Dough strip processing device and method

Abstract

A dough strip processing device (1) comprises a conveyor (2) configured to convey a dough strip (3) and a sensor arrangement (5) configured to determine the strip tension of the dough strip (3). The conveyor (2) has a transfer point (6) configured to transfer the dough strip (3) from the conveyor (2) to a downstream device (7). The sensor arrangement (5) comprises at least one first sensor unit (8) configured to detect the shape of the dough strip (3) at the transfer point (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to dough strip processing devices.

[0002] Dough strip processing devices are used in the production of a wide variety of dough products, as dough strips can be used as a variable starting material. The dough strips are often conveyed by conveyors and rolled to a desired dimension by various types of rollers or rolling devices. DE 102 13 015 A1 discloses a dough strip production arrangement with a satellite head and a dough strip production arrangement with a calibration head. In these arrangements, a raw dough strip is fed to the satellite head or the calibration head, respectively, by a feed conveyor belt. DE 102 13 015 A1 further discloses the transfer of the dough strip between two discharge devices. Tension can arise in the dough strip due to elongation during rolling, as well as due to different conveying speeds.

[0003] German patent DE 102 13 015 A1 discloses various measures for influencing the tension in the dough strip. These measures require precise coordination of the respective components to achieve the desired effect. For example, the respective rolling and / or conveying speeds must be precisely coordinated so that, on the one hand, the desired relaxation of the dough occurs, and on the other hand, excessive build-up or even folding of the dough strip, which could interrupt production, is prevented. Particularly in large systems, such coordination processes can involve considerable iterative effort, since, for example, a reduced conveying speed for the purpose of dough relaxation can affect subsequent processing steps and equipment.

[0004] It is an object of the invention to provide a dough band processing device and a method that facilitates the achievement of a desired dough band tension.

[0005] This problem is solved by a dough strip processing device with the features of claim 1 and by a method with the features of claim 13. Advantageous further developments are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0006] A dough strip processing device is disclosed. The dough strip processing device comprises a conveyor configured to convey a dough strip and a sensor arrangement configured to determine the tension of the dough strip. The conveyor has a transfer point configured to transfer the dough strip from the conveyor to a downstream device. The sensor arrangement comprises at least one first sensor unit configured to detect the shape of the dough strip at the transfer point.

[0007] The shape of the dough strip at the transfer point, for example, sagging or a change in width, particularly a reduction in width (hereinafter also referred to as constriction), can be used as an indicator for the strip tension. The dough strip processing device can be configured to adjust the conveying speed of the feeder or the speed of the downstream device, such as the conveying or infeed speed, based on the detected shape of the dough strip. This allows for automatic synchronization of the respective speeds, reducing the need for manual adjustments. Furthermore, it enables continuous monitoring and adjustment, allowing for the correction of gradual changes that might go unnoticed during a one-time adjustment.

[0008] The conveyor can be a continuous conveyor, such as a belt conveyor or a continuous belt conveyor. Particularly with continuous conveyors, the transfer point can include a deflection roller. A sensor unit can include one or more sensors, which can be configured to detect a measured quantity, such as light, pressure, electric or magnetic field strength, and / or a signal, such as a light signal, a laser signal, a radar signal, an electromagnetic signal, or an ultrasonic signal. A sensor unit can also include a signal generator, which can be configured to generate a signal that can be detected by the sensor of the sensor unit or by another sensor, for example, of another sensor unit. For example,It is conceivable that the sensor unit is configured such that the signal generator produces a signal which is reflected by a structure to be detected, so that the reflected signal can be detected by the sensor of the sensor unit. These explanations can be applied to all sensor units mentioned in the present application with reference to the invention. A downstream device can be, for example, a second conveyor, a calibration head, or any device through which the dough strip is conveyed and / or processed after it has been conveyed by the conveyor.

[0009] The sensor arrangement can include at least one second sensor unit, which can be configured to detect the shape of the dough strip upstream of the transfer point. For example, the sensor arrangement can be configured to better detect shape changes of the dough strip occurring at the transfer point, such as constrictions and / or sagging, in particular by comparing the shape detected upstream of the transfer point with the shape detected at the transfer point.

[0010] The sensor array can comprise multiple first sensor units and / or multiple second sensor units. The first sensor unit(s) can comprise a different or the same type of sensor unit as the second sensor unit(s), as will be explained in more detail below. All first sensor units can comprise multiple different types of sensor units or one identical type. All second sensor units can comprise multiple different types of sensor units or one identical type.

[0011] The first and / or second sensor unit can each be configured to detect the shape of the dough band without contact. For example, the dough band can be scanned using ultrasound, light, laser, or radar. Alternatively or additionally, the first and / or second sensor unit can be configured to capture images of the dough band, for example, using a camera. The first and / or second sensor unit and / or the sensor array can be configured to process the captured images, for example, to determine the shape of the dough band based on the images. Contactless detection can offer advantages in terms of hygiene and cleaning effort. On the one hand, contamination of the dough band can be avoided. On the other hand, soiling of the sensor array can be reduced, making it less frequent and / or easier to clean.

[0012] The first and / or second sensor unit can include a sensor. The sensor can be configured to detect a signal, such as a sampling signal and / or a signal emitted by the first and / or second sensor unit. The first and / or second sensor unit can, for example, include an optical sensor, preferably a photosensor. This enables scanning of the dough strip based on light or light signals. Alternatively or additionally, the first and / or second sensor unit can include a camera. Besides a sensor for converting light into electrical signals, a camera can also include other components, such as optics and / or a shutter and / or an aperture.

[0013] Advantageously, the first and / or second sensor unit can be configured to detect the width of the dough band measured parallel to a conveying surface of the conveyor. This facilitates the determination of the dough band tension at higher tensions, as the dough band sags less or not at all under higher tension. For example, the respective sensor unit and / or sensor arrangement can be configured to detect a constriction of the dough band, particularly a constriction parallel to the conveying surface, due to high tension.

[0014] In preferred embodiments, the sensor arrangement can include a first sensor unit in the form of a camera. The camera can be configured to capture images of the dough strip from above. The sensor arrangement and / or the first sensor unit can further be configured to determine the width of the dough strip by image processing. In particular, the sensor arrangement and / or the first sensor unit can be configured to determine the width of the dough strip at the transfer point and / or upstream of the transfer point by image processing, preferably based on images captured by the first sensor unit, e.g., the camera. The sensor arrangement and / or the first sensor unit, e.g., the camera, can be configured to detect a constriction based on the width of the dough strip captured at the transfer point and the width of the dough strip captured upstream of the transfer point.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, the sensor array can comprise a first sensor unit and a second sensor unit, wherein the first sensor unit can be configured to detect the width of the dough strip at the transfer point, and / or wherein the second sensor unit can be configured to detect the width of the dough strip upstream of the transfer point. The sensor array can be configured to detect constriction based on the width of the dough strip detected at the transfer point and the width of the dough strip detected upstream of the transfer point. The first and second sensor units can each include a camera, which can each be configured to detect the width of the dough strip at the aforementioned locations.Alternatively or additionally, the first and / or second sensor unit can each be configured to scan a lateral edge of the dough belt essentially parallel to the conveying surface in order to detect the width of the dough belt in this way.

[0016] The first and / or second sensor unit can each include a signal generator that can be configured to produce a signal directed at the dough strip. Particularly preferably, the first and / or second sensor unit can be configured to detect a reflection of the signal. The signal can be, for example, a light signal, a laser signal, a radar signal, an electromagnetic signal, or an ultrasonic signal. Accordingly, the first and / or second sensor unit can include a light sensor, a laser sensor, a radar sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. Based on the transmission and detection of a signal or a plurality of signals, the sensor arrangement and / or the respective sensor unit and / or the sensor units together can be configured to determine a shape of the dough strip, e.g.,This can be achieved by measuring the time of flight of the signals or by analyzing the course of the signal's reflection, e.g., through image processing. For example, the signal generator can be configured to produce a line laser. By analyzing the line's path on an image of the dough strip captured by a camera, the sensor array can be configured to determine the shape of the dough strip. The signal generator can be configured to emit the signal essentially parallel to a conveying surface of the conveyor. This can be advantageous for detecting a constriction in the dough strip, as explained above. For example, the first and / or second sensor unit can each be configured to scan a lateral edge of the dough strip essentially parallel to the conveying surface in order to determine the width of the dough strip in this way.

[0017] Advantageously, the dough processing device can be configured to control the speed of the conveyor and / or downstream device based on the detected shape of the dough strip.

[0018] The downstream device can, for example, include a roller. Alternatively or additionally, the downstream device can be or include a calibration head. Alternatively or additionally, the downstream device can include a second conveyor.

[0019] The invention also relates to a method for processing a dough strip, comprising conveying the dough strip by a conveyor, transferring the dough strip to a downstream device at a transfer point of the conveyor, and detecting, in particular non-contact detection, the shape of the dough strip at the transfer point by a first sensor unit. The method can include determining the strip tension of the dough strip by a sensor arrangement, which may include the first sensor unit. For example, the strip tension of the dough strip can be determined based on the detected shape of the dough strip at the transfer point.

[0020] The shape of the dough band at the transfer point, e.g., any sagging, can be used as a guide for the band tension. Based on the detected shape and / or the determined band tension of the dough band, a conveying speed of the conveyor or a speed, e.g., a conveying or feeding speed, of the downstream device can be set. As already explained above with reference to the dough processing device according to the invention, this allows, firstly, automatic synchronization of the respective speeds, which can reduce the effort required for manual adjustment. Secondly, continuous monitoring and adjustment are possible, which allows even gradual changes that might not be noticed during a one-time adjustment to be corrected.

[0021] The conveyor can be a continuous conveyor, such as a belt conveyor or a continuous belt conveyor. Particularly with continuous conveyors, the transfer point can include a deflection roller. Detecting the shape of the dough strip with a sensor unit can involve detecting a measured quantity, such as light, pressure, electric or magnetic field strength, and / or a signal, such as a light signal, a laser signal, a radar signal, an electromagnetic signal, or an ultrasonic signal. Furthermore, detecting the shape of the dough strip with a sensor unit can involve generating a signal that can be detected by the sensor unit itself or by another sensor, for example, in a different sensor unit. It is conceivable, for instance, that a signal is generated which is reflected by a structure to be detected, so that the reflected signal can be detected by the sensor unit.These explanations can be applied to all processes mentioned in the present application relating to the invention, namely the detection of the shape of the dough strip by a sensor unit. Any device by which the dough strip is conveyed and / or processed after it has been conveyed by the conveyor can be considered a downstream device.

[0022] The method can further include detecting the shape of the dough ribbon using a second sensor unit upstream of the transfer point. This makes it possible to better detect changes in the shape of the dough ribbon occurring at the transfer point, such as constrictions and / or sagging; for example, the shape detected upstream of the transfer point can be compared with the shape detected at the transfer point.

[0023] Advantageously, the method can include detecting the width of the dough band, measured parallel to a conveying surface of the conveyor, preferably by the first and / or the second sensor unit. This can support the determination of the dough band tension at higher tensions, since the dough band sags less or not at all at higher tensions. For example, the method can include detecting a constriction of the dough band, in particular a constriction parallel to the conveying surface, due to high tension.

[0024] The method can, for example, include capturing a two-dimensional image of the dough strip at the transfer point using the first sensor unit. Particularly preferably, the two-dimensional image can be captured by a camera as the first sensor unit. The images of the dough strip can be captured from above. The method can include capturing the width of the dough strip by image processing. In particular, the width of the dough strip at the transfer point and / or upstream of the transfer point can be captured by image processing, preferably based on images captured by the first sensor unit, e.g., the camera. The method can include detecting a constriction based on the width of the dough strip captured at the transfer point and the width of the dough strip captured upstream of the transfer point, preferably by the sensor arrangement and / or the first sensor unit, e.g., the camera.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the method can include detecting the width of the dough strip at the transfer point, preferably by a first sensor unit of the sensor arrangement, and / or detecting the width of the dough strip upstream of the transfer point, preferably by a second sensor unit of the sensor arrangement. The method can include detecting a constriction based on the width of the dough strip detected at the transfer point and the width of the dough strip detected upstream of the transfer point. The method can include detecting the width of the dough strip at the aforementioned locations using a camera as the first and second sensor units, respectively, e.g., by image processing.Alternatively or additionally, the method can include scanning a lateral edge of the dough strip substantially parallel to the conveying surface, preferably by the first sensor unit at the transfer point and / or by the second sensor unit upstream of the transfer point, in order to detect the width of the dough strip in this way.

[0026] The method can further comprise generating a signal directed at the dough strip by the first sensor unit and / or the second sensor unit. Particularly preferably, the method can further comprise detecting a reflection of the signal. The signal can be, for example, a light signal, a laser signal, a radar signal, an electromagnetic signal, or an ultrasonic signal. Accordingly, the first sensor unit and / or the second sensor unit can comprise a light sensor, a laser sensor, a radar sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. The method can further comprise determining the shape of the dough strip based on the emission and detection of a signal or a plurality of signals, for example, by the sensor arrangement and / or by the respective sensor unit and / or by the sensor units together.Determining the shape of the dough strip can be supported by measuring the time of flight of the signals or by analyzing the course of the signal reflection, e.g., through image processing. For example, a line laser can be generated. By analyzing the course of the line on an image of the dough strip captured by a camera, the shape of the dough strip can be determined.

[0027] The method can involve transmitting the signal essentially parallel to a conveying surface of the conveyor. This can be advantageous for detecting a constriction in the dough band, as explained above. For example, it can enable scanning of a lateral edge of the dough band essentially parallel to the conveying surface, e.g., by the first and / or the second sensor unit, thereby supporting the determination of the dough band's width.

[0028] Advantageously, the method can include controlling the speed of the conveyor and / or the downstream device based on the detected shape of the dough strip.

[0029] The downstream device may include, for example, a roller. Alternatively or additionally, the downstream device may be or include a calibration head. Alternatively or additionally, the downstream device may include a second conveyor.

[0030] The invention relates to a dough processing device and to a method of the type described above. Advantageous embodiments are explained in more detail below by way of example with reference to drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a dough strip processing device according to a first embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of the dough strip processing device. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the dough strip processing device. Fig. 1, where the cutting plane is defined by the section line III-III in Fig. 1 is indicated. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of the dough strip processing device. Fig. 1, where the dough band has a higher tension. Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of the dough belt processing device and the dough belt. Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of a dough strip processing device according to a further embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic top view of the dough strip processing device. Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic side view of the dough strip processing device. Fig. 6, where the dough band has a higher tension. Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic top view of the dough band processing device and the dough band. Fig. 8. Fig. Figure 10 shows a schematic side view of a dough strip processing device according to a further embodiment. Fig. Figure 11 shows a schematic side view of a dough strip processing device according to a further embodiment. Fig. Figure 12 shows a schematic top view of a dough strip processing device according to a further embodiment. Fig. Figure 13 shows a schematic top view of a dough strip processing device according to a further embodiment.

[0031] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a dough strip processing device 1 in a schematic side view. The dough strip processing device 1 can include a conveyor 2. The conveyor 2 can be configured to convey a dough strip 3. For example, the dough strip 3 can rest on a conveying surface 4 of the conveyor 2. The dough strip processing device 1 can further include a sensor arrangement 5. The sensor arrangement 5 can be configured to determine the tension of the dough strip 3. The conveyor 3 can include a transfer point 6. The transfer point 6 can be configured to transfer the dough strip 3 from the conveyor 2 to a downstream device 7. The dough strip processing device 1 can include the downstream device 7. However, it is also conceivable that the downstream device 7 is a separate and / or independent device from the dough strip processing device 1. As shown in the Fig. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the downstream device 7 can include a second conveyor 20.

[0032] The sensor arrangement 5 can comprise one or more first sensor units 8. The sensor units 8 can be configured to detect the shape of the dough strip 3 at the transfer point 6. As shown in the present embodiment, the first sensor units 8 can each be configured to scan the dough strip 3 from below, for example, to detect the extent of any sagging of the dough strip 3 at the transfer point 6. The sensor units 8 can also be configured to detect the shape of the dough strip 3 without contact. For example, as shown in the embodiment, the sensor units 8 can be configured to emit a signal 9, in this embodiment a light signal. For this purpose, the first sensor units 8 can each comprise a signal generator 10. The signal generator 10 can be configured to generate the signal 9 directed at the dough strip 3.The first sensor units 8 can each comprise a sensor 11, for example, as in the present embodiment, an optical sensor. The sensor 11 can be configured to detect the signal 9 generated by the signal generator 10 and / or a reflection 16 (see ). Fig. 7) of signal 9.

[0033] In Fig. 2 is the dough band processing device 1 made of Fig. Figure 1 is shown in a schematic top view. This shows that the dough band 3 can have a constriction 12 between the conveyor 2 and the downstream device 7. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the dough band 3 and the first sensor units 8 of the sensor arrangement 5. The course of the section plane is shown by the section line III-III in Fig. 1 indicated. In Fig. It can be seen that the dough band 3 can form a hollow 13 due to the sag.

[0034] In the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is the dough band processing device 1 from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown in analogous views. In the Fig. 4 and Fig. However, 5 is a band tension of the dough band 3 compared to that in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The condition shown in Figure 2 is increased. This can be recognized, for example, by the fact that the indentation 13 is less pronounced and / or that the constriction 12 is more pronounced. A constriction 12 can be considered a reduction in the width 14 of the dough band 3. For example, the width 14a of the dough band upstream of the transfer point 6 can be reduced to a width 14b at the transfer point 6. In such a constellation, the belt tension of the dough band 3 can be determined by a sensor arrangement 5, as described in the Fig. As shown in figures 1 to 5, this may be more difficult, since the trough 13 will only show minor changes in shape with further increasing tension.

[0035] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of the dough strip processing device 1 according to a further embodiment. Analogous components are provided with the same reference numerals as in the Fig. 1 to 5. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the first sensor unit 8 of the sensor arrangement 5 can include a camera 15. The camera 15 can be configured to capture images of the dough strip 3. The sensor arrangement 5, for example, the sensor unit 8, can be configured to capture the shape of the dough strip 3 at the transfer point 6 by means of image processing. Advantageously, the first sensor unit 8 can also include a signal generator 10. The signal generator 10 can be configured to generate a signal 9 directed at the dough strip 3. As shown in the present embodiment, the signal 9 can be a line laser signal. The first sensor unit 8, in particular the camera 15, can be configured to detect a reflection 16 (see Figure 6). Fig. 7) to capture signal 9. This allows image processing to support the capture of the shape of the dough band 3. As in Fig. As indicated in 7, the reflection 16 can have a curved course due to the shape of the hollow 13.

[0036] In the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are the views from the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 is shown analogously, with dough band 3 exhibiting a higher band tension. Similar to the above. Fig. 4 and Fig. As explained in section 5, the depression 13 may be less pronounced. The constriction 12 may be more pronounced. It is evident that due to the reduced prominence of the depression 13, the reflection 16 of the signal 9 may exhibit a less pronounced curvature. Based on the detection of the reflection 16 by the camera 15, it can be determined that the band tension of the dough band 3 is lower than that in the Fig. 6 and Fig. The condition shown in Figure 7 is higher. As the belt tension increases, the change in the curvature of the reflection 16 can become smaller, which can make determining the belt tension more difficult. The first sensor unit 8 with the camera 15 can be configured to determine the width 14 and / or the path of the width 14 of the dough belt 3 by means of image processing. In particular, a difference between a width 14a upstream of the transfer point 6 and a width 14b at the transfer point 6 can be determined. It should be clear that the first sensor unit 8 can also include the camera 15 without the signal generator 10. For example, the sensor arrangement 5, for example the first sensor unit 8, can be configured to determine the belt tension of the dough belt 3 based on the detected path of the width 14.

[0037] In the Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 11 shows further embodiments of the dough strip processing device 1 in schematic side views. Both in Fig. 10 as well as in Fig. 11 shows that the downstream device 7 has one or more rollers 17, in the exemplary embodiments made of Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 two rollers 17, can include. As in the Fig. 10 and Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the downstream device 7 can, for example, include a calibration head 18. The sensor arrangement 5 can also be configured in combination with this type of downstream device 7, as shown in the figure below. Fig. 6 to 9 explained (see Fig. 10). In Fig. Figure 11 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the sensor arrangement 5 is configured as described in the Fig. 1 to 5 explained, and the subsequent device 7 comprises a calibration head 18 with two rollers 17.

[0038] In the Fig. 12 and Fig. Figure 13 shows schematic top views of the dough strip processing device 1 according to two further embodiments. The plane of the drawing runs essentially parallel to the conveying surface 4 of the conveyor 2. As in both Fig. 12 as well as in Fig. As shown in 13, the sensor arrangement 5 can include, in addition to the first sensor unit 8, one or more second sensor units 19, in the Fig. 12 and Fig.13 comprise two second sensor units 19. The first sensor unit 8 and / or the second sensor units 19 can be configured to detect the width 14 of the dough belt measured parallel to the conveying surface 4 of the conveyor 2. For example, the first sensor unit 8 can be configured to detect the width 14b of the dough belt 3 at the transfer point 6. The second sensor units 19 can be configured to detect the width 14a of the dough belt 3 upstream of the transfer point 6. In principle, detection of the width 14a upstream of the transfer point 6 by a second sensor unit 19 is also conceivable. The two second sensor units 19 can be configured to take into account width variations due to irregularities in the edge of the dough belt 3 when detecting width reductions at the transfer point 6. With regard to their components, the second sensor units 19 can be constructed analogously to the first sensor unit 8.Analogous reference symbols are given accordingly. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 102 13 015 A1 [0002, 0003]

Claims

[1] Dough strip processing device (1) comprising a conveyor (2) configured to convey a dough strip (3) and a sensor arrangement (5) configured to determine a strip tension of the dough strip (3), wherein the conveyor (2) has a transfer point (6) configured to transfer the dough belt (3) from the conveyor (2) to a downstream device (7), wherein the sensor arrangement (5) comprises at least a first sensor unit (8) configured to detect a shape of the dough strip (3) at the transfer point (6). [2] Dough strip processing device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor arrangement (5) comprises at least a second sensor unit (19) configured to detect a shape of the dough strip (3) upstream of the transfer point (6). [3] Dough strip processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and / or the second sensor unit (8, 19) is configured to detect a shape of the dough strip (3) without contact. [4] Dough strip processing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second sensor unit (8, 19) comprises an optical sensor (11), preferably a photosensor (11). [5] Dough strip processing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second sensor unit (8, 19) comprises a camera (15). [6] Dough strip processing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second sensor unit (8, 19) is configured to detect a width (14) of the dough strip measured parallel to a conveying surface (4) of the conveyor (2). [7] Dough belt processing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second sensor unit (8, 19) has a signal generator (10) configured to generate a signal (9) directed at the dough belt (3). [8] Dough strip processing device according to claim 7, wherein the first and / or the second sensor unit (8, 19) is configured to detect a reflection (16) of the signal (9). [9] Dough strip processing device claim 7 or 8, wherein the signal generator (10) is configured to emit the signal (9) substantially parallel to a conveying surface (4) of the conveyor (2). [10] Dough strip processing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the subsequent device (7) comprises a roller (17). [11] Dough strip processing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the subsequent device (7) is a calibration head (18). [12] Dough strip processing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the downstream device (7) comprises a second conveyor (20). [13] Method for processing a strip of dough (3) comprising: Conveying the dough ribbon (3) through a conveyor (2), Transfer of the dough belt (3) to a downstream device (7) at a transfer point (6) of the conveyor (2), Detection, in particular non-contact detection, of a form of the dough strip (3) at the transfer point (6) by a first sensor unit (8). [14] Method according to claim 13, further comprising detecting the shape of the dough strip (3) by a second sensor unit (19) upstream of the transfer point (6). [15] Method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising generating a signal (9) directed at the dough strip (3) by the first sensor unit (8) and / or the second sensor unit (19). [16] Method according to claim 15, further comprising detecting a reflection (16) of the signal (9). [17] Method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, further comprising capturing a two-dimensional image of the dough strip (3) at the transfer point (6) by the first sensor unit (8). [18] Method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, further comprising controlling a speed of the conveyor (2) and / or the downstream device (7) based on the detected shape of the dough strip (3). [19] Method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the downstream device (7) comprises a roller (17). [20] Method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the downstream device (7) is a calibration head (18). [21] Method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the downstream device (7) comprises a second conveyor (20).

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