Method for automatically maintaining a predetermined portion arrangement in a tray cavity and suitable packaging device for this purpose.

Abstract

To ensure that the portions are visually appealing, i.e. - centered, - with a uniform disc spacing (19) in the longitudinal direction (10*) and also in the transverse direction (11) not differing too much and - in particular, if the portions do not rest on the sealing edge (R) of the trough belt (202) in its trough (M), the corresponding portion arrangement on the packaging element (V) is determined directly from above in the packaging machine (100) by means of a camera (K), and if there is too great a deviation from the target arrangement, the production parameters in the upstream units of the packaging machine (100) are readjusted, i.e., across the gap between the portioning belt (17a) and the packaging machine (100). According to the invention, the actual arrangement of the portion (P) is determined from below the packaging element, in particular the trough (M), and through it by means of radar radiation.

Description

I. Area of ​​application

[0001] The invention relates to the arrangement of a portion consisting of several slices, in particular shingled, on a packaging element, in particular in a trough of a deep-drawn trough band. II. Technical background

[0002] The portion placed on such a packaging element, in particular in the recess, should have the correct size and shape and be placed in the recess in the correct position, for example, so that a visually appealing appearance is achieved, for example lying centrally in the recess, and above all not lying on the sealing edge surrounding the recess, as this prevents the sealing film that tightly closes the recess from being sealed.

[0003] The portions to be packed in the packaging machine - i.e. to be deposited and sealed - are usually cut upstream of the packaging machine by means of a high-performance slicing machine, a so-called slicer, from rod-shaped product strands, the so-called calibers, usually in several lanes next to each other by the same knife, for example a rotating sickle knife.

[0004] Each cut slice falls onto a discharge unit, which usually consists of three conveyor belts following one another in the conveying direction, of which the first one, the so-called portioning belt, is usually multiply adjustable and, above all, can be driven step by step, onto which the slices of a track hit one after the other at a certain distance, so that, for example, a shingled portion is created.

[0005] From this discharge unit - which can be an independent unit, but is usually a component of the slicer, since in order to create correct positions both the discharge unit, in particular the portioning belt, must be controlled in exact temporal and spatial coordination with the movement of the knife - the portions transported from the slicer in multiple lanes are generally not fed or inserted directly into the packaging machine, but there is an insertion belt in between, usually a conveyor belt that runs across all lanes in width.

[0006] This so-called inserter is usually inclined downwards in the conveying direction and deposits the transported portions - usually in formats that comprise more than one portion track - into the troughs formed in several rows next to each other in a trough belt according to the number of tracks, which runs under the inserter.

[0007] Due to a variety of influencing factors, such as - the centrifugal force generated by the rapidly rotating blade, - the sticking of the slices to the knife, - the non-constant accelerations of all tracks of the discharge unit in the case of track-individually designed discharge units, - the different weight and the different cross-section of the calibers, if different types of calibers for mixed portions are cut on the different tracks, the portions are already on the portioning belt not in the desired, predetermined shape or size or relative position of the portions to each other.

[0008] For example, the portion may be too long or too short, the longitudinal spacing of the slices within the portion may be uneven, or the slices may not be in exactly the same row lengthwise but may have too great a lateral offset from one another, which has so far been attempted to be corrected partly within the discharge unit or on the portioning belt or only on the inserter.

[0009] It is known, for example, to use a camera aimed at the portions or formats from above to record the position of the portions and their individual slices either already on the portioning belt, sometimes while the portion is still being produced, or only on the insert or even on the packaging element, and to improve the design of the portion at least for subsequent portions by readjusting the production parameters, for example by moving the individual tracks or the entire portioning belt across the area between the impact of two successive slices.

[0010] However, a camera positioned in this way does not always have a clear field of view, for example because an operator moves over the portions into the field of view.

[0011] However, even if the portion produced on the portioning belt corresponds to the target specifications there, the subsequent movements of the portion up to the packaging element, for example the transfers between individual conveyors, in particular to the insert inclined downwards, and possibly further transfers between the discharge unit of the slicer and the buffer arranged at the insert, can lead to further undesirable changes in the shape and position of the portions, which is why determining the actual arrangement of the portion (P) only on or in the packaging element is the preferred solution. III. Description of the inventiona) Technical problem

[0012] It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a method with which portions can be reliably produced with a predetermined arrangement, in particular with regard to shape, size and storage position on a packaging element, in particular in the trough of a trough belt or an already separated trough, and to provide a packaging device suitable for this purpose comprising a packaging machine on the one hand and a packaging delivery unit, a portion delivery unit and a portion production unit on the other hand. b) Solution to the task

[0013] This object is achieved by the features of claims 1 and 8. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

[0014] First of all, it should be clarified that a portion arrangement of the portion on or in a packaging element does not only mean the overall portion position relative to the packaging element or absolutely to the base frame of the machine, but also the arrangement within the portion, for example the length measured in the transport direction or the width of the portion measured horizontally across it or the height of the portion, the latter in particular in the case of folded slices within the portion, or also the shape of the portion, for example the relative position of the individual slices to one another with regard to offset in the longitudinal or transverse direction.

[0015] The target arrangement describes the ideal state for each of these arrangement parameters in the form of a target arrangement value and an associated tolerance range - which can extend to one side or both sides of the target value of the target arrangement - the range in which the actual arrangement of the portion is still accepted as tolerable and, in particular, no change in a production parameter influencing this measured value occurs.

[0016] Furthermore, it should be clarified that the production parameters are understood to be the control parameters of the machine units located upstream of the insertion point in or on the packaging element, which have an influence on the portion arrangement, for example - blade speed, - cutting gap, - Speed ​​of the portioning belt or one of the other belts, - in a clocked operation, the downtime between the individual step movements, - the speed-time diagram of these movements, - the absolute position of one of the bands in the longitudinal or transverse direction at a reference time or in a reference state.

[0017] With regard to the method for automatically achieving a predetermined portion arrangement of a portion placed on a packaging element - for example in a packaging trough of a trough belt -, in particular a shingled portion consisting of several slices, it is known that - first, the actual state of the portion arrangement, i.e. the actual arrangement, is automatically determined in the stored state of the portion, - this actual arrangement will be automatically compared with the specified target arrangement, i.e. the target arrangement values ​​specified within the target arrangement, with regard to its relevant arrangement values, - if the actual arrangement deviates from the target arrangement for at least one arrangement value by more than the additional tolerance value specified for this target arrangement value, i.e. an actual arrangement outside the tolerance range of the target arrangement, - at least one of the production parameters of the upstream units is automatically changed so that the portion produced with this changed production parameter and placed on the packaging element has an actual arrangement that does not deviate from the target arrangement by more than the specified tolerance values, i.e. lies within the tolerance range around the target arrangement value.

[0018] In this way, the desired target arrangement of one of the subsequent portions relative to the packaging element can be achieved in the stored state, since all potentially negative factors influencing the portion arrangement lie between the place and time of creation of the portion and the state in which the actual arrangement is determined.

[0019] According to the invention, the actual arrangement of the portion is determined contactlessly from below the packaging element in order to avoid any mechanical influence on the portion.

[0020] This also makes it possible to determine the portion size while, for example, an operator bends over the packaging element containing the portion to check it from the operator side and would thus be in the beam path of a camera arranged centrally above the packaging element, in particular the filled trough.

[0021] Preferably, the actual arrangement is determined by irradiating or penetrating the portion with electromagnetic radiation emitted by a transmitter, in that electromagnetic radiation reflected by the portion and / or the packaging element is received by a corresponding receiver and the actual arrangement of the portion can be determined therefrom by means of signal evaluation.

[0022] This results in a structurally very simple sensor device.

[0023] Preferably, the actual arrangement is determined by means of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength outside the range visible to the human eye.

[0024] This makes it possible to select a wavelength that is best suited to the desired purpose and beam path as well as a desired penetration depth into the portion and / or the trough belt.

[0025] For example, the wavelength and power of the electromagnetic radiation can be selected so that the actual arrangement of the portion can be determined through the packaging element, i.e. in particular by irradiating the packaging element with the electromagnetic radiation.

[0026] This means that there is no need to worry about interference with the measurement that occurs above the portion, and the transmitter and / or receiver of the electromagnetic radiation can be positioned well protected below the packaging element.

[0027] An alternative is to determine the actual arrangement by radiating the electromagnetic radiation onto the portion from just above the portion, whereby the transmitter and / or receiver are preferably arranged at a height below the packaging element.

[0028] Just above means that this height distance is less than the usual height distance of disturbing influences that can occur above the deposited portion, for example an operator leaning over the deposited portion.

[0029] Just above means in particular that the last deflection for the radiation installed in the beam path of this electromagnetic radiation before the portion is arranged at most 30 cm, in particular at most 20 cm, in particular at most 10 cm above the top of the deposited portion.

[0030] Such scanning is therefore possible in particular by deflecting the electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source arranged below the packaging element by at least one deflection element arranged laterally just above the portion, in particular the packaging element, onto the upper side of the portion.

[0031] This still allows the transmitter to be well protected from electromagnetic radiation.

[0032] Preferably, the electromagnetic radiation used is one with a wavelength between 20 GHz and 6 THz, in particular one with a wavelength between 0.3 THz and 6 THz or, in the radar range, between 20 GHz and 40 GHz.

[0033] Particularly when irradiating from below, the power used is such that at least the packaging element is completely irradiated.

[0034] In this way, the circumferential contour of the packaging element, in particular the edge of a packaging trough, is determined and the portion lying on it is determined in its actual arrangement relative to the packaging element and / or the absolute position to the base frame of the machine.

[0035] Preferably, in addition to the packaging element, the portion lying thereon is at least partially, in particular completely, irradiated.

[0036] Deviations between the target arrangement and the actual arrangement can also be caused by random and one-off or rarely occurring factors, for example insufficient static friction on only one or a few of the packaging elements.

[0037] The aim of this application is not to eliminate such random, one-off, or rare deviations between the actual arrangement and the target arrangement of the portion, especially since this is generally not possible, as the underlying cause is often unknown and cannot be determined. Instead, the goal is to eliminate system errors that cause a recurring deviation between the actual arrangement and the target arrangement.

[0038] Therefore, the production parameters - even if the actual arrangement lies outside the tolerance ranges of at least one tolerance range of the target arrangement - are only changed if the detected deviation has been determined to be a recurring error.

[0039] This means, for example, that the deviation identified was identified at least 3 times, in particular at least 5 times, in particular at least 7 times in immediate succession, i.e. without a correct actual arrangement in between, or at least 6 times, better at least 8 times within 10 consecutive investigation processes.

[0040] As a rule, the actual arrangement is determined when the packaging element is stationary, and preferably as soon as possible after the portion has been placed on or in the packaging element.

[0041] This means, if possible, immediately after stopping the packaging element, because as a rule the depositing - which is a dropping from the last conveyor of the portion delivery unit - onto the packaging element is carried out while the packaging element is running in the transport direction in order to have the difference in speed between the dropped portion and that of the packaging element on which it hits as low as possible at the time of impact, preferably zero, and thus to avoid slipping of the portion on the packaging element upon impact.

[0042] The automatically controlled production parameters of the portions in the slicing machine can include - controlling the speed of the continuously or stepwise running portioning belt as well as its standstill intervals and / or - controlling the step length of the step-by-step portioning belt and / or - controlling the time interval between the individual separation processes.

[0043] Preferably, a scanner with at least one transmitter and slash or at least one receiver can be used as a sensor, in particular as a radar sensor.

[0044] Preferably, the scanning direction of the scanner is arranged transversely to the direction of travel through the machine, as well as in the first transverse direction, the width direction of the machine. It preferably extends across the entire width of the machine.

[0045] Preferably, the radiation is emitted by the individual transmitters in the form of a three-dimensional radiation cone, so that the scanning area of ​​the scanner covers at least one transverse row of troughs, possibly several transverse rows of troughs following one another in the direction of travel.

[0046] Regarding a packaging device comprising - a packaging machine with a tray sealer for packaging a portion of slices placed, in particular shingled, on a packaging element, in particular in a packaging trough, and in particular with a deep-drawing station for producing the troughs in a trough belt - a portion delivery unit which delivers the portions to the packaging machine, and - a portion production unit which produces the portions, in particular a slicer with a cutting unit and a portioning belt which can be driven in a controlled manner in relation thereto, and - a packaging delivery unit which delivers the packaging elements to the packaging machine, - a sensor for determining the actual arrangement of the portion after its placement relative to the packaging element on which it lies, in particular the packaging tray or absolutely to the base frame of the machine by means of electromagnetic radiation, - a controller connected to the sensor via data technology, which is capable of controlling production parameters of the upstream portion production unit and / or portion delivery unit and / or the packaging delivery unit depending on the data supplied by the sensor.

[0047] In particular, the controller is designed in such a way that it is able to carry out the method described above.

[0048] The existing problem is solved in that the sensor is not arranged above the movement path of the packaging elements, but at a height below the packaging element, in particular laterally next to the movement path of the packaging elements below the packaging element, in particular the trough belt.

[0049] This allows the actual portion arrangement of the portion on or in the packaging element to be determined without having to arrange a sensor above the movement path of the packaging elements, as seen from above, in whose beam path disturbances could occur, for example from the operator.

[0050] Preferably, the sensor comprises a transmitter and a receiver for the electromagnetic radiation, in particular of a defined wavelength, which can be functionally combined in the sensor.

[0051] However, transmitters and receivers can also be present as separate components, in particular in a scanner which comprises at least one transmitter and at least one receiver, preferably several of at least one of these two types.

[0052] The sensor preferably operates in the wavelength range between 20 GHz and 6 THz, preferably with radar radiation with a wavelength between 20 gigahertz and 40 gigahertz, as this has proven to be optimal for the irradiation of food.

[0053] Depending on the arrangement of the transmitter, a radar shield that is not permeable to radar radiation may be present on the side of the portion whose arrangement is to be determined and into which no reflected radiation is to be emitted.

[0054] Even if the sensor is designed as a scanner, it is preferably designed so that the sensor operates in the range of microwave radiation, in particular with radar radiation, in particular with a frequency of 20 GHz to 40 GHz, or alternatively in the range of tera-radiation with a frequency of 0.3 to 6.0 THz, which has also proven to be well suited for irradiating food.

[0055] The sensor or scanner is designed to operate with a power such that the electromagnetic radiation can determine at least the peripheral contour of the portion, in particular the peripheral contour of all slices of the portion, and preferably to penetrate into the portion for this purpose, in particular to penetrate it.

[0056] Preferably, the scanning direction of the scanner is arranged transversely to the direction of travel through the machine, and the transmitters and receivers are arranged one after the other in the transverse direction of the machine.

[0057] Preferably, the scanner extends across the entire width of the machine.

[0058] The individual transmitters preferably emit their radiation in the form of a three-dimensional radiation cone, the scanning areas of which preferably overlap one another at the level of the portions, in particular extending across the entire width of all tracks in total.

[0059] This allows redundant scanning to take place.

[0060] The positions of the sensor or scanner and in particular its transmitter and receiver within the machine are preferably known in order to be able to determine the actual portion arrangements from the received signals.

[0061] Preferably, the transmission direction and / or the reception direction of the at least one transmitter and / or at least one receiver should be known in order to be able to correctly determine the portion arrangement.

[0062] If there are several transmitters and / or receivers, which can be in the form of scanners in particular, these should preferably be equidistant from the support surface of the portion in the packaging element, which facilitates signal evaluation.

[0063] Preferably, the transmitters and / or receivers are arranged one behind the other along a scanning line running in the transverse direction of the machine, in particular also within a scanner.

[0064] When using scanners in the transverse direction, several scanners are preferably provided one behind the other, wherein one scanner is preferably designed and positioned such that it can scan the portion arrangement across the width of a track. c) Examples of implementation

[0065] Embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below by way of example. They show: Fig. 1a: a packaging device consisting of a slicer and a packaging machine arranged downstream in the longitudinal direction, the direction of passage through the device, with an insert, viewed in the side view, the width direction of the packaging device, Fig. 2a: in the top view of the area of ​​the inserter and the downstream part of the trough belt with the portions already inserted into the troughs in this part of the trough belt, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2b: a single filled trough M in side view and top view as enlargements from Fig. 1a or 2a, where the slices of the portion are in the ideal position in the trough, i.e. in the desired arrangement, Fig. 2c: a vertical cross-section through an already filled multi-track troughed conveyor, cut along the line IIC - IIC in Fig. 2a, with scanning by individual sensors from below, Fig. 2d: a vertical cross-section through an already filled multi-track troughed conveyor belt, with scanning from below by individual scanners, each of which has several transmitters and / or several receivers Fig. 3a, b: the same views as in Fig. 2a, b, but with the portion too far forward in the trough and partially resting on the edge of the trough, Fig. 4: the same view as in Fig. 2b, but with transverse offset of individual slices within the portion, Fig. 5: the same view as in Fig. 2b, but the entire portion with transverse offset in the trough, Fig. 6: the same view as Fig. 1b, but with a portion of folded slices in the hollow.

[0066] Fig. 1a shows a side view of a packaging device 500 with - in the flow direction 10* through the entire unit - a slicer 1 portion production unit (13), a feeder 21 as a portion delivery unit 14 and a packaging machine 100 of a packaging delivery unit 15 to the insertion point.

[0067] From the slicer 1, which is only partially shown, the cutting unit 7 is visible, as well as from the feed for the calibers K, the upper product guide 8 and the lower product guide 9, between which the calibers K are held and fed to the cutting unit 7 in a feed direction 10 which is at an angle to the horizontal flow direction 10* through the entire device.

[0068] The knife 3, whose sharply ground cutting edge 3a defines the cutting plane 3", is located at a very short distance parallel to the underside of the plate-shaped cutting frame 5, in which for the usually several in the direction of view of the Fig. 1a, one behind the other and simultaneously cut calibers K1, K2, ... each have a product opening (not visible here) through which the calibers K fit very precisely, so that the peripheral edge of the cutting frames 5 and their product openings form the fixed counter-cutting edge to the cutting edge 3a of the knife 3.

[0069] On the base frame 2 of the slicer 1, not only the cutting unit 7 and the feed for the caliber K are attached, but usually also a discharge unit 17, which consists of three discharge conveyors 17a, b, c arranged one behind the other in the direction of flow 10*, of which the first, the portioning belt 17a, is pivotable in many ways in its inclined position by an angle in the direction of view of the Fig. 1a, so that the angle of impact, trajectory, and distance at which the slices S cut by the caliber K hit the portioning belt 17a can be controlled. Since the portioning belt 17a can be driven in controlled, step-by-step motion, for example, shingled portions P can be produced thereon.

[0070] At a height below the slicer 1, a trough belt 202 is fed, also from right to left in the flow direction 10*, which is generally intended to deposit a portion P on the bottom of its troughs M as a support surface 4.

[0071] In order to compensate for the height offset between the troughed belt 202 and the generally horizontally higher discharge unit 17, a so-called inserter 21 is connected to the last discharge conveyor 17c of the discharge unit 17. This also involves at least one conveyor belt running in the throughput direction 10*, the last of which, however, is directed diagonally downwards and ends just above the troughed belt 202.

[0072] To deposit a portion P, the inserter 21 and the trough belt 202 are driven at the same speed to prevent the portions P from folding in the trough M when depositing, or rather ejecting, the portions P. Between the insertion of the individual portions P, the trough belt 202 and / or the inserter 21 can be stopped.

[0073] According to the invention, the area downstream, in particular immediately downstream, of the insert 21 Fig. 1a the magnification according to Fig. 1b, a sensor 101, in this case mounted under the trough belt 202, is directed, with the aid of which the actual arrangement of the portions P in the troughs M can be determined, both quantitatively and qualitatively, i.e. directly in the packaging machine 100.

[0074] Fig. 2a shows the situation in a top view with the front end region of the insert 21 and the trough belt 202 running underneath, in whose visible troughs M a portion P has already been deposited in each trough M.

[0075] Fig. 1b, Fig. 2b show the situation in side view and top view for only a single trough M with a single portion P lying therein, consisting in this case of seven slices S1 to S7.

[0076] Fig. Figure 2b shows a top view of the target arrangement of the deposited portion P in the trough M, with the corresponding target arrangement values ​​stored in the control system. In detail: - In the transverse direction 11, the portion P should be located centrally to the edges R on both sides of the trough M with a left-hand target transverse distance 18L-target and a right-hand target transverse distance 18R-target, viewed in the direction of flow 10*, each measured from the lateral trough edge to the portion P. Each of these two target arrangement values ​​lies within a tolerance range TB, , for example TB18L or TB18R, which extends from the target value towards the trough center by a tolerance value TW2 and towards the lateral trough edge by a tolerance value TW1. - In the longitudinal direction 10, the portion P should be centered to the front and rear edge R of the trough M with a front target initial distance 4-target measured in the longitudinal direction 10, in the direction of flow 10*, and a rear target end distance 6-target, each measured from the front or rear trough edge to the portion P. Each of these two target arrangement values ​​lies within a tolerance range TB, for example TB4 or TB6, which extends from the target value towards the trough center by a tolerance value TW2 and towards the lateral trough edge by a tolerance value TW1. - Also within the portion P with the same target slice distances 19-target between each two consecutive slices S of the portion P, whereby a tolerance range - not shown - is stored in the control system for the target slice distance 19-target, which in turn is made up of a negative tolerance value and a positive tolerance value. - For a correct desired arrangement of the portion P in the trough M, it is of course also a prerequisite that the trough M is in the correct position at the discharge point and at the time of discharge - at which it moves forward - and also at the time at which the arrangement is subsequently recorded by means of the sensor 101 when the trough belt 202 is stopped.

[0077] At this determination time, the trough M of the troughed belt 202 should be in such a position that, in the transverse direction 11, the right edge R of the trough M runs above or below a machine-fixed reference point R1, and in the throughput direction 10*, the front edge R runs above or below a machine-fixed reference point R2. Reference point R1 lies in the center of a tolerance range (not shown) that extends in the transverse direction, and reference point R2 lies in the center of a tolerance range that extends in the throughput direction 10*.

[0078] The following figures show actual arrangements that deviate from the target arrangement of portion P: The Fig. 3a, b show - again in side view and top view - an actual arrangement of a portion P, which has the most disadvantageous arrangement error, namely with the frontmost end of the first disc S1 resting on the front edge R of the trough M. This prevents a tight sealing of this trough by sealing a sealing film also on this front edge R, and the portion is rejected.

[0079] With the aid of a sensor 101, in particular radar sensor 101, the initial distance 4-Ist in the longitudinal direction 10 can be determined as well as the final distance 6-Ist with respect to the respective front and rear edge R of the trough M.

[0080] The initial distance 4 and the final distance 6 are measured from the edge of the trough M towards the center of the trough M, so they must be a positive value if correctly positioned. In the case of Fig. 3a, b the actual start distance 4-actual is even a negative value and the actual end distances 4-actual and 6-actual are both outside the Fig. 2b shown tolerance range TB4, TB6 of the respective distance 4, 6.

[0081] The production parameters for the portion arrangement must therefore be changed automatically and in a controlled manner so that the front and rear ends of the portion P are within the tolerance range TB4 and TB6 of the initial distance 4-target and the target-end distance 6-target.

[0082] From the determined position of the front and rear ends of the portion, the actual portion length 20-actual can also be automatically calculated, which in this case corresponds to the target portion length 20-target. A tolerance range (not shown) is also stored in the control system for the target portion length 20-target, which consists of a negative tolerance value and a positive tolerance value.

[0083] However, the slice distance 19-actual - with the correct portion length 20-target = 20-actual - between slices S2 and S3 S is much smaller and between slices S3 and S4 much larger than the slice distance 19-target.

[0084] Therefore, production parameters that affect the longitudinal position of the slice S3 within the portion P must be changed so that all slices then have the same target slice distance 19-target.

[0085] The Fig. 4 shows an actual arrangement with problems with the transverse position of individual slices S1, S6 of the portion P, one of which is too far to the left and the other too far to the right when viewed in the direction of passage 10*.

[0086] This position, i.e., the left and right actual transverse distance 18L-actual, 18R-actual of these slices protruding furthest to the side and thus of the entire portion, is also determined by the sensor 101 and compared to the left and right target transverse distance 18L-target, 18R-target stored in the target arrangement values. Since the actual transverse distances are each outside the permissible tolerance range, the control system automatically changes the production parameters relating to the transverse position of these two slices S1, S6 so that they lie correctly in the trough M for subsequent portions in the transverse direction 11, i.e., with a respective target transverse distance 18R-target.

[0087] In contrast, Fig. 5 a deviation in which all slices S of the portion P are in a row in the direction of flow 10* without relative transverse deviation to one another, but the entire portion P is too close to the left edge R of the trough in the direction of flow 10*, i.e. 18L-actual is too small and is also outside the tolerance range TB18L around the 18L-target, which results in an unattractive appearance of the portion P.

[0088] Here, all production parameters that influence the transverse position of all slices S of the portion P must be automatically adjusted so that this deficiency is eliminated for subsequent portions and thus a visually appealing portion P is achieved in the package.

[0089] Fig. 6 shows an actual arrangement in which the portion P extends beyond the free inner height H of the trough and thus beyond the height level of the edge R around the trough.

[0090] This can lead to bulging when sealing the sealing film (not shown) which is not visually appealing and can also lead to wrinkling and thus leakage of the sealing film on the edge R of the trough.

[0091] A portion that is too high occurs, for example, when it is a shingled portion made of folded slices S, which are folded around a folding axis running parallel to their main plane, usually by means of a so-called folding rod, between separation and impact on the portioning belt and thus in this side view of the Fig. 6 form a roughly drop-shaped contour. If this drop-shaped contour has a height h-actual that is greater than the free inner height H of the recess M, it protrudes too far upwards, as indicated in the case of disc S7.

[0092] There is usually no tolerance parameter stored for this arrangement parameter in the form of the height h of the portion, because a portion that is too low and folded is usually visually acceptable, but a portion that rises too high above the height level of the edge R is not acceptable.

[0093] Fig. 2c shows a vertical section in the transverse direction 11 through the in this case three adjacent troughs M in a trough belt 202, already filled with portions P, downstream of the insert 21, viewed in the opposite direction to the throughput direction 10*, so that the next format to be inserted, already arranged on the insert 21, can also be seen in this case in the transverse direction 11, three adjacent portions P, cut along the line IIC - IIC in Fig. 2a.

[0094] Two different scanning methods using radar beams 102 are shown side by side: The left third of the Fig. The track SP1 shown in Figure 2c is scanned by a radar sensor 101.1, which contains both a transmitter and a receiver for radar beams in the sensor, and wherein the sensor 101.1 is located below and, viewed from above, below the left portion P in the left depression M.

[0095] The radar sensor 101.1 emits its radar beams 102.1 in an upwardly widening cone against the underside of the left trough M and only this trough M, radiates through it and penetrates at least into the portion P lying on the bottom of the trough, in particular it also radiates through it.

[0096] The radar beams are partially reflected at the panes S in the trough, so that from the reflected radar beams 102.1 arriving at the sensor 101.1, according to the time-of-flight principle and with knowledge of the position and radiating direction as well as the receiving direction of the radar beams, the position of the portion P, in particular also of the individual panes S of the portion, in the trough M can be recognized, here for example the incorrect transverse projection of individual panes within the left portion P.

[0097] The advantage of this solution is that the trough belt 202 does not necessarily have to be made of a transparent material, but only of a material that is permeable to radar rays.

[0098] In the right part of the picture the Fig. 2c is alternatively - both solutions will probably not be used simultaneously at an insertion point 201 - a sensor 101.2, which in turn contains both a transmitter and a receiver, arranged at a height below the troughed belt 202, but so far out in the transverse direction 11 that the emitted and reflected radar beams can be directed past the troughed belt 202 to a deflection element 103 for the radar beams 102.2, which, viewed in plan view, is located laterally outside, but at a height above the troughed belt 202 and irradiates the portions P in the troughed belt 202 from the side obliquely above.

[0099] This is because, in this solution, not only the portion P located on the corresponding side of the outermost track SP3 in the trough M is irradiated, but rather several adjacent troughs M and portions P located therein, preferably at least up to the middle of the entire trough belt 202 or even across the entire width of the trough belt 202.

[0100] Here too, the radar beams 102.2 preferably penetrate at least partially into these portions P or even completely through them, so that in any case the position of the portions in the trough can be detected by the sensor 101.2.

[0101] In this case, a radar shield 104 can be arranged below the trough belt 202 so that the radar beams do not reach the space below the trough belt 202.

[0102] The rays reflected by the portions P in the troughs M return to the sensor 101.2 in the opposite direction, i.e. via the deflection element 103, where they are evaluated and indicate the position of the slices S and / or portions P in the troughs M.

[0103] The advantage of this solution is that - especially if the deflection element 103 for the radar beams is arranged only on the anti-operator side AB - the operator standing on the operator side B can bend over the release point 201 and observe it without negatively affecting the beam path of the sensor 101.2.

[0104] A further advantage is that the radar beams 102.2 should at least partially penetrate the portions P, but do not necessarily have to penetrate the trough belt 202 itself in order to detect the position of the portions P within the nevertheless visible upper contour of the troughs M and the entire trough belt 202.

[0105] This also makes it possible to arrange a shield 104 for radar beams below the trough band 202, as indicated in the right half of the figure.

[0106] Fig. 2d shows portions P lying in the troughed belt 202, in which the position of the portions P, optionally also of the individual slices S within the portions P, is determined by means of scanners 50.1, 50.2, which each have at least one transmitter SE and / or at least one receiver E for electromagnetic rays, here in particular radar rays, wherein the transmitters and / or receivers are spaced apart from one another in the first transverse direction 11, the width direction of the packaging machine, preferably along a distance line 50' running in the transverse direction.

[0107] Preferably, one of the scanners 50.1, 50.2 - usually approximately bar-shaped - has a length in this direction 11 which corresponds to the width of a track SP1, i.e. a trough M including its lateral edges.

[0108] The transmitters and / or receivers have a conical radiation characteristic at least in this transverse direction 11, preferably also a conical radiation characteristic in the direction of passage 10.

[0109] The circumferential contour is determined, for example, by one of the many radar beams R5 emitted within the radiation cone with the cone angle α of the transmitter, e.g. SE2, striking a point on a disk S and thus a portion P such that it is at least partially reflected there and the reflected beam R5' is received by the receivers E1 and E2, so that based on the travel time of the beam and the knowledge of the direction of impact at the receiver E1 or E2 - knowing the distance and orientation of the transmitters and receivers to the troughed belt 202 and thus the portion P to be scanned - the reflection point on the disk S can be determined.

[0110] A beam emitted at a different angle by the same transmitter SE2 and during the same scan (not shown) can be received by the receiver E3 or E4 - which may well belong to a different scanner than the emitting transmitter - from which other reflection points at the portion P are determined.

[0111] The reflection points and thus the contour of the portions, disc or trough to be determined can be determined in different ways: The first method is that due to the multitude of radiation paths from different transmitters and / or to different receivers, the reflection point can be determined taking into account the respective travel time and knowing the position of the transmitters and receivers relative to the trough band.

[0112] The other method involves using transmitters whose design allows the specific direction of the emitted beam to be known, or using receivers whose design allows the specific direction of reception of the received beam to be known. In this case, a single radar beam picked up by the receiver is sufficient to determine the reflection point based on the time of flight and the knowledge of the emitting transmitter of the beam.

[0113] As known for radar scanning, the entire area in the Fig. 2d shown circumference of a disc or the portion or the trough can be determined, i.e. the circumference of a disc S or the circumference of only the entire portion P, and also the circumference of the trough M in which it lies.

[0114] As a rule, at least one portion P, and often all portions P lying next to one another in the transverse direction 11 together, are scanned in a single scan, specifically when the troughed belt 202 is stationary, for which the scanning area of ​​the scanners 50 must be large enough.

[0115] If the portions and the scanner 50 are moved relative to each other in the direction of travel 10 between individual scans of the same portion P or transverse row of portions P, the time offset between the individual scans and the resulting relative movement must be taken into account mathematically.

[0116] The Fig. 2d The scanner 50.1 arranged under the portion P on the track SP1 has an extension in the transverse direction 11 which corresponds to the width of this track, wherein the scanner 50.1 is constructed in such a way that it also scans only this track in the width direction.

[0117] For this purpose, it has only one transmitter SE4, preferably arranged symmetrically in the middle of the extension direction 11, and receivers E3 to E6 on either side of it.

[0118] In particular, the transmitter SE4 has a radiation cone such that—see the radar beams R1 and R4—at least the outer edges R of the track SP1 and, in particular, the portion P arranged thereon in the trough, and, with appropriate penetration, also the position of the discs S, can be scanned. In particular, the transmitter SE4 has a radiation cone arranged symmetrically to the plane spanned by the directions 10 and 12.

[0119] Thus, a radar beam R2 coming from the single transmitter SE4 can be reflected at the leftmost point of the overhanging edge of the second disc S from above and impinges on the receiver E6 as a reflected beam R2'.

[0120] In the same way, a radar beam R3 / R3' coming from the same transmitter SE4 can arrive at the receiver E3.

[0121] In this way, the portion P and its slices S and, if applicable, also the trough M in which it lies can be scanned on the track SP1.

[0122] A scanner 50.3 arranged above the opposite outer track SP3 is constructed in such a way that the sequence of transmitters and receivers is a mirror image of the middle track SP2 or another middle track in the left outer scanner 50.1.

[0123] In addition, however, it is evident in the case of the scanner 50.3 that the radiation cone of the transmitter SE4' there is not arranged symmetrically to the plane mentioned at the transmitter SE4, but is tilted about the direction of travel 10 in such a way that the beams emitted by it scan not only the portions of the track SP3 above, but all portions in the transverse direction 11 next to each other simultaneously.

[0124] Thus, the radar beam R6 emitted by the transmitter SE4' as far as possible to the left in its radiation cone extends to the left edge of the trough band 202 and the beam R7 emitted as far as possible to the right extends to the right edge of the trough band 202.

[0125] In this way, theoretically, the entire width of the troughed belt 202 could be scanned using only the scanner 50.3, but with poor results in the center and in the opposite left edge area, which is why redundant data for support and recovery will usually be located under each track, in particular the leftmost track SP1 opposite the scanner 50.3 with full-width scanning.

[0126] The scanner 50.2 arranged here under the three tracks or one of the middle tracks SP2 is also constructed in such a way with regard to the cone angle and direction of the radiation cones as well as the impact cones that the entire width of the troughed belt 202 can be scanned with it.

[0127] In this case, however, the sequence of transmitters SE and receivers E is different: symmetrically distributed over the extent of the scanner 50.2 in the transverse direction 11, there are three transmitters SE1, SE2, SE3 and one receiver E1 and one receiver E2 in between each.

[0128] Solutions with multiple transmitters but only a single receiver in a Scanner 50 are also possible.

[0129] These different solutions are generally not used at the same scanning point for the troughed belt 202, but - either a scanner under each of the tracks, which is constructed in particular like the scanner 50.1, - or the outer tracks SP1, SP3 a scanner, which is constructed in particular like the scanner 50.3, then preferably under the one or more tracks SP2 in between scanners which can at least scan these tracks in between or can also scan the entire width of the troughed belt, in particular scanners which are constructed like the scanner 50.2.

[0130] In this way, contours within a pane of glass, for example a cavity or a foreign body, can also be scanned, provided that the foreign body has different physical parameters regarding reflection, absorption and diffraction for the electromagnetic radiation used, in this case the radar radiation, even if it is made of a material such as metal that is impervious to electromagnetic radiation.

[0131] In the Fig. 2d also shows that the individual receivers E1 to E6 have an impact cone with a corresponding aperture angle β, so that each individual receiver E1 to E6 can "see" the entire width of at least one track of the feed belt 4, preferably the entire width of the feed belt 4. This ensures, in particular, that each reflection point of interest, provided it lies at least within the width of this track, is detected by each of the receivers E1 to E6.

[0132] Likewise, each transmitter SE has a radiation cone with an opening angle α, so that each individual transmitter SE can irradiate the entire width of at least one track of the troughed belt 202, preferably the entire width of the troughed belt 202.

[0133] Preferably, the recording areas of the individual, in particular adjacent, receivers E and / or the radiation areas of the individual, in particular adjacent, transmitters SE - even if they are distributed over several scanners 50.1, 50.2 - should overlap one another in the direction of a scanning line 50' running in the transverse direction 11.

[0134] In Fig. 2d further shows a clamping chain 22 on both edges of the troughed belt, which each hold and transport an edge of the troughed belt 202, so that the alternatively shown support for the troughed belt 202 below the troughed belt 202 does not necessarily have to be present, which otherwise would also have to be permeable to the radar beams 102 like the troughed belt itself. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 slicing machine, slicer 1* Control 2 base frame 3 knives 3 rotation axis 3" knife plane, cutting plane 3a Cutting edge 4 Initial distance 5 cutting goggles 6a - d End distance 7 Cutting unit 8 upper product guide, upper guide belt 9 lower product guide, lower guide belt 10 Feed direction, longitudinal direction, axial direction 10* Direction of flow through machine 11 1. Cross direction (width slicer) 12 2. Transverse direction (height direction caliber) 13 portion production unit 14 portion delivery units 15 packaging delivery units 16 cavity 17 Discharge unit 17a, b, c portioning belt, discharge conveyor 18 Cross-distance 19 disc spacing 20 portion length 21 inserts 22 clamping chain 50.1, 50.2 scanners 50' scanning line 100 packaging machines 101 Sensor, Radar Sensor 102 radar beams 103 Deflection element 104 Radar shielding 200 inserts 201 Drop-off point, insertion point 202 Troughed belt 500 packaging device h-actual actual height H Trough height M trough, packaging trough P Portion R edge S disc V Packaging element

Claims

[1] Method for automatically achieving a predetermined target portion arrangement, in particular a predetermined target portion shape and / or target portion size and / or target portion position, of a portion (P) placed on a packaging element (V), in particular in a packaging trough (M) of a packaging element (V), comprising one or more slices (S), wherein - the actual portion arrangement of the portion (P) in the deposited state of the portion (P) relative to the base frame (2) or to the packaging element (V) is automatically determined without contact, - the actual portion arrangement is automatically compared with a specified target portion arrangement, - if the actual portion arrangement deviates from the target portion arrangement by more than a specified tolerance range (TB), - at least one of the production parameters of the upstream portion production unit (13) and / or portion delivery unit (14) and / or the packaging delivery unit (15) is automatically changed depending on the one or more deviations detected so that the actual portion arrangement of subsequent portions lies within all tolerance ranges around the target portion arrangement values ​​of the predetermined target portion arrangement, characterized by , that - the actual arrangement of the portion (P) is determined contactlessly from below the packaging element (V). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that - the determination of the actual arrangement is determined by irradiating or penetrating the portion (P) with electromagnetic radiation, - in particular, the determination of the actual arrangement is determined using electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength in the range invisible to the human eye. (Radiation only from below:) [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the actual arrangement of the portion (P) is determined through the packaging element (V), - in particular by irradiating the packaging element (V) with the electromagnetic radiation - wherein, in particular, the actual arrangement of the packaging element (V) relative to the base frame (2) is determined. (Transmitter at the bottom, irradiation by deflection from diagonally above:) [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the actual arrangement is determined by radiating the electromagnetic radiation onto the portion (P) from above the portion (P) - in particular by deflecting the electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source arranged below the packaging element (V) to the upper side of the portion (P) by at least one deflection element (103) arranged laterally just above the portion (P), in particular the packaging element (V). (General:) [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the electromagnetic radiation used is one with a wavelength between 20 GHz and 6 THz, in particular in the radar range between 20 - 40 GHz or in the tera range of 0.3 THz - 6 THz, and in particular irradiation from below and in particular through the packaging element (V) with such a power that at least the packaging element (V) is completely irradiated, - in particular, the circumferential contour of the packaging element (V) and / or the trough edge (R) of a packaging trough (M) is determined and the portion (P) lying thereon is determined in its actual arrangement relative to the packaging element (V), - in particular in addition to the packaging element (V), the portion (P) lying thereon is at least partially, in particular completely, irradiated. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the change in the production parameters only occurs when the deviation detected has been determined to be a repetitive error, - in particular, the deviation detected was detected at least three times, in particular at least five times, in particular at least seven times in immediate succession or at least six times, preferably at least eight times per ten measurements. and / or - the actual arrangement is determined with the packaging element (V) at a standstill, - especially immediately after placing the portion (P). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - a scanner (50) with at least one transmitter (SE) and at least one receiver (E) is used as the sensor (101), - in particular the electromagnetic radiation is emitted in the form of a three-dimensional radiation cone from the transmitter (SE). [8] Packaging device (500), which is particularly suitable for carrying out the method according to one of the method claims, with - a packaging machine (100), in particular a tray sealer (100), for packaging a portion (P) placed on a packaging element (V), in particular in the packaging trough (M) of a trough belt (202), comprising one or more slices (S) and - a portion delivery unit (14) which delivers the portions (P) to the packaging machine (100), - a portion production unit (13) which produces the portions (P), - a packaging delivery unit (15) which delivers the packaging elements, in particular the trough belt (202), to the packaging machine (100) - a sensor (101) for determining the portion arrangement relative to the base frame (2) or to the packaging element (V), in particular to the packaging trough (M), by means of electromagnetic radiation, - a controller (100*) connected to the sensor (101) for data purposes, which controller is capable of controlling production parameters of the upstream portion production unit (13) and / or portion delivery unit (14) and / or the packaging delivery unit (15) depending on the data supplied by the sensor (101), characterized by , that - the sensor (101) is either not arranged above the movement path of the packaging elements (V) when viewed from above, but below the packaging element (V) or is arranged laterally next to, but at a height above or below the movement path of the packaging elements (V). [9] Packaging device according to claim 8, characterized by , that - the sensor (101) has a transmitter (SE) and a receiver (E) for electromagnetic radiation, in particular of a defined wavelength, - in particular the sensor (101) is a component of a scanner (50) and the scanner comprises at least one transmitter (SE) and / or at least one receiver (E) and / or - the sensor (101) operates in the wavelength range between 20 GHz and 6 THz, - in particular works with radar radiation with a wavelength between 20 GHz and 40 GHz, - in particular above or below the packaging element (V) a radar shield (104) which is not permeable to radar radiation is arranged. [10] Packaging device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the scanner (50) is designed so that it is capable of - to work with microwave radiation, in particular radar radiation, with a frequency of 20 - 40 GHz or - to work with tera-radiation with a frequency of 0.3 THz - 6 THz. [11] Packaging device according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized by , that - the scanner (50) is designed such that it is able to operate by means of such power that the electromagnetic radiation is suitable for determining at least the circumferential contour of the portion (P), in particular of all slices (S) of the portion (P), in particular for at least penetrating into the portions (P), in particular for penetrating them. [12] Packaging device according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized by , that - the scanning direction (50') of the scanner (50) is arranged transversely to the direction of travel (10*) and the plane spanned by the first transverse direction (11), - in particular the radiation is emitted in the form of a three-dimensional radiation cone. - in particular, the at least one transmitter (SE, SE1) is designed such that it emits the radiation in the form of a three-dimensional radiation cone. [13] Packaging device according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized by , that - the positions of the at least one receiver (E1 to Ex) and / or transmitter (SE1 to SEx) in the machine (1) are known and / or - the scanner (50) has several receivers (E1 to Ex) and / or several transmitters (SE1 to SEx) - the receiving areas (53.1,53.2) of adjacent receivers (E1, E2) overlap each other on or in the portion (P). [14] Packaging device according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized by , that - the transmission direction of the at least one transmitter (SE1 to SEx) or the reception direction of the at least one receiver (E1 to Ex) is known and / or - from the transmitters (SE1 to SEx) whose radiated power is known and, in particular, adjustable. [15] Packaging device according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized by , that in the case of several recipients (E1 to Ex), these from a reference plane, which is in particular the support surface (4) of the packaging element (V) for the portion (P) - all are approximately equally spaced and / or - are arranged one behind the other in the direction of a scanning line (50').

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