DEVICE FOR CUTTING OR PUNCHING DOUGH

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for cutting or punching dough, in particular a strip of dough, with a conveying device on which a dough can rest. State of the art

[0002] In Grossbäcl<ereien sowie bei der industriellen Backwarenherstellung werden Vorrichtungen eingesetzt, mit denen sich einzelne Teige oder Teigbänder in Teigstücke mit einer definierten Breite schneiden oder mit denen sich Teige oder Teigbänder stanzen lassen. Diese Teigstücke können dann in weiteren Verarbeitungsschritten zu Teiglingen geformt werden, aus denen Backwaren hergestellt werden. Zum Teilen oder Stanzen von Teigen bzw. Teigbändern existieren grundsätzlich zwei mögliche Varianten von Vorrichtungen: Bei einer ersten Variante wird der Teig bzw. das Teigband mittels einer um eine Achse drehende Walze, welche über eine oder mehrere von der Walze abstehende Klingen aufweist, in einem kontinuierlichen, rotierenden Prozess geschnitten oder gestanzt. In einer zweiten Variante wird der Teig bzw. das Teigband mittels eines runter- und hochfahrenden Langmessers, der sogenannte Guillotine, in einem kontinuierlichen oder diskontinuierlichen Prozess geschnitten oder gestanzt.

[0003] If a guillotine is to be used to cut or punch dough or a strip of dough in a continuous process, meaning without having to stop a conveying device on which the dough or strip rests at each cut or punch, the guillotine is designed to move downwards in the conveying direction of the dough or strip at the same speed as the latter. After each cut or punch, and during its upward movement, the guillotine moves back up in the opposite direction to the conveying direction. This coupling of two movements along two spatial directions can be achieved in various ways.

[0004] Various devices are known in the prior art for cutting or punching dough or a strip of dough using a guillotine. For example, CN 112077895 discloses a device for cutting ribbon noodles, which has a cutting table with a slot, below which a collection container is arranged. Supports are mounted to the sides of the slot, which have guide grooves in which a cutting blade is guided vertically. Conveyor belts are arranged on both sides of the slot, on which strips of dough can be conveyed. The cutting blade is pre-tensioned to an upper position by springs and can be moved downwards by means of two cylinders, one of which is arranged on each of the supports, to cut the strips of dough into ribbon noodles of a defined length.

[0005] EP 1 832 170 A2 describes a device for cutting and separating dough pieces into any desired geometric shape from a continuously or intermittently guided dough belt, comprising a conveyor belt and a tool bar with a plurality of knife-like cutting tools. The tool bar can be moved onto and removed from the dough belt on the conveyor belt by means of a lifting drive to perform cutting movements. The tool bar is movable in the direction of travel of the conveyor belt via a longitudinal guide and a linear drive. A rotary drive, via a gearbox and an eccentric element, generates a cutting stroke, which is transmitted to the tool bar by means of a connecting rod.

[0006] EP 2 633 760 B1 describes a device for cutting dough. The device comprises a conveyor belt, a carriage movable along the conveyor belt, and a cutting blade connected to the carriage and movable vertically. The device further comprises a drive arm, which is divided into two sections by means of a pivot point displaceable vertically. A first section is connected to the carriage, and a second section is connected to a first drive to cause the carriage to move back and forth. The device also has a second drive that generates a lifting motion for the cutting blade. The first and second drives are synchronized so that when the carriage moves forward, the cutting blade is moved downward to cut the dough, and when the carriage moves backward, the cutting blade is moved upward.The horizontal movement of the carriage is limited by the length of the first arm section, so that the distance traveled by the carriage in the horizontal direction can be adjusted by shifting the pivot point. In one embodiment, a single drive is used, wherein the vertical stroke movement of the cutting blade is generated by an eccentric element on which the second arm section of the carriage drive is also mounted. The device has a central motor that drives eccentric elements arranged on both sides of the conveyor belt via a shaft.

[0007] EP 3 087 838 B1 discloses a device for cutting dough. The device comprises a conveyor belt for conveying dough in one conveying direction, a carriage that is movable above and along the conveyor belt, and a cutting blade that is movable relative to the carriage in a vertical direction. The device further comprises a first drive with which the carriage can be moved along the conveyor belt in two directions, and a second drive for moving the cutting blade in a vertical direction. The second drive is arranged outside the carriage and is connected to the cutting blade via a gearbox. The second drive can be designed as a rotary drive that is connected to the cutting blade via a rod to set it into a vertical movement.A counter-pressure plate can be positioned below the conveyor belt. This plate has a block of soft material to prevent damage to the conveyor belt from the cutting blade and moves with the carriage. As the carriage moves, the distance between the second drive and the cutting blade increases, making the rod too short to allow the second drive to rotate fully. Therefore, the second drive has a control mechanism that limits its rotation depending on the carriage's position.

[0008] DE 15 02 685 B1 and CN 113 733 187 A also disclose devices for cutting according to the state of the art. Description of the invention

[0009] The object of the invention is to create a device for cutting or punching dough, in particular a strip of dough, which has a simplified mechanism with regard to the movement of a knife blade towards the dough and back again, and which allows greater flexibility with regard to the movement of the knife blade.

[0010] The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, a device for cutting or punching dough, in particular a strip of dough, comprises a conveying device on which a dough can rest and with which it is conveyed in a conveying direction, and a cutting device with a knife bar to which at least one knife blade is attached, in particular detachably.The device further comprises a displacement device with which the cutter bar is linearly displaceable orthogonally relative to the conveying device in a first spatial direction, in particular the vertical spatial direction, in order to cut the dough lying on the conveying device at defined points. The displacement device includes two laterally and oppositely positioned columns which extend in the first spatial direction relative to and project from the conveying device, and on which the cutter bar is mounted so as to be linearly displaceable in the first spatial direction. A first drive is arranged on one of the two columns and a second drive on the second column. The first drive and the second drive are controlled independently of each other by a control unit of the device in order to move the cutter bar linearly along the respective column in the first spatial direction.

[0011] The device according to the invention allows the force required to move the cutter bar to be distributed between two drives, meaning each drive requires less power than if a single drive were used. This allows the drives to be smaller. Furthermore, the device according to the invention eliminates the need for a mechanism that transmits the movement of one drive to both columns in order to move the cutter bar parallel to both columns. This results in a more cost-effective and flexible manufacturing process, reduced maintenance requirements, and significantly simplified operation.

[0012] The device is fundamentally suitable for cutting or stamping any type of dough. In this application, "dough" is understood to mean both a mixture of at least one type of flour with at least one liquid and dough-like masses such as marzipan or nut pastes. In particular, the device according to the invention can be used to cut or stamp puff pastry, sponge cake, filo pastry, yeast dough, shortcrust pastry, etc., or even pasta dough. The dough is preferably in the form of a calibrated piece, especially in a rectangular shape, or preferably as a strip or piece of dough calibrated to a specific thickness. The dough can also be rolled or multi-layered, and may contain a filling, such as a nut or meat filling.

[0013] The conveying device is preferably designed as a belt conveyor. Alternatively, the conveying device can also be designed differently, for example as a link conveyor. The conveying device can also have two separate conveying units, in particular two conveyor belts, arranged such that the at least one blade can be inserted between these two conveying units when cutting the dough.

[0014] At least one knife blade can be attached to the cutter bar, preferably being detachably attached. A detachable attachment of the at least one knife blade has the advantage that the blade can be easily removed from the cutter bar, for example, for cleaning or replacement. The detachable connection between the cutter bar and the at least one knife blade can be either friction-fit or form-fit. In a friction-fit connection, the knife blade can, for example, be clamped or clamped into at least one receiving opening on the cutter bar. A form-fit connection can be achieved, for example, by a snap-fit ​​connection or a screw connection, in particular by means of knurled screws. A die-cutting die is also understood to be a knife blade in this context.

[0015] Two or more knife blades can also be attached to the knife bar. In this case, the knife blades are arranged one behind the other on the knife bar, particularly in the conveying direction.

[0016] The cutter bar is preferably arranged relative to the conveying device such that it extends at a right angle to the conveying direction and thus to the direction of extension of the conveying device. The cutter bar has a length such that it spans at least the entire width of the conveying device at a right angle to its conveying direction. Alternatively, the cutter bar can also be arranged relative to the conveying device such that it spans at a defined angle relative to the conveying direction at least the width of the conveying device.

[0017] The shifting device allows the cutter bar to be moved in a first spatial direction, which is orthogonal to the conveying device, i.e., orthogonal relative to the direction of extension of the conveying device. The first spatial direction is preferably the vertical direction, i.e., the direction that is essentially parallel to the direction of gravity. In this case, the conveying device extends in a horizontal direction. By moving the cutter bar along the first spatial direction towards the conveying device, dough lying on the conveying device can be cut or punched with the at least one cutter blade.The cutter bar is then moved away from the conveyor along the first spatial direction, and the conveyor moves the dough on it a defined distance in the conveying direction before the cutter bar is moved towards the conveyor for another cut. This allows the dough on the conveyor to be cut or punched at defined points.

[0018] The two columns of the shifting device are opposite each other and are located on opposite sides of the conveyor. Depending on whether the

[0019] If the cutter bar spans over the conveying device at a right angle relative to it or at an angle perpendicular to it, the two columns are arranged such that they span a plane at a right angle to the conveying device or a plane at another defined angle to it.

[0020] The columns extend in the first spatial direction and project from the conveying device, that is, from a plane formed by the conveying device. The distance by which the two columns project from the conveying device can vary depending on the maximum thickness of the dough to be cut with the device. However, the distance is preferably such that the cutter bar can be moved linearly along the two columns at a sufficient distance from the conveying device, so that the at least one cutter blade does not touch the dough lying on the conveying device.

[0021] Each column is equipped with a drive unit, which can be controlled by the device's control system to move the cutter bar linearly along the respective column in the first spatial direction. For this purpose, the two drives are connected to the cutter bar at one end. Both drives can be controlled independently by the control system, meaning that each drive receives control commands from the control system via a separate line. This essentially corresponds to a parallel connection of the two drives. The separate control allows for the compensation of latency between the two drives as well as differences in the cutter bar's movement speed on the two columns that arise due to manufacturing tolerances.By means of the drives, the cutter bar can be moved from a rest position, in which the cutter bar is at a sufficient distance from the conveying device so that the at least one cutter blade does not touch the dough lying on the conveying device, outwards towards the conveying device in order to cut or punch the dough, and then moved back to the rest position. With the device according to the invention, dough can not only be cut completely through, but it is also possible to cut or punch the dough only to a predefined thickness, for example, to make a decorative cut in the dough or to create a crease in the dough.

[0022] The two drives can be designed as linear drives. Suitable linear drives include, for example, pneumatic cylinders commonly used in the food industry, hydraulic cylinders, or electric linear drives. Alternatively, the drives can also be designed as rotary drives, for example, in the form of electric motors, especially servo motors or stepper motors, whereby the rotary motion of the rotary drives is converted into a linear motion of the knife bar by means of a suitable gearbox.

[0023] The control system preferably comprises a microcontroller or a microchip and, in particular, non-volatile memory. Preferably, the control system has at least one input device, such as a push button or a keypad, and preferably also an output device, such as a display, to enable operator interaction with the control system. Particularly preferably, the control system has a touchscreen display. Preferably, the control system also controls a drive element of the conveyor device, so that all components of the device can be controlled by the control system.The input and / or output means allow for targeted changes to the device's settings, such as the conveying speed of the dough resting on the conveying device, the speed of movement of the knife bar, the rest position of the knife bar, and the cutting depth of the dough, i.e., the distance the knife bar travels from the rest position towards the conveying device.

[0024] Each of the two columns has a carriage which is mounted so that it can be linearly displaced along the first spatial direction, wherein the

[0025] The cutter bar is rotatably connected at one end to a first carriage of the first column via an axis perpendicular to the first spatial direction, and at the other end to a second carriage of the second column via a compensating element. The compensating element is rotatably connected to the second carriage via a second axis and to a second end of the cutter bar via a third axis. The second and third axes are parallel to the first axis and spaced apart from each other on the compensating element. The first drive and the second drive are each operatively connected to the first carriage and the second carriage, respectively, to move the first carriage and the second carriage linearly along the first column and the second column in the first spatial direction.

[0026] The compensating element allows differences in the movement speed of the first and second carriages, caused by the two drives, to be balanced, thus preventing the cutter bar from jamming between the two columns. The same applies to minor differences in the start of a movement resulting from different latency times of the drives.

[0027] Preferably, the control system is designed such that the first drive and the second drive are controlled relative to each other for a predefined time in order to move the first or the second slide in the first spatial direction towards the conveying device, so that the knife bar assumes an angle relative to a plane of the conveying device when it is moved towards the conveying device in order to enable a rocker cut of a dough lying on the conveying device.

[0028] A rocking cut can have a beneficial effect on the cut edges and the quality of the dough along the cut edges of certain types of dough, for example, puff pastry. In a rocking cut, at least one blade first makes contact with the dough on one side perpendicular to the conveying direction and is then moved into the dough on the opposite side to cut across its entire width.

[0029] The control system is therefore preferably designed such that the first of the two carriages, which is the first to reach an end position in which the at least one knife blade has cut through the dough on the first side, remains in this end position until the second of the two carriages also reaches an end position in which the at least one knife blade has cut through the dough across its entire width. Subsequently, both carriages can be moved back to a starting position, either parallel to each other or with a time offset from each other.

[0030] If the device according to the invention is used for cutting dough by means of a rocker cut, the at least one knife blade is preferably curved. In this case, it is particularly preferred that the at least one knife blade is convexly curved in the direction of the conveying device or the dough lying on it. If such a convexly curved knife blade is used, the control is preferably designed such that, after the first slide has reached its end position, it is moved away from the conveying device, while the second slide continues to move towards the conveying device, thus enabling the convexly curved knife blade to roll through the dough.

[0031] Preferably, at least one of the two slides is additionally mounted on the respective column so as to be linearly displaceable in a second spatial direction parallel to the conveying direction, wherein the at least one slide can be moved along the second spatial direction in the conveying direction and against the conveying direction by a linear drive. This allows the cutter bar between the two columns to be positioned at a defined angle.

[0032] This makes it possible to cut or punch the dough lying on the conveying device with oblique cuts, meaning that the dough can be cut or punched not essentially at a right angle relative to the direction of expansion of the conveying device, but at any angle. The at least one slide is preferably movable in the second spatial direction such that cuts with an angle of up to 10°, preferably up to 7°, can be made.

[0033] In this embodiment, the cutter bar is rotatably mounted on at least the first slide and / or the second slide via an axis oriented in the first spatial direction. Particularly preferably, in this embodiment, the cutter bar is also connected to the second slide by means of a compensating element as described above, in order to compensate for the difference in distance between the first and second slides that arises when the at least one slide is moved along the second spatial direction.

[0034] Preferably, both slides are mounted on their respective columns so as to be linearly displaceable in the second spatial direction, with each slide being driven by its own linear drive. This allows the same angular range to be covered as with only one slide mounted so as to be displaceable in the second spatial direction, even with a reduction in the distance over which the slides are displaceable in the second spatial direction. In this embodiment, the cutter bar is preferably rotatably connected to both the first and the second slides via a pivot axis oriented in the first spatial direction.

[0035] The present application further relates to another embodiment of a device for cutting or punching dough, in which the simplest possible coupling of the movement of the knife bar in a first spatial direction with a movement of the same in a second spatial direction is created.

[0036] In this further embodiment, the first column and the second column each have a first displacement unit and a second displacement unit, respectively, which are mounted on the respective column so as to be linearly displaceable in the first spatial direction relative to the column and are moved by means of at least one first drive. A first slide is mounted on the first displacement unit and a second slide on the second displacement unit so as to be linearly displaceable relative to the respective displacement unit in a second spatial direction parallel to the conveying direction of the conveying device. The cutter bar is connected to each slide at one end, and the device has a third drive with which the first slide and the second slide can be moved forward and backward in the second spatial direction in the conveying direction on the respective displacement unit.

[0037] With the device according to this further embodiment, a movement of the knife bar in the first spatial direction, which serves to cut or punch a dough lying on the conveying device, can be coupled with a movement of the knife bar in the second spatial direction, so that cutting or punching of the dough or dough strip is made possible during continuous conveying of the dough or dough strip by the conveying device.

[0038] In this way, the advantages of the first embodiment, in particular the possibility of a rocker cut of the dough, can be combined with the advantages of the further embodiment.

[0039] The first and second displacement units are components of the displacement device. The two displacement units are preferably mounted on their respective columns in the first spatial direction via a sliding or rolling bearing. The two displacement units are mounted linearly on the columns. This can be implemented, for example, by means of a sliding bearing, a rolling bearing, a slide, or at least one ball bushing or sliding bushing running on a shaft.

[0040] The first and second slides are preferably mounted on the respective sliding unit in a slidable manner by means of a sliding or rolling bearing or via at least one ball bushing or sliding bushing running on a shaft.

[0041] Analogous to a preferred embodiment of the first embodiment of the device according to the invention, the cutter bar can be connected at one end to the respective slide via a compensating element. Such an embodiment of the device is particularly preferred when a first or second drive for moving the cutter bar in the first spatial direction is arranged on each column, each of which can be controlled separately by the control system to enable a rocking cut of the dough.

[0042] The third drive allows the first and second slides to be moved, preferably parallel to each other, forwards and backwards in the conveying direction in the second spatial direction. For this purpose, the third drive is operatively connected to the first and second slides, respectively, for example via at least one shaft, at least one gearbox, or similar device.

[0043] In a special embodiment, however, the third drive can also comprise two linear drives, with one linear drive arranged on each column or each sliding unit. This allows both carriages to be moved independently of each other along the second spatial direction, enabling cuts at angles other than right angles relative to the conveying direction, as already described earlier.

[0044] described in connection with the first embodiment of the device according to the invention.

[0045] The control system is preferably configured such that the first carriage and the second carriage are moved forward in the conveying direction by the third drive at a first speed that corresponds to the speed of the conveying device or is higher than it by a first predefined amount, and back in the opposite direction of conveying at a second predefined speed that is in particular higher than the conveying speed by a second amount.

[0046] This ensures that the cutter bar attached to the first and second slides can be moved in the conveying direction at the same speed, or at a speed higher than the conveying device's speed by the first predefined amount, for cutting the dough. After the first and second slides have moved a predefined distance in the conveying direction, the control system activates the third drive such that the first and second slides are moved back in the opposite direction at the second predefined speed. The first and second predefined speeds are preferably equal. However, it is particularly preferred that the second predefined speed is higher than the first predefined speed.

[0047] The control system is preferably configured such that, during the movement of the first and second slides in the conveying direction, the at least one first drive is controlled in such a way that the knife bar is moved from a basic position to the next position by the first shifting unit and the second shifting unit.

[0048] conveying device, and in particular the at least one knife blade attached to the knife bar is moved onto the conveying device, and during the movement of the first carriage and the second carriage against the conveying direction the knife bar is moved back to the basic position.

[0049] This moves the cutter bar and the at least one attached knife blade onto the dough lying on the conveyor to cut it. After the cut is complete, the cutter bar moves away from the conveyor back to its starting position.

[0050] This allows for coordinated movement of the cutter bar in both the first and second spatial directions. The coordination is preferably achieved such that the cutter bar moves towards the conveyor in the first spatial direction and simultaneously in the conveying direction in the second spatial direction. This enables the cutting of dough or a strip of dough resting on the conveyor during continuous operation of the conveyor, meaning without having to stop the conveyor during cutting. After the cut, the cutter bar moves away from the conveyor to its starting position.As soon as the knife bar has moved a defined distance away from the conveying device, so that at least one knife blade is no longer in the dough, the control system controls the third drive in such a way that the first and second carriages are moved back in the second spatial direction against the conveying direction.

[0051] Preferably, the first and second carriages each have a beam. The beams extend from the carriages in the first spatial direction and are linearly movable in this first spatial direction with a third and a fourth carriage, respectively. The third drive is operatively connected to the third and fourth carriages to move them back and forth in the second spatial direction.

[0052] Preferably, the beam of the first sled is movably connected to the third sled in the first spatial direction, and the beam of the second sled is movably connected to the fourth sled in the first spatial direction. This arrangement allows for the simplest possible transmission of the movement of the first and second sleds into the second spatial direction, whereby the first and second sleds remain completely independent of this movement in the first spatial direction. To enable the movement in the second spatial direction to be transmitted to the first and second sleds via the beams, the beams are arranged on the third and fourth sleds such that they are fixed relative to them in the second spatial direction.

[0053] A beam is understood to be a three-dimensional structure projecting from the first or second slide, in particular a cuboid or rod-shaped structure. The beams can be formed integrally with the first or second slide, but are preferably separate parts that are mechanically and immovably connected to the first or second slide.

[0054] The third drive can be connected to the third or fourth slide via a suitable functional connection, such as via at least one shaft, at least one gearbox or similar.

[0055] Preferably, the beams engage in a sliding guide of the third or fourth slide or are connected to the third or fourth slide via a rolling guide.

[0056] Preferably, the beams engage in a respective groove on the third or fourth slide, with the beams arranged within the grooves with as little play as possible in the second spatial direction. In this embodiment, the grooves and / or the beams preferably have a suitable coating or are provided with a sliding film that allows the beams to slide within the grooves with minimal frictional resistance.

[0057] If the beams are connected to the third and fourth carriages via a roller bearing, the third and fourth carriages each have an extension pointing towards the respective beam, each extension having at least two rollers that run along both sides of an edge of the respective beam in the second spatial direction. This allows movement of the beams in the first spatial direction with minimal resistance, while the beams remain immobile relative to the third and fourth carriages in the second spatial direction.

[0058] Alternatively, the beams can also be movably mounted on the third or fourth slide in the first spatial direction by means of other suitable devices, for example by means of a ball bushing or sliding bushing running on a shaft.

[0059] Preferably, the third drive moves a counter-pressure plate, on which the conveying device rests in the area of ​​the displacement device, forward in the conveying direction and backwards in the opposite direction to the conveying direction of the conveying device, wherein the third slide and the fourth slide are coupled to this counter-pressure plate.

[0060] The counter-pressure plate prevents the conveying device from bending in the area of ​​the cutting device when the at least one knife blade strikes the conveying device or any dough lying on it. In other words, the counter-pressure plate counteracts the forces exerted on the conveying device by the at least one knife blade. This is particularly advantageous when the conveying device is designed as a conveyor belt.

[0061] If the conveying device is designed as a conveyor belt, it is preferably stretched over at least two rollers. These at least two rollers deflect the conveyor belt by approximately 180° at each end of the conveying device. The conveyor belt therefore has an upper section, which points towards the cutter bar, and a lower section. In this case, the conveying direction refers to the direction of movement of the upper section of the conveyor belt, on which the dough or dough strip rests. The counter-pressure plate is located below this upper section of the conveyor belt. That is, the counter-pressure plate lies between the upper and lower sections of the conveyor belt.

[0062] By coupling the counter-pressure plate to the third and fourth slides, the counter-pressure plate and the knife bar move synchronously back and forth in the conveying direction. This ensures that the counter-pressure plate is always below the conveying device when at least one knife blade contacts the conveying device or any dough lying on it. Furthermore, the movement of the counter-pressure plate allows it to be designed to be shorter in the conveying direction than if it were stationary.

[0063] The counter-pressure plate preferably has at least one elastic layer or coating arranged on the underside of the conveying device. This elastic layer or coating prevents damage to the conveying device and / or the knife blade when the latter impacts the conveying device, since, unlike a rigid, i.e., non-elastic, counter-pressure plate, the elastic layer or coating yields slightly under force, thus preventing excessive force from being exerted on the at least one knife blade and / or the conveying device.

[0064] The counter-pressure plate is preferably movably arranged on a frame of the device via a linear guide, in particular a sliding or rolling bearing. Particularly preferably, the counter-pressure plate is mounted so as to be linearly displaceable on a sliding plate. This sliding plate is preferably fixed to the frame of the device. Preferably, the conveying device is also attached to the frame of the device.

[0065] The first and second displacement units preferably each have a fifth and a sixth slide, respectively, which are mounted to be linearly displaceable relative to the respective displacement unit in the second spatial direction. The first and second drives are designed as rotary drives, each connected to the fifth and sixth slides, respectively, via an eccentric element, such that a rotational movement of an output of the first or second drive is translated via the respective eccentric element into a linear movement of the fifth or sixth slide in the first spatial direction.

[0066] By providing the eccentric elements, the linear displacement of the fifth and sixth slides in the first spatial direction can be easily implemented, using a conventional rotary drive, in particular an electric motor.

[0067] In this embodiment, the fifth and sixth slides are fixed in the first spatial direction to the first and second displacement units, respectively. This allows any movement of the fifth or sixth slide in the first spatial direction, caused by the eccentric elements, to be transferred to the two displacement units.

[0068] The eccentric elements are elongated and are operatively connected at one end to the output of the first or second drive. At the other end, the eccentric elements are rotatably connected to the fifth or sixth slide via an axle. When the first or second drive, designed as a rotary drive, is set in motion, the corresponding eccentric element rotates with the output of the respective drive. The axle connecting the respective eccentric element to the fifth or sixth slide then describes a circular motion around the output of the first or second drive, the radius of which corresponds to the distance between the output and the axle. The fifth or sixth slide follows this rotational motion, as the respective slide is rotatably connected to the corresponding eccentric element via the axle.The rotational movement has a component in the first spatial direction and a component in the second spatial direction. This means that the fifth and sixth slides are moved by the rotational movement of the eccentric element in both the first and second spatial directions. The movement in the first spatial direction is transferred by the fifth and sixth slides, respectively, to the respective transfer unit, while the fifth and sixth slides move in the second spatial direction relative to the respective transfer unit.

[0069] By providing the fifth and sixth carriages, the movement of the shifting units—and thus the cutter bar—in the first spatial direction can be mechanically coupled with the movement in the second spatial direction. These movements in the two spatial directions can occur independently and without mutual influence. This allows, for example, the two shifting units to be moved individually in either the first or second spatial direction, or the movements in the two spatial directions to be combined in any way desired. This makes it possible to easily implement complex movement patterns and different movement speeds in both spatial directions.

[0070] In a further, preferred embodiment, the first displacement unit and / or the second displacement unit is connected via a connecting rod to an eccentric element, which can be set into a rotary motion by the first drive or by the second drive, which is designed as a rotary drive.

[0071] The eccentric element is elongated and is operatively connected to a driven element of the first or second drive via a first eccentric axis located at one end of the eccentric element. At a second end, the eccentric element has a second eccentric axis, which is rotatably connected to one end of the connecting rod.

[0072] At a second end, the connecting rod has a connecting rod axis which is rotatably connected to the first sliding unit or to the second sliding unit.

[0073] When the first or second drive, designed as a rotary drive, is set in rotation, the at least one eccentric element rotates with the output of the first or second drive. The second eccentric axis, to which the at least one eccentric element is rotatably connected to the first end of the connecting rod, then describes a circular motion around the output of the first or second drive, the radius of which corresponds to the distance between the output or the first eccentric axis and the second eccentric axis. The first end of the connecting rod then follows this rotation. The rotation has a component in the first spatial direction and a component in the second spatial direction. That is, the first end of the connecting rod is moved by the rotation of the eccentric element in both the first and the second spatial direction.The movement in the first spatial direction is transmitted to the respective sliding unit via the connecting rod axis located at the second end of the connecting rod, while the movement in the second spatial direction results in a rotation of the connecting rod around the connecting rod axis. This arrangement allows the rotary motion of the first or second drive to be easily converted into a linear motion of the first or second sliding unit in the first spatial direction.

[0074] The first drive is connected to the first sliding unit via a first eccentric element and a first connecting rod. The second drive is connected to the second sliding unit via a second eccentric element and a second connecting rod.

[0075] The present application further relates to another embodiment of the device for cutting dough, in particular a strip of dough. In this embodiment, the conveying device rests on a counter-pressure plate in the area of ​​the shifting device, which is arranged on the side of the conveying device opposite the cutter bar, wherein the counter-pressure plate is movably mounted relative to a frame of the device against the spring force of at least one spring element in the first spatial direction away from the cutter bar.

[0076] The counter-pressure plate prevents the conveying device from bending in the area of ​​the cutting device when the at least one knife blade strikes the conveying device or any dough lying on it. In other words, the counter-pressure plate counteracts the forces exerted on the conveying device by the at least one knife blade. This is particularly advantageous when the conveying device is designed as a conveyor belt.

[0077] If the conveying device is designed as a conveyor belt, it is preferably stretched over at least two rollers. These at least two rollers deflect the conveyor belt by approximately 180° at each end of the conveying device. The conveyor belt therefore has an upper section, which points towards the cutter bar, and a lower section. In this case, the conveying direction refers to the direction of movement of the upper section of the conveyor belt, on which the dough or dough strip rests. The counter-pressure plate is located below this upper section of the conveyor belt. That is, the counter-pressure plate lies between the upper and lower sections of the conveyor belt.

[0078] By incorporating at least one spring element, the counter-pressure plate can be moved towards the frame of the device when a predefined maximum force, determined by the spring force of the at least one spring element, is exceeded. This means that the counter-pressure plate can absorb excessive force exerted on the at least one knife blade and / or the conveying device by moving it towards the frame. This prevents damage to the at least one knife blade, the conveying device, and / or any other component of the cutting device. The forces acting on the knife blade and / or the conveying device are generated by the movement of the knife bar in the first spatial direction when the knife blade impacts the conveying device or the dough resting on it.

[0079] Preferably, the at least one spring element is pre-tensioned, and the pre-tension is particularly adjustable. This allows the predefined maximum force to be changed. The pre-tension can be adjusted, for example, by changing a stop surface of the at least one spring element.

[0080] The at least one spring element is preferably designed as a coil spring. Alternatively, the at least one spring element can also be designed as a leaf spring or a disc spring. Furthermore, it is also possible as an alternative to design the at least one spring element as a gas spring. Preferably, the at least one spring element is a spring assembly.

[0081] Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention can be derived from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0082] The drawings used to illustrate the exemplary embodiment show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a device that is not part of the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the first embodiment of the device according to the invention; Fig. 3 the variant according to Figure 2 at the beginning of a seesaw cut; Fig. 4 the variant according to the Figures 2 and 3at the end of the rocker cut; Figs. 5 and 6 a schematic representation of a further variant of the first embodiment of the device according to the invention; Fig. 7 a schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention; Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a variant of the second embodiment of the device according to the invention; Fig. 9 a perspective view of a second variant of the second embodiment of the device according to the invention; Fig. 10 a detailed view of the sliding device of the variant of the second embodiment according to Fig. 9 Fig. 11 shows a section of a perspective view of a variant of the second embodiment of a device according to the invention; Fig. 12 shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention; Fig. 13 shows a sectional view of a variant of the third embodiment of a device according to the invention. Basically, identical parts in the figures are marked with the same reference symbols. Ways to implement the invention

[0083] The Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of a device 1, which is not part of the invention. The device 1 has a conveying device 3 on which a dough 2, which may in particular be in the form of a dough strip, can be conveyed in a conveying direction. The conveying direction is shown in the diagram. Figure 1 in the direction of the viewer. The conveying device 3 rests on a frame 13 of the device 1. The device 1 further comprises a cutting device 4 with a cutter bar 5. A cutter blade 6 is attached to the cutter bar. The cutter blade 6 is detachably connected to the cutter bar 5. In a variant of the illustrated embodiment, two or more cutter blades 6 can also be attached to the cutter bar.

[0084] The device further comprises a displacement device 7 by means of which the cutter bar 5 is moved in a first spatial direction X, which is orthogonal to the conveying direction. In the embodiment shown in the Figure 1The first spatial direction is the vertical direction. The displacement device comprises a first column 8 and a second column 9. The two columns 8, 9 extend in the first spatial direction and project from the conveying device 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the two columns 8, 9 of the displacement device project upwards from the conveying device 3. A first column 8 is arranged on one side of the conveying device 3, while a second column 9 is arranged on the side of the conveying device 3 opposite the first column 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the two columns 8, 9 are attached to the frame 13 of the device 1. The cutter bar is mounted at each of its two ends so as to be linearly displaceable in the first spatial direction X on one of the two columns 8, 9. The cutter bar 5 spans the entire width of the conveying device 3.In the illustrated embodiment, the two columns 8, 9 are arranged on both sides of the conveying device 3 such that the cutter bar 5 spans the conveying device 3 at a right angle to the conveying direction. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the cutter bar 5 is connected at one end to a first slide 14, which is mounted to be linearly displaceable in the first spatial direction X relative to the first column 8, and at a second end to a second slide 15, which is mounted to be linearly displaceable in the first spatial direction X relative to the second column 9.

[0085] A first drive 10 is arranged on the first column 8, and a second drive 11 is arranged on the second column 9. The first and second drives 10 and 11 allow the cutter bar to be moved linearly along the respective columns 8 and 9 in the first spatial direction. The cutter bar 5 can be moved towards and away from the conveyor 3. By moving the cutter bar 5 towards the conveyor 3 via the two drives 10 and 11, dough 2 lying on the conveyor 3 can be cut or punched by the cutter blade 6 (dashed line). After the cut, the cutter bar 5 can be moved away from the conveyor again. It should be noted that for cutting the dough 2, the cutter bar 5 is moved towards the conveyor 3. Figure 1In the embodiment shown, the conveying device 3 can be briefly stopped. However, if the cutter bar 5 moves quickly enough, stopping the conveying device 3 is not necessary. After the cut has been made, the dough 2 can be moved a predefined distance within the conveying device 3 before another cut is made. In the embodiment shown in the Figure 1 In the device 1 shown, which is not part of the invention, the first drive 10 and the second drive 11 are each controlled independently of each other by a control unit 12. This means that the movement of the cutter bar 5 along the first column 8 and the second column 9 can be controlled independently of each other.

[0086] The Figure 2Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the cutter bar 5 is connected at one end to the second slide 15 via a compensating element 20. At the other end, the cutter bar 5 is rotatably connected to the first slide 14 via a first axis 21, which is orthogonal to the first spatial direction X and parallel to the conveying direction. The compensating element 20 is rotatably connected to the second slide 15 via a second axis 22 and to the cutter bar 5 via a third axis 23. The second axis 22 and the third axis 23 are aligned parallel to the first axis 21.The compensating element 20 prevents the cutter bar from tilting, which would otherwise occur if the movement of one of the carriages 14, 15 were delayed in the first spatial direction X. This is because the compensating element compensates for the increase in the distance between the carriages 14, 15 in a third spatial direction Z. Furthermore, the compensating element 20 allows the cutter bar 5 to assume an angle relative to a plane defined by the conveyor 3. This angled position of the cutter bar 5 relative to the plane of the conveyor 3 can be achieved by the control unit 12 activating the first drive 10 and the second drive 11 with a predefined time offset to move the cutter bar 5 towards the conveyor. The control unit 12 is therefore designed to execute this movement sequence.This allows a rocker cut to be performed, as is done in the . Figures 3 and 4 is shown. For this purpose, the knife blade 6 is preferably as shown in the Figure 2 shown in a curved design, wherein the knife blade 6 has a convex curvature towards the conveying device 3 - and thus towards a dough 2 lying on it.

[0087] The Figure 3 The first embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention is shown in the variant according to the Figure 2At the beginning of a rocker cut through the dough 2, the first carriage 14 is initially moved in the first spatial direction X towards the conveyor 3 by the first drive 10 until the knife blade 6 has cut through the dough 2 on the side of the conveyor 3 that faces the first column. After a predefined delay, the second carriage 15 is moved by the second drive 11 in the first spatial direction X towards the conveyor 3. Due to this delay, the knife bar 5 and the attached knife blade 6 assume an angled position relative to the plane of the conveyor 3. The knife bar rotates about the first axis 21 relative to the first carriage 14 by the corresponding angle.Since the distance between the first carriage 14 and the second carriage 15 increases due to the different position of the two carriages 14, 15 or the inclination of the cutter bar 5, the compensating element 20 is rotated about the second axis 22 and about the third axis 23 to compensate for the increased distance.

[0088] To execute the rocking cut, the control unit 12 controls the first drive 10 and subsequently the second drive 12 such that the first carriage 14 moves away from the conveyor device, while the second carriage 15 moves towards the conveyor device 3, causing a rocking motion of the knife bar 5 and the knife blade 6 attached to it. These movements continue until the knife blade 6 has cut the dough 2 across its entire width. This state is indicated in the Figure 4shown. Subsequently, the first sled 14 and the second sled 15 are returned to their positions according to the Figure 2 moves. For this purpose, the control unit 12 controls the first drive 10 and the second drive 11 accordingly.

[0089] The Figures 5 and 6 The figures show a schematic representation of a further variant of the first embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention, from above. In this variant, the first slide 14 and the second slide 15 are additionally oriented in the first spatial direction X (which is shown in the Figures 5 and 6(lying in the direction of view) are mounted in a second spatial direction Y relative to the first column 8 and the second column 9, respectively, so as to be linearly displaceable. The second spatial direction Y is parallel to the conveying direction F of the conveying device 3. This displaceability of the first slide 14 and the second slide 15 in the second spatial direction Y allows the cutter bar 5 to be positioned at any angle relative to the conveying direction F. This makes it possible to cut dough 2 lying on the conveying device 3 not only at a right angle relative to the conveying direction F, but at any angle, i.e., angled cuts relative to the conveying direction F are also possible, as is the case in the Figure 6 This is evident. In this variant, the cutter bar 5 is analogous to the variant according to the Figures 2 to 4The cutter bar 5 is connected to the second carriage 15 via a compensating element 20. This compensates for the changing distance between the carriages 14 and 15 in the second spatial direction Y, which varies depending on their position relative to each other. In this variant, the cutter bar 5 is connected to the first carriage 14 via a fourth axis (not shown), which is parallel to the first spatial direction X, in addition to the first axis 21. Similarly, the compensating element 20 is connected to the second carriage 15 via a fifth axis (not shown), which is parallel to the first spatial direction X, in addition to the second axis 22. The cutter bar 5 can be rotated to a defined angle relative to the conveying direction F by means of the fourth and fifth axes.It should be noted that this variant also allows for the cutting of dough lying on the conveying device 3 during continuous operation of the conveying device 3, since the cutter bar 5 can be moved synchronously with the conveying device 3 in the conveying direction F during cutting and, after the cut has been made, is moved back away from the conveying device 3 in the opposite direction to the conveying direction F. This variant essentially produces the same effect as is achieved with the second embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention, described below.

[0090] The Figure 7Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a second embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the device, like the first embodiment, has a conveying device 3 on which dough 2 can be conveyed in a conveying direction F. The conveying device 3 is arranged on a frame 13 of the device 1. The device 1 also has a sliding device 7, which comprises a first column 8 and a second column 9. The columns 8 and 9 are arranged on both sides of the conveying device 3. A cutter bar 5 is attached between the columns and is mounted on the columns 8 and 9 so that it can be moved in the first spatial direction X towards and away from the conveying device 3. For this purpose, the sliding device 7 has at least one first drive (not shown).A knife blade 6 (not shown) is attached to the cutter bar 5. By moving the cutter bar 5 towards the conveying device 3, the dough 2 can be cut by means of the knife blade 6. In this embodiment, the cutter bar 5 can additionally be moved in a second spatial direction Y, which is orthogonal to the first spatial direction X and parallel to the conveying direction F. For this purpose, the displacement device 7 has a first displacement unit 24 and a second displacement unit 25. The first displacement unit 24 is displaceable in the first spatial direction X via a first linear guide 26 on the first column 8, while the second displacement unit 25 is displaceable in the first spatial direction X via a second linear guide 27 on the second column 9. A first slide 14 is mounted on the first displacement unit 24 via a third linear guide 28 so as to be displaceable in the second spatial direction Y relative to the second column 9.One end of a cutter bar 5, to which a cutting blade 6 (not shown) is attached, is fixed to the first carriage 14. Similarly, a second carriage 15 is mounted on the second displacement unit 25 and is displaceable in the second spatial direction Y via a fourth linear guide 29. The cutter bar 5 is attached to the second carriage 15 at one end. The first carriage 14 and the second carriage 15 are moved in the second spatial direction Y by a third drive 30.

[0091] The ability to move the cutter bar in both the first spatial direction X and the second spatial direction Y allows the dough 2 to be continuously conveyed in the conveying direction F by the conveying device 3. This means that the conveying device 3 does not need to be stopped for each cut of the dough by the knife blade 6 attached to the cutter bar 5. Accordingly, the device 1 has a control unit 12, which can control the first drive, the third drive, and optionally, a drive of the conveying device (not shown). The control unit 12 is configured such that the first carriage 14 and the second carriage 15 are moved in the conveying direction F by the third drive 30 at a speed that is equal to or a predefined amount higher than the speed of the conveying device 3.Furthermore, the control unit 12 is configured such that the first carriage 14 and the second carriage 15 move simultaneously in the second spatial direction Y in the conveying direction F towards the conveying device 3 in the first spatial direction X. For this purpose, the control unit 12 controls the first drive accordingly. After the dough 2 has been cut, that is, after the knife blade 6 has moved through the dough 2, the transfer units 24 and 25 move away from the conveying device 3 in the first spatial direction X. After the transfer units 24 and 25, and thus also the carriages 14 and the knife bar 5 with the knife blade 6, have moved a certain distance away from the conveying device 3, the control unit controls the third drive 30 such that the two carriages 14 and 15 move in the opposite direction to the conveying direction F.The control unit 12 is therefore configured to achieve this coordination of movements by appropriately controlling the first drive and the third drive 30. The carriages 14 and 15 have a higher speed when moving against the conveying direction F than when moving in the conveying direction.

[0092] It should be noted that the two columns, 8 and 9, are identical in design. Therefore, the Figure 7 The reference symbols for both columns are 8 and 9.

[0093] The Figure 8 schematically shows a variant of the one in the Figure 7 second embodiment of the device according to the invention 1. In the illustration of the Figure 8The sliding device 7 is shown disproportionately large compared to the other components of the device, although only the sliding device 7 of the first column 8 is shown. It should be noted, however, that the sliding device 7 of the second column 9 is constructed identically.

[0094] The first displacement unit 24 is displaceably mounted relative to the first column in the first spatial direction X via two first linear guides 27.1, 27.2. The first carriage 14 is displaceably mounted on the first displacement unit 24 in the second spatial direction Y via the third linear guide 28. The first carriage 14 includes a first beam 31 that projects from the first carriage 14 in the first spatial direction X. This first beam 31 engages in a first guide 34, which is part of a third carriage 16. The third carriage 16 is displaceably mounted in the second spatial direction Y via a fifth linear guide 38. The third carriage 16 is moved by the third drive 30 in the second spatial direction Y in the direction of conveying F and against the conveying direction F. The first beam 31 is only movable within the guide 34 in the first spatial direction X, but not in the second spatial direction Y.Therefore, a movement of the third carriage 16 in the conveying direction F as well as against the conveying direction F is transmitted via the first beam 31 to the first carriage 14. Because the first beam 31 is movable in the first spatial direction X within the first guide 34 and thus relative to the third carriage 16 in this spatial direction, the transmission of the movement of the third carriage 16 to the first beam 31 and subsequently to the first carriage 14 in the second spatial direction Y, i.e. in the conveying direction F and against the conveying direction F, occurs independently of a movement of the first carriage 14 in the first spatial direction X.

[0095] In the illustrated variant of the second embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention, Figure 8The conveying device 3 is designed as a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is deflected by essentially 180° each over two rollers 46, 47, so that the conveyor belt has an upper part 3.1 and a lower part 3.2. The dough 2 is conveyed on the upper part 3.1. Therefore, the conveying direction F is the direction in which the upper part 3.1 moves. To keep the conveyor belt under tension, the device 1 also has a movable tensioning roller. A counter-pressure plate 40 is arranged between the upper part 3.1 and the lower part 3.2, on which the upper part 3.1 of the conveyor belt rests and runs. The counter-pressure plate 40 prevents the upper part 3.1 of the conveyor belt from deflecting, especially when dough resting on the upper part 3.1 is cut by the knife blade 5.The counter-pressure plate 40 is rigidly connected to the third slide 16, so that the counter-pressure plate 40 is moved synchronously with the movement of the third slide 16 in the conveying direction F and against the conveying direction F. For this purpose, the counter-pressure plate 40 is arranged on a sliding plate 41, which acts as a sliding bearing for the former.

[0096] The movement of the first displacement unit 24 in the first spatial direction X is effected by the first drive 10, whose output is operatively connected to a fixed, first eccentric axis 44, which is arranged at one end of a first eccentric element 42 on the eccentric element 42. Through this operative connection, a rotary movement of the output of the first drive 10 is transmitted to the eccentric element 42 via the first eccentric axis 44. At a second end, the eccentric element 42 is rotatably connected to a fifth slide 18 via a second eccentric axis. The third slide 16 is slidably mounted relative to the first displacement unit 24 in the second spatial direction Y via a seventh linear guide 38. Since the eccentric element 42 is set in rotation by the operative connection with the output of the first drive 10, the second eccentric axis 45 performs a circular movement around the first eccentric axis 44 (shown as dotted lines).This circular motion has a motion component in the first spatial direction X and a motion component in the second spatial direction Y. This motion is transmitted via the second eccentric axis 45 to the fifth carriage 16. The motion component in the second spatial direction Y sets the fifth carriage 16 into a reciprocating motion in the second spatial direction Y along the seventh linear guide 38. However, since the fifth carriage 16 is not movable in the first spatial direction X relative to the first displacement unit 24, the motion component in the first spatial direction X is transferred from the fifth carriage 16 to the first displacement unit 24. This allows the first displacement unit 24 to be set in motion in the first spatial direction X.Since the first carriage 14 is also immobile in the first spatial direction X relative to the first displacement unit 24, the movement of the first displacement unit 24 in the first spatial direction X is transferred to the first carriage 14 and thereby to the knife bar 5 with the knife blade 6.

[0097] By positioning the first carriage 14 and the fifth carriage 18 on the first transfer unit 24, the cutter bar 5 can move completely independently in the first spatial direction X from its movement in the second spatial direction Y. The movement in the second spatial direction Y is also completely independent of the movement of the fifth carriage 18 and the first transfer unit 24, thanks to its transmission via the first beam 31. This configuration allows for complex sequences of movements of the cutter bar 5 in the first spatial direction X and the second spatial direction Y.

[0098] The Figure 9Figure 1 shows a perspective overall view of a device 1 according to the invention, as described in the second embodiment, which is essentially identical to the one shown in the Figure 8 shown variant. In contrast to the Figure 8 However, the sliding device 7 of the second column 9 is visible. Figure 10 This shows a detailed view of the sliding device 7 on the second column 9 according to the variant of Figure 9 .

[0099] In the illustrated variant, the conveying device 3 is designed as a conveyor belt. This belt is deflected by approximately 180° around the first roller 46 and the second roller 47. This creates an upper section 3.1 and a lower section 3.2 of the conveyor belt. A dough 2 is always placed on the upper section 3.1 and conveyed. To keep the conveyor belt taut, a tensioning roller 48 is provided. The tensioning roller is movably arranged, particularly in the first spatial direction X, and is pre-tensioned towards a base on which the device 1 stands. In principle, the tension of the conveyor belt can also be achieved differently than with the tensioning roller 48 shown, for example, by a pre-tensioned deflection roller that is movably mounted in the conveying direction F.

[0100] The first column 8 and the second column 9 are arranged on both sides of the conveyor 3. These extend in the first spatial direction X and project from the conveyor 3. In the illustrated variant, the two columns 8 and 9 project from both sides of the conveyor 3. The components of the shifting device 7 are arranged on the two columns 8 and 9. The design of the components of the shifting device 7 on both the first column 8 and the second column 9 is essentially the same. The cutter bar 5, which belongs to the cutting device 4, is arranged between the two columns 8 and 9. Figure 9The figure shows the cutter bar 5 without a blade. The cutter bar 5 can be moved independently in both the first spatial direction X and the second spatial direction Y by means of the shifting device 7. Above the conveyor 3, the two columns 8 and 9 are connected to each other by a cover 54. The cover 54 prevents an operator of the device 1 from reaching into the movement area of ​​the cutter bar 5 during operation and thus serves a safety function.

[0101] The sliding device 7 on the second column 9 is in the Figure 10The diagram is enlarged. This assembly comprises a second displacement unit 25, which is slidably mounted relative to the second column 9 in the first spatial direction X via a second linear guide 27. In this variant, the displacement unit comprises a first sliding bushing 52 and a second sliding bushing 53. The second linear guide 27, in the variant shown, comprises two shafts 27.1, 27.2, on which the first sliding bushing 52 and the second sliding bushing 53, respectively, are slidably arranged. The two sliding bushings 52, 53 of the second displacement unit are connected to each other via four shafts extending in the second spatial direction Y. Two of these shafts form a fourth linear guide 29, and two shafts form an eighth linear guide 39. The second carriage 15 is linearly slidably arranged on the fourth linear guide 29.

[0102] The second carriage 15 has a second beam 32, which projects from it in the direction of the conveying device 3 in the first spatial direction X. The second beam 32 is received at its free end in a second guide 35 so as to be linearly displaceable in the first spatial direction X. The second guide 35 is essentially designed as a groove and is connected to a fourth carriage 17, which is mounted on the second column 9 so as to be displaceable in the second spatial direction Y by means of a sixth linear guide 37, which in turn has two shafts. In the area of ​​the fourth carriage 17, the second column 9 has a first recess 55. The fourth carriage 17 is fixedly connected in this first recess 55 to an edge of the counter-pressure plate 40. The counter-pressure plate 40 is fixedly connected at an edge on the opposite side to the third carriage 16, which is part of the displacement device 7 on the first column 8.The third carriage 16 is driven by the third drive 30 in the second spatial direction Y in the conveying direction F and against the conveying direction F. This movement is also transmitted via the counter-pressure plate 40 to the fourth carriage 17, so that it too can move in the second spatial direction Y in the conveying direction F and against the conveying direction F. This movement is transmitted via the second mounting 35 to the second beam 32 and thus also to the second carriage 15. Because the second beam 35 is mounted so as to be movable in the first spatial direction X relative to the second mounting 35, the transmission of the movement in the second spatial direction Y is thus independent of any movement of the second beam 35 or the second carriage 15 in the first spatial direction X.

[0103] The movement of the second slide 15 in the first spatial direction X is achieved by transmitting the movement of the second displacement unit 25 in this direction, since the second slide 15 is mounted immovably in the first spatial direction X relative to the second displacement unit 25. The movement of the second displacement unit in the first spatial direction is achieved by transmitting the movement of a sixth slide 19, which is mounted on the second displacement unit 25 via the eighth linear guide 39 so as to be displaceable in the second spatial direction Y, but not in the first spatial direction X. The drive of the sixth slide 19 in the first spatial direction X is effected by a second eccentric element 43, which is rotatably connected at one end to the second eccentric element 43 via a second eccentric axis 45. At its first end, the second eccentric element 43 is operatively connected via a fixed, first eccentric axis 44 to an output 45 of a second drive 11.The second drive 11 is a rotary drive in the form of an electric motor, which is operatively connected to the first eccentric axis 44 via a gearbox 50. The rotational movement of the second eccentric element 43 about the first eccentric axis 44, effected by the second rotary drive 11, causes the second eccentric axis 45 to move in a circular motion, resulting in a movement of the sixth slide 19 in the first spatial direction X and the second spatial direction Y, as already described above in connection with the components of the sliding device arranged on the first column for the variant according to the figure. Figure 8 is explained.

[0104] The Figure 11 shows a section of a perspective view of a variant of the second embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention, which, in comparison to the variant according to the Figure 9 and 10 It has two differences. On the Figure 11The sliding device 7 of the second column 8 of this variant is visible.

[0105] The first difference to the variant according to the Figure 9 and 10The mechanism consists of the movement of the second displacement device 25 in the first spatial direction X being effected by the interaction of the second eccentric element 43, which in turn can be set into rotation by the second drive 11 via a gearbox 50.1, with a connecting rod 57. Again, the second eccentric element 43 is connected to the output of the second drive 11 via the first eccentric axis 44 and the gearbox 50.1. The second eccentric axis 45 is, however, rotatably connected to a first end of the connecting rod 57. At its second end, the connecting rod 57 is rotatably connected to an arc element 59 via a connecting rod axis 62. The arc element is rigidly connected on both sides to the first sliding bushing 52 and the second sliding bushing 53. If the second eccentric element 43 is now set into rotation, the first end of the connecting rod 57 rotates about the first eccentric axis 44.The rotary motion of the first end of the connecting rod 57 is converted into a purely linear motion of the arc element 59 in the first spatial direction X by the rotatable connection of the connecting rod 57 at its second end via the connecting rod axis 62. This motion is transmitted by the arc element to the two sliding bushings 52, 53 and ultimately to the second slide 15. Due to the linearly movable bearing of the second slide 15 in the second spatial direction Y, its movement in the first spatial direction X is independent of any movement in the second spatial direction Y.

[0106] The second difference of the variant according to the Figure 11 to the variant according to the Figure 9 and 10 is the transfer of motion in the second spatial direction Y from the fourth sled 17 to the second sled 15. As in the variant according to the Figure 9 and 10 The second carriage 15 has a second beam 32. This beam does not engage in a groove of the fourth carriage 17, but is flanked on both sides at its edges by a roller 61.1, 61.2, which runs on these edges. The two rollers 61.1, 61.2 are themselves rotatably mounted on an extension 64, which is attached to the fourth carriage 17. This arrangement allows movement of the fourth carriage 17 in the second spatial direction Y to be transmitted to the second beam 32, whereby the second beam 32 itself is freely movable relative to the fourth carriage 17 or its extension 64 in the first spatial direction X.

[0107] On the Figure 11Furthermore, the third drive 30 is also visible, which moves the fourth slide 17 in the second spatial direction Y. The third drive 30 is designed as a rotary drive and coupled to a gearbox 50.2. A third eccentric element 64 is attached to the output of the gearbox 50.2, which is rotatably connected to the first end of a third connecting rod 65. The second end of the third connecting rod 65 is rotatably connected to the fourth slide 17. This arrangement allows the rotary motion of the third drive 30 to be converted into a linear motion of the fourth slide 17 in the second spatial direction Y. Alternatively, the third drive 30 could also be a linear drive.

[0108] The Figure 12Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of a third embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the device 1 has a conveying device 3 onto which a dough 2 can be placed to convey it in a conveying direction F. In this figure, the conveying direction F lies on the axis of view and is directed towards the viewer. A first column 8 and a second column 9 are arranged on both sides of the conveying device 3. The columns 8 and 9 belong to a shifting device 7. The device 1 also includes a cutting device 4 with a cutter bar 5 to which a knife blade 6 is attached. By means of the shifting device 7, the cutter bar 5 with the knife blade 6 can be moved linearly in a first spatial direction X, which is orthogonal to the conveying direction F, towards the conveying device 3 in order to cut a dough 2 lying on the conveying device 3.

[0109] In the third embodiment shown, the device 1 has a counter-pressure plate 40 on which the conveying device 3 rests or runs. The counter-pressure plate 40 is located in the area of ​​the sliding device 7, that is, in the area between the columns 8, 9. The counter-pressure plate 40 prevents the conveying device 3 from deflecting when the knife blade cuts dough lying on the conveying device 3. The counter-pressure plate 40 is resiliently supported relative to a frame 13 of the device 1 by means of several spring elements 56.1 - 56.8. It is understood that several spring elements 56.1 - 56.8 can also be arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction, so that the counter-pressure plate 40 can be supported on the frame 13 by means of several rows of spring elements 56.1 - 56.8 arranged side by side transversely to the conveying direction. Due to the front view of the device 1, it is clear that the Figure 12However, only a series of spring elements 56.1–56.8 are visible. The counter-pressure plate 40 can be deflected towards the frame 13 by means of the spring elements 56.1–56.8 if the force exerted on the conveying device 3 by the cutter bar 5 or the cutting knife 6 exceeds a defined maximum force. This maximum force can be specifically selected by appropriately choosing the spring elements 56.1–56.8, for example, by using spring elements 56.1–56.8 with a defined spring constant. The spring elements 56.1–56.8 are preferably designed as spring assemblies.

[0110] The Figure 13 A cross-sectional image shows a variant of the one in the Figure 12The third embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention is shown. This variant additionally incorporates the features of the first and second embodiments. That is, the displacement device 7 has a slide arrangement according to the second embodiment and a first drive 10 and a second drive 11, which can be controlled separately by a control unit 12. Furthermore, the conveying device 3 rests on a counter-pressure plate 40, which is movable in the second spatial direction Y and is arranged on a sliding plate 41. In this variant, the counter-pressure plate 40 is not directly supported on the frame 13 by means of spring elements 56.1–56.4, but rather via the sliding plate 41. That is, the spring elements 56.1–56.4 are arranged between the frame 13 and the sliding plate 41. The spring action on the conveying device 3 results from its resting on the sliding plate.

[0111] It is clear to a person skilled in the art that the features of the three embodiments of the device according to the invention can be combined with each other, depending on the intended use of the device.

Claims

1. A device for cutting or punching dough (2), in particular a dough band, comprising a conveying device (3) on which a dough (2) can rest and with which the dough (2) is conveyed in a conveying direction (F), as well as a cutting device (4) with a knife bar (5), to which at least one knife blade (6) is in particular detachably fastened, as well as a displacement device (7) with which the knife bar (5) can be linearly displaced in a first spatial direction (X) which is orthogonal relative to the conveying device (F), in particular the vertical spatial direction, in order to cut or punch the dough (2) resting on the conveying device (3) at defined points, wherein the displacement device (7) comprises two columns (8, 9) standing laterally and opposite one another, and which extend in the first spatial direction (X) relative to the conveying device (3) and project from it, and on which the knife bar (5) is mounted to be linearly displaceable in the first spatial direction (X), wherein a first drive (10) is arranged on a first column (8) and a second drive (11) is arranged on the second column (9), wherein the first drive (10) and the second drive (11) are controlled independently of one another by a controller (12) of the device (1) in order to move the knife bar (5) in the first spatial direction (X) linearly along the respective column (8, 9), characterized in that the columns (8, 9) each include a slide (14, 15), which slides (14, 15) are mounted to be linearly displaceable in the first spatial direction (X) along the columns (8, 9), wherein the knife bar (5) is rotatably connected at a first end to a first slide (14) of the first column (8) via a first axis (21) lying orthogonally to the first spatial direction, and is connected at a second end to a second slide (15) of the second column (9) via a compensating element (20), wherein the compensating element (20) is rotatably connected via a second axis (22) to the second slide (15) and via a third axis (23) to the knife bar (5), wherein the second axis (22) and the third axis (23) are parallel to the first axis (21) and are arranged spaced apart from one another on the compensating element (20), and wherein the first drive (10) and the second drive (11) are each operatively connected to the first slide (14) and to the second slide (15), respectively, in order to move the first slide (14) and the second slide (15) in the first spatial direction (X) linearly along the first column (8) and the second column (9), respectively.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (12) is configured such as to activate the first drive (10) and the second drive (11) to move the first slide (14) and the second slide (15), respectively, in the first spatial direction (X) towards the conveying device (3) at a defined time interval relative to one another, so that the knife bar (5) assumes an angle relative to a plane of the conveying device (3) when the knife bar (5) is moved towards the conveying device (3) in order to enable a luffing cut of a dough (2) resting on the conveying device (3).

3. The device according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that at least one of the two slides (14, 15) is additionally mounted to be linearly displaceable in a second spatial direction (Y), which is parallel to the conveying direction (F), on the respective column (8, 9), wherein the at least one slide (14; 15) can be displaced by a linear drive along the second spatial direction (Y) in the conveying direction (F) and against the conveying direction (F), so that the knife bar (5) can be brought into a defined angle between the two columns (8, 9).

4. The device for cutting or punching dough (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first column (8) and the second column (9) include a first displacement unit (24) and a second displacement unit (25), respectively, which are mounted to be linearly displaceable in the first spatial direction (X) relative to the respective column (8, 9) and which are moved by means of the at least one first drive (10), wherein the first slide (14) is mounted to be linearly displaceable on the first displacement unit (24) and the second slide (15) is mounted to be linearly displaceable on the second displacement unit (25), the first slide (14) and the second slide (15) being displaceable relative to the respective displacement unit (24, 25) in a second spatial direction (Y), which is parallel to the conveying direction (F) of the conveying device (3), wherein the device (1) comprises a third drive (30), with which the first slide (14) and the second slide (15) can be moved in the second spatial direction (Y) in the conveying direction (F) and against the conveying direction (F) on the respective displacement unit (24, 25).

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the controller (12) is configured such as to move the first slide (14) and the second slide (15) by the third drive (30) in the conveying direction (F) at a first speed, which corresponds to the speed of the conveying device (3) or is higher than the speed of the conveying device (3) by a first defined amount, and against the conveying direction (F) at a second defined speed, which is in particular higher than the conveying speed by a second amount.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the controller (12) is configured such that during the movement of the first slide (14) and the second slide (15) in the conveying direction (F) the first drive (10) and the second drive (11) are activated to move the knife bar (5) by the first displacement unit (24) and the second displacement unit (25) from a basic position towards the conveying device (3), and in particular to move the at least one knife blade (6) attached to the knife bar (5) onto the conveying device (3), and to move the knife bar (5) back into the basic position again during the movement of the first slide (14) and the second slide (15) against the conveying direction (F).

7. The device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the first slide (14) and the second slide (15) each include a bar (31, 32), which bars (31, 32) protrude from the respective slide (14, 15) in the first spatial direction (X) and which are connected to a third slide (16) and a fourth slide (17), respectively, in a linearly movable manner in the first spatial direction (X), wherein the third drive (30) is operatively connected to the third slide (16) and the fourth slide (17) to move the same back and forth in the second spatial direction (Y).

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the bars (31, 32) engage in a sliding guide of the third slide (16) and the fourth slide (17), respectively, or are connected to the third slide (16) and the fourth slide (17), respectively, via a rolling guide (60).

9. The device according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the third drive (30) moves a counter-pressure plate (40), on which the conveying device (3) rests in the region of the displacement device (7), in the conveying direction (F) and against the conveying direction (F) of the conveying device (3), wherein the third slide (16) and the fourth slide (17) are coupled to the counter-pressure plate (40).

10. The device according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the first displacement unit (24) and the second displacement unit (25) include a fifth slide (18) and a sixth slide (19), respectively, which slides (18, 19) are mounted in a linearly displaceable manner in the second spatial direction (Y) relative to the respective displacement unit (24, 25), wherein the at least one first drive (10) is configured as a rotary drive, which is connected to the fifth slide (18) and / or to the sixth slide (19) via at least one eccentric element (42, 43), such that a rotational movement of an output (51) of the at least one first drive (10) is translated into a linear movement of the fifth slide (18) and / or the sixth slide (19) in the first spatial direction (X) via the at least one eccentric element (42, 43).

11. The device according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the first displacement unit (24) and / or the second displacement unit (25) is connected to an eccentric element (42, 43) via a connecting rod (57), which eccentric element (42, 43) can be set into a rotational movement by the first drive (10) and / or by the second drive (11), which is configured as a rotary drive.

12. The device for cutting or punching dough (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the counter-pressure plate (40) is mounted in a movable manner relative to a frame (13) of the device (1), at least one spring element (56.1 - 56.8; 56.1 - 56.4) exerting a spring force against a movement of the counter-pressure plate (40) away from the cutter bar (5) in the first spatial direction (X).

13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one spring element (56.1 - 56.8; 56.1 - 56.4) is a spring pack.