), wherein the rotary device (34) is designed as a rotary wheel which includes two or more holding positions for attaching further form grippers (13), and wherein the rotary wheel is operatively connected to a rotary device drive (35).

26. Method for producing shaped cut pieces (2) of a food block (3), characterized by the following steps: - Providing a cutting and forming system (1) according to claim 1, - Placing a food block (3) on the support surface (5) of the holder (4), - Moving the knife (9) and / or holder (4) towards each other under the control of the control (30) until the knife (9) pierces a top of the attached food block (3), - Initiating a rotational movement of the planer blade (9) and / or the holder (4) around the first axis of rotation (12) and continuously moving the blade (9) and / or the holder (4) against each other, thereby cutting a piece of food (2) from the top of the placed food block (3), CORRECTED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP - Positioning the forming gripper (13) opposite the surface of the placed food block (3), and picking up and gripping the cut food (2) in the forming gripper (13), thereby forming the cut food (2). TI . Method for producing shaped cut food (2) according to claim 26, characterized in that the receptacle (4) is rotated about the first axis of rotation (12) and the knife (9) is moved along the first axis of rotation (12) in the direction of the receptacle (4) until the cutting edge (10) pierces the food block (3).

28. Method for producing shaped cut product (2) according to claim TI, characterized in that the knife (9) is moved away from the food block (3) to interrupt the cutting of cut product (2).

29. Method for producing shaped sliced ​​product (2) according to one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that the forming gripper (13) comprises two gripper jaws (14) movable relative to each other, which are positioned opposite the knife (9) during the cutting of sliced ​​product (2), wherein the gripper jaws (14) each comprise an inner surface (15) with which they together form a shaping receptacle (16) for sliced ​​product (2) cut from a food block (3), and wherein the gripper jaws (14) are moved away from each other to pick up sliced ​​product (2) cut by the knife (9) and are moved towards each other to shape the picked-up sliced ​​product (2).

30. Method for producing shaped cut material (2) according to one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that the forming gripper (13) has a CORRECTED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP Discharger (17) with a support surface (18) wherein cut material (2) taken into the form gripper (13) lies on the support surface (18) and / or is discharged from the form gripper (13) by means of the discharger (17).

31. Method for producing shaped cut product (2) according to one of claims 26 to 30, characterized in that the picked-up and shaped cut product (2) is transported away from the food block (3) by means of the forming gripper (13).

32. Method for producing shaped cut material (2) according to one of claims 26 to 31, characterized in that the cutting and forming system (1) comprises a separating device (21) for guiding cut material (2) from the knife (9) into the forming gripper (13), wherein, to receive the cut material (2) into the forming gripper, the knife (9) is retracted and simultaneously the separating device (21) is moved towards the forming gripper (13), so that the cut material (2) from the knife (9) is acted upon by the separating device (21) and guided into the forming gripper (13).

33. Method for producing shaped cut product (2) according to one of claims 26 to 31, characterized in that the cutting and forming system (1) comprises a monitoring device (23) with a detection wheel (24) and a sensor (25), wherein the rotation of the placed food block (3) is monitored by moving the detection wheel (24) towards the food block (3) until it contacts the food block (3), and wherein the resulting rotation of the detection wheel (24) is detected by means of the sensor (25). CORRECTED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP 34. Method for producing shaped cut product (2) according to one of claims 26 to 32, characterized in that the food block (3) is a Tête de Moine cheese block and Tête de Moine rosettes are scraped and formed using the cutting and forming device (1). CORRECTED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP