Bread cutting machine with integrated bagging aid and preferred operating procedure

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a bread slicing machine for slicing a loaf of bread into slices, comprising a machine housing which accommodates a drive motor and a cutting blade driven by the motor, mounted on a blade arm, and rotating and / or rotating in a cutting plane, with a feed chute for introducing the loaf of bread to be sliced ​​into the bread slicing machine, and with a receiving chute adjacent to the feed chute except for a blade gap for receiving all the slices of the sliced ​​loaf of bread, wherein the receiving chute is arranged within a cover of the machine housing. The invention also relates to a preferred bread slicing method for cutting slices from a loaf of bread using such a bread slicing machine.

[0002] Such a bread slicing machine is described in DE 93 13 637 U1 (= Reference [3]). Other similar bread slicing machines are known from the prior art, in particular from DE 10 2010 036 721 B4 (= Reference [1]). Background of the invention

[0003] Bagging aids for bread slicers typically serve as a mechanical aid for packaging sliced ​​loaves of bread. With bagging aids known from the prior art, the loaf of bread must be lifted from the slicing area onto a bagging aid. The bagging aid is usually mounted above the bread slicer in the form of a metal plate. A user of the bread slicer grasps the loaf at the front and back ends and squeezes it together so that the sliced ​​loaf does not collapse when lifted. The user must handle the bread. Especially with self-service bread slicers, where the user is usually a customer in a shop, the user will not wear gloves for this purpose. The process is therefore usually not very hygienic. Furthermore, slices of bread are constantly lost and then accumulate in the bread slicer throughout the day.

[0004] DE 44 31 808 C2 (= Reference [2]) discloses a bread-slicing machine in which a loaf of bread is sliced ​​in a chute and then removed by a user through a door from the side of the chute and placed on a separate work surface. The sliced ​​loaf can then be packaged on this work surface. This design is comparatively time-consuming to use and does not meet higher hygiene standards.

[0005] DE 93 13 637 U1 (= Reference [3]) discloses a cutting machine for slicing food. The food is conveyed in a slightly inclined shaft from top to bottom past a cutting disc without being cut. The length of the food is determined during this process. The food is then transported from bottom to top and is cut into slices by the cutting disc. A holding plate, a support plate, and boundary walls fix the food in its position.

[0006] From US Patent 2,242,935 A (reference [4]) a slicing machine is known which includes a trough for receiving sliced ​​bread from a feed trough. A cutting blade is located between the troughs. An upright support is attached to the cutting trough and supports sliced ​​bread in a vertical position. A second support, fixed to the receiving trough, supports the last sliced ​​bread and moves the slices when manual mechanisms of the slicing machine are operated to move the receiving trough and remove the slices from the cutter.

[0007] EP 2 886 269 A1 (= Reference [5]) discloses a food cutting machine comprising a cutting blade and a housing with a loading area and a dispensing area for the food. A packaging device is provided in the dispensing area and / or the loading area, onto which the food can be placed so that a packaging bag can be fitted over the packaging device and the cut food. The packaging device is arranged inside the housing.

[0008] EP 3 127 667 A1 (= Reference [6]) relates to a method for bagging sliced ​​bread. The bread is placed at a slight angle of inclination of less than 20° to the vertical on an inclined pallet with a stop at its lower end, a bag is placed over the bread and the bag with the bread is removed in an upward motion, supporting the lower end of the bread.

[0009] From DE 20 2012 009 103 U1 (= Reference [7]) a transport channel for a bread slicing machine is known, comprising a feed channel and a discharge channel for receiving bread slices. A blade is located between the feed channel and the discharge channel. The feed channel and the discharge channel have a base and a side wall that support the bread. The base and the side wall of the discharge channel are pivotable and / or removable. At least the side wall of the discharge channel has a coating that reduces friction between the bread and the discharge channel during transport.

[0010] The reference cited above [1] describes a bread slicing machine in which a loaf of bread is advanced by means of a feed device onto a cutting unit of the bread slicing machine and sliced ​​into a stack of slices. The stack of slices is pushed from the cutting area through an opening in a wall of the machine housing of the bread slicing machine onto a holding device, usually automatically.

[0011] The holding device includes a cantilevered section that extends beyond the wall of the machine housing and thus beyond the bread slicer. When a stack of slices is on the holding device, a foil bag can easily be pulled over the stack (and over the cantilevered section) to package it. The opening is sealed with a closing device during the slicing process. Additionally, a cover protects the infeed area for the unsliced ​​loaf of bread.

[0012] The design of the bagging aid described in reference [1] is relatively cumbersome to use, as the bagging aid is located outside the machine housing and is only accessible from inside the bread slicer through an opening that can be opened and closed. Furthermore, after slicing, the sliced ​​loaf of bread must be moved into the area of ​​the bagging aid. In addition, the bagging aid protrudes from the machine housing, thus widening the space required by the machine and creating a risk of a person passing by the machine becoming entangled in it.

[0013] The reference cited above [3] discloses a slicing machine with a chute in a machine housing, from which a sliced ​​loaf of bread can be removed through a door in the machine housing. The chute has boundary walls along the sides of the loaf. Holding plates are located below the lower end of the loaf and above the upper end. The holding plates and boundary walls serve to keep the sliced ​​loaf in position. Furthermore, the holding plates, boundary walls, and machine housing prevent a bag from simply being placed over the loaf and then removed along with the loaf inside.

[0014] The reference cited above [4] describes a tapered groove located outside the housing of a slicing machine to receive sliced ​​bread as a bagging aid. Such a bagging aid, designed outside a housing, is not protected from contamination or external forces.

[0015] The reference cited above [5] concerns a slicing machine in which a sliced ​​food item is first removed from a dispensing area and then placed on a separate packaging device within the slicing machine. The packaging process is comparatively cumbersome due to the transport from the dispensing area to the packaging device. Object of the invention

[0016] In contrast, the present invention is based on the – in detail relatively demanding – objective of making a bread-slicing machine of the generic type, with the features listed above, more compact and less bulky in a structurally simple and material-saving manner, and of providing increased protection for the user against accidental interference with the bread-slicing machine. Furthermore, the invention aims to facilitate the safe placement of the loaf of bread to be sliced ​​and to enable a smooth, reliable transition of the bread slices across the blade gap onto the receiving section during slicing. Brief description of the invention

[0017] This problem is solved by the present invention in a surprisingly simple yet effective manner by selecting the outer dimensions of the feed chute in directions parallel to the cutting plane to be greater than or equal to the maximum outer dimensions of the loaf of bread to be sliced ​​in these directions, selecting the outer dimensions of the cantilever section in directions parallel to the cutting plane to be smaller than the outer dimensions of the feed chute in these directions at least at one free end facing away from the feed chute, selecting the outer dimensions of the cantilever section in these directions, selecting the outer dimensions of the cantilever section in the bread slicing machine to be smaller, selecting the outer dimensions of the cantilever section in these directions at least at one free end facing away from the feed chute, selecting the outer dimensions of the cantilever section in the bread slicing machine to be smaller, selecting the outer dimensions of the cantilever section in the directions parallel to the cutting plane, selecting the outer dimensions of the cantilever section in the directions parallel to the cutting plane at least at one free end facing away from the feed chute, selecting the outer dimensions of the cantilever section in the bread slicing machine to be smaller than the outer dimensions of the feed chute in these directions, selecting the outer dimensions of the cantilever section in the directions parallel to the cutting plane at least at one free end facing away from the feed chute at ...that a connecting axis of the feed chute with the receiving chute is arranged inclined at approximately 45° to the vertical, that the receiving chute at its end facing the feed chute is approximately the same width as the feed chute in this area, parallel to the cutting plane, and that a feed plate with gripper is provided for holding the loaf of bread, which can be moved from an end of the feed chute facing away from the receiving chute to over the knife gap and back again, and on which the end face of the loaf of bread inserted into the feed chute rests.

[0018] In the design according to the invention, the bagging aid is located inside the machine housing, which ensures a space-saving design of the bread machine, saving on components and increasing the protection of the user of the bread slicer.

[0019] In other words, the bread slicer according to the invention has a receiving chute, a section of which is a bread chute into which a user of the bread slicer places the loaf of bread, wherein the bread chute particularly includes the receiving chute and also the feed chute. In the bread slicer according to the invention, this section is also the section from which the user removes the sliced ​​loaf of bread. A support plate designed as part of the receiving chute or as the entire receiving chute is thus simultaneously a dispensing plate from which the user can remove the sliced ​​loaf of bread.

[0020] The area from which the user can remove the sliced ​​loaf of bread also serves as a bagging aid. A bagging aid is, in particular, a holding plate for the loaf, which is generally not much wider than the loaf or even narrower than the loaf itself. This holding plate is openly accessible on one narrow side, allowing the user to place a packaging material, especially a bag, over the loaf while the loaf is resting on the bagging aid. The user moves the bag lengthwise along the longitudinal axis of the loaf. In the bread slicing machine according to the invention, the dispensing plate is specifically designed as a bagging aid.

[0021] The angled orientation of the feed and receiving chutes, inclined at approximately 45° to the vertical, prevents the sliced ​​loaf of bread from tipping over. This allows the bread slicer to be designed with a smaller footprint than one with a horizontally oriented feed chute. Furthermore, this type of loaf transport eliminates the need for a counter-support opposite the feed plate, which would otherwise be moved by the feed plate and the bread, or shifted parallel to it. Such a counter-support would typically have to be removed before inserting the bread.

[0022] The bread slicing machine according to the invention is designed such that the receiving chute, at its end facing the feed chute, is approximately the same width as the feed chute in this area, parallel to the cutting plane. This provides better support for the loaf of bread during the transition from the feed chute to the receiving chute.

[0023] Finally, the bread slicing machine according to the invention includes a feed plate with a gripper for holding the loaf of bread. This feed plate can be moved from an end of the feed chute opposite the receiving chute to across the knife gap and back again, and the end of the loaf of bread, which has been inserted into the feed chute, rests on this plate. The gripper primarily secures the loaf of bread during the slicing process by engaging it, particularly with claws. Specifically, before the slicing process begins, the cutting blade is moved into the knife gap. The feed plate, with the loaf of bread against it, is moved towards the cutting blade until the loaf is in contact with the blade. The feed plate and the cutting blade then secure the loaf. Subsequently, the gripper's claws are retracted into the loaf to hold it during the slicing process.This allows the claws of the gripper to be designed to be relatively small. Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention

[0024] A class of advantageous embodiments of the bread-slicing machine according to the invention is characterized by an electronic control device configured to transport the uncut loaf of bread from the receiving chute into the feed chute, past the extended cutting blade that has been removed from the blade gap, and subsequently to transport the loaf of bread back from the feed chute into the receiving chute. During the return transport, the cutting blade is moved into and out of the blade gap in such a way that the loaf of bread is sliced ​​into parallel slices. In particular, the loaf of bread is placed in the receiving chute, transported into the feed chute, and then transported back into the receiving chute, with the loaf being sliced ​​during the return transport.

[0025] Particularly preferred are embodiments of the bread-slicing machine according to the invention which are characterized in that the receiving chute is formed by two angularly adjoining sheet metal sections, which together have an L-shaped cross-section. The L-shape supports the loaf of bread on two sides. This ensures sufficient support for transporting the loaf with adequate control of the bread, while requiring minimal material.

[0026] Another embodiment of the bread slicing machine is characterized by a counter-support that can be arranged on the loaf of bread opposite the feed plate. The counter-support also prevents the already sliced ​​loaf of bread from falling over.

[0027] Particularly preferred are embodiments of the invention in which the knife arm is designed to move the cutting blade along a curve, preferably a circular curve. This enables the cutting blade to be periodically inserted into the loaf of bread, thereby reducing vibrations in the bread slicing machine.

[0028] Further, particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in that through-slots are formed in the feed chute to allow breadcrumbs to fall through. The breadcrumbs can then fall, in particular, into a crumb tray below the feed chute, where they can be collected and removed, thus making the bread slicer easy to clean.

[0029] Particularly preferred are further developments of these embodiments in which a crumb tray is arranged below the through-slots of the feed chute, and which in particular includes a deflector plate. The crumb tray serves to collect the breadcrumbs produced during the cutting process. The deflector plate is oriented, in particular, at an angle extending outwards from the edge of the crumb tray in order to catch as many falling breadcrumbs as possible and direct them into the crumb tray. Due to the vibrations that always occur during the cutting process, the breadcrumbs fall primarily into the crumb tray and do not remain in the feed chute or receiving chute. In this way, the feed chute and the receiving chute are cleaned virtually mechanically and automatically during the cutting process itself.To simplify cleaning, the feed plate can be moved so far that a gap is formed between a feed plate and the end of the feed chute facing away from the receiving chute, in particular in the direction of the connecting axis of the feed chute and the receiving chute.

[0030] In alternative or supplementary embodiments of the bread slicer according to the invention, the cutting blade is arranged in a non-activated state outside the blade gap and is therefore inaccessible from outside the cover of the machine housing. This provides the user with additional protection from the sharp cutting blade.

[0031] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in that the receiving chute is arranged such that an uncut loaf of bread can be placed on the cantilevered section by a user before the cutting process, and that the slices of the cut loaf of bread can be removed from the cantilevered section by the user after the cutting process, preferably after placing a bag-shaped packaging element over them. This allows for a particularly space-saving design of the bread cutting machine.

[0032] Further advantageous embodiments are characterized in that the bread slicer has a shorter and a longer side, wherein an input device for the electronic control unit and the cantilever section are accessible to a user from the shorter side of the bread slicer. This is particularly advantageous if the bread slicer is to be installed in a space-saving manner in the self-service area of ​​a supermarket. In particular, to save space, the bread slicer is positioned between shelves such that the shorter side of the bread slicer runs parallel to the direction along the shelves, while the longer side of the bread slicer is aligned in the direction of the depth of the shelves.To save space, the longer side of the bread slicer can be made shorter when the feed chute and receiving chute are angled, compared to a bread slicer where the feed chute and receiving chute are installed horizontally.

[0033] Another preferred embodiment of the bread slicing machine according to the invention is characterized in that the cover of the machine housing is movable in a rotary motion on a guide rail. This enables a space-saving, compact and simple design of the opening mechanism for the bread slicing machine.

[0034] The bread slicer according to the invention preferably has a sensor for emergency shutdown of the bread slicer, in particular of the cutting blade. This contributes to increased safety for the users of the bread slicer. The sensor can, in particular, be arranged on the cover of the bread slicer. Alternatively or additionally, a locking device can also be provided that keeps the cover of the machine housing closed during slicing.

[0035] The bread slicing machine according to the invention is primarily designed for self-service operation by customers in a grocery or bakery store.

[0036] A preferred bread-slicing method for cutting slices from a loaf of bread using a bread-slicing machine according to the invention, based on one of the embodiments described above, is characterized by the following steps: a) Inserting an uncut loaf of bread, preferably via the receiving chute, into the feed chute; b) Slicing the loaf of bread into slices; c) Conveying the slices to the cantilevered section of the receiving chute; d) Placing a bag-shaped packaging device over the bagging aid of the cantilevered section with the slices of the cut loaf of bread resting on it, with the cover of the machine housing open; e) Removing the bag-shaped packaging device with the slices of the cut loaf of bread contained therein from the cantilevered section.

[0037] With this type of bread slicing method, the removal of the sliced ​​loaf of bread can be carried out in a space-saving and particularly simple manner.

[0038] Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and the drawing. Likewise, the features mentioned above and those described in more detail below can each be used individually or in any combination according to the invention. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as an exhaustive list, but rather serve as examples for illustrating the invention. Detailed description of the invention and drawing

[0039] The invention is illustrated in the drawing and is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments.

[0040] They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic vertical section through a bread slicer according to the invention with the cover open; Fig. 2 shows a section through the bread slicer according to the invention. Fig. 1 with a loaf of bread inserted and the cover closed; Fig. 3 a section through the bread slicer according to Fig. 2, with the loaf of bread resting against the cutting blade; Fig. 4 shows a section through the bread slicer. Fig. 3 , with the loaf of bread resting against the feed plate; Fig. 5a a section through the bread slicer according to Fig. 4 , whereby the loaf of bread is cut to about half its length; Fig. 5 shows a section cut through the bread slicer. Fig. 5a, wherein the loaf of bread is cut down to a residual section; Fig. 6 a three-dimensional schematic view of a feed chute, a receiving chute, a cutting blade and a crumb box of the bread cutting machine according to the invention; Fig. 7 a schematic sectional view from above of an embodiment of the bread cutting machine according to the invention; Fig. 8 a possible path of movement of the cutting blade; Fig. 9a a three-dimensional schematic view of the feed chute and the receiving chute as well as the feed plate with toothed gripper; and Fig. 9 a three-dimensional view of the feed chute and the receiving chute according to Fig. 9a with the cutting blade retracted into the knife gap.

[0041] The present invention relates to a bread slicing machine for slicing a loaf of bread into discs, with a space-saving integrated bagging aid.

[0042] The Figure 1shows a cross-section through a bread slicer according to the invention with the cover open. Figures 2 to 5b The diagram shows the process steps of the cutting process with the cover closed. Figure 6 shows a three-dimensional view of a feed chute, a receiving chute, a cutting blade, and a crumb tray of the bread slicer. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view from above of the bread slicer (i.e., without the cover). Figure 8 shows a possible path of movement for the cutting blade. Figure 9a and 9b show a three-dimensional view of the feed chute and the intake chute with and without the cutting blade retracted.

[0043] The in Fig. 1 shown bread slicer 1 indicates a Machine housing 2. Inside this is a drive motor 3 to drive one attached to a knife arm 4 (see Fig. 8 held, in a Cutting plane E rotating cutting blade5. The knife arm 4 is operated by a drive motor 3' drives the knife arm 4. A 3" bearing block holds the knife arm 4.

[0044] The bread slicer 1 still has a feed shaft 6 for inserting a cutting device loaf of bread B (see Fig. 2 ) through a Insertion area EB into the bread slicer 1. The feed chute 6 is bordered by, except for one... Knife gap 5' one Access shaft 7 to include all discs S (see Fig. 5b ) of the sliced ​​loaf of bread. The receiving chute 7 is equipped with a bagging aid. cantilever section 8 trained.

[0045] The intake shaft 7 remains within a Cover 2' of the machine housing 2 arranged.

[0046] The receiving shaft 7 is divided by two angled, adjoining Sheet metal sections 9', 9" formed, which together have an L-shape in cross-section (see above). Figure 9a and 9b ). One connecting axis a of theThe feed shaft 6 with the receiving shaft 7 is arranged inclined to the vertical, preferably at about 45°. The feed shaft 6 contains Through slots 6' Designed to allow breadcrumbs to pass through. Below the through-slots 6' of the feed shaft 6 is a Crumb box 10 arranged, above which in particular one or more Deflector plates 11 They are located. As a rule, four such deflector plates 11 protrude funnel-shaped from above into the crumb bin.

[0047] One Feed plate 12 with Gripper 13 To hold the loaf of bread B, the feeder can be moved from one end of the feed chute 6, away from the receiving chute 7, to beyond the knife gap 5' and back again. The loaf of bread B, inserted into the feed chute 6, can rest on its end face on the feed plate 12.

[0048] An electronic Control unit 14is designed to transport the uncut loaf of bread B from the receiving chute 7 into the feed chute 6 past the cutting blade 5 which extends from the blade gap 5' and subsequently to transport the loaf of bread B to be cut back from the feed chute 6 into the receiving chute 7, whereby during the return transport the cutting blade 5 is moved into and out of the blade gap 5' in such a way that the loaf of bread B is cut into parallel slices S (see Figures 5a , 5b ).

[0049] The cover 2' of the machine housing 2 is in a rotary motion on a Guide rail 15 Movable for opening and closing the machine housing 2. One Sensor 16 It serves for the emergency shutdown of the bread slicer 1, in particular the cutting blade 5.

[0050] The initially uncut loaf of bread B is placed in the receiving chute 7, as described in Fig. 2 can be seen.

[0051] The still uncut loaf of bread B then slides against the cutting blade 5 in the blade gap 5', see Fig. 3 . Alternatively, the cutting blade 5 can be extended from the blade gap 5' and the feed plate 12 moved over the blade gap 5' into the receiving chute 7, with the loaf of bread B sliding against the feed plate 12. The feed plate 12 covers the blade gap 5' and protects a user of the bread slicer 1 from the cutting blade 5, especially if the cover 2' of the bread slicer is still open.

[0052] With the gripper 13's claws retracted, the feed plate 12 with the gripper 13 is moved towards the cutting knife 5, specifically across the knife gap 5', whereby the cutting knife 5 is moved out of the knife gap 5'. The loaf of bread B slides against the gripper 13. With the gripper 13's claws retracted, the feed plate 12, carrying the loaf of bread B against its end face, is moved from a starting position in the receiving chute 7 to an intermediate position at the end of the feed chute 6 furthest from the receiving chute 7, see [reference]. Fig. 4 .

[0053] The cutting blade 5 is then moved into the blade gap 5'. The feed plate 12, with the attached loaf of bread B, is moved towards the cutting blade 5 into a stop position until the loaf of bread B rests against the cutting blade 5. The feed plate 12 and the cutting blade 5 secure the loaf of bread B. Subsequently, the claws of the gripper 13 are moved into a position indicated by a dashed line. Fixing section A of the The loaf of bread B is inserted for fixation during the cutting process. The claws of the gripper 13 can be made comparatively small, which then allows the end piece of the sliced ​​bread to be kept particularly thin.

[0054] The still uncut loaf of bread B is conveyed in several stages through the knife gap 5' into the receiving chute 7. During this step-by-step transport, the electronic control device 14 automatically causes the cutting blade 5 to move into the knife gap 5' multiple times to cut a slice S from the loaf of bread B. The cutting blade 5 is then completely withdrawn from the knife gap 5' to allow the respective slice S to be conveyed into the receiving chute 7, along with the remaining uncut portion of the loaf of bread B, through the knife gap 5'. Fig. 5a .

[0055] Finally, the loaf of bread, cut open except for one end piece, in particular the fixing section A, is again in the receiving chute 7, which is designed as a bagging aid with a cantilever section 8, and can be conveniently and safely removed from it, see Fig. 5b .In particular, the cutting blade 5 is moved out of the blade gap 5'. The feed plate 12 is moved over the blade gap 5' into the receiving chute 7 and covers the blade gap 5'. This prevents a user of the bread slicer 1 from accidentally reaching into the blade gap 5' and injuring themselves on the sharp cutting blade 5. The claws of the gripper 13 are moved out of the loaf of bread B.

[0056] The deflector plate 11 is arranged at an angle to the horizontal on the crumb bin 10 in order to direct crumbs into the crumb bin 10, see Fig. 6 .

[0057] In Fig. 7 The drive motor 3 for the cutting blade 5, the drive motor 3' for the blade arm 4, and the bearing block 3", which holds the blade arm 4, are shown in particular. The cutting blade 5 can be inserted into the blade gap 5' from the side.

[0058] The knife arm 4 is designed to support the cutting blade 5 on a Curve KU, preferably along a circular curve.

[0059] The rotating cutting blade 5 is periodically moved into and out of the blade gap 5' to cut the discs S, in particular in a permanent circular motion caused by the drive motor 3' for the blade arm 4, see Fig. 8 .

[0060] The L-profile of the receiving shaft 7, which is formed by the two angularly adjoining sheet metal sections 9', 9", is in the Figure 9a and 9b presented in detail. This includes... Fig. 9b The cutting blade 5 is inserted into the blade gap 5'. The feed plate 12 can be moved so far that a gap exists between the feed plate 12 and the feed chute 6. distance d trained Fig. 9a . Reference symbol list:

[0061] 1 Bread slicer 2 Machine housing 2' Cover 3 Drive motor for the cutting blade 3' Drive motor for blade arm 3" Bearing block for blade motor 4 Blade arm 5 Cutting blade 5' Blade gap 6 Feed chute 6' Through slots 7 Receiving chute 8 Cantilever section 8' Free end of the cantilever section 8" End of the receiving chute facing the feed chute 9', 9" Sheet metal sections 10 Crumb bin 11 Deflector plates 12 Feed plate 13 Gripper 14 Electronic control unit 15 Guide rail 16 Sensor a Connecting axis of the feed chute and the receiving chute B Loaf of bread d Distance from gripper to feed chute E Cutting plane S Slices K Curve Reference list

[0062] Publications considered for the assessment of patentability: [1] DE 10 2010 036 721 B4 [2] DE 44 31 808 C2 [3] DE 93 13 637 U1 [4] US 2 242 935 A [5] EP 2 886 269 A1 [6] EP 3 127 667 A1 [7] DE 20 2012 009 103 U1

Claims

1. Bread slicing machine (1) for slicing a loaf of bread (B) into slices, comprising a machine housing (2) which has a drive motor (3) and a cutting blade (5) driven by the motor, held on a blade arm (4), rotating in a cutting plane (E) and / or movable in a circular motion, with a feed chute (6) for inserting the loaf of bread (B) to be sliced into the bread slicing machine (1), with a receiving shaft (7) adjacent to the feed chute (6) except for a knife gap (5') for receiving all slices (S) of the sliced loaf of bread, wherein the receiving shaft (7) is arranged within a cover (2') of the machine housing (2), characterized in that the outer dimensions of the feed chute (6) in directions parallel to the cutting plane (E) are greater than or equal to the maximum outer dimensions of the loaf of bread (B) to be sliced in these directions, that the outer dimensions of the cantilever section (8) in directions parallel to the cutting plane (E) are, at least at a free end (8') facing away from the feed chute (6), are selected to be smaller than the outer dimensions of the feed chute (6) in these directions, that the bread cutting machine (1) has a bagging aid for pulling or placing a bag-shaped packaging material over the bagging aid with the slices (S) resting on it of the sliced loaf of bread resting thereon, wherein the bagging aid comprises a cantilever section (8), that the receiving shaft (7) is designed as a bagging aid with a cantilever section (8), that a connecting axis of the feed chute (6) with the receiving shaft (7) is inclined at an angle of approximately 45° to the vertical, that the receiving shaft (7) is designed at its end (8") facing the feed chute (6) parallel to the cutting plane (E) to be approximately the same width as the feed chute (6) in this area, and that a feed plate (12) with grippers (13) is provided for holding the loaf of bread (B), which can be moved from an end of the feed chute (6) facing away from the receiving shaft (7) to beyond the knife gap (5') and back again, and on which the loaf of bread (B) introduced into the feed chute (6) rests on its end face.

2. Bread cutting machine according to claim 1, characterized by an electronic control device (14) which is designed to transport the uncut loaf of bread (B) from the receiving shaft (7) to the feed chute (6) past the cutting blade (5) extended out of the blade gap (5') and then to transport the loaf of bread (B) to be cut from the feed chute (6) back into the receiving shaft (7), wherein during the return transport the cutting blade (5) is moved into and out of the blade gap (5') in such a way that the loaf of bread (B) is cut into slices (S) parallel among each other.

3. Bread cutting machine according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving shaft (7) is formed by two sheet metal sections (9', 9") adjacent to each other at an angle, which together have an L-shaped cross-section.

4. Bread cutting machine according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the knife arm (4) is designed to move the cutting knife (5) along a curve, preferably a circular curve.

5. Bread cutting machine according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that passage slots (6') for bread crumbs to fall through are formed in the feed chute (6).

6. Bread slicing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that a crumb tray (10) is arranged below the passage slots (6') of the feed chute (6), which in particular has a deflector plate (11).

7. Bread cutting machine according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting blade (5) is arranged in a non-activated state outside the blade gap (5') in such a way that it cannot be touched from outside the cover (2') of the machine housing (2) in the bread cutting machine (1).

8. Bread cutting machine according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving shaft (7) is arranged in such a way that an uncut loaf of bread (B) can be placed on the cantilever section (8) by a user before the cutting process, and that the slices (S) of the sliced loaf of bread can be removed from the cantilever section (8) by the user after the cutting process, preferably after placing a bag-shaped packaging material over them.

9. Bread slicing machine according to anyone of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the bread cutting machine (1) has a shorter side and a longer side, wherein an input device for the electronic control device (14) and the cantilever section (8) are accessible to a user from the shorter side of the bread cutting machine (1).

10. Bread cutting machine according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (2') of the machine housing (2) is movable in a rotary motion on a guide rail (15).

11. Bread slicing machine according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sensor (16) is provided for emergency shutdown of the bread slicing machine (1), in particular of the cutting blade (5).

12. Bread cutting method for cutting slices from a loaf of bread using a bread cutting machine (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized by the following steps: a. Inserting an uncut loaf of bread (B), preferably via the receiving shaft (7), into the feed chute (6); b. Cutting the loaf of bread (B) into slices (S); c. Conveying the slices (S) to the cantilever section (8) of the receiving shaft (7); d. Placing a bag-shaped packaging material over the bagging aid of the cantilever section (8) with the slices (S) of the sliced loaf of bread resting on it, with the cover (2') of the machine housing (2) being open; e. Removing the bag-shaped packaging material with the slices (S) of the cut loaf of bread contained therein from the cantilever section (8).