Belt conveyor for portioned food products

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a belt conveyor for portioned food products.

[0002] Portion-controlled food products, such as fresh minced meat, burgers, patties, or similar items, are typically manufactured on production lines where individual portions are fed to a packaging unit via conveyor belts. It is well known that the weight of the packaged portions must comply with regulations governing prepackaged goods. To ensure this, quality assurance checks must be carried out during ongoing production. Furthermore, the packaged food products must be safe for consumption, which means, for example, they must be free of foreign matter. Accordingly, the individual portions are subjected to sensory monitoring on the production lines to identify and remove defective portions from the process. This monitoring can include checking the weight, shape, color, and / or the presence of foreign matter.This is typically done in so-called continuous inspection units, such as on continuous scales, where individual portions are inspected while in motion, without stopping the transport of the food products. Food products identified as defective are removed from the product stream. A detected defect could be, for example, underweight, an impermissible shape and / or color, and / or the presence of impermissible foreign objects in the food product. Continuous inspection can be carried out by weighing, imaging, scanning, X-raying, and / or metal detection. A rejection device is then installed downstream of such continuous inspection units, where, for example, portions that are too light or too heavy are removed from the product stream and thus not packaged.

[0003] Such a discharge device 101, known from internal prior art as belonging to the generic category, comprises according to Fig. 1A bis 1D at least one belt conveyor 102, 103, 104, which can be pivoted downwards or upwards with respect to the transport direction T, in order to divert individual defective portions PF from the product stream containing correct portions PO. The defective portions PF can thus be fed to a discharge conveyor 105 and / or a collection container 106. For better understanding, the following are shown in the Fig. 1A bis 1D furthermore, a through-flow inspection device 107 upstream of the respective belt conveyor 102, 103, 104, a feed belt 108 upstream of this in turn, and a discharge from the belt conveyor 102, 103, 104, to pivot the output end of the belt conveyor 102, 103 upwards or downwards, or to pivot the input end of the belt conveyor 104 upwards.

[0004] JP 2003 310230 A discloses a belt conveyor comprising: a conveyor belt with an inlet deflection roller, an outlet deflection roller adjustable downwards relative to the inlet roller and with respect to the horizontal transport direction, and an upper run extending between them for transporting food products; and deflection elements fixed between the deflection rollers, at which the upper and lower runs of the conveyor belt transition from a first longitudinal section running in the transport direction to a second longitudinal section inclined downwards relative to the outlet deflection roller when the outlet deflection roller is adjusted downwards. Individual food products can thus be selectively directed to an upper or lower transport level with subsequent belt conveyors.

[0005] WO 2005 / 021410 A1 discloses two belt conveyors arranged one above the other, in which the upper run of each conveyor runs between a stationary drive roller and a deflection roller that is movable upwards or downwards. The corresponding lower run is guided in a loop around a pair of rollers, the upper roller of which, together with the corresponding deflection roller, can be adjusted in the respective transport direction of the upper run. This increases the overall length of the upper run when it is tilted, thereby closing the gap to a vertically offset belt conveyor.

[0006] The problem underlying the invention arises from the fact that portioned food products, hereinafter also referred to as portions for the sake of simplicity, must be individually inspected in the continuous inspection device, for example by weighing, and individually rejected if defective, without undesirably impairing the transport of immediately preceding or following portions. On the one hand, the conveyor belt should be deflected as early as possible to remove a defective portion PF in order to maximize production output. On the other hand, this is only possible once a preceding, correct portion PO has substantially left the respective conveyor belt.Furthermore, it may only be moved from its inclined discharge position back into its transport position running in the transport direction T when the defective portion PF has left it, whereby a subsequent correct portion PO must not have advanced too far into the area of ​​the still-engaged belt conveyor.

[0007] Therefore, minimum distances between individual portions must be maintained both during the through-inspection and when rejecting defective portions of food products.

[0008] A disadvantage of this approach is that, with current technology, the production output—that is, the number of food products manufactured per unit of time—is undesirably limited in favor of reliably removing defective portions (PF) and ensuring the gentle and reliable transport of correct portions (PO). Furthermore, conventional removal devices must be designed for the most critical food product in terms of handling, which is generally the largest portion (PO) to be produced. Due to this limitation, a higher production output, which would otherwise be possible with less critical food products, cannot be achieved.

[0009] There is therefore a need for belt conveyors for discharge devices or similar distribution devices that enable reliable operation at higher production output and / or flexible adaptation to different food products and portion sizes.

[0010] The problem is solved with a belt conveyor according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0011] The belt conveyor is used to transport portions of food products, in particular meat products and / or pasta. The belt conveyor comprises a conveyor belt, an associated drive roller, and a deflection roller that is adjustable upwards and / or downwards relative to the drive roller. The upper run of the conveyor belt extends from the drive roller to the deflection roller and is arranged for transporting the portions.

[0012] Furthermore, the belt conveyor comprises a deflecting element arranged between the drive roller and the deflecting roller and adjustable in the transport direction according to the invention, on which the upper run and / or the associated lower run of the conveyor belt transitions from a first longitudinal section running in the transport direction to a second longitudinal section inclined obliquely upwards / downwards when the deflecting roller is adjusted upwards / downwards.

[0013] Thus, the upper and / or lower run in the first longitudinal section runs permanently in the transport direction and can be inclined in the second longitudinal section into a different distribution direction and, in particular, discharge direction.

[0014] The distribution direction can direct individual, proper portions of the food product, in the sense of a product diverter, either to a subsequent conveyor belt for further processing in the distribution position, or to direct defective portions to a correspondingly subsequent discharge belt or into a collection container.

[0015] With the second longitudinal section angled upwards / downwards, the belt conveyor assumes a distribution or discharge position; with the second longitudinal section not angled upwards / downwards, the belt conveyor assumes a conventional transport position for the further transport of proper portions of the food product.

[0016] Since only the second longitudinal section is angled upwards / downwards in the distribution / discharge position, the first longitudinal section can simultaneously receive a subsequent or preceding portion, depending on whether the first longitudinal section is positioned before or after the second longitudinal section in the direction of transport. This reduces the transport distance between successive portions of the food product in the area of ​​the distribution device and consequently increases production output. Furthermore, the longitudinal position of the deflection element between the drive roller and the deflection roller can be adjusted to the dimensions of the food product being processed. Therefore, distribution and / or discharge processes can be optimized for individual food products, maximizing production output accordingly.

[0017] Preferably, the deflection element comprises a first intermediate roller for deflecting / segmenting the upper run and / or a second intermediate roller for deflecting / segmenting the lower run. This means that the upper run and / or lower run, positioned in the distribution position, runs over the respective intermediate roller and is deflected there.

[0018] Thus, the first longitudinal section extends from the drive roller to the deflection element / associated intermediate roller. The tiltable second longitudinal section extends from there to the deflection roller. The first and / or second intermediate roller enables low-friction and material-friendly deflection and section-by-section tilting of the conveyor belt.

[0019] Alternatively, the deflection element can also be designed as a molded part with suitable deflection radii, around which the conveyor belt is deflected at the transition from the first to the second longitudinal section. For this purpose, the molded part can be made of a plastic with comparatively good sliding properties and / or have a corresponding deflection surface, for example made of PTFE or polyamide.

[0020] The deflection element is arranged in a vertically fixed position, meaning it can only be adjusted horizontally.

[0021] Directional terms such as "top", "bottom", "vertical" and "horizontal" always refer to a horizontal transport direction within the meaning of the present invention.

[0022] The distance between the drive roller and deflection roller in the transport direction is preferably fixed, so that by adjusting the deflection element the lengths of the first and second longitudinal sections change in opposite directions and are constant in total.

[0023] For example, the length of the tiltable second longitudinal section can be set relatively short when transport distances between portions are relatively short and / or at comparatively high transport speeds, in order to prevent a subsequent portion from being thrown off when the second longitudinal section is returned to its transport position. In other words, the distances between individual portions of the food product can be minimized without disrupting the transport of preceding or following portions by diverting or otherwise distributing a particular portion.

[0024] In other words, a portion to be discharged remains on the correspondingly minimized second longitudinal section for a relatively short time, so that it can be quickly returned to its transport position. With the second longitudinal section minimized, the dwell time of a pre-moving portion on the second longitudinal section is also comparatively short. This also contributes to an increase in production output with the belt conveyor according to the invention.

[0025] Preferably, the first and second intermediate rollers are arranged such that they can be adjusted together in the transport direction. This allows for a comparatively simple adjustment process, both manually and, if necessary, mechanically, and ensures that both the length of the upper run and the length of the lower run remain essentially constant when adjusting the second longitudinal section.

[0026] Alternatively, the first and second intermediate rollers can be arranged so that they can be adjusted individually / separately in the transport direction. This can prevent or at least reduce changes in the length of the upper and / or lower run when switching between the transport and distribution positions, for example, if the conveyor belt is not elastic or has only relatively low elasticity.

[0027] Preferably, the belt conveyor also includes an actuator for automatically adjusting the deflection element in the transport direction. An associated control system can then automatically adapt the belt conveyor to the respective production conditions, such as the portion size of the food product being processed, by automatically moving the deflection element to a suitable longitudinal position. This is also possible in principle during ongoing production, for example, to adjust the longitudinal position of the deflection element to different / varying transport distances between individual portions.

[0028] Another advantage is that when the conveyor belt is tilted, only the second longitudinal section needs to be moved, while the first longitudinal section remains permanently stationary. This means that only a relatively small mass needs to be accelerated when tilting, enabling comparatively fast positioning movements.

[0029] In principle, manual adjustment of the deflection element would also be practical. Relatively simple adjustment mechanisms would then be possible.

[0030] Preferably, the belt conveyor includes a programmable and position-controlled actuator for adjusting the position of the deflection roller to tilt the second longitudinal section. A servo-controlled actuator is suitable for this purpose. This allows, for example, the angle of inclination of the second longitudinal section to be automatically adjusted by an associated control system to suit the specific food product being processed. For instance, the angle of inclination can be kept relatively small for comparatively thin food products to enable the fastest possible positioning and discharge times.

[0031] In another advantageous embodiment, the belt conveyor includes a mechanical stop, which is particularly adjustable, for limiting the angle of inclination of the second longitudinal section. This enables a comparatively simple yet reproducible tilting of the second longitudinal section. Furthermore, such a mechanical stop can be combined with a non-position-controlled actuator, such as a pneumatic cylinder. This allows for the use of relatively simple drive mechanisms for the deflection roller and the second longitudinal section.

[0032] Preferably, the belt conveyor includes a pivoting mechanism for adjusting the deflection roller / for tilting the second longitudinal section. A pivoting mechanism is relatively easy to design and operate. However, linear lifting mechanisms for the deflection roller and / or guiding the deflection roller along a suitably curved track would also be conceivable in principle.

[0033] Preferably, the belt conveyor also includes a programmable drive control for selectively operating the drive roller at at least two different transport speeds. This allows the speed of the conveyor belt to be temporarily and selectively changed, for example, during a discharge process, to optimize specific discharge processes for a particular product. Likewise, the speed of the conveyor belt can be temporarily increased or decreased during ongoing production, for example, to equalize the spacing between individual portions.

[0034] Preferably, the conveyor belt is designed to be elastic, for example as a belt, so that its length adapts to any change in length of its upper or lower run caused by adjusting the second longitudinal section. For example, the length of an upper or lower run that does not run around the deflection element may temporarily shorten when the belt is tilted. The elastic conveyor belt could then be kept under tension in its transport position in such a way that sufficient belt tension is still maintained in the distribution position for the reliable operation of the shorter conveyor belt.

[0035] As an alternative to an elastic conveyor belt, a deflection element with two intermediate rollers arranged one above the other is particularly suitable. These rollers deflect both the upper and lower runs of the conveyor belt at the transition from the first to the second longitudinal section. Another alternative is a tensioning mechanism for the conveyor belt to compensate for the change in length that occurs during adjustment.

[0036] Preferably, the conveyor belt is designed as a rigid link chain running transversely to the direction of transport. For the deflection of the upper / lower run at the deflection element, this element does not need to extend across the entire width of the conveyor belt. In this case, for example, only relatively narrow intermediate rollers or molded parts are required for the two lateral edge areas of the link chain.

[0037] Preferably, the second longitudinal section can be positioned downwards by adjusting the deflection pulley and is then located downstream of the first longitudinal section, or the second longitudinal section can be positioned upwards by adjusting the deflection pulley and is then located upstream of the first longitudinal section. This facilitates the reliable conveyance of correct portions and the easy removal of defective portions.

[0038] The described belt conveyor is preferably part of a portioning device for food products, wherein the portioning device further comprises an upstream in-flow inspection device for the portions, in particular with an in-flow scale and / or a camera and / or a scanner for optically scanning the portions. The portioning device further comprises a control unit for automatically adjusting the deflection roller and / or the deflection element depending on an inspection result of the in-flow inspection device. Thus, for example, discharge or distribution processes can be automatically triggered and / or optimized depending on inspection results.

[0039] The belt conveyor according to at least one of the described embodiments is preferably part of a distribution device for portions of food products, wherein the distribution device further comprises a discharge belt and / or a collection container for defective portions downstream of the tiltable second longitudinal section in its distribution / discharge position. The distribution device can then also be referred to as a discharge device.

[0040] Preferably, according to at least one of the described embodiments, the belt conveyor is part of a distribution device for portions of food products, wherein the distribution device further comprises a first discharge belt which is connected downstream of the tiltable second longitudinal section in its non-inclined transport position, and a second discharge belt which is connected downstream of the tiltable second longitudinal section in its inclined distribution position. The distribution device can then also be understood as a sorting device or product diverter for the portions. In principle, several belt conveyors could also be combined with one another in a distribution device to distribute food products onto different discharge belts.

[0041] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings. They show: Figs. 1A to 1D: Distribution devices with belt conveyors according to the prior art; Figs. 2A and 2B: Distribution devices with a first embodiment of the belt conveyor according to the invention; Figs. 3A and 3B: Distribution devices with a second preferred embodiment of the belt conveyor according to the invention; Figs. 4A and 4B: Distribution device with a third and fourth embodiment of the belt conveyor according to the invention, respectively; and Figs. 5A and 5B: Distribution device with a fifth and sixth embodiment of the belt conveyor according to the invention.

[0042] As the Fig. 2A As can be seen, the belt conveyor 21 according to a first preferred embodiment comprises a conveyor belt 1 with a drive roller 2 and a deflection roller 3 which is adjustable downwards relative to it. The conveyor belt 1 comprises an upper run 1a and a lower run 1b, each extending from the drive roller 2 to the deflection roller 3.

[0043] The belt conveyor 21 further comprises a deflecting element 4 arranged between the drive roller 2 and the deflecting roller 3 for dividing the conveyor belt 1 into a first longitudinal section L1 which runs permanently in the transport direction T and into a second longitudinal section L2 which can be adjusted (tilted) by machine in the longitudinal direction.

[0044] In the belt conveyor 21 of the first embodiment, only the upper run 1a of the conveyor belt 1 is subdivided into the longitudinal sections L1 and L2. As described below, depending on the operating principle, embodiments are also possible in which both the upper run 1a and the lower run 1b, or only the lower run 1b, are subdivided accordingly.

[0045] Associated with the deflection element 4 is an adjusting mechanism 5 (indicated by a double arrow) for adjusting a longitudinal position 6 of the deflection element 4 between the drive roller 2 and the deflection roller 3. The adjustment of the deflection element 4 takes place exclusively parallel to the transport direction T, i.e., exclusively horizontally.

[0046] In the belt conveyor 21 of the first embodiment, the deflection element 4 comprises a first intermediate roller 4a along which the upper run 1a runs and the first longitudinal section L1, permanently aligned in the transport direction T, transitions into the tiltable second longitudinal section L2. The belt conveyor 21 is shown in solid lines in a transport position ST, in which the second longitudinal section L2 is aligned parallel to the transport direction T, and in dashed lines in a distribution position SV, in which the second longitudinal section L2 is inclined downwards with respect to the transport direction T; see the corresponding designation in the Fig. 2B .

[0047] This can be seen in the Fig. 2A Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the lower run 1b is not subdivided by the deflecting element 4, but rather runs in a straight line from the deflecting roller 3 to the drive roller 2 in both the transport position ST and the distribution position SV, and is therefore shorter in the distribution position SV than in the transport position ST. The conveyor belt 1 is then preferably elastically designed to compensate for this difference in length. Additionally or alternatively, a tensioning mechanism (not shown) for the conveyor belt 1 is also conceivable to compensate for this difference in length.

[0048] In the Fig. 2A Furthermore, a positioning mechanism 7 for the deflection roller 3 for its adjustment between the transport position ST and the distribution position SV of the belt conveyor 21 is schematically indicated (by double arrow).

[0049] The actuating mechanism 7 can be designed and driven in different ways. For example, it can include a pivot lever on which the deflection roller 3 is mounted and guided along a circular arc between the transport position ST and the distribution position SV. Alternatively, the actuating mechanism 7 could also include a rail-like curved guide, which would allow the deflection roller 3 to be guided along a path of movement that deviates from a circular path between the transport position ST and the distribution position SV. Furthermore, an actuating mechanism 7 with a linear guide for the deflection roller 3 between the transport position ST and the distribution position SV would be conceivable. The design of such actuating mechanisms 7 is known in principle and is therefore not shown.

[0050] A position-controlled motor, such as a servo motor, is particularly suitable as an actuator (not shown) for the positioning mechanism 7 and the deflection pulley 3. This allows a controller 8 to specify different distribution positions SV.

[0051] The deflection roller 3 can then be moved variably by means of the position-controlled drive into a distribution position SV adapted to the portion size to be processed.

[0052] Alternatively, it is also conceivable to use an unregulated actuator for the actuating mechanism 7 and the deflection roller 3 and, for example, to combine it with a mechanical stop 9 for the distribution position SV. Its position could, for example, be manually adjustable to set the distribution position SV according to the respective product size / portion size. In combination with the stop 9, a pneumatic cylinder would be suitable, for example, for moving the deflection roller 3 between the transport position ST and the distribution position SV.

[0053] With actuator and adjusting mechanism 7, the second longitudinal section L2 can be set to a defined angle of attack 10 (see Fig. 2B ) with respect to the transport direction T, they can be positioned / tilted. Different distribution positions SV can be achieved, for example, by automatically approaching the respective assigned angle of attack 10 in the control unit 8 or by adjusting the stop 9 accordingly.

[0054] For the sake of completeness, the following are shown in the Fig. 2A The following components of a first distribution device 31 comprising the belt conveyor 21 are known in principle: a continuous inspection unit 11 arranged upstream of the belt conveyor 21, which may, for example, include a continuous scale; a feed belt 12 upstream of this; an outfeed belt 13 downstream of the belt conveyor 1 in its transport position ST for proper portions PO of food products; and a distribution belt 14 downstream of the belt conveyor 1 in its distribution position SV, to which different tasks could be assigned in principle.

[0055] The distribution belt 14 can (as shown) be a discharge belt for defective portions PF of a food product, a further discharge belt for correct portions PO of the same food product, or for portions of a different food product, for example, to feed downstream packaging machines in parallel. The distribution device 21 can thus be used either for diverting defective products, for dividing homogeneous product streams, or for sorting heterogeneous product streams.

[0056] The figures simplify the representation of both proper portions (PO) and defective portions (PF) of a food product. In principle, any criteria could be checked in the continuous inspection unit 11 to distinguish between proper portions (PO) and / or defective portions (PF) of a single food product or of different food products. Suitable monitoring methods for this purpose are generally known and therefore not described in detail.

[0057] The drive roller 2 is preferably assigned a drive motor (not shown) with a speed adjustable by the controller 8. For example, a transport speed can then be set that is adapted to the respective portion size and / or to transport intervals between successive portions PO, PF. The transport speed can then also be individually adjusted during the ongoing production process, if necessary, to different portion sizes and / or transport intervals.

[0058] The functions described above can, in principle, be implemented in the same way in the embodiments described below.

[0059] The Fig. 2B Figure 1 shows the distribution device 32 according to a second embodiment, which is designed exclusively as a discharge device. While this embodiment also includes the belt conveyor 21 as in the first embodiment, the distribution belt 14 is replaced by a collection container 15 for defective portions PF. It would also be conceivable to first direct the defective portions PF onto a distribution belt 14 and then collect them in the collection container 15.

[0060] As the Fig. 3A As can be seen, the deflecting element 4 in a belt conveyor 22 of a second preferred embodiment comprises a second intermediate roller 4b, which can preferably be adjusted together with the first intermediate roller 4a in the transport direction T between the drive roller 2 and the deflecting roller 3, as has already been explained above.

[0061] The essential difference to the belt conveyor 21 of the first embodiment lies in the fact that the lower run 1b of the conveyor belt 2 is additionally divided into the first longitudinal section L1, which runs permanently in the transport direction T, and the second longitudinal section L2, which can be adjusted at an angle to it. This is achieved by guiding / deflecting the lower run 1b at the second intermediate roller 4b.

[0062] While the deflection function of the first intermediate roller 4a for the upper run 1a of the conveyor belt 1 is not affected by the second intermediate roller 4b, for the lower run 1b this causes its length between the drive roller 2 and the deflection roller 3 to change not at all or at least significantly less when the second longitudinal section L2 is tilted than is the case without a second intermediate roller 4b.

[0063] As the Fig. 2A and 3AIn comparison, the lower run 1b shortens in the first embodiment when approaching the distribution position SV compared to the transport position ST. This can be compensated for without the second intermediate roller 4b, for example, by making the conveyor belt 1 so elastic overall that it adapts to the change in length of the lower run 1b between the transport position ST and the distribution position SV, or by a tensioning mechanism for the conveyor belt 1 (not shown).

[0064] In contrast, the second intermediate roller 4b offers the advantage that the conveyor belt 1 does not need to have any or only minimal elastic properties, since there is no significant change in length of the lower run 1b between the transport position ST and the distribution position SV to be compensated for.

[0065] If the second intermediate roller 4b is present, for example a transversely rigid link chain could be used for the conveyor belt 1, which only needs to be guided in its two lateral edge areas by the associated drive and deflection rollers 2, 3 and the deflection element 4.

[0066] The belt conveyor 22 according to the second embodiment is, for example, a component of a distribution device 33 according to a third embodiment with an output-side distribution belt 14 (in analogy to the Fig. 2A ).

[0067] The Fig. 3B Figure 1 shows the replacement of the output-side distribution belt 14 by a collection container 15, which may also be mobile, for defective portions PF in a distribution device 34 according to a fourth embodiment, which, with the exception of the belt conveyor 22 with two deflection rollers 2, 3, is in principle the Fig. 2B corresponds and is also designed as an ejection device.

[0068] As the Fig. 4A und 4B As can be seen, according to a third and fourth preferred embodiment, the belt conveyor 23, 24 can have a second longitudinal section L2 that can be adjusted upwards, for which at least the lower run 1b is divided by the deflecting element 4 into the first longitudinal section L1, which runs permanently in the transport direction T, and the tiltable second longitudinal section L2. The belt conveyors 23, 24 that can be adjusted upwards are components of distribution devices 35, 36 according to a fifth and sixth embodiment, respectively.

[0069] In the belt conveyors 23, 24, the deflection element 4 includes the second intermediate roller 4b, along which the lower run 1b passes and the first longitudinal section L1 transitions into the tiltable second longitudinal section L2.

[0070] The belt conveyor 24 of the fourth embodiment differs from the belt conveyor 23 of the third embodiment only by an additional intermediate roller, which in this case is the first intermediate roller 4a assigned to the upper run 1a.

[0071] The belt conveyors 23, 24 are also shown in solid lines in the transport position ST, in which the tiltable second longitudinal section L2 is aligned parallel to the transport direction T, and in dashed lines in the inclined distribution position SV.

[0072] While the entire upper run 1a in the belt conveyors 21, 22 with downwardly adjustable second longitudinal section L2 has a transport function in both the transport position ST and the distribution position SV, this is not the case in the Fig. 4A und 4B The illustrated belt conveyors 23, 24 with the upwardly adjustable second longitudinal section L2 are only the case in the transport position ST. In the distribution position SV, defective portions PF to be discharged should not reach the upper run 1a, and any preceding correct portions PO should not be affected by the inclination and, in particular, should not be thrown away.

[0073] The distribution position SV serves exclusively to divert defective portions PF. The lower run 1b in the second longitudinal section L2 is therefore inclined upwards to such an extent that defective portions PF of the food product to be diverted do not reach the raised deflection roller 3, but fall downwards below it, for example into a waiting collection container 15.

[0074] This means that the distribution function is essentially only achieved by section-by-section deflection of the lower run 1b of the conveyor belt 1, while the upper run 1a is guided in such a way that any portions PO that may be advancing on it can be reliably transported even in the distribution position SV or have already left the upper run 1a.

[0075] This can be facilitated by the additional intermediate roller 4a, since the upper run in the first longitudinal section L1 is then permanently aligned in the transport direction T and thus pre-moving portions PO in the distribution position SV are not affected or only for a comparatively short time.

[0076] The upwardly adjustable belt conveyors 23, 24 can be regarded as both horizontally and vertically mirrored variants of the downwardly adjustable belt conveyors 21, 22.

[0077] Accordingly, the upwardly tilting second longitudinal section L2, i.e., when the conveyor belt 1 is tilted upwards, is preferably arranged upstream of the first longitudinal section L1, which is permanently oriented in the transport direction T. When the conveyor belt 1 is tilted downwards, the opposite is preferably true. These configurations are particularly advantageous for the reliable transport of portions PO and PF. However, deviations from this are possible in principle, for example, a second longitudinal section L2 that rises relatively gently in the flow direction when in the distribution position SV for the distribution of relatively flat food products.

[0078] All regarding the Fig. 2A bis 3B The components of the belt conveyor 21, 22 and the distribution devices 31 to 34 shown, as well as their functions, can in principle be present in the same way even with a mirrored arrangement as described above. Therefore, the described positioning and control functions are possible in all disclosed embodiments and are thus not mentioned again in each individual case and / or labelled in the figures.

[0079] In the Fig. 4A und 4B It can be seen that the arrangement with the upwardly adjustable (tiltable) second longitudinal section L2 is primarily suitable for diverting defective portions PF, since these fall directly in front of or under the belt conveyor 23, 24 when the distribution position SV (again shown in dashed lines) is approached.

[0080] In contrast, for the gentle transport of proper portions PO and, if necessary, their distribution onto different conveyor belts and / or distribution belts 13, 14, a second longitudinal section L2 that can be tilted downwards is primarily suitable, so that the portions PO, PF to be distributed always rest on the upper run 1a of the conveyor belt 1.

[0081] The Fig. 5A und 5B illustrate that belt conveyors 21, 22 with a downwardly adjustable second longitudinal section L2 and belt conveyors 23, 24 mirrored in this respect with a upwardly adjustable second longitudinal section L2 can also be combined in pairs one behind the other, for example in the distribution devices 37, 38 shown according to a seventh and eighth embodiment, which in turn are primarily designed as discharge devices.

[0082] The two belt conveyors 21 to 24, arranged one behind the other, are preferably controlled separately, allowing for different adjustment options depending on the portions PO, PF of food products to be transported or rejected. This means that the deflection rollers 3 of the individual belt conveyors 21 to 24 can be adjusted simultaneously or sequentially between the transport position ST and the distribution position SV, as required. This allows, for example, better adaptation to highly variable transport distances between individual portions PO, PF.

[0083] In the production plant, the continuous inspection unit 11 enables, in principle, both the ongoing portion-wise quality monitoring of certain food products and the identification of different food products, in order to subsequently distribute either proper portions PO of the food products onto different discharge and distribution belts 13, 14 on the conveyor belt 21 to 24 in the sense of sorting and / or to divert defective portions PF of the food products onto an assigned distribution belt 14 and / or into a collection container 15.

[0084] The longitudinal adjustment of the deflection element 4 in the transport direction T or against it offers a wide range of adaptation options for optimizing production output for different food products. Using the control unit 8, suitable positioning movements of the deflection element 4 and / or the deflection roller 3 can be programmed to move to the distribution position SV and, if necessary, continuously adjusted to the respective requirements during production.

[0085] The deflection element 4 can, instead of the first and / or second intermediate roller 4a, 4b, have at least one fixed (non-circulating) deflection surface / sliding surface with suitable curvature for guiding / deflecting the conveyor belt 1 at the transition between the first and second longitudinal section L1, L2.

Claims

1. Belt conveyor (21 - 24) for portioned food products, in particular meat products and / or pasta, comprising: - a conveyor belt (1) with a drive roller (2), with a deflection roller (3) which can be adjusted upwardly and / or downwardly relative to and with respect to a direction of transport (T) assumed to be horizontal, and with an upper run (1a) extending therebetween for transporting said food products; and - a deflection element (4) which is arranged between said drive roller and said deflection roller in a vertically fixed position and can be adjusted in the direction of transport (T) and at which said upper run and / or the associated lower run (1b) of said conveyor belt transitions from a first longitudinal section (L1) extending in said direction of transport to a second longitudinal section (L2) angled relative thereto upwardly / downwardly when said deflection roller has been adjusted upwardly / downwardly.

2. Belt conveyor according to claim 1, where said deflection element (4) comprises a first intermediate roller (4a) for deflecting said upper run (1a) and / or a second intermediate roller (4b) for deflecting said lower run (1b).

3. Belt conveyor according to claim 2, where said first and said second intermediate roller (4a, 4b) are arranged such that they can be adjusted individually or together in said direction of transport (T).

4. Belt conveyor according to claim 1, 2 or 3, furthermore with an actuating drive for the adjustment of said deflection element (4) by machine in said direction of transport (T).

5. Belt conveyor according to at least one of the preceding claims, furthermore with a position-controlled actuating drive for said deflection roller (3) for moving to a programmable setting angle (10) of said second longitudinal section (L2).

6. Belt conveyor according to at least one of the preceding claims, furthermore with a mechanical stop (9), which is in particular adjustable, for limiting a setting angle (10) of said second longitudinal section.

7. Belt conveyor according to at least one of the preceding claims, with a pivoting mechanism for adjusting said deflection roller (3).

8. Belt conveyor according to at least one of the preceding claims, furthermore with a programmable control device (8) for selectively operating said drive roller (2) at at least two different transport speeds.

9. Belt conveyor according to at least one of the preceding claims, where said conveyor belt (1) is configured to be elastic, in particular as an elastomer strap, such that its length adapts to a change in length of its upper run (1a) or lower run (1b) caused when said second longitudinal section (L2) is adjusted.

10. Belt conveyor according to at least one of the preceding claims, where said conveyor belt (1) is configured as a link chain that is rigid transverse to said direction of transport (T).

11. Belt conveyor according to at least one of the preceding claims, where said second longitudinal section (L2) can be angled downwardly and is arranged downstream of said first longitudinal section (L1), or where said second longitudinal section (L2) can be angled upwardly and is arranged upstream of said first longitudinal section (L1).

12. Distribution device (31 - 38) with said belt conveyor (21 - 26) according to at least one of the preceding claims and with an upstream inspection conveyor (11), in particular comprising a continuous scale and / or a camera and / or a scanner, for inspecting said food products during their transportation, and with a control device (8) for adjusting said deflection roller (3) and / or said deflection element (4) in an automated manner and in dependence of an inspection result of said inspection conveyor.

13. Distribution device (32, 34 - 38) in particular according to claim 12, with said belt conveyor (21 - 24) according to at least one of the claims 1 to 11, and with a collection container (15) positioned downstream thereof when said second longitudinal section (L2) is angled.

14. Distribution device (31, 33), in particular according to claim 12, with said belt conveyor (21, 22) according to at least one of the claims 1 to 11, with a first discharge belt (13) positioned downstream thereof when said second longitudinal section (L2) is not angled, and with a second discharge belt / distribution belt (14) positioned downstream when said second longitudinal section is angled.