DOUGH CUTTING DEVICE FOR CUTTING A DOUGH STRIP

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a dough cutting device for cutting a dough strip according to independent claim 1 and to a method for cutting a dough strip with a dough cutting device according to claim 6. State of the art

[0002] Dough cutting devices for cutting dough strips are known from the prior art. In these machines, a usually continuous dough strip is passed through a cutting element, such as a guillotine, and then weighed section by section, so that the actuation of the cutting element can be carried out based on the measured weight in such a way that the dough strip is portioned into individual pieces of dough with the desired weight.

[0003] For example, EP 3 323 294 A1 shows a corresponding dough cutting device. This comprises one cutting element per lane for a dough strip and two transport devices arranged downstream of the cutting element with associated weighing areas in which the weight of a dough element placed on it is determined in order to actuate the cutting element based on this weight.

[0004] EP 2 305 040 A1 further describes a device for separating a block of dough from a dough mass with a chamber formed by external limiting elements for receiving the dough mass and for dispensing the block of dough separated from the dough mass, as well as a method for separating a block of dough from a dough mass which is received in a chamber formed by external limiting elements, from which the block of dough separated from the dough mass is subsequently dispensed.

[0005] However, the activation of the cutting element involves a dead time, meaning a time lag between the activation of the cutting element and the actual cutting process (due, for example, to the distance the guillotine blade must travel and the time required for this). This results in the dough being transported further during this dead time having a greater mass than at the moment the cutting element is activated. This can lead to undesirable variations in the actual mass of the dough piece, which can negatively impact the product quality, particularly regarding adherence to desired weights. Task

[0006] Based on the known state of the art, the technical problem to be solved is therefore to develop a dough cutting device and a method for cutting a strip of dough that can affect the product quality to be achieved, in particular with regard to compliance with desired weights. Task

[0007] Based on the known state of the art, the technical problem to be solved is therefore to specify a dough cutting device and a method for cutting a dough strip with which a reliable cutting of the dough strip into individual pieces of dough can be achieved. Solution

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by the dough cutting device for cutting a dough strip according to claim 1 and the method for cutting a dough strip with a dough cutting device according to claim 6. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] The dough cutting device according to the invention for cutting a dough strip comprises a cutting element for cutting a dough strip, a first weighing unit arranged downstream of the cutting element for determining a weight value of a piece of dough from the dough strip, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to determine a mass flow rate of the dough strip based on at least two successively determined weight values ​​of a piece of dough and to control the cutting element for cutting the dough strip based on at least one of the determined weight values ​​and the determined mass flow rate.

[0010] The mass flow rate can be understood as the time derivative of the change in weight value determined by successive measurements of the weight value at the weighing station. This can be an analytical or numerical time derivative of the determined weight value. The control unit can be implemented as a computer, in particular, with dedicated memory, and can be configured with suitable connections to both the weighing station and the cutting element for transmitting control signals.

[0011] According to the invention, by taking the mass flow rate into account, the total product weight obtained when the cutting element is actuated at a given weight value is reliably extrapolated even into the dead time range. This achieves precise control of the actuation of the cutting element, so that, for example, a target weight of the dough piece to be cut is achieved with high accuracy.

[0012] It may be provided that the dough cutting device includes a second weighing unit for determining a weight value of a piece of dough from the dough strip and that the control unit is configured to determine the mass flow based on the at least two successively determined weight values ​​of a piece of dough and at least one second weight value of a piece of dough measured by the second weighing unit.

[0013] The second weighing unit can be located downstream of the first. The at least one second weight value can be used, for example, as a control value to verify the at least two successively determined weight values ​​of the dough piece and the first weighing unit (for example, by calculating the difference and comparing it to a limit value). Alternatively or additionally, if the dough piece has an extension in the transport direction that is greater than the first weighing unit, the mass flow rate can be determined based on a combination (e.g., the sum) of at least one of the weight values ​​determined by the first weighing unit and the weight value determined by the second weighing unit. This increases the reliability of the determined weight value, which in turn improves the reliability of cutting the dough piece.

[0014] According to the invention, the control unit is designed to control the cutting element for cutting the dough strip based on a dead time of the cutting element. Since a certain time elapses between the triggering of the cutting element and the actual cutting process of the dough strip by the cutting element (e.g., 100 ms), the mass of the dough piece can increase as it moves towards the first weighing unit. By taking the dead time into account and, for example, extrapolating the mass of the dough piece using the mass flow rate, the cutting of the dough piece can be reliably achieved.

[0015] According to the invention, it is further provided that the control unit can be designed to control the cutting element for cutting the dough strip based on a comparison of a target weight of the dough piece with a sum of a last determined weight value and the product of mass flow and dead time.

[0016] This determines the expected mass of the dough piece after or at the end of the dead time by linear extrapolation from the weight value determined before the cutting element is activated. This allows the prediction of the dough piece weight at which the cutting element must be activated so that the dough piece has the desired weight during cutting after the dead time. This improves the accuracy of the dough cutting process.

[0017] The control unit can be configured to control or block the cutting element to cut the dough strip based on a comparison between the determined mass flow and a limit value.

[0018] If the specified mass flow rate exceeds or falls below a certain limit, this can indicate errors in the dough transport. For example, unwanted dough accumulation can occur between or at the transitions of conveyor belts (e.g., between a conveyor belt before the cutting element and a conveyor belt in the second weighing unit). This can lead to a significant but short-term increase in the measured weight (due to the forces acting upon it), which in turn affects the specified mass flow rate. Taking these factors into account when deciding whether or not to activate the cutting element can result in more reliable cutting of the dough strip.

[0019] The control unit may be designed to output information to an operator when the specified mass flow rate exceeds the limit value. This can, for example, trigger troubleshooting.

[0020] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine the mass flow rate based on all weight values ​​determined after the cutting element has been actuated. For example, the mass flow rate can be calculated by averaging all determined mass flow rates obtained from two consecutive weight measurements. Alternatively or additionally, a regression curve can first be determined from all determined weight values, which reproduces the weight value profile as accurately as possible. The numerical derivative can then be derived from this curve. This allows for reliable responses to even minor fluctuations in the quality of the supplied dough strip (e.g., air inclusions or changes in the thickness of the dough strip) and enables reliable control of the cutting element based on these fluctuations.

[0021] According to the invention, a method for cutting a dough strip is further provided, comprising a dough cutting device for cutting the dough strip. The dough cutting device includes a cutting element for cutting the dough strip, a first weighing unit arranged downstream of the cutting element for determining the weight of a piece of dough from the dough strip, and a control unit. The method comprises the control unit determining a mass flow rate of the dough strip based on at least two successively determined weight values ​​of the dough piece and controlling the cutting element for cutting the dough strip based on at least one of the determined weight values ​​and the determined mass flow rate. This method increases the accuracy with which pieces of dough are cut from a dough strip.

[0022] The dough cutting device may include a second weighing unit for determining the weight of a piece of dough from the dough strip, and the control unit determines the mass flow based on at least two successively determined weights of the dough piece and at least one second weight measured by the second weighing unit. This embodiment allows for the reliable cutting of dough pieces larger than the first weighing unit or for verification of the weights measured in the first weighing unit.

[0023] According to the invention, the control unit controls the cutting element for cutting the dough strip based on a dead time of the cutting element. This further increases the reliability when cutting the dough pieces.

[0024] According to the invention, the control unit controls the cutting element for cutting the dough strip based on a comparison of a target weight of the dough piece with the sum of a last determined weight value and the product of mass flow and dead time. This extrapolates a last measured weight value linearly, taking the mass flow into account, until the end of the dead time, so that the time at which the cutting element must be actuated can be determined more precisely, and reliable portioning of the dough strip is achieved.

[0025] It can be provided that the control unit, based on a comparison between the specified mass flow and a limit value, controls or blocks the cutting element for cutting the dough strip. With this embodiment, errors in the transport of the dough strip or dough pieces can be detected, so that the actuation of the cutting element can be prevented to avoid cutting incorrectly portioned pieces of dough.

[0026] In one embodiment, the control unit sends a message to an operator when the specified mass flow rate exceeds the limit value. This can, for example, trigger troubleshooting by the operator.

[0027] It can be designed so that the control unit determines the mass flow rate based on all weight values ​​determined after the cutting element has been actuated. This can increase the reliability of determining the mass flow rate and thus the actuation of the cutting element to trim the piece of dough.

[0028] In one embodiment, the weight of a second piece of dough can be measured after a first piece of dough has been removed from the first weighing unit, and / or the weight of the second piece of dough can be measured after a waiting period has elapsed following the measurement of the weight of the first piece of dough. This embodiment ensures that the first weighing area is emptied, so that the mass flow rate of an uncut section of the dough strip can be reliably achieved.

[0029] All the embodiments described here can be combined with each other. Brief description of the characters

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a dough cutting device according to one embodiment. Figs. 2 and 3 show different embodiments of measuring and extrapolating a piece of dough. Fig. 4 shows one embodiment of a method for cutting a strip of dough. Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of a method for cutting a strip of dough. Detailed description

[0031] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a dough cutting device 100 according to one embodiment. The basic structure of dough cutting devices is known from the prior art. These can comprise a frame 150 on which several components are arranged to transport a strip of dough 140 in the transport direction T and to cut it into pieces of dough 141.

[0032] The dough cutting device 100 can include a cutting unit 103, which comprises an actuated cutting element 132, such as a knife, which can be moved, for example, along the direction of the double arrow shown. The cutting unit 103 can include a drive element 131 (e.g., a servo motor, a pneumatic element, or the like) that is connected to the cutting element 132 and whose actuation sets the cutting element 132 in motion, for example, from a rest position in which it does not come into contact with a dough strip 140, to a cutting position in which the cutting element 132 moves through the dough strip 140.

[0033] In the Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting device 103 is designed as a guillotine only by way of example, such that the cutting element 132 comprises, for example, a knife with a sharp cutting edge on its lower edge pointing towards the dough band 140.

[0034] Alternatively, it can also be provided that the cutting element 132 is located in the Figure 1 The cutting element 132 can be moved upwards from below the dough band 140, as shown in the view, so that it cuts through the dough band starting from the bottom. The invention is not limited with regard to the design of the cutting element.

[0035] The dough cutting device 100 can include a transport device 151 arranged upstream of the cutting device 103, which can, for example, be designed as a conveyor belt and can transport the dough strip 140 towards the cutting device 103. The transport device 151 can extend through the area of ​​the cutting device 103 in which the dough strip is cut into individual pieces of dough 121, or it can not extend into this area of ​​the cutting device 103.

[0036] Downstream of the cutting device 103, a first weighing unit 101 can be arranged, which can, on the one hand, transport the dough belt and / or a piece of dough 141 located on it, and, on the other hand, is designed so that dough arranged on the first weighing area can be weighed. For this purpose, the first weighing unit 101 can, for example, be assigned a load cell or it can include such a load cell that enables the determination of the weight of the dough arranged on the first weighing unit, possibly taking into account the mass of the weighing unit itself or a part thereof (e.g., the conveyor belt).

[0037] Downstream of the first weighing unit 101, a second weighing unit 102 can optionally be arranged, which can be designed analogously to the first weighing unit. Here, too, the weight of a piece of dough 141 or a portion of the dough strip can be determined. In one embodiment, it is provided that the weight of a portion of the dough strip or a piece of dough arranged downstream of the cutting device 103 is determined from the determined weight values ​​of the first weighing unit 101 and the second weighing unit 102, for example, by using the weight value measured for a piece of dough on the second weighing unit 102 as a correction value for the weight value of this piece of dough determined on the first weighing unit 101.Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that, in the event that cutting a piece of dough from the dough strip 140 requires a size of dough piece which causes this piece of dough to be in both the first weighing unit and the second weighing unit before cutting, a combination (e.g. sum) of the weight value of the piece of dough from the dough strip measured with the first weighing unit and the weight value of the piece of dough from the dough strip measured with the second weighing unit is determined.

[0038] According to the invention, the dough cutting device 100 further comprises a control unit 180. The control unit can, for example, be configured as a computer and be connected via wireless or wired data connections for the exchange of control signals and / or information to both the first weighing unit 101 and the second weighing unit 102 (if provided) and to the cutting element 132 or the cutting device 103. In particular, the control unit can be configured to control the cutting element 132 for cutting the dough strip 140, for example by controlling the drive element 131 associated with the cutting element 132 through the control unit 180 in order to effect a movement of the cutting element 132.

[0039] According to the invention, the control unit determines a mass flow of dough through the cutting element in the transport direction T from at least two weight values ​​of a piece of dough not yet cut from the dough band, determined by at least the first weighing unit 101 or the second weighing unit 102. The mass flow essentially corresponds to the temporal derivative of the dough mass extending over the first weighing area during the transport of the dough band. The control unit can determine this mass flow, for example, as a numerical derivative of the at least two determined weight values ​​of the dough piece in the first weighing unit and / or in the second weighing unit, or combinations thereof.

[0040] Preferably, after an initial cutting operation, a piece of dough that is still at least partially on or in the first weighing unit 101 is removed and / or the transport of the remaining dough strip still upstream of the cutting device is stopped. At this point, there is no longer any mass on the first weighing unit 101. This can be confirmed, for example, by recording the entire mass of the removed piece of dough on the second weighing unit 102 and transmitting this weight value to the control unit 180. The control unit 180 can then determine that the cut piece of dough is completely on or in the second weighing unit and, for example, by checking or comparing it with the weight value measured by the first weighing unit 101 at the same time, determine that the first weighing unit 101 is essentially free of dough.

[0041] The control unit can then, for example, activate the transport device 151, causing it to continue transporting the dough strip 140 through the cutting device 103 towards the first weighing unit 101. As the dough strip 140 is transported towards the first weighing unit 101, the mass on the first weighing unit 101 increases, so that when the weight is determined using the first weighing unit 101, the mass will increase depending on the elapsed time.

[0042] From at least two or even a multitude of specific weight values ​​of the first weighing unit 101, the control unit can then determine the mass flow rate and use the determined mass flow rate, e.g., as part of an extrapolation for the mass of the dough strip located on the first weighing unit 101 and / or the second weighing unit 102, to control the cutting element for cutting the dough strip.

[0043] The Figures 2 and 3show various representations of the temporal progression of the measured weight values ​​(vertical axis labelled M) of a dough strip, as determined, for example, by the first weighing unit 101.

[0044] In the Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the dough band is homogeneous and exhibits, in particular, only minor or no variations in thickness or width perpendicular to the transport direction. Irregularities in the dough (such as air inclusions or concentrations of solid components like flour) also do not occur. At a constant transport speed of the dough band, the total mass on or in, for example, the first weighing unit then depends linearly on the elapsed time.

[0045] Since when cutting dough pieces, it is desirable that each piece has as much of the same mass as possible (e.g., a predetermined target weight), it is advantageous if this target weight can be achieved as precisely as possible and predetermined as far as possible. As already mentioned in connection with the Figure 1 As described, cutting a piece of dough from a sheet of dough requires activating a cutting element, which then, through a movement, cuts the dough sheet and thus separates a piece of dough. Simultaneously, the transport mechanism can be stopped to achieve a straight cut.

[0046] However, a certain amount of time elapses between the activation of the cutting element by the control unit and the actual cutting of the dough band, during which the dough band is usually transported further and not yet cut. The activation of the cutting element is typically triggered by the dough on the first weighing unit reaching a certain weight. However, a certain amount of time (hereinafter also referred to as dead time) then elapses between the activation of the cutting element and / or the stopping of the dough band transport by the control unit itself (in the Figure 2The time difference Δt = TS - TA (denoted by time TA) and the actual cutting process at time TS. The dead time during which, despite the triggering of the cutting process and / or a signal indicating that the transport of the dough through the transport device should be stopped, the dough ribbon is still being transported in the transport direction T through the cutting device 103. This ultimately causes an increase in the mass of the piece of dough to be cut even during the dead time.

[0047] According to the invention, the weight values ​​measured before time TA (e.g., weight values ​​221 and 222) can now be used to extrapolate the mass-time curve (represented here as the linear function 220) into the dead time ΔT. For this purpose, the two most recently measured weight values ​​can be used, and a linear regression (e.g., by determining a numerical derivative of the function 220) can be employed to predict or extrapolate the development of the weight values ​​during the dead time. If, based on a weight value currently measured at time TA and the immediately preceding weight value, it is determined that at the end of the dead time (TS), the mass M of the dough piece to be cut will equal a target mass M, then the control unit can actuate the cutting element at time TA.At the end of the dead time Δt, when the piece of dough is actually cut from the dough belt, it will then have the desired target mass M with comparatively high accuracy. If, however, the control unit determines at time TA that, based on the current weight value and taking the dead time into account, the piece of dough has a lower mass, it may be provided that the control unit does not actuate the cutting element and the transport of the dough belt can initially continue.

[0048] In Figure 3 is a to Figure 2An analogous example is shown, in which, however, the course of the weight values ​​m as a function of time t does not show a linear relationship, but rather a more complex functional relationship 320, which was determined from a multitude of weight values ​​321 and 322. For example, a deviation in the increase in mass as a function of time on the weighing unit can be caused by impurities on the weighing unit. Fluctuations in the dough strip itself (e.g., regarding the thickness of the dough strip, air inclusions, or uneven distribution of solid components, such as flour, in the dough strip) can also lead to deviations in the linear course of the Figure 2 lead.

[0049] It may be possible to determine a regression curve based on a large number (at least two) of measured weight values ​​321 and 322 (e.g., all measured weight values ​​taken after the last cutting operation of the cutting element), which reproduces the course of the weight values ​​as accurately as possible. For a currently measured weight value, this can then be done analogously to... Figure 2By determining the mass flow rate as the numerical derivative of the function 320 shown at the time the current weight value was measured (for example, time TA), a linear extrapolation of the development of the dough strip's mass during the dead time Δt can be performed. If it is determined from this that the target mass M of the dough piece will be reached at the end of the dead time for the currently measured weight value, the cutting element can then be controlled at time TA to cut the dough strip. Otherwise, the transport of the dough strip can continue without actuating the cutting element.

[0050] While in the Figure 2 If a reliable prediction of the development of the weight values ​​of the dough band is possible using only two weight values, this is demonstrated in the Figure 3This is only possible with lower accuracy. However, instead of creating a regression curve, it can be provided that a mass flow rate is determined for each pair of measured weight values ​​taken immediately one after the other, and that an average value from all determined mass flow rates is used to control the cutting element.

[0051] Figure 4Figure 400 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for cutting a dough strip. The method comprises, as an introductory step 401, the transport of the dough strip through the cutting element or cutting device towards the first weighing unit. As already mentioned, it may be provided that the first weighing unit is first cleared of the last cut piece of dough by removing it from the first weighing unit, and only then is the dough strip transported through the cutting element or cutting device towards the first weighing unit in step 401.

[0052] As the dough ribbon is transported further, the mass on the first weighing unit increases, allowing different weight values ​​to be determined over time. In the example of the Figure 4First, a first weight value is determined 402, and after a certain time has elapsed (e.g., a few milliseconds), a second weight value 403 is determined. The first weighing unit (and, if present, the second weighing unit as well) can be configured to determine a weight value periodically (e.g., every 10 ms, every 50 ms, or every 100 ms). The invention is therefore not limited to determining a first and a second weight value, and the first and second weight values ​​need not be immediately consecutive.

[0053] However, according to the invention, at least two weight values ​​(here, by way of example, the first weight value and the immediately following second weight value) are used in step 404 to determine the mass flow rate of the dough strip. This can then be used in step 405 to cut the dough strip or to actuate the cutting element, based on the mass flow rate and, for example, a measured weight value (as already described above), in order to separate a piece of dough from the dough strip.

[0054] The mass flow rate can, in principle, assume any value. However, when operating a dough cutting device, it is to be expected that the mass flow rate will not exceed or fall below certain maximum or minimum values ​​when a dough strip is fed correctly. Therefore, in connection with embodiments, it may be provided that a mass flow rate determined in step 404 is compared with a limit value for the mass flow rate, and based on the result of this comparison, the cutting element for cutting the dough strip is either activated in step 405 or the cutting element is initially blocked.

[0055] For example, a maximum value for the mass flow rate can be stored in the control unit or an associated memory. For instance, if a portion of the dough is detached during the removal of a previous piece of dough and passes between the first and second weighing units (see Figure 1If the dough piece becomes trapped, this can lead to a force acting on the first and / or second weighing unit that the weighing unit itself cannot distinguish from an acting gravitational force. Since the dough piece only causes a sudden increase in the force acting on the weighing unit compared to the continuous transport of the dough strip (for example, when the dough piece is trapped between the first and second weighing units), the determined mass flow rate may exceed the limit at this point.

[0056] This finding can then be used by the control unit not to actuate the cutting element, but to block further operation and in particular the cutting by the cutting element.

[0057] Comparing the mass flow rate with a limit value can also be advantageously used here to at least indirectly identify the possibility of an operator intervening in the operation of the dough cutting device and to prevent the cutting of the dough band by actuating the cutting element, in order to reduce the risk of injury to the operator.

[0058] Alternatively or in addition to blocking the cutting element, step 441 can also output information to an operator, indicating, for example, that the specified mass flow rate is above a maximum limit, below a minimum limit, or outside an acceptable range. The operator may then be prompted, for example, to check or clean the first and / or second weighing unit to ensure proper operation.

[0059] Figure 5shows another flowchart of a process 500 according to one embodiment.

[0060] In this embodiment, it can also be provided that the first weighing unit and / or the second weighing unit are initially emptied of a last cut piece of dough and then that the dough strip is transported in step 501 towards the first weighing unit by the cutting element or the cutting device (see Figure 1 ) through.

[0061] Subsequently, first and second weight values ​​502 and 503 can be successively determined, at least in the first weighing unit. It may be intended that the piece of dough to be cut should have a target mass large enough that, before cutting, it also enters the second weighing unit. Thus, the total weight of the dough strip or the piece of dough to be cut can be composed of the weight values ​​measured in the first weighing unit and the weight value(s) measured in the second weighing unit. This is shown here optionally in step 541, in which a weight value of the second weighing unit is determined.

[0062] The first and second weight values ​​determined from the first weighing unit, and optionally at least one weight value determined from the second weighing unit, can then be used to determine a mass flow rate in step 504. This mass flow rate can be calculated, for example, by linear regressions (as in connection with the Figure 2 described) or by determining a numerical derivative at a specific point in time (as e.g. in the Figures 2 and 3 described) can be obtained.

[0063] The mass flow rate thus determined can then be used at a given time in step 505 to extrapolate the weight of the dough piece to be cut into a future time. The extrapolation in step 505 can, for example, take place at the time when the last weight value used to determine the mass flow rate is obtained (e.g., at the time when the second weight value is determined in step 503) and can include at least a period corresponding to the dead time of the cutting element (see preceding embodiments and description of the Figure 1 and 2 as well as 3). Based on a current measurement, a prediction of the weight of the piece of dough to be cut is made in step 505, taking into account the mass flow that is transported during (continuous) transport of the dough strip through the cutting device.

[0064] In step 506, the control unit can then determine whether a predetermined target weight is reached, taking into account the extrapolation of the dough piece at the end of the cutting process (i.e., when the cutting element would actually cut through the dough band to separate a piece). The target weight can be the target weight of the dough piece to be separated and can either be constant for all dough pieces to be produced or specified separately for each piece.

[0065] If it is determined that the target weight has not yet been reached at the end of the dead time (507), the transport of the dough strip can continue and at least at a subsequent time another weight value can be determined in step 503 and / or step 541. Subsequently, the mass flow is determined again and the weight of the dough piece is extrapolated in steps 504 and 505, and in step 506 it is checked again whether the target weight will be reached when the cutting element is activated at that time.

[0066] In this way, more and more dough is successively transported through the cutting device, and the piece of dough to be cut becomes increasingly larger and heavier. It thus inevitably approaches the target mass from smaller masses and, after a certain number of repetitions of steps 503 to 507, will reach the target weight.

[0067] Regardless of the number of passes required, in step 506 it is determined at a specific time that the target weight will be reached at the end of the dead time (508). Subsequently, in step 509, the control unit can then activate the cutting element at this time to cut the dough band and thus separate the piece of dough.

[0068] Analogous to the description of the Figure 4It may also be possible to check the mass flow here, for example, to determine whether one or more weighing units are contaminated or if there is any other impairment of the dough cutting device. After controlling the cutting element in step 509, the first and / or second weighing unit can be emptied again so that the cut piece of dough is removed, and then the transport of the dough belt can begin again in step 501. Subsequent cutting operations of dough pieces can, as already described, be carried out with different target weights, so that, for example, a first piece of dough can be cut with a first target weight (e.g., 350g) and a subsequent piece of dough (not necessarily the immediately following one) can be cut with a different target weight (e.g., 475g).

[0069] While the comparison with the target weight in step 506 using extrapolation was only described in general terms, according to the invention, the target weight is compared with the extrapolated weight of the dough piece by calculating the difference between the target weight and the sum of the last determined weight value (e.g., the second weight value 503 or the determined weight value of the second weighing unit 541) and the product of the determined mass flow rate and the dead time. If this difference is positive, the extrapolated weight of the dough piece is below the target weight. If it is negative, the extrapolated weight of the dough piece is greater than the target weight.

Claims

1. A dough cutting device (100) for cutting a dough sheet (140), the dough cutting device (100) comprising a cutting element (132) for cutting a dough sheet (140), a first weighing unit (101) disposed downstream of the cutting element (132) for acquiring a weight value of a dough piece (141) of the dough sheet (140) and a control unit (180), wherein the control unit (180) is configured to acquire a mass flow of the dough sheet (404) on the basis of at least two subsequently acquired weight values of a dough piece (141) and to control the cutting element (132) for cutting the dough sheet (405) on the basis of at least one of the acquired weight values and the acquired mass flow, characterized in that taking into account the mass flow a total product weight obtained when the cutting element is activated at a given weight value, can be extrapolated into the range of a dead time of the cutting element, wherein the control unit (180) is configured to control the cutting element (132) for cutting the dough sheet (140) on the basis of the dead time of the cutting element (132), wherein the control unit (180) is configured to control the cutting element (132) for cutting the dough sheet (140) on the basis of a comparison of a target weight of the dough sheet to a sum of a most recently acquired weight value and the product of the mass flow and the dead time.

2. The dough cutting device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the dough cutting device (100) comprises a second weighing unit (102) for acquiring (541) a weight value of the dough piece off the dough sheet (140) and the control unit (180) is configured to acquire the mass flow on the basis of the at least two subsequently acquired weight values of a dough piece and at least one second weight value of a dough piece measured by the second weighing unit (504).

3. The dough cutting device (100) according to anyone of claims 1 to 2, wherein the control unit (180) is configured to control the cutting element (132) for cutting the dough sheet (140) or blocking the same on the basis of a comparison between the acquired mass flow and a threshold.

4. The dough cutting device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the control unit (180) is configured to output an information to an operator (441) in case the acquired mass flow exceeds the threshold.

5. The dough cutting device (100) according to anyone of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit (180) is configured to acquire the mass flow on the basis of all weight values acquired after an activation of the cutting element (132).

6. A method for cutting a dough sheet (140) with a dough cutting device (100) for cutting the dough sheet (140), the dough cutting device (100) comprising a cutting element (132) for cutting the dough sheet (140), a first weighing unit (101) disposed downstream of the cutting element (132) for acquiring a weight value of a dough piece (141) of the dough sheet (140) and a control unit (180), wherein the method comprises the control unit (180) acquiring a mass flow of the dough sheet (404) on the basis of at least two subsequently acquired weight values of the dough piece (141) and controlling the cutting element (132) for cutting the dough sheet (405) on the basis of at least one of the acquired weight values and the acquired mass flow, characterized in that taking into account the mass flow a total product weight obtained when the cutting element is activated at a given weight value, can be extrapolated into the range of a dead time of the cutting element, wherein the control unit (180) controls the cutting element (132) for cutting the dough sheet (140) on the basis of the dead time of the cutting element (132), wherein the control unit (180) controls (509) the cutting element (132) for cutting the dough sheet (140) on the basis of a comparison (506) of a target weight of the dough sheet to a sum of a most recently acquired weight value and the product of the mass flow and the dead time.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the dough cutting device (100) comprises a second weighing unit (102) for acquiring a weight value of the dough piece (141) of the dough sheet (140) and the control unit (180) acquires the mass flow (504) on the basis of of the at least two subsequently acquired weight values of the dough piece (141) and at least one second weight value of the dough piece (141) measured by the second weighing unit (102).

8. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the control unit (180) controls the cutting element (132) for cutting the dough sheet (140) or blocks the same on the basis of a comparison between the acquired mass flow and a threshold.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the control unit outputs an information to an operator (441) in case the acquired mass flow exceeds the threshold.

10. The method according to anyone of claims 6 to 9, wherein the control unit (180) acquires the mass flow on the basis of all weight values acquired after an activation of the cutting element (132).

11. The method according to anyone of claims 6 to 10, wherein a measurement of a weight value of a second dough piece (141) is carried out after a first dough piece has been removed from the first weighing unit (101) and / or wherein the measurement of the weight value of the second dough piece (141) is carried out after a waiting period has expired after measuring the weigth value of the first dough piece.