Product holder

Abstract

Product holder (5), particularly for goods to be sliced with a slicer (1), wherein the product holder (5) is provided with a plurality of mandrels (10, 10a). A comb (9) is provided between two mandrel supports (8, 8a). The product (4) is ejected by a movement of adjacent mandrel holders (8, 8a) counter to a combing movement.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a product holder, particularly for products to be sliced with a slicer. Product holders for slicers serve to securely hold product sticks, i.e., food sticks, and ensure precise movement when slicing these sticks with a cutting blade that is part of the slicer. The product holder grips the rear end of the product stick, facing away from the cutting blade, as tightly as possible, ensuring a stable connection during the slicing process. The product stick can then only perform a feed and / or retraction movement defined by the product holder or the cutting blade.

[0002] Various product holders are known. In addition to vacuum holders, mechanical product holders with claws are also known. The claws are usually made of at least partially conical round material and are arranged on a pivoting shaft. The claws are pivoted into the product to be held to create a positive connection, which holds the product bar. The pivoting radius of these known claws is relatively large, so that a comparatively large end or remaining piece of the product cannot be used due to the claws engaging in it. The pivoting radius is usually between twelve and twenty-four millimeters. This end piece cannot be processed, i.e., cut open, and therefore represents a production loss.

[0003] Therefore, the object of the invention is to propose a product holder which is able to hold the product securely during cutting and yet minimises the size of the remaining end piece.

[0004] According to the invention, it has proven very advantageous if the product holder is provided with a plurality of spikes.

[0005] The numerous spikes hold the product securely. The penetration depth can be reduced compared to claws.

[0006] It has proven to be very advantageous if the mandrels are arranged on mandrel supports, which can be made of sheet metal.

[0007] This makes it very easy to provide a large number of thorns.

[0008] It is also very advantageous if the mandrels have an angle of attack, whereby the mandrels of a mandrel carrier can have the same and / or the same aligned angle of attack.

[0009] It is conceivable that the angle of attack is aligned with the direction of movement. An angle of attack of 0 degrees is also conceivable. Mandrels with an angle of attack of 0 degrees primarily absorb forces perpendicular to the feed direction of the product.

[0010] According to the invention, it is also very advantageous if, in the case of two mandrel supports arranged next to one another, the angles of attack of the mandrels are aligned in opposite directions.

[0011] The mandrels thus act in opposite directions and engage with each other in the product being held. Furthermore, transverse movements, including those toward adjacent mandrels of a mandrel carrier, are suppressed. This prevents the product from becoming accidentally detached from the mandrels.

[0012] Furthermore, according to a further development of the invention, it has also proven very advantageous if each mandrel has a mandrel angle, that is to say an angle which defines the sharpness of the mandrel, wherein the mandrel angle can change over the course of a mandrel.

[0013] This defines not only the penetration behavior but also the holding torque of the mandrels in the material to be held. Mandrels may have a curved contour. In this case, the mandrel angle can be derived using a virtual triangle between the mandrel tip and the mandrel base.

[0014] It is also extremely advantageous if mandrels of different lengths and / or widths are arranged on one mandrel carrier.

[0015] This can also be adapted to the product to be held.

[0016] It is also very advantageous according to the invention if the mandrels of different mandrel carriers are of different widths and / or different lengths.

[0017] This has also proven to be very well suited for adapting to the product being held. In both cases, the product is held and guided very well and securely with minimal intervention.

[0018] A further very advantageous embodiment of the invention is when the mandrels are arranged differently distributed on different mandrel supports.

[0019] A varied distribution effectively prevents damage to the product. In particular, tearing of the product in the edge zone can be avoided.

[0020] A very advantageous further development of the invention is that a comb is provided between two mandrel supports.

[0021] The comb can serve as a support for the product to be held.

[0022] It is extremely advantageous according to the invention if the mandrel supports and / or the combs are movably mounted.

[0023] The flexibility allows the mandrel supports to interlock with each other, for example. The combs can serve as ejectors for removing product residue.

[0024] It has proven to be very advantageous if the mandrels are moved in the direction of the feed movement of the product holder and the product held.

[0025] This allows the spikes to penetrate the product or, conversely, to eject the remaining piece.

[0026] It is also very advantageous if a movement of the mandrels in the transverse direction to a product held by the product holder is provided.

[0027] This transverse movement clamps and holds the product.

[0028] According to the invention, it has proven to be very advantageous if link plates and / or bell cranks are provided which define the movement.

[0029] This ensures a defined movement of the mandrel carriers in the product holder and / or the combs.

[0030] In this context, it is also extremely advantageous if at least some of the mandrel holders and / or combs are mounted so as to be rotatable and / or displaceable.

[0031] This bearing enables a defined movement.

[0032] A further very advantageous development of the invention is provided when the mandrel holders and / or the combs are arranged at an angle to the product held and / or that the mandrel holders and / or the combs assume an angle to the axes of the product, wherein several mandrel holders and / or combs can assume different angles and / or wherein mandrel holders and / or combs of the same angular orientation can be combined to form groups.

[0033] This results in even better clamping. Furthermore, several groups of mandrel holders and / or combs can be combined into modules, which can have different alignments relative to the product axes. However, this also means that the individual modules themselves can be aligned differently relative to one another. For example, the mandrel holders of one module can be aligned vertically, whereas those of a second module are aligned horizontally. The individual modules can be comparatively small. Variations are conceivable, not only with regard to the exemplary alignment described above. Different alignments can also be realized with regard to other axes.

[0034] Furthermore, it has proven to be very advantageous if the product holder essentially occupies the front surface of the product to be held, whereby several groups of mandrel holders and / or combs can together form the product holder.

[0035] This distributes the clamping force across the front surface, achieving a particularly secure hold. The interaction of several groups then forms a common product holder, which can, for example, be constructed from individual modules. This modularity allows the product holder to be individually configured for the specific product being processed. The individual modules themselves can be very small, i.e., miniaturized.

[0036] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is also extremely advantageous if the product holder is designed to be hygienic and easy to clean.

[0037] Especially in the food sector, a hygienic and easy-to-clean design is highly recommended.

[0038] It has proven to be very advantageous if shafts and / or other bearing points are provided with cleaning openings.

[0039] Cleaning agent can be pumped through these cleaning openings to clean the product holder.

[0040] According to a further development of the invention, it is also very advantageous if the mandrels are designed in terms of shape and / or angle in such a way that the product is ejected by a movement of mandrel holders lying next to one another counter to the clamping movement.

[0041] Especially with mandrels arranged in opposite directions, the interlacing of the angles of attack can result in the product being pushed out of the mandrels.

[0042] It is also very advantageous if the mandrels have a depth of between 1 and 15 mm, preferably between 4 and 10 mm, particularly preferably 6 mm.

[0043] This allows the thorns to penetrate the product very shallowly. This is significantly less than with conventional claws, reducing the size of the remaining product.

[0044] Furthermore, it has proven to be very advantageous if a drive is provided, which can preferably be pneumatic.

[0045] A drive ensures that the mandrel holders and / or combs can carry out the defined movements when required.

[0046] A mandrel carrier which is very advantageous according to the invention for forming a product holder according to the invention is present when the mandrels are designed in the manner of the teeth of a saw blade.

[0047] The type of coarse saw blade is particularly suitable for use as a holding mandrel.

[0048] A further very advantageous development of the invention also exists when the mandrels are laterally set.

[0049] By offsetting the individual mandrels relative to each other, the resulting width of a mandrel carrier is increased and thus the hold of the mandrels in the product is improved.

[0050] Furthermore, according to a further development of the invention, it has proven particularly advantageous if the front edge of the mandrel carrier carrying the mandrels is circular, angular or spiral-shaped.

[0051] Such a design can also grip the product very well. This design offers advantages, especially when the end piece is curved. Counter-rotating mandrel supports are conceivable.

[0052] In the following, the invention is illustrated using an embodiment and a modification.

[0053] Showing: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a slicer with a product and a product holder. Fig. 2 is a diagram of a product holder according to the invention in the closed state. Fig. 3 is a diagram of the product holder in the open state. Fig. 4 is a side view of a spike holder and a comb. Fig. 5 is a diagram of several spike holders and combs, as installed in the product holder, in the open state. Fig. 6 is a side view of a spike holder and a comb during closing. Fig. 7 is a diagram of the spike holders and combs during closing. Fig. 8 is a side view of a spike holder and a comb in the closed state. Fig. 9 is a diagram of the spike holders and combs in the closed state. Fig. 10 is a side view of a spike holder. Fig. 11 is a side view of another spike holder with a concave row of spikes. Fig. 12 is a diagram of a spike holder partially equipped with spikes.

[0054] With 1 is in Fig. 1 a slicer with a rotating cutting blade 2 for slicing a product 3 such as cheese, sausage, ham or the like.

[0055] The product 3 is stored on a conveyor belt 4 and is held by a product holder 5 at its end facing away from the cutting blade 2.

[0056] At its end facing the cutting blade 2, the product 3 rests against a front stop 6 before the slicing process. This stop is extended at the beginning of the slicing process so that the product 3 can be processed by the cutting blade 2.

[0057] In this embodiment, the conveyor belt 4 is inclined towards the cutting blade 2.

[0058] The product holder 5 consists of a housing 7 in which several mandrel holders 8 are movably mounted. A comb 9 is arranged between each two adjacent mandrel holders 8. The combs 9 are also movably mounted.

[0059] Arranged on the front side of the mandrel holders 8 are mandrels 10, which have an angle of attack 11. In this exemplary embodiment, the angle of attack 11 is oriented strongly forward and is approximately 15 degrees from the longitudinal axis. The angle of attack 11 of adjacent mandrel holders 8 is oriented in opposite directions here.

[0060] In Fig. 7 Also shown is a mandrel holder 8a in which the mandrels 10a have an angle of attack 11 of 0 degrees. This mandrel holder 8a is firmly screwed and therefore allows the absorption of transverse forces, so that the product 3 experiences improved guidance. Forces in or against the feed direction of the product holder 5 cannot be absorbed by the mandrels 10a.

[0061] By moving the mandrel holders 8 in the longitudinal direction of the product holder 5, the mandrels 10 penetrate the product 3. By additionally moving the mandrel holders 8 in the transverse direction and simultaneously against each other, the product 3 is clamped and held.

[0062] When the product 3 is released from the product holder 5, a transverse movement is performed counter to the clamping movement of the mandrels 10, and the combs 9 are also moved forward, so that the product residue is ejected. This movement is generally rapid, so that the product residue is expelled. As described above, with an appropriate selection of the mandrel geometry, the movement of the combs 9 can be omitted, so that the product residue is ejected by a movement of the mandrels 10 relative to each other counter to the clamping movement.

[0063] In this context, it is also conceivable that the angle of attack 11 and the shape of the mandrels 10 are selected in such a way that the product residue is ejected simply by reversing the transverse movement.

[0064] For this purpose, the mandrel angle 12, which describes the shape of the mandrels 10, can also be adjusted and selected accordingly. The mandrel angle 12 also determines the penetration behavior of the mandrels 10 into the product 3.

[0065] The movement of the mandrel holders 8 and the combs 9 can be determined by means of link plates 13, which are an integral part of the mandrel holders 8 and combs 9, respectively.

[0066] In this context, it is conceivable that the mandrel holders 8 are also displaced transversely by the forward movement of the product holder 5 toward the product 3. In the end position, a locking device can be provided for the mandrel holders 8. Release occurs by retracting the product holder 5. It is also conceivable that a sensor is provided which detects whether the product 3 is clamped via the position of the combs 9. This sensor can also control the locking of the mandrel holders 8. In this context, it is also conceivable that at least a slight retraction movement of the product 3 away from the cutting blade 2 can be carried out in order to optimize the cutting process.

[0067] A kidney-shaped guide 13 increases the proportion of transverse movement towards the end of the piercing process of the mandrels 10. This provides an additional

[0068] Tension is created between the mandrels 10 and the product 3, which also increases the holding force.

[0069] However, it is also conceivable that a drive 14 is provided primarily for the movement in the transverse direction of the mandrel holders 8 and also for the movement of the combs 9.

[0070] The relative movement of the combs 9 to the product holder 5 can, on the one hand, effect the clamping process of the product 3 by means of the mandrels 10 and, on the other hand, release the product residue from the mandrels 10. This movement can be supported by a preferably pneumatic drive 14. Locking in the "retracted" and "extended" end positions can be ensured, for example, by the drive 14.

[0071] In this case, a switch (not shown) can be provided which activates the movement in the transverse direction as soon as the movement in the longitudinal direction into the product 3 is completed.

[0072] The combs 9 can be used as ejectors for the product residue. However, it is also conceivable that the geometry of the mandrels 10 is designed such that by reversing the transverse movement, the mandrels 10 are pulled out of the product residue and the product residue is ejected. It is conceivable that the mandrels 10 are only pulled out of the product residue once the retraction movement reaches a certain magnitude.

[0073] The geometry of the mandrels 10 can be asymmetrical. A symmetrical design is also conceivable.

[0074] The front contour of the mandrel supports 8 and also the combs 9 can be adapted to the shape of the product 3. This is, for example, in Fig. 8 There, the front contour is concave and thus adapted to sausage sticks or ham, for example.

[0075] By adjusting the contour, it is ensured that as many of the intended mandrels 10 as possible engage with the product, thus ensuring a secure hold.

[0076] It is also conceivable, as in Fig. 9 shown that the front edge of the mandrel supports 8 is only partially equipped with mandrels 10.

[0077] Depending on the product 3 and product consistency, optimal hold can be ensured.

[0078] The mandrel supports 8 can be made of simple sheet metal. It is also conceivable that a mandrel support 8 can accommodate different mandrels 10 in terms of contour and / or length. The complex production of conventional claws is eliminated.

[0079] Differently wide or differently positioned mandrels 10 on a mandrel carrier 8 are also conceivable.

[0080] The mandrel supports 8 and also the combs 9 of a product holder 5 can be designed differently.

[0081] It is further conceivable that the mandrel supports 8 are circular in shape, so that the transverse movement is generated by a rotation of the mandrel support 8.

[0082] The length of the spikes 10 is between 1 and 15 mm, preferably between 4 and 10 mm, particularly preferably 6 mm. This is significantly shorter than known claws and thus provides a significantly lower penetration depth into the product 3. This significantly reduces the amount of unusable product residue. Contact between the spikes 10 and the cutting blade 2 is avoided.

[0083] Despite the low penetration depth, the large number of mandrels 10 ensures a secure hold, which is further reinforced by the interlacing of opposing mandrels on adjacent mandrel supports 8.

[0084] The mandrel supports 8 and the combs 9 can be mounted on hollow shafts which are provided with cleaning openings through which cleaning agent can be passed.

[0085] Cleaning openings can also be provided between the mandrel supports 8 and the combs 9.

[0086] Both measures ensure a hygienic structure. This is particularly important in the food industry.

[0087] The dimensions of the product holder 5 are tailored to the size of the products 3 to be processed. It is desirable that the mandrels 10 cover essentially the entire rear end surface of the product. This optimizes the number of mandrels 10 used and ensures an extremely secure hold.

[0088] Additionally, it is also conceivable for the product holder 5 to assume an angle to the axes of the product 3. This tilting often allows the product 3 to be guided more effectively.

[0089] In this context, it is also conceivable for the product holder 5 to be formed from several modules, wherein the individual modules comprise groups of mandrel supports 8, 8a and / or combs 9, which preferably each assume the same angle to the axes of the product 3 within a group. These individual modules together form the product holder 5, which, due to its modularity, can be individually tailored to each product 3. The individual modules can be very small, i.e., miniaturized, so that even with a very shallow depth of the individual mandrels 10, a secure hold of the product 3 on the product holder 5 is guaranteed.

[0090] Basically, the clamping process of a product 3 on a preferably inclined conveyor belt 4 is as follows:

[0091] First, the product 3 rests with its front end against the front stop 6 before the slicing process.

[0092] The product holder 5 moves in the feed direction with extended combs 9 towards the rear end of the product 3. As the product holder 5 continues to move, the combs 9 are pushed into the product holder 5, thus exposing the mandrels 10. The mandrels 10 pierce into the product 3 and, via the guides 13, undergo an additional transverse movement in the direction of the angle of attack 11 of the mandrels 10. Through the combination of the longitudinal movement of the mandrels 10 into the product 3 and the transverse movement, the product 3 is clamped and held by the mandrels 10.

[0093] Now, the stop 6 is moved away. The product 3 can be cut open in a defined manner by further advancing the product holder 5. The product is guided and held in place.

[0094] At the end of the slicing process, the product residue that cannot be cut due to the thorns 10 penetrating it is ejected by reversing the movement of the product holder 5. First, the clamping of the thorns 10 is released, and then the combs 9 are extended again. The product residue is released and ejected.

Claims

1. Product holder (5), in particular for goods to be sliced with a slicer (1), characterized in that the product holder (5) is provided with a plurality of mandrels (10, 10a).

2. Product holder according to claim 1, characterized in that the mandrels (10, 10a) are arranged on mandrel supports (8, 8a), which can be designed as sheet metal.

3. Product holder according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mandrels (10, 10a) have an angle of attack (11), wherein the mandrels (10, 10a) of a mandrel carrier (8, 8a) can have the same and / or the same aligned angle of attack (11) and / or wherein, in the case of two mandrel carriers (8) arranged next to one another, the angles of attack (11) of the mandrels (10) are aligned in opposite directions.

4. Product holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thateach mandrel (10, 10a) has a mandrel angle (12), i.e. an angle that defines the sharpness of the mandrel (10, 10a), wherein the mandrel angle (12) can change over the course of a mandrel (10, 10a).

5. Product holder according to one of the preceding claims, through this Mandrels (10, 10a) are arranged on a mandrel support (8, 8a) and / or that the mandrels (10, 10a) of different mandrel supports (8, 8a) are of different widths and / or different lengths and / or that the mandrels (10, 10a) are arranged in different distributions on different mandrel supports (8, 8a).

6. Product holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a comb (9) is provided between two mandrel supports (8, 8a).

7. Product holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mandrel supports (8, 8a) and / or the combs (9) are movably mounted.

8. Product holder according to claim 10, characterized in thata movement of the mandrels (10, 10a) in the direction of the feed movement of the product holder (5) and the held product (4) is provided and / or that a movement of the mandrels (10, 10a) in the transverse direction to a product (4) held by the product holder (5) is provided.

9. Product holder according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that Link discs (13) and / or reversing levers are provided which define the movement.

10. Product holder according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that at least some of the mandrel holders (8, 8a) and / or the combs (9) are rotatably and / or displaceably mounted.

11. Product holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe mandrel holders (8, 8a) and / or the combs (9) are arranged at an angle to the held product (4) and / or that the mandrel holders (8, 8a) and / or the combs (9) assume an angle to the axes of the product, wherein several mandrel holders (8, 8a) and / or combs (9) can assume different angles and / or wherein mandrel holders (8, 8a) and / or combs (9) of the same angular orientation can be combined to form groups.

12. Product holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product holder (5) essentially occupies the end face of the product (4) to be held, wherein several groups of mandrel holders (8, 8a) and / or combs (9) together can form the product holder (5).

13. Product holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product holder (5) is designed to be hygienic and easy to clean, whereby shafts and / or other bearing points can be provided with cleaning openings.

14. Product holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mandrels (10, 10a) are designed in terms of shape and / or angle such that the product (4) is ejected by a movement of adjacent mandrel holders (8, 8a) counter to the wedging movement.

15. Product holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mandrels (10, 10a) have a depth between 1 and 15 mm, preferably between 4 and 10 mm, particularly preferably 6 mm.

16. Product holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a drive (14) is provided, which can preferably be pneumatic.

17. Mandrel support for forming a product holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mandrels (10, 10a) are designed like the teeth of a saw blade.

18. Mandrel support for forming a product holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe mandrels (10, 10a) are laterally offset.

19. Mandrel support for forming a product holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front edge of the mandrel carrier carrying the mandrels is circular, angular or spiral-shaped.

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