Method and device for cutting elongated edible products

Abstract

In a further advantageous embodiment of the device, both channels each have an axis about which the respective angle can be changed. The food cutting device according to the invention has a rotating blade (1) and a bread channel intersecting the cutting plane of the blade (1), wherein the bread channel consists of a feed channel and at least one discharge channel (6, 7) which are separated from each other by a cutting gap. Both the feed channel and the at least one discharge channel (6, 7) have a base surface that supports the food from below during its transport and a side wall that supports the food laterally. According to the invention, the cutting machine has two or three discharge channels (6, 7) which are movably mounted relative to the feed channel. The discharge channels (6, 7) are movably mounted in a first direction and in a counter-direction opposite to the first direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for cutting strand-shaped foodstuffs such as bread, cheese or the like. Corresponding cutting machines have a rotating blade and a bread channel which crosses the cutting plane of the blade and consists of a feed channel and a discharge channel. The discharge channel and the feed channel are completely or partially separated from one another by a cutting gap and are angled or U-shaped in their cross-section. Both the feed channel and the discharge channel have a base surface which supports the strand-shaped foodstuff from below during its transport and a side wall which provides lateral support. The product to be cut is fed in the feed channel in a synchronized manner to the blade, which collects the cut slices (22) in the discharge channel. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] WO 2015 / 117588 discloses a circular knife cutting machine in which the chute is oriented vertically or slightly inclined relative to the vertical. The strand-like food is guided past the cutting blade from top to bottom and sliced. The sliced ​​food package is then moved back up to be removed from the cutting machine. In this machine, the discharge channel is movable relative to the feed channel to reduce or eliminate the offset between the two channels.

[0003] In a horizontally operating slicing machine, reducing or eliminating the offset of the channels is not sufficient, since gravity prevents the slices of sliced ​​bread from being pushed back over the cutting edge of the feed channel.

[0004] DE 198 20 004 C2 discloses a circular knife machine for cutting a strand of food into slices. This cutting machine has a circular knife that can rotate around its central axis and can also pivot in a circular path. During this pivoting movement, it is guided through the strand-shaped food to be sliced. The strand-shaped food is fed to the cutting knife in a channel-like shaft and cut into slices. The channel-like shaft runs approximately horizontally or is slightly tilted from the horizontal. The cut slices are stored upright on a storage area arranged downstream of the cutting knife in the conveying direction. The longitudinal direction of the shaft corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the cutting machine. From the operator's perspective, the strand-shaped food is therefore transported from left to right or from right to left during the cutting process.In such horizontal cutting machines, the cut food strand is usually removed from a different location than the uncut food strand is inserted. The width of the cutting machines is correspondingly large, as at least two food strand lengths must fit inside the cutting machine.

[0005] DE 201 20 234 U1 discloses a compact cutting machine in which the circular blade is adjusted step by step during the cutting process. This allows the food to be cut to remain in the position where it was inserted into the cutting machine. However, adjusting the circular blade is technically complex, making the corresponding cutting machines correspondingly expensive.

[0006] DE 93 10 092 U1 discloses a circular knife cutting machine in which the shaft is oriented vertically or slightly inclined relative to the vertical. The strand-like food is guided past the cutting blade from top to bottom and sliced. The sliced ​​food package is then moved back up to be removed from the cutting machine.

[0007] According to DE 44 31 808 C1, in an alternative design of a vertical cutting machine, the food strand is initially guided downwards uncut. The cutting of the food strand only occurs during the upward movement.

[0008] Such vertical cutting machines can be built more narrowly and therefore require less floor space, but are usually higher than normal machines.

[0009] DE 10 2005 019 949 A1 discloses a circular knife-cutting machine featuring a pivoting discharge channel bottom. The cutting process is interrupted at least once to pivot the channel section containing the sliced ​​bread slices out of the feed plane and the second channel section into the feed plane, and then to slice the unsliced ​​portion of the bread.

[0010] The sliced ​​bread halves must be removed in two steps. Since the first half is located at the rear of the machine, the operator has to bend over the machine to reach it. This is tedious and time-consuming for the operator. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention aims to develop a new device and method for cutting string-like food products, which allows for a reduction in the length of the cutting machine and thus a reduction in space requirements. Furthermore, the sliced ​​food product should be positioned in such a way that it can be removed in a single operation.

[0012] The device according to the invention is defined by the features of main claim 1. The method according to the invention is defined by the features of independent claim 11. Useful developments of the invention are defined by further claims following these claims.

[0013] The device for slicing food according to the invention has a rotating blade and a bread channel that crosses the cutting plane of the blade and consists of a feed channel and at least one discharge channel, separated from each other by a cutting gap. Both the feed channel and the at least one discharge channel each have a base surface that supports the food from below during its transport and a side wall that supports the food laterally. According to the invention, the slicing machine has two or three discharge channels that are movably mounted relative to the feed channel.

[0014] In a first embodiment, the discharge channels can be pivotally mounted back and forth about an axis of rotation in a first direction and about an opposite direction to the first direction.

[0015] The axis of rotation can preferably run parallel to the edge between the side wall and the base of the supply channel. The axis of rotation can preferably be arranged below the base of the discharge channels.

[0016] With two discharge channels, the length of the supply channel can be approximately twice the length of the discharge channels. With three discharge channels, the length of the supply channel can be approximately three times the length of the discharge channels.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment of the device, both channels each have an axis via which the respective angle can be changed.

[0018] A pivoting mechanism connected to a rotatable axle can be located beneath the base of the discharge ducts. A drive wheel can be connected to the pivoting axle. The pivoting movement of the base of the discharge ducts can be powered by a motor.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the device, both channels can each have an axis which is rotatably connected to a pivot arm. The angle of the discharge channels relative to the feed channel can be changed via a lever which is also rotatably connected to the pivot arm via the axis and is controlled via a cam.

[0020] The base surface and the lateral contact surface of the respective discharge channel can be arranged in the transport direction of the food strand during the cutting process, offset below the base surface and set back from the lateral contact surface of the feed channel. The base surface and the lateral contact surface of the respective discharge channel can be arranged in the transport direction of the bread during the transport process, offset in opposite directions above the base surface and set forward from the lateral contact surface of the feed channel.

[0021] Preferably, at least one sensor detecting the position of the swivel arm can be provided.

[0022] The lateral contact surface of the discharge channels can preferably be mounted on the base of the corresponding discharge channel via a tilting axis. This allows the lateral contact surface to be pivoted at least partially toward the base, provided there are no cut slices on the base. This can be particularly advantageous when the respective discharge channel is not in its cutting position, as it allows for a more compact design of the cutting machine.

[0023] In a second embodiment, the two discharge channels can be mounted so as to be longitudinally displaceable, so that the discharge channels can be moved approximately vertically up and down.

[0024] For the purpose of cleaning the blade housing, the discharge channels can be pivoted into different positions in which they can be folded open around the axis of the respective discharge channel.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment, a disk support can be provided which can move across the cutting gap to the cutting edge of the feed channel or into the feed channel.

[0026] Preferably, two guide plates can be provided, mounted in the rear area of ​​the cutting chamber above the knife path. These prevent the food slices from tipping in the first discharge channel 1 during the cutting process of the second half of the food to be cut.

[0027] The method according to the invention for cutting a foodstuff using a cutting machine comprises the following method steps: a) the food to be sliced ​​is positioned on a feed channel of the cutting machine, b) the food to be sliced ​​is partially sliced ​​by the cutting blade of the cutting machine, with the sliced ​​slices collecting on a first discharge channel, c) the first discharge channel is moved out of the plane of the feed channel with the sliced ​​food slices, d) a second discharge channel is moved to the original position of the first discharge channel, e) the food to be sliced ​​is further sliced ​​by the cutting blade of the cutting machine, with the sliced ​​slices collecting on the second discharge channel, f) the sliced ​​food slices collected on the second discharge channel are pushed back onto the feed channel by a slice support, g) the second discharge channel is moved back to its original position, h) the first discharge channel is moved back to its original position,The cut food slices collected on the first discharge channel reach the area of ​​the feed channel.

[0028] According to the invention, the problem is thus solved in that the slicer has two movable discharge channels, each of which can be moved into a transport position and a cutting position and can move out of or into the transport path. After the first discharge channel is completely cut, the transport of the uncut portion of the food in the feed channel is interrupted, so that the second discharge channel can be used to collect the sliced ​​bread slices.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the first discharge channel with the sliced ​​part of the food can be automatically moved out of the transport path of the uncut part of the food.

[0030] The sliced ​​portion of the food is moved away from the operating side of the slicer or pivoted or shifted in the opposite direction from the transport path of the uncut portion of the food. At the same time, the second discharge channel is moved into the transport path of the uncut portion of the food. The support surface and the lateral support surface of the second discharge channel are located below and recessed from the same surfaces of the feed channel. The uncut portion of the food is then completely sliced. The second discharge channel is then moved into the transport position, and the sliced ​​food slices are pushed into the feed channel by the slice support.

[0031] The slice support then moves to its final position against the outer wall. The first discharge channel containing the sliced ​​food slices is then moved forward again into the conveyor track and transport position. Both sliced ​​slice packages are now positioned side by side and can be removed in one operation.

[0032] A corresponding process can also be implemented with three discharge channels. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0033] The invention is described and explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. They show: Fig. 1a front view of the cutting machine according to the invention, Fig. 2a section along the line AA according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 a section along the line AA according to Fig. 1 with uncut food in the feed channel, with the first discharge channel in cutting position and the second discharge channel in parking position, Fig. 4 a view corresponding Fig. 3 , in which the first discharge channel is in transport position with a view from the discharge channel towards the feed channel, Fig. 4.1 a view corresponding Fig. 4 with a view from the feed channel towards the discharge channel, Fig. 5 a top view of the bread channel with inserted uncut food, Fig. 6 a section along the line AA of the Fig. 1 with the first discharge channel in cutting position, Fig. 7 a plan view according to Fig. 5 with half-cut food, Fig. 8 a section along the line AA of the Fig. 1 with the first discharge channel with food in the parking position and the second discharge channel in the cutting position, Fig. 9 a top view according to Fig. 5 and 7 with half uncut food, Fig. 10 a top view according to Fig. 9 with the second half cut open in the second discharge channel, Fig. 11 a section along the line AA of the Fig. 1 with cut food and the second discharge channel in transport position, Fig. 12 a top view according to Fig. 10 with the cut second half of the food and the slice support in the feed channel, Fig. 13 a plan view according to Fig. 12 with the cut second half of the food in the feed channel, with the slice support and the transport slide in their respective starting positions, Fig. 14 a section along the line AA of the Fig. 1 with cut food and the first discharge channel in transport position, Fig. 15 a top view according to Fig. 13 with completely cut food and the first discharge channel in its position aligned with the feed channel, Fig. 16 a plan view according to Fig. 16 with completely cut food in the feed channel and the disc support in the area of ​​the cutting gap, Fig. 17 a top view according to Fig. 15 with completely cut food in the feed channel and the slice support in its final position and Fig. 18 a view of the rear of the slicer with guide plates. WAYS TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION

[0034] The cutting machine has a bread channel whose longitudinal direction corresponds to the feed direction of the inserted strand-shaped food. The bread channel is horizontal in the feed direction and inclined downwards towards the operator side. The bread channel of the cutting machine has a first, Fig. 5 channel area shown on the right (feed channel 5) and a second one, in Fig. 5 On the left is a channel area (discharge channel 6, 7) that is approximately half as long and is separated from one another by a slot (23). The discharge channel area is divided into two discharge channels (6, 7) that are adjustable at 90° to the feed direction and also at an angle to the feed channel (5). Driven by the knife drive (planetary gear (2)), the knife (1) moves through this slot (23) so that the food (21) present in the area of ​​the slot (23) is cut up at this point. Referring to the drawing, a slice of food is then created to the left of this slot (23). To the right of the slot (23), the food (21) is still present uncut.

[0035] The food product (21) to be cut is placed in the feed channel (5) and pushed towards the slot (23) by a transport pusher (11). The transport pusher (11) can, for example, have several claws arranged next to one another which pierce the end of the food product (21) from above with sufficient force during the cutting process. To prevent the cut slices of the food product line (21) from falling over, a slice support (3) is arranged to the left of the inserted food product (21). Parallel to the advance of the transport pusher (11), the slice support (3) also moves gradually and synchronously to the left so that the cut slices (22) can be held upright by the slice support (3).

[0036] When the first discharge channel (6) is full, the machine interrupts the cutting process. A pivoting mechanism (4) pivots the first discharge channel (6) with the food slices (22) around a pivot axis (20) out of the feed plane ( Fig. 11 ). This angle to the feed channel (5) is changed by a lever (9), which is controlled by a cam (8), so that the support surface of the first discharge channel (6) is horizontal. This prevents the food slices from slipping. In addition, there is a guide plate on the left side wall and on the middle wall in this area, which prevents the slices from tipping over ( Fig. 18 ). At the same time, the second discharge channel (7) is pivoted into the feed area. The support surface and the lateral support surface are offset below and behind the same surfaces of the feed channel (5) (see Fig. 8 ). This position of the discharge channels (6, 7) is called the cutting position ( Fig.3 ). After the disc support (3) has moved into its position to the left of the cutting gap ( Fig. 9 ), the remaining part of the food is cut open ( Fig. 10 ). Now, the second discharge channel (7) is pivoted by a certain range and by means of a lever (9), which is controlled by a cam (8), about an axis 10 into a position such that the support surface and the lateral support surface are offset in opposite directions from the same surfaces of the feed channel (5) ( Fig. 11 ). This position is the transport position ( Fig. 4 , 4.1 ). Now the slice support (3) and the transport slide (11) with the food slices (22) located in the discharge channel (7) move to the right over the knife slot (23) to at least the cutting edge of the feed channel (5), preferably over it ( Fig. 12 ). When the food slices (22) are in the feed channel (5), the slice support (3) moves back to the left into the end position on the left side wall ( Fig. 13 ). Then the first discharge channel (6) is returned to the feed level or to the same transport position ( Fig. 4 , 4.1 ) as the second discharge channel (7) is swung back ( Fig. 14 ). The sliced ​​food (22) can be removed. Optionally, the second part (22) can also be pushed into the feed channel (5) so that the sliced ​​food (22) is in the same position as when it was inserted and can be removed ( Fig. 17 ). This allows the discharge area to be permanently covered and the machine hood (15) to be made smaller. List of reference symbols:

[0037] 1 Blade 2 Planetary gear 3 Disc support 4 Swivel arm 5 Feed channel 6 First discharge channel 7 Second discharge channel 8 Curve 9 Lever 10 Discharge channel axis 11 Transport slide 12 Crumb drawer 13 Guide plate middle wall 14 Guide plate side wall 15 Machine hood 16 Keyboard 17 Swivel motor 18 Cam roller 19 Sensor swivel mechanism 20 Swivel mechanism axis 21 Uncut food 22 Cut food 23 Cutting gap

Claims

1. Device for cutting foodstuffs, - with a rotating blade (1) - with a bread channel crossing the cutting plane of the blade (1), wherein the bread channel consists of a feed channel (5) and at least one discharge channel (6, 7) which are separated from one another by a cutting gap (23), - wherein both the feed channel (5) and the at least one discharge channel (6, 7) have a base surface supporting the foodstuff from below during its transport and a side wall supporting the foodstuff laterally, - characterized in that - the cutting machine has two or three discharge channels (6, 7) which are mounted so as to be movable relative to the feed channel (5), - the discharge channels (6, 7) are mounted so as to be movable back and forth in a first direction and in an opposite direction to the first direction.

2. Device according to claim 1, - characterized in that- the discharge channels (6, 7) are mounted so as to be pivotable back and forth about an axis of rotation (20) in a first direction and about an opposite direction to the first direction.

3. Device according to claim 2, - characterized in that - the axis of rotation (20) runs parallel to the edge between the side wall and the base of the feed channel (5).

4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, - characterized in that - the axis of rotation (20) is arranged below the base area of ​​the discharge channels (6,7).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, - characterized in that - the discharge channels (6,7) can each be pivoted about the axis of rotation (20) by a lever (9), - the lever (9) can be controlled by a cam (8).

6. Device according to claim 1, - characterized in that - the discharge channels (6,7) are mounted so as to be longitudinally displaceable in a first direction and so as to be movable back and forth in a direction opposite to the first direction.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, - characterized in that - the discharge channels (6, 7) are aligned with the feed channel (5) in a first position, - the discharge channels (6, 7) are arranged outside the plane of the feed channel (5) in a second position.

8. Device according to claim 7, - characterized in that - at least one of the discharge channels (6, 7) is present in its second position above its first position, - at least one of the discharge channels (6, 7) is present in its second position below its first position.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, - characterized in that - a disc support (3) is provided which is arranged in the region of the discharge channel (6, 7) aligned with the feed channel (5) during the cutting process, - the disc support (3) can be moved over the cutting gap (23) to the cutting edge of the feed channel (5) or over the cutting edge into the feed channel (5) to move the discharge channels (6, 7).

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, - characterized in that - two guide plates (13, 14) are provided, which are mounted between the central wall and the side wall of the discharge area.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, - characterized in that- the at least two discharge channels (6, 7) are movable relative to one another, - the base area of ​​the corresponding discharge channel (6, 7) is arranged slightly below the base area of ​​the feed channel (5) during the cutting process and the side wall of the corresponding discharge channel (6, 7) is arranged slightly outside the side wall of the feed channel (5), so that a first offset can be formed between the discharge channel (6, 7) and the feed channel (5), - the base area of ​​the corresponding discharge channel (6, 7) is arranged slightly above the base area of ​​the feed channel (5) during the pushing back of the cut slices onto the feed channel (5) and the side wall of the corresponding discharge channel (6, 7) is arranged slightly inside the side wall of the feed channel (5), so that a second offset can be formed between the discharge channel (6, 7) and the feed channel (5).

12. A method for cutting a foodstuff by means of a cutting machine, comprising the following method steps: a) the foodstuff to be cut is positioned on a feed channel (5) of the cutting machine, b) the foodstuff to be cut is partially cut into slices by the cutting blade (1) of the cutting machine, the cut slices collecting on a first discharge channel (6), c) the first discharge channel (6) with the cut food slices is moved out of the plane of the feed channel (5), d) a second discharge channel (7) is moved to the original position of the first discharge channel (6), e) the foodstuff to be cut is further cut into slices by the cutting blade (1) of the cutting machine, the cut slices collecting on the second discharge channel (7),f) the cut food slices collected on the second discharge channel (7) are pushed back onto the feed channel (5) by a slice support (23), g) the second discharge channel (7) is moved back to its original position, h) the first discharge channel (6) is moved back to its original position, whereby the cut food slices collected on the first discharge channel (6) reach the area of ​​the feed channel (5).

13. Method according to claim 12, - characterized in that - after process step h) the food slices collected on the first discharge channel (6) are pushed back onto the feed channel (5) by the slice support (23).

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, - characterized in that- the cut food slices collected on the second discharge channel (7) are pushed back in process step f) by the slice support (23) so far that the food slices collected on the first discharge channel (6) can also be placed on the feed channel (5).

15. Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, - characterized in that - after method step c), a further discharge channel is first moved to the original position of the first discharge channel (6), - then the food to be cut is further cut into slices by the cutting blade (1) of the cutting machine, the cut slices collecting on the further discharge channel, - then the further discharge channel with the cut food slices is moved out of the plane of the feed channel (5), - then the method is continued with method step d).

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