Method and apparatus for cutting strand-shaped foodstuffs

Abstract

Summary: The invention relates to the design of the discharge channel area and a process technology of a cutting machine for strand-shaped food products. The invention aims to develop a new method with a device for cutting strand-shaped foodstuffs, which allows a reduction in the machine length of the cutting machine and thus a reduced space requirement. According to the invention, the problem is solved procedurally by the fact that the cutting machine has two shorter discharge channels (6, 7) that are movable relative to the feed channel (5) and to each other. These discharge channels can be automatically moved into different positions and angles relative to the feed channel (5), allowing the cut food to be moved in and out of the feed plane. During cutting, the feed channel and the respective discharge channel are offset (Fig. 3). According to the invention, the respective discharge channels and the feed channel are arranged to be movable relative to each other, so that an opposite offset (Fig. 4, 4.1) can be created. This allows the sliced ​​portion of the food to be pushed back into the feed channel by the slice support (Fig. 12), and then the other sliced ​​portion of the food to be moved back into the feed plane.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for cutting strand-shaped foodstuffs such as bread, cheese or the like, which comprises a rotating blade (1), a cutting plane of the blade, consisting of a feed channel (5) and two discharge channels (6, 7) which are movable at 90° to the feed direction and which are completely or partially separated from one another by a cutting gap (23) and are angled or U-shaped in their cross-section, and in which both the feed channel (5) and the two discharge channels (6, 7) have a base surface which supports the strand-shaped foodstuff from below during its transport and a side wall which supports it laterally, wherein the product to be cut is fed in the feed channel (5) in a synchronized manner to the blade, which collects the cut slices (22) in the two discharge channels (6, 7),the cutting process is interrupted at least once until the sliced ​​food is completely cut open and by creating an opposite offset to the feed channel, both or at least the second part of the sliced ​​food (22) is pushed back into the feed channel (5). State of the art

[0002] WO 2015 / 117588 discloses a circular knife cutting machine in which the chute is oriented vertically or slightly inclined relative to the vertical. The strand-like food is guided past the cutting blade from top to bottom and sliced ​​in the process. The sliced ​​food package is then moved back up to be removed from the cutting machine. In this machine, the discharge channel is movable relative to the feed channel to reduce or eliminate the offset between the two channels. In a horizontally operating slicing machine, reducing or eliminating the offset of the channels is not sufficient, since gravity prevents the slices of sliced ​​bread from being pushed back over the cutting edge of the feed channel. WO 2015 / 117588 (reference)

[0003] DE 198 20 004 C2 discloses a circular knife machine for cutting a strand of food into slices. This cutting machine has a circular knife that can rotate around its central axis and can also pivot in a circular path. During this pivoting movement, it is guided through the strand-shaped food to be sliced. The strand-shaped food is fed to the cutting knife in a channel-like shaft and cut into slices. The channel-like shaft runs approximately horizontally or is slightly tilted from the horizontal. The cut slices are stored upright on a storage area arranged downstream of the cutting knife in the conveying direction. The longitudinal direction of the shaft corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the cutting machine. From the operator's perspective, the strand-shaped food is therefore transported from left to right or from right to left during the cutting process.In such horizontal cutting machines, the cut food strand is usually removed from a different location than the uncut food strand is inserted. The width of the cutting machines is correspondingly large, as at least two food strand lengths must fit inside the cutting machine. WO 2015 / 117588 (reference)

[0004] DE 20120234 Ul discloses a compact cutting machine in which the circular blade is adjusted step by step during the cutting process. This allows the food to be cut to remain in the position where it was inserted into the cutting machine. However, adjusting the circular blade is technically complex, making the corresponding cutting machines correspondingly expensive.

[0005] DE 9310 092 U1 discloses a circular knife machine in which the shaft is oriented vertically or slightly inclined relative to the vertical. The strand-like food is guided past the cutting blade from top to bottom and sliced. The sliced ​​food package is then moved back up to be removed from the cutting machine.

[0006] According to DE 44 31 808 C1, in an alternative design of a vertical cutting machine, the food strand is initially guided downwards uncut. The cutting of the food strand only occurs during the upward movement.

[0007] Such vertical cutting machines can be built more narrowly and therefore require less floor space, but are usually higher than normal machines.

[0008] DE 10 2005 019 949 A1 discloses a circular cutting machine with a pivoting discharge channel. The cutting process is interrupted at least once to pivot the channel section containing the sliced ​​bread slices out of the feed plane and the second channel section into the feed plane, and then to slice the unsliced ​​portion of the bread.

[0009] The sliced ​​bread halves must be removed in two steps. Since the first half is located at the rear of the machine, the operator has to bend over the machine to reach it. This is tedious and time-consuming for the operator. Task

[0010] The invention has for its object to develop a new method with a device for cutting strand-shaped foodstuffs, by means of which the length of the cutting machine and thus a reduced space requirement can be reduced and the cut foodstuff (22) is placed in such a way that it can be removed in one operation.

[0011] According to the invention, the task is solved in terms of the method in that the cutting machine has two movable, shorter discharge channels, each of which can be moved into a transport position ( Fig. 4, Fig. 4.1) and a cutting position ( Fig. 3) can be moved and can move out of or into the transport path ( Fig. 11, Fig. 14). After the first discharge channel (6) has been completely cut, the transport of the uncut part of the food (21) located in the feed channel (5) is interrupted.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the first discharge channel (6) with the sliced ​​part of the bread (22) is automatically moved out of the transport path of the uncut part of the food (21).

[0013] The sliced ​​part of the food (22) is pivoted or moved away from the operating side of the cutting machine or in the opposite direction from the transport path of the uncut part of the food ( Fig. 8).

[0014] At the same time, the second discharge channel (7) is moved into the transport path of the uncut part of the food (21). The support surface and the lateral support surface of the second discharge channel (7) are located below and set back from the same surfaces of the feed channel (cutting position)( Fig. 8). The uncut part of the food (21) is then completely cut into slices (22).

[0015] Afterwards, the 2nd discharge channel (7) is moved to the transport position ( Fig. 11) and pushed by the disc support (3) into the feed channel (5) ( Fig. 12)

[0016] The window support (3) then moves to the end position on the outer wall ( Fig. 13). Now the discharge channel 1 (6) with the cut food slices (22) is swung forward again into the transport path and the transport position ( Fig. 14). Both sliced ​​bread halves (22) are now next to each other and can be removed in one operation ( Fig. 15).

[0017] The device according to the invention for carrying out the method is characterized in that the discharge channels (6, 7) are pivotably or displaceably mounted.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the device, both channels (6,7) each have an axis via which the respective angle can be changed.

[0019] Below the base of the discharge channels (6,7) there is a pivoting mechanism (4) which is connected to a rotatably mounted axis (20).

[0020] A drive wheel is connected to the axle (20). The pivoting movement of the base of the discharge channels (6, 7) is controlled by a motor (17).

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of the device, both channels (6, 7) each have an axis (10) which is rotatably connected to the pivot arm (4), so that the angle of the discharge channels (6, 7) can be changed via a lever (9), which is also rotatably connected to the pivot arm (4) via an axis (10) and is controlled via a cam (8).

[0022] The base surface and the lateral contact surface of the respective discharge channel (6,7) are arranged in the transport direction of the food strand during the cutting process at an offset below the base surface and set back from the lateral contact surface of the feed channel (5) ( Fig. 3).

[0023] The base surface and the lateral contact surface of the respective discharge channel (6,7) are arranged in the transport direction of the bread during the transport process in an opposite offset above the base surface and in front of the lateral contact surface of the feed channel (5) ( Fig. 4, Fig. 4.1).

[0024] At least one sensor (19) detecting the position of the swivel arm (4) is provided.

[0025] For the purpose of cleaning the knife housing, the discharge channels (6,7) can be pivoted into different positions in which they can be opened around the axis (10) of the respective discharge channel (6,7).

[0026] A further advantageous embodiment is that the disc support can move over the cutting gap to the cutting edge of the feed channel (5) or into the feed channel (5) ( Fig. 12).

[0027] A further advantageous embodiment is two guide plates (13, 14) which are mounted in the rear area of ​​the cutting chamber above the knife circular path ( Fig. 18). They prevent the food slices from tipping over in the discharge channel 1 (6) ( Fig. 11) during the cutting process of the second half of the food to be cut. Example

[0028] The invention is explained in more detail by an embodiment: Legend: 1 knife 2 planetary gears 3 disc support 4 swivel arm 5 Feed channel 6 Discharge channel 1 7 Discharge channel 2 8 Curve 9 levers 10 axis discharge channel 11 transport slides 12 Crumb drawer 13 Guide plate middle wall 14 Baffle side wall 15 Machine hood 16 keyboard 17 Swivel motor 18 Cam roller 19 Sensor swivel mechanism 20 axis swivel mechanism 21 uncut foods 22 food cut 23 Cutting gap Fig. 1 a front view of the cutting machine Fig. 2 a section AA of the Fig. 1 Fig. 3 a section AA of the Fig. 1 with uncut food, discharge channel 1 in cutting position, discharge channel 2 in parking position Fig. 4 Discharge channel 1 in transport position (view from the left) Fig. 4.1 Discharge channel 1 in transport position (view from the right) Fig. 5 Top view with uncut food Fig. 6 a section AA of the Fig. 1 discharge channel 1 in cutting position Fig. 7 Top view with half-cut food Fig. 8 a section AA of the Fig. 1 with discharge channel 1 with food in parking position, discharge channel 2 in cutting position Fig. 9 Top view with half of uncut food Fig. 10 Top view with cut-open second half in the discharge channel 2 of the food Fig. 11 a section AA of the Fig. 1 with cut food, discharge channel 2 in transport position Fig. 12 Top view with the cut second half of the food in the feed channel, slice support in the feed channel Fig. 13 Top view of disc support and transport slide in starting position Fig. 13 Top view with the cut second half of the food in the feed channel, slice support on the left in final position Fig. 14 a section AA of the Fig. 1 with cut food, discharge channel 1 in transport position Fig. 15 Top view with completely cut food Fig. 16 Top view with completely cut food in the feed channel Fig. 17 Top view with completely cut food in the feed channel, slice support on the left in final position Fig. 18 Rear view with baffles

[0029] The cutting machine has a channel whose longitudinal direction corresponds to the feed direction of the inserted strand-like food product. The channel is horizontal in the feed direction and inclined downwards towards the operator side. The cutting machine channel has a first channel section (feed channel 5 in the example) and a second channel section (discharge channel 6, 7) which is approximately half as long in the example on the left and are separated from each other by a slot (23). The discharge channel section is divided into two discharge channels (6, 7) which are adjustable at 90° to the feed direction and also at an angle to the feed channel (5). Driven by the knife drive, the knife (1) moves through this slot (23) so that the food product 21) present in the area of ​​the slot (23) is cut at this point. Referring to the drawing, a slice of food is then created to the left of this slot (23). To the right of the slot (23) the food product (21) is still uncut.

[0030] The food item 21 to be cut is placed in the right-hand channel area (5) and pushed by a transport slide (11) toward the slot (23). The transport slide (11) can, for example, have several adjacent claws that pierce the end of the food item (21) sufficiently firmly from above during the cutting process. To prevent the cut slices of the food strand (21) from falling over, a slice support (3) is arranged to the left of the inserted food item (21). Parallel to the advance of the transport slide (11), the slice support (3) also moves gradually and synchronously to the left so that the cut slices (22) can be held upright by the slice support (3). When the first discharge channel (6) is full, the machine interrupts the cutting process. A pivoting mechanism (4) pivots the first discharge channel (6) with the food slices (22) out of the feed plane ( Fig. 11). This angle to the feed channel (5) is changed by a lever (9), which is controlled by a cam (8), so that the support surface is horizontal. This prevents the food slices from slipping. In addition, there is a guide plate on the left side wall and on the middle wall in this area, which prevents the slices from tipping over ( Fig. 18) At the same time, the second discharge channel (7) is pivoted into the feed area. The support surface and the lateral support surface are offset below and behind the same surfaces of the feed channel (5) ( Fig. 8). We call this position the cutting position ( Fig. 3). After the disc support (3) has moved into its position to the left of the cutting gap ( Fig. 9), the remaining part of the food is cut open ( Fig. 10). Now the second discharge channel (7) is pivoted by a certain range and by means of a lever (9) which is controlled by a cam (8) into a position that the support surface and the lateral support surface are in an opposite offset of the same surfaces of the feed channel (5) ( Fig. 11). This position is the transport position ( Fig. 4, Fig. 4.1). Now the slice support (3) and the transport slide (11) with the food slices (22) located in the discharge channel (7) move to the right over the knife slot (23) to at least the cutting edge of the feed channel (5), preferably over it ( Fig. 12). When the food slices (22) are in the feed channel (5), the slice support (3) moves back to the left into the end position on the left side wall ( Fig. 13). Then the first discharge channel (6) is returned to the feed level or to the same transport position ( Fig. 4, Fig. 4.1) as the second discharge channel (7) is swung back ( Fig. 14). The sliced ​​food (22) can be removed. Optionally, the second part (22) can also be pushed into the feed channel (5) so that the sliced ​​food (22) is in the same position as when it was inserted and can be removed ( Fig. 17). This allows the discharge area to be permanently covered and the machine hood (15) to be made smaller. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2015 / 117588

[0002] DE 198 20 004 C2

[0003] DE 20120234

[0004] DE 9310 092

[0005] DE 44 31 808 C1

[0006] DE 10 2005 019 949 A1

[0008]

Claims

[1] Method and device for slicing foodstuffs, in particular for slicing in slicing machines having a rotating blade (1) and a bread channel crossing the cutting plane of the blade (1), consisting of a feed channel (5) and two movable discharge channels (6, 7), separated from one another by a cutting gap (23), and in which both the feed channel (5) and the discharge channels (6, 7) have a base surface supporting the bread from below during its transport and a side wall supporting the bread laterally. The bread (21) in the feed channel (5) is fed to the blade (1) in a synchronized manner, the sliced ​​bread (22) is collected in the discharge channels (6; 7), and the slicing process is interrupted at least once until the bread has been completely sliced. characterized bythat the cutting machine has two shorter discharge channels (6, 7) which are movable relative to the feed channel (5) and among each other and which can be automatically moved into different positions and angles relative to the feed channel (5). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the discharge channels (6,7) are movable or pivotable out of the feed plane. [3] Method according to the preceding claims, in that in each case one discharge channel (6, 7) is in a parking position outside the feed plane. [4] Method according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply channel (5) and the respective discharge channel (6, 7) are arranged offset from one another in a first position. - the supply channel (5) and the respective discharge channel (6, 7) are arranged offset from one another in a second position. [5] Method according to the preceding claims, characterized by that the discharge channels (6,7) are each rotatably mounted about an axis. [6] Method according to the preceding claims, characterized by that the discharge channels (6,7) can each be changed in angle relative to the feed channel (5) by a lever (9) which is controlled by a cam (8). [7] Method according to the preceding claims, characterized by that the disc support can move over the cutting gap to the cutting edge of the feed channel (5) or over the cutting edge into the feed channel. [8] Method according to the preceding claims, characterized by that two guide plates (13, 14) are mounted between the central wall and the side wall of the discharge area.

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