Product conveying device with traction roller

Abstract

The product conveying device (47) comprises a first conveying lane (10), a second conveying lane (20) and a third conveying lane (30), wherein the first, second and third conveying lane (10, 20, 30) are each designed to each feed a food product (63) to the slicing unit (11) independently of one another. One of the first, second or third conveying lane (10, 20, 30) comprises a traction roller (49, 91, 95), wherein the traction roller (49, 91, 95) is designed to come into conveying contact with a food product (63) and to feed the latter to the slicing unit (11). The invention additionally relates to a method for removing a cassette (73) from a food slicing machine (9), and to the use of a traction roller (49, 91, 95) for conveying food products (63) to a cutting blade (25).

Description

[0001] Product conveyor with traction roller

[0002] The present invention relates to a product conveying device for feeding food products to a slicing unit of a food slicing machine, a food slicing machine, a method for removing a cassette from a food slicing machine, and the use of a traction roller for feeding a food product to a slicing unit.

[0003] Food products, such as sausage, cheese, or bread, are often presented as elongated food bars and are fed into a food slicing machine, which may be a high-performance slicer, into a slicing unit equipped with a cutting blade, such as a rotating sickle or circular blade. For this purpose, one or more product conveyors are provided in a feed area. These conveyors are in contact with the food bar to move it to a cutting plane of the slicing unit. The product conveyor can be designed as a lower product support on which the food bar rests, or as an upper product retainer that presses down on the food bar from above.

[0004] The known variants for driving the tracks of a product conveyor device are technically complex or have disadvantages with regard to the mechanical bearing.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide an alternative multi-lane product conveying device.

[0006] In a food slicing machine, particularly a high-performance slicer, one or more food products can be sliced ​​into food slices by means of a slicing unit. The slicing unit can comprise a rotary and / or planetary cutting blade, particularly a sickle or circular blade.

[0007] In the food slicing machine, a food product can initially be placed on a single-feed belt, or placed or conveyed onto it. A track system with center dividers, particularly metal sheets, can be installed above the single-feed belt. These dividers extend from the top to just above the belt surface. The lateral position of these center dividers can be adjusted to the width of the food product to be sliced. From the single-feed belt, the food product can be conveyed onto a product conveyor belt.

[0008] The product conveyor belt following the infeed belt in the conveying direction can be part of a loading swing arm and can be pivoted upwards about an axis located on its downstream side. In this way, the food product can be conveyed horizontally from the infeed belt onto the product conveyor belt and the product conveyor belt can then be pivoted upwards to feed the food product to the cutting blade in a support plane inclined to the horizontal. A lateral fixed stop can be provided whose transverse position and longitudinal alignment are coordinated with a cutting edge or cutting frame that interacts with the cutting blade when separating the slices from the product. A lateral stop running parallel can be arranged on the side opposite the fixed lateral stop. This allows the food product to be guided longitudinally.The adjustable side stop can be adjustable in the transverse direction to align a product transversely. In a multi-track food slicing machine that can slice several parallel products simultaneously, the product feeds are designed with multiple tracks. Accordingly, several side stops can be provided in the area of ​​the product conveyor belt, which are adjustable laterally to the conveying direction. The side stops can be adjustable together.

[0009] A product conveyor device in the form of a lower product support can be arranged between the product conveyor belt and the cutting blade, which feeds the food product to the cutting blade. The product support can be relatively short compared to the product conveyor belt. The product support can extend right up to the cutting edge, thus supporting the food product up to the cutting edge. The product support can support precise product advancement into the cutting plane.

[0010] A gripper can be provided which engages a rear end, in particular an upstream end, of a food product and acts as a product holder during product feeding to the cutting plane. By guiding the gripper, differences in the weight or cross-sectional profile of the products can be compensated for, and the thickness of the separated product slices for the fed products can be changed independently of one another during slicing, in order to individually achieve a predetermined weight for individual product slices or the weight of portions from multiple slices. By retracting the food product using the gripper, a distance from the cutting blade can be created for blank cuts.In multi-track food slicing machines, one gripper can be provided per conveyor track and the grippers can be attached to a common feed unit and can be independently extendable relative to the feed unit in the conveying direction and retractable against the conveying direction.

[0011] An upper product guide can be provided which, in the form of a product hold-down device, presses on the food product from above in order to support the feed.

[0012] The food slices separated from the food product by the cutting blade can fall onto a portioning unit, in particular a portioning belt. The portioning unit can be adjustable so that a portion, in particular a stack of food slices, with a defined size and arrangement can be created. The portioning unit, in particular a conveyor or support surface of the portioning unit, can be height-adjustable to ensure a consistent fall path of the slices. The portioning unit or its support surface can be displaceable in the conveying direction or laterally, or both, in order to realize defined stack shapes, for example a shingled arrangement. Once a complete portion has been created, it can be conveyed away using the support surface.

[0013] During the slicing of the food portion, separator sheets can be automatically inserted between the food slices on the portioning unit using a separator sheet inserter, also called an “interleaver”.

[0014] Multi-track food slicing machines allow multiple food products to be sliced ​​in parallel. The elements contributing to product advancement can be individually controlled for each track. In particular, the food products can be fed to the cutting blade at different speeds.

[0015] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a product conveying device for feeding food products to a slicing unit of a food slicing machine, comprising a first conveyor track, a second conveyor track, and a third conveyor track. The first, second, and third conveyor tracks are each designed to independently feed a food product to the slicing unit. One of the first, second, or third conveyor tracks comprises a traction roller, wherein the traction roller is designed to come into conveying contact with a food product and feed it to the slicing unit.

[0016] This results in a simple, compact, and stable design. Furthermore, the traction roller allows for precise feed of the food product, producing slices of the desired thickness.

[0017] More than one conveyor track can also each have a traction roller. Furthermore, a conveyor track that does not have a traction roller for product advancement can have another means for product advancement, for example, a belt conveyor.

[0018] The traction roller is preferably driven by a rotating drive means. In particular, at least one traction roller can be driven by a rotating drive means if more than one conveyor track has a traction roller. Thus, a force for rotating the traction roller can be transmitted to it using a simple and stable structure, whereby the force can be sufficiently large to precisely feed food products, even those with greater density or weight, to the slicing unit. In addition, the drive using a rotating drive means is low-wear. A traction roller of a central conveyor track can be driven by a rotating drive means. One traction roller each of an adjacent outer conveyor track to the left and right can be driven by a direct drive, shaft drive, or another drive concept.

[0019] The rotating drive means can be a drive chain. The drive chain can engage with a sprocket, which can be provided on the traction roller. A drive chain can be particularly suitable for transmitting high forces or torques.

[0020] The rotating drive means can be a drive belt. In particular, the rotating drive means can be a toothed belt. This allows for precise rotation of the traction roller and thus the advancement of the food product. The toothed belt can engage with corresponding teeth arranged on the traction roller. Power transmission via a drive belt, especially a toothed belt, also represents a low-maintenance and stable drive.

[0021] Alternatively, a direct drive can be provided by means of one or more drive gears.

[0022] The traction roller preferably comprises a first circumferential region and a second circumferential region, wherein the drive means rotates around the second circumferential region, wherein the diameter of the second circumferential region and of the supporting drive means is smaller than the diameter of the first circumferential region. In particular, the diameter of the second circumferential region and of the supporting drive means can be smaller than the diameter of the first circumferential region, so that the outer side of the drive means rotates on a smaller circumference than the first circumferential region. The outer side of the drive means can be offset below the first circumferential region or further in the direction of the central axis of the traction roller than the first circumferential region. In this way, a compact design and drive of the traction roller can be achieved, especially when the possible track width of the respective conveyor track is limited.In addition, a food product does not rest on the drive means, but is only in contact with the first circumferential area, which has the largest circumference of the traction roller, i.e., the diameter or effective diameter effective on the food product. This prevents contamination of the drive means, damage to the product surface, and disruption of the feed of the food product. A traction roller with the described first and second circumferential areas can be provided in a middle or inner conveyor track, while a traction roller with only one circumferential area can be provided in an outer conveyor track.

[0023] The second circumferential region can be provided laterally on the outside, i.e., at an outer left or right end of the traction roller as seen in the conveying direction. Depending on the width of the conveyed food product and the traction roller, the food product can be positioned on the first circumferential region such that it does not protrude beyond the second circumferential region and the drive means. The arrangement of the first and second circumferential regions can be dependent on the application, in particular depending on a lateral, in particular left or right, orientation of the food product. Thus, the traction can be on the side in contact with the product, and the drive can be arranged on a free side of the track.

[0024] The second circumferential region and the drive means can be arranged below or within other components, such as a separating web separating the conveyor tracks from one another or a housing part.

[0025] Alternatively, the second peripheral region can be arranged such that it is laterally surrounded by the first peripheral region on the left and right. Since the food product rests only on the first peripheral region, which has the largest diameter, the drive means and the second peripheral region can also be arranged in a central section of the traction roller.

[0026] The traction roller can have a diameter of between 25 millimeters and 50 millimeters, at least in sections, in particular a diameter of the same size for the first circumferential region. The traction roller can have a diameter of between 40 millimeters and 50 millimeters, at least in sections, in particular a diameter of the same size for the first circumferential region. The traction roller can have a diameter of between 30 millimeters and 35 millimeters, at least in sections, in particular a diameter of the same size for the first circumferential region. This allows for optimal force and torque transmission to the food product. In addition, the food product rests securely, and high rotational speeds of the traction roller can be avoided. Optimum grip can be achieved while avoiding slippage.

[0027] The drive means can be guided over the traction roller and a drive roller to transfer the rotation of the drive roller to the traction roller. This enables a stable and precise drive. Furthermore, the drive roller and an associated electric motor can be arranged in a space-saving manner, for example, below or diagonally below the traction roller if the product conveyor is a product support. A correspondingly mirrored arrangement can be provided if the product conveyor is in contact with the food product from above. In particular, this can reduce or avoid any additional expansion of the product conveyor in width.

[0028] The drive roller can be arranged parallel to the traction roller. This allows the drive mechanism to run flush over the traction roller and drive roller. This also allows for optimal power transmission. The drive mechanism can have a width between 15 millimeters and 25 millimeters. This can enable stable power transmission, sufficient for larger or heavier food products, while requiring minimal space on the traction roller.

[0029] The drive means may have a width of less than 20 percent of the track width.

[0030] The traction roller is preferably arranged in the region of the upstream half of the product conveying device in the conveying direction, in particular on the upstream side of the product conveying device in the conveying direction. The drive roller and a drive motor can be arranged there in the immediate vicinity of the traction roller, since more space is usually available than on the half or side facing the slicing unit. In addition, a traction roller can have a larger diameter than on the side facing the slicing unit, since a gap between the traction roller and an adjacent element, an edge, or support surface is less critical due to the length or support length of the food product still present there. In particular, the traction roller can be arranged on the inlet side or input side of the product conveying device.

[0031] The traction roller can be located on the side adjacent to the slicing unit. This allows for particularly precise feed directly to the slicing unit or the cutting edge. The traction roller is thus the last support point for the food product before the slicing unit, allowing the end of the food product to be sliced ​​to be safely guided to the slicing unit. The traction roller can have a reduced diameter at the downstream end of the product conveyor to keep the gap between the traction roller and the cutting edge as small as possible.

[0032] The traction roller is preferably arranged in the second conveyor track, wherein the second conveyor track is arranged between the first conveyor track and the third conveyor track. The second conveyor track, which is therefore an inner or middle conveyor track, can thus be manufactured particularly easily and sturdily. In particular, a drive with a rotating drive means, as described above, is particularly advantageous because it reduces the space required and the design effort. In particular, a middle conveyor track with a traction roller can be added between an existing left and right conveyor track, which can be designed as a belt conveyor. This means that existing drive and conveyor concepts, for example with lateral force introduction, can be retained for the outer tracks, and a precisely conveying middle track with little space required for a drive can be added.

[0033] The traction roller preferably has a surface structure on its outer circumference with a height of less than 4 millimeters, in particular less than 2 millimeters. This enables, on the one hand, at least partially positive engagement with the material of the food product, i.e., a certain deformation, so that a force for moving the food product is more advantageously transmitted to it, and, on the other hand, damage to the food product caused by excessively protruding surface structures is avoided. This also prevents slippage or abrasion, which leads to contamination, or both. In particular, tearing of the surface of the food product can be avoided, which is particularly relevant for softer food products.

[0034] The traction roller can have transverse grooves. The transverse grooves can, for example, be rectangular or tapered raised edges, i.e., outer edges, that extend transversely to the conveying direction along the traction roller. The transverse grooves can cause a corresponding deformation of the surface of the food product, thus adding a positive-locking component in addition to the force-fitting propulsion of the food product.

[0035] The traction roller can have nubs. This allows for further increased engagement of the traction roller with the material of the food product and increases the positive-locking component of the force transmission. The traction roller can have bump-like structures that locally deform the product surface, but do not have sharp edges. These structures can be very gentle.

[0036] The traction roller can have spikes. Spikes can be protruding structures similar to knobs, but with a pointed tip. This allows for stable feeding of heavy and solid food products, especially those with high density. The spikes can be inclined in the conveying direction. The spikes can be arranged or inclined so that they are inclined in the conveying direction on the side of the traction roller that is directly in contact with the food product. This can further increase the power transmission into the food product.

[0037] The outer circumference of the traction roller can be made of stainless steel, especially rust-proof stainless steel. This makes the traction roller suitable for use in the food industry and particularly easy to clean. Furthermore, stainless steel can increase longevity due to reduced wear.

[0038] The outer circumference of the traction roller can be made of an elastomer. This allows for particularly gentle transport of the food product. Furthermore, an elastomer with a higher coefficient of static friction can be selected, which improves power transmission.

[0039] The outer circumference of the traction roller can be made of a plastic material. This material can be particularly easy to clean and offer advantageous static friction and elasticity.

[0040] Preferably, two or more traction rollers are provided in a conveyor track. This allows a feed force to be transferred to the food product at two or more contact points in the conveying direction. This can reduce the likelihood of slippage, i.e., the traction roller spinning beneath the food product. This can improve feed accuracy, especially with heavier food products.

[0041] The first traction roller can be arranged in the upstream half of the conveyor track, and the second traction roller in the downstream half. This allows the weight of the food product to be advantageously distributed, particularly evenly, across the traction rollers. Furthermore, the contact times of the food product can be increased with at least one traction roller, thus ensuring that the food product is always moved with a precise feed rate.

[0042] The first traction roller can be located at the upstream end of the conveyor track, and the second traction roller at the downstream end. This maximizes the contact time of the food product with at least one traction roller.

[0043] The first and second traction rollers can be arranged directly next to each other in the conveying direction within a conveyor track.

[0044] The two or more traction rollers can be driven by a common rotating drive mechanism. This allows the rotational speed of the traction rollers to be synchronized. This enables precise feed and prevents a traction roller from spinning. Furthermore, a design with a common drive mechanism is particularly space-saving and stable. The common drive mechanism can be a drive belt, particularly a toothed belt.

[0045] In particular, three traction rollers can be provided in a conveyor track. The three traction rollers can be driven by a common rotating drive means, in particular a drive belt.

[0046] The third traction roller can be arranged in the region between the first traction roller and the second traction roller, and a common drive belt can be engaged with the first traction roller and the second traction roller on a first side and with the third traction roller on a second side opposite the first side. This allows the drive belt to be additionally maintained under tension. The third traction roller can be arranged in a central region, in particular in the middle, between the first traction roller and the second traction roller.

[0047] The axes of the two or more traction rollers can be spaced apart in the conveying direction. This allows the weight of the food product to be advantageously distributed among the traction rollers. This can reduce the mass to be moved per traction roller and provide a second engagement position, further increasing the precision of the power transmission. Preferably, traction rollers of different diameters are provided. This allows the transitions from an upstream conveying or processing means to a downstream conveying or processing means to be adapted to the respective conditions and geometric dimensions. Furthermore, the advantages of a small-diameter and a large-diameter traction roller can be combined.For example, the stability of the feed of a larger traction roller can be combined with the advantage of the possible smaller distances, i.e. gaps, of a smaller traction roller to neighboring elements.

[0048] If a conveyor track has two or more traction rollers, these can differ in one or more features. For example, the traction rollers can have different diameters, whereby one traction roller in particular can already have circumferential areas with different diameters, whereas another traction roller can only have one circumferential area. The traction rollers can have different effective diameters than one another. If this is the case in a track, adjusting the gear ratio at the drive diameter of each roller can ensure that the product surface engages at the same speed. The traction rollers can have different surface structures, drive concepts or other different features. However, it is equally possible for one or more traction rollers to have the same one, several or all features.

[0049] The traction roller with the largest diameter can be located on the upstream side in the conveying direction. Here, the food product runs over the traction roller with a length that is at least equal to the length from the slicing unit to the traction roller—i.e., the length of the conveyor track of the product conveyor when the traction roller is the most upstream element—so that a gap between the traction roller and neighboring elements is less critical. This allows for the advantageous power transmission of the larger-diameter traction roller to be utilized.

[0050] The traction roller with the smallest diameter can be positioned on the side adjacent to the slicing unit. This allows the food product to be conveyed in a controlled manner right up to the slicing unit or a cutting edge. In particular, the gap between the traction roller and the cutting edge can be kept particularly small.

[0051] A conveyor track can have three or more than three traction rollers in one conveyor track.

[0052] If a conveyor track has three or more traction rollers, a traction roller can be arranged between two traction rollers, whereby this middle traction roller can have a smaller diameter than the two adjacent traction rollers. Preferably, at least one traction roller is provided in each of at least two of the conveyor tracks. This allows the product conveying device to have a compact and stable design. Furthermore, the drive concepts can be coordinated with one another. Furthermore, the advance of the conveyor tracks can be better synchronized.

[0053] Preferably, at least two traction rollers are arranged coaxially. This allows the parallel advancement of two food products to occur symmetrically. Furthermore, the drives and their arrangement can be advantageously coordinated. The two coaxially arranged traction rollers can be driven via a common shaft drive, in particular a hollow shaft drive. The drive shaft of one traction roller runs within the adjacent hollow traction roller or its hollow drive shaft.

[0054] The traction roller of one conveyor track can be offset in the conveying direction from a traction roller of another conveyor track. This also allows their drive rollers or drive shafts to be offset, thus saving space. Furthermore, this creates additional options for arranging the drives, particularly for arranging drive rollers to guide the associated rotating drive means.

[0055] Preferably, parallel drive shafts are provided for the traction rollers in the at least two conveyor tracks. This allows for a space-saving design, in which the associated drive motors are also advantageously arranged. Furthermore, the lengths of the drive shafts can also vary. The associated drive motors can also be arranged offset laterally, horizontally, vertically, or in combinations thereof. Likewise, rotating drive means, in particular drive belts, can be arranged parallel or offset in all three spatial directions.

[0056] Preferably, one or more free-running support rollers are arranged in at least one of the conveyor tracks. The support rollers serve to support the food product in areas where a driven traction roller is not necessary or possible. By using the support rollers, a support belt can be dispensed with. The support rollers can differ from the traction rollers in one or more features. For example, the support rollers can have a different diameter, a different surface structure, and different materials than the traction rollers. However, the support rollers can also be similar to the traction rollers and differ only in that they are not driven. The support rollers can be assigned to the traction rollers, in particular in terms of positioning or effect or type or several thereof.

[0057] The support roller can have a substantially flat, in particular smooth, surface along its circumference. This can reduce or eliminate friction between the support rollers and the food product, and thus resistance during the advancement of the food product. Furthermore, the support roller can be easily cleaned. The support roller can be arranged upstream of a traction roller. The support roller can be arranged upstream of a traction roller and directly adjacent to this traction roller. The traction roller and upstream support roller can be arranged in the upstream half of the product conveying device. The traction roller and upstream support roller can be arranged on the upstream side of the product conveying device.

[0058] The support roller can be arranged downstream of a traction roller. The support roller can be arranged downstream of a traction roller and directly adjacent to this traction roller. The traction roller and downstream support roller can be arranged in the downstream half of the product conveyor. The traction roller and downstream support roller can be arranged on the downstream side of the product conveyor, namely the side facing the slicing unit.

[0059] The support roller can be arranged between two traction rollers. The support roller can be arranged between two traction rollers and directly adjacent to at least one of the two traction rollers, or directly adjacent to both traction rollers.

[0060] A support roller can be positioned lower, in particular slightly lower, than a traction roller. A support roller can be positioned lower, in particular slightly lower, than an associated or adjacent traction roller.

[0061] A support roller can be mounted on a spring-loaded mounting. A support roller can be more elastic than a traction roller. A support roller can be more elastic than an associated or adjacent traction roller. This can improve the interaction of the traction roller with the product surface.

[0062] One or more support elements, in particular sliding plates, can be arranged in at least one of the conveyor tracks. The support element provides a support surface on which the food product can rest and slide during advancement. The support element can be particularly easy to manufacture because it does not need to include any rotating components or components that otherwise follow the movement of the food product. Ideally, the support surface of the support element that comes into contact with the food product is designed to minimize frictional resistance for the food product sliding on it.

[0063] The support element can have a substantially flat, in particular smooth, support surface intended to come into contact with the food product. The support surface can therefore be free of unevenness, roughness, elevations, and the like. The support surface can be polished, in particular a polished metal surface. The support surface can be coated, in particular Teflon-coated. The support surface can have a microscopic, in particular molecular, microstructure, which has a reduced coefficient of friction due to molecular or atomic elevations.

[0064] The support element may have a substantially flat support surface.

[0065] The support element can have a support surface that is at least partially convex. This can further reduce the risk of the food product sticking to the support surface. Furthermore, the food product can slide more easily onto the support element, as the food product does not have to overcome any edges. This also prevents damage to the food product.

[0066] The support element can be height-adjustable. This allows the support element to be adjusted to the size of the adjacent rollers, in particular so that the support surface is aligned with the apex of the rollers, thus forming a flat conveying surface. A support element can be positioned lower, in particular minimally lower, than a traction roller. A support element can be positioned lower, in particular minimally lower, than an associated or adjacent traction roller.

[0067] A support element can be arranged with a spring mount. A support element can be more elastic than a traction roller. A support element can be more elastic than an associated or adjacent traction roller. This can improve the interaction of the traction roller with the product surface.

[0068] The support element can be arranged upstream of a traction roller. The support element can be arranged upstream of a traction roller and directly adjacent to this traction roller. The traction roller and the upstream support element can be arranged in the upstream half of the product conveyor. The traction roller and the upstream support element can be arranged on the upstream side of the product conveyor.

[0069] The support element can be arranged downstream of a traction roller. The support element can be arranged downstream of a traction roller and directly adjacent to this traction roller. The traction roller and the downstream support element can be arranged in the downstream half of the product conveyor. The traction roller and the downstream support element can be arranged on the downstream side of the product conveyor, namely the side facing the slicing unit.

[0070] The support element can be arranged between two traction rollers. The support element can be arranged between two traction rollers and directly adjacent to at least one of the two traction rollers, or directly adjacent to both traction rollers. The product conveying device can be a lower product support. For force transmission during the advancement of the food product, it may be sufficient for the food product to rest on the traction roller due to its own weight.

[0071] The product conveyor device can be designed to engage the supplied food product from above. Such a top-feed product feed can be provided alternatively or in addition to a lower product conveyor device. The upper product feed can be brought into contact with the food product by applying a contact force or pressure to the food product.

[0072] The product conveying device can be a lower product support, wherein an upper roller can additionally be assigned to the traction roller in the vertical direction.

[0073] The product conveying device can be a lower product support, wherein an upper roller can additionally be provided opposite the traction roller perpendicular to the conveying direction. The connecting line of the centers or center axes of the lower traction roller and the opposite upper roller can form a right angle with the conveying direction. The upper roller, opposite the lower traction roller, can be a passive roller or a driven traction roller. The food product can be clamped between the two rollers by pressure of the rollers against each other, in particular during advance. The pressure can be generated by a corresponding active or passive element, for example a spring, on the lower traction roller or the upper roller or by both, or by compliance of at least one of the traction roller or upper roller. Thus, the food product can be clamped between the two rollers.This can result in improved traction when conveying the food product. Clamping allows for more precise feed.

[0074] At least one of the conveyor tracks may have a conveying surface which is at least partially formed by a conveyor belt.

[0075] The product conveying device can be designed as a cassette that can be removably inserted into a cassette receptacle, wherein the cassette comprises at least the first conveying track, the second conveying track, and the third conveying track. Thus, different embodiments of the cassette or product conveying device can be easily exchanged and used, for example, to suit different types of food products. The different cassettes can have a different number of conveying tracks. The conveying tracks of one cassette can have a different width than the conveying tracks of another cassette. Drive motors can be provided on or in the cassette receptacle and remain there when the cassette is removed. Drive connections can be uncoupled or couplings released when the cassette is removed. The rotating drive means can be guided around a traction roller and a tensioning roller.The tensioning pulley can be adjustable in its position, in particular releasably and lockably, in order to tension the rotating drive means around the first traction pulley and the tensioning pulley.

[0076] A first traction roller and a second traction roller of the same conveyor track can be driven by means of a common rotating drive means.

[0077] The rotating drive means can rotate around the first traction roller, the second traction roller, and a tensioning roller. The tensioning roller can be adjustable in position, in particular releasably and lockably, in order to tension the rotating drive means around the first traction roller, the second traction roller, and the tensioning roller. The tensioning roller can be arranged laterally of an outer conveyor track, for example, the right or left lateral one, for example, to the side of the first conveyor track. The rotating conveyor means can drive the first traction roller and the second traction roller of an outer conveyor track. The tensioning roller can be arranged at least partially above the traction roller.

[0078] A first traction roller and a second traction roller of the same conveyor track can be arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction such that their spacing is as small as possible to avoid contact. In particular, their spacing is less than 20 centimeters, more particularly less than 5 centimeters, and more particularly less than 2 centimeters.

[0079] A traction roller, a support roller, a support element or the like can be mounted on a stub axle. The stub axle on which the roller is mounted can be pulled out along the longitudinal axis of the roller and thus release the roller, in particular in order to remove the roller from the product conveying device. The stub axle can be fixed or released using a lateral screw. The length of the stub axle can extend over one conveyor track, two conveyor tracks, or multiple conveyor tracks. One roller of a conveyor track can be mounted on a stub axle. Two coaxially adjacent rollers of two adjacent conveyor tracks, or multiple coaxially adjacent rollers of multiple adjacent conveyor tracks can be mounted on the same stub axle. The stub axle can be a non-driven axle which serves solely to support one or more free-running or driven rollers.

[0080] The length of the plug-in axle can extend over all conveyor tracks of the product conveyor device. The plug-in axle can be in two parts. The plug-in axle can have a separation point in its middle so that a first part of the plug-in axle can be pulled out laterally on a first side and a second part of the plug-in axle on a second side of the product conveyor device. The first part or the second part of the plug-in axle or both can each be fixable with a screw. The rotating drive means can be covered by a cover. The cover can be arranged above the rotating drive means. The cover can have a width which essentially corresponds to the width of the rotating drive means. The cover can be arranged so that it does not touch the rotating drive means. The cover can be arranged between two conveyor tracks.The cover can be arranged on, in particular above, a rotating drive means arranged on a laterally inner side. The cover can prevent contact of a food product with a rotating drive means.

[0081] The rotating drive means can rotate around a second circumferential region of a traction roller, which has a smaller circumference than a first circumferential region of the traction roller on which a food product rests. The second circumferential region can extend laterally as a collar beyond the width of the rotating drive means. The collar can extend into a region of an adjacent roller of an adjacent conveyor track. The collar can extend under an adjacent roller. The collar can be sealed against the adjacent roller by means of a seal. The collar can have a gear ring with which the rotating drive means engages.

[0082] The components of the product conveying device can be designed and arranged such that all torque-carrying components do not overlap any other torque-carrying component, in particular so that no torque-carrying component lies entirely or partially within another torque-carrying component. All torque-carrying components can be arranged so that no torque-carrying component radially overlaps any other torque-carrying component. All torque-carrying components can be arranged so that they are spaced apart axially or in the conveying direction. All traction rollers arranged coaxially to one another, in particular traction rollers of adjacent conveyor tracks, can be spaced apart axially. All traction rollers can be arranged so that no traction roller overlaps another traction roller, in particular so that no section or element of a traction roller overlaps a section or element of another traction roller.All coaxially arranged traction rollers can be arranged such that a flange of a traction roller does not overlap with an adjacent traction roller. The torque for driving a first traction roller, in particular for rotating the first traction roller, can be transmitted to the respective traction roller for all traction rollers in such a way that no torque-carrying drive shaft is guided entirely or partially through a second driven traction roller without driving this second traction roller.

[0083] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a food slicing machine comprising a slicing unit and a product conveying device according to one of the above-described embodiments. The food slicing machine can have a cassette holder, wherein the product conveying device can be removably inserted into the cassette holder. Thus, the food slicing device can be adapted to different food products.

[0084] The food slicing machine may comprise a first drive shaft, wherein the first drive shaft is arranged coaxially with a traction roller of the product conveyor, wherein a coupling is provided that couples the drive shaft to the traction roller. Thus, a drive motor can remain in the food slicing machine when the cassette is replaced.

[0085] The food slicing machine may include a second drive shaft, wherein the second drive shaft is connected to the traction roller by a rotating drive means for driving the traction roller. Thus, by releasing or relaxing the drive means, the cassette can be released so that it can be removed.

[0086] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for removing a cassette from a food slicing machine, wherein the cassette has a first conveyor track, a second conveyor track, and a third conveyor track, wherein the first, second, and third conveyor tracks are each designed to independently feed a food product to a slicing unit, and wherein one of the first, second, or third conveyor tracks comprises a traction roller, wherein the traction roller is designed to come into conveying contact with a food product and to feed it to the slicing unit, the method comprising the following steps:

[0087] Disconnecting a drive connection between a drive and the traction roller, and

[0088] Removing the cassette from a cassette holder.

[0089] Releasing the drive connection may involve releasing the tension on a rotating drive mechanism. This release may be achieved by tilting the cassette. The drive mechanism may be a drive belt.

[0090] Releasing the drive connection may involve detaching a rotating drive means from a drive roller, wherein the drive roller is part of the cassette holder. The drive roller may remain in the cassette holder while the cassette is being removed.

[0091] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a use of a traction roller for conveying food products to a cutting blade in a product conveying device having at least three independent conveying tracks.

[0092] According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a product conveying device for feeding food products to a slicing unit of a food slicing machine, comprising a cassette, wherein the cassette is detachably arranged in the product conveying device. The product conveying device further comprises a first traction roller, wherein the first traction roller forms a first conveying track with the cassette, and the first traction roller is configured to come into conveying contact with a food product and feed it to the slicing unit.

[0093] This allows the cassette to be removed for cleaning and the traction roller to remain in the product conveyor and be cleaned there.

[0094] The product conveying device may comprise a cassette receptacle. The cassette may be removably disposed in the cassette receptacle. The cassette receptacle may comprise the first traction roller.

[0095] The cassette may comprise one or more free-running support rollers, which together with the first traction roller form the first conveyor track.

[0096] The cassette can comprise one or more support elements. Especially if the cassette comprises only support rollers or support element, or both, but no driven traction rollers, no drive trains need to be disconnected, and the cassette can be easily removed.

[0097] The product conveying device may include a first drive shaft. The first drive shaft may be arranged coaxially with the first traction roller.

[0098] The product conveying device may include a second traction roller. The second traction roller may be arranged coaxially with the first traction roller. This allows two food products to be conveyed simultaneously and in parallel.

[0099] The product conveyor may include a second drive shaft. The second drive shaft may be arranged coaxially with the second traction roller.

[0100] The cassette may comprise one or more free-running support rollers which form a second conveyor track with the second traction roller.

[0101] The product conveying device may include a third traction roller.

[0102] The cassette may comprise one or more free-running support rollers, which form a third conveyor track with the third traction roller.

[0103] The third traction roller can be driven by a rotating drive means.

[0104] The third traction roller may comprise a first circumferential region and a second circumferential region, wherein the drive means rotates around the second circumferential region, wherein the diameter of the second circumferential region and of the supporting drive means is smaller than the diameter of the first circumferential region.

[0105] The product conveyor device may comprise a third drive shaft, wherein the third drive shaft is connected to the third traction roller by the revolving drive means to drive the third traction roller. The third traction roller may be arranged coaxially with the first traction roller and the second traction roller.

[0106] The product conveyor device may include a fourth traction roller, and the cassette may include one or more free-running support rollers, which, together with the fourth traction roller, form a fourth conveyor track. Thus, up to four food products can be conveyed in parallel.

[0107] The fourth traction roller can be driven by a rotating drive means.

[0108] The fourth traction roller may comprise a first circumferential region and a second circumferential region, wherein the drive means rotates around the second circumferential region, wherein the diameter of the second circumferential region and of the supporting drive means is smaller than the diameter of the first circumferential region.

[0109] The product conveying device may comprise a fourth drive shaft, wherein the fourth drive shaft is connected to the fourth traction roller by the revolving drive means to drive the fourth traction roller.

[0110] The fourth traction roller may be arranged coaxially to the first traction roller, the second traction roller and the third traction roller.

[0111] The product conveying device may comprise two or more coaxially arranged traction rollers and the cassette may comprise two or more free-running support rollers, each traction roller forming a conveying track with at least one support roller.

[0112] The two or more traction rollers can be arranged coaxially and mounted on a common bearing.

[0113] The jointly mounted traction rollers can be removably arranged in the product conveyor. The jointly mounted traction rollers can be arranged on top of and together with the joint bearing in the product conveyor. This allows the cassette to be removed, and the jointly mounted traction rollers can also be removed and cleaned as a separate unit.

[0114] The one or more coaxially arranged traction rollers can be releasably mounted in the product conveyor device on a laterally extreme left side and a laterally extreme right side, each by means of a coupling. The traction rollers can, for example, be easily removable from the coupling.

[0115] The cassette may have a recess through which the cassette can be removably attached to a retaining element. This allows the cassette to be removed and inserted without tools.

[0116] The cassette may have a substantially circular-arc-shaped recess, by means of which the cassette can be releasably attached to a substantially circular-cylindrical retaining element. The cassette may have a substantially circular-arc-shaped recess, by means of which the cassette can be releasably attached to a substantially circular-cylindrical shaft guide.

[0117] A first leg, a second leg, or both legs of the recess can be elastically bendable. This allows the legs to bend outward during insertion and removal and, in the final installed position, enclose the retaining element.

[0118] The retaining element can have a notch onto which the recess of the cassette can be inserted. This can limit or prevent lateral displacement of the cassette.

[0119] The cassette may comprise a cassette frame and a roller module, wherein the roller module is detachably arranged in the cassette frame. Thus, different roller modules can be arranged in the cassette frame, for example, to provide a different number of conveyor tracks.

[0120] The roller module can comprise one or more free-running support rollers in a conveyor track. These serve to support and transport the food module to the slicing unit.

[0121] The roller module can be mounted in the cassette frame with an eccentric adjustment mechanism. This allows the height of the support rollers to be adjusted to a cutting edge of the slicing unit.

[0122] At least one support roller of the cassette can be positioned upstream of a traction roller when the cassette is installed in the product conveyor. This allows for additional upstream support of the food product, or the traction roller can be positioned closer to the cutting plane, or both.

[0123] At least one support roller of the cassette may be arranged upstream of a traction roller and at least one support roller of the cassette may be arranged downstream of a traction roller when the cassette is installed in the product conveying device.

[0124] In each of the one or more conveyor tracks, at least one support roller may be arranged upstream of the respective traction roller when the cassette is installed in the product conveyor device.

[0125] The one or more traction rollers can be arranged downstream of the holding element to which the cassette can be attached in the product conveying device.

[0126] The first traction roller may be arranged downstream of a first drive shaft in the product conveying device.

[0127] The one or more traction rollers can be arranged downstream of a respective drive shaft in the product conveyor device. The respective traction roller of the right or leftmost conveyor track, as viewed in the conveying direction, or of both tracks, can be driven via a rotating drive mechanism. Thus, the respective drive shaft for these traction rollers can also be arranged offset from the roller axis.

[0128] The respective traction roller of the respective right or leftmost conveyor track, viewed in the conveying direction, or both traction rollers can each be driven by a respective rotating drive means. The respective traction roller has a roller section that extends laterally beyond the width of the support rollers, and the drive means rotates around this roller section. Thus, the rotating drive means is located outside the actual conveyor track, and contact with the food product can be avoided.

[0129] Each traction roller may comprise a first peripheral region and a second peripheral region, with the respective drive means rotating around the second peripheral region, the diameter of the second peripheral region and of the supporting drive means being smaller than the diameter of the first peripheral region. Thus, the food product rests only on the first peripheral region and does not come into contact with the drive means.

[0130] According to a sixth aspect, the invention relates to a food slicing machine comprising a slicing unit and a product conveying device according to the embodiments described above.

[0131] According to a seventh aspect, the invention relates to a method for removing a cassette from a product conveying device, wherein the cassette comprises one or more support rollers, wherein the support rollers together with a traction roller of the product conveying device form a conveying track, and wherein the traction roller is designed to come into conveying contact with a food product and to feed it to a slicing unit, the method comprising the following steps:

[0132] Pulling off a recess of the cassette from an at least partially enclosed holding element of the product conveying device, and

[0133] Removing the cassette from the product conveyor. Removal can thus be done easily and without tools.

[0134] The recess of the cassette can be substantially circular-arc-shaped and the holding element can be substantially circular-cylindrical.

[0135] Removing the cassette may involve unlocking the cassette. This allows the cassette to be secured in place while installed, preventing accidental movement or removal.

[0136] The removal can cause the cassette to pivot by an angle in the range of 45

[0137] Degrees to 90 degrees. The cassette may comprise a cassette frame and a roller module, and removal of the cassette may comprise removal of the roller module from the cassette frame.

[0138] According to an eighth aspect, the invention relates to the use of a cassette in a product conveying device for conveying food products to a cutting blade in a food slicing machine, wherein the cassette comprises a support roller and the product conveying device comprises a traction roller, wherein the support roller forms a conveying track with the traction roller.

[0139] The product conveying device according to the first aspect of the invention and the food slicing machine according to the second aspect of the invention can be used in a method according to the third aspect of the invention. The method according to the third aspect of the invention can be carried out with a product conveying device according to the first aspect of the invention and a food slicing machine according to the second aspect of the invention. The use of a traction roller for conveying food products according to the fourth aspect of the invention can be carried out in a product conveying device according to the first aspect of the invention and a food slicing machine according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0140] The product conveying device according to the fifth aspect of the invention and the food slicing machine according to the sixth aspect of the invention can be used in a method according to the seventh aspect of the invention. The method according to the seventh aspect of the invention can be carried out with a product conveying device according to the fifth aspect of the invention and a food slicing machine according to the sixth aspect of the invention. The use of a cassette for conveying food products according to the eighth aspect of the invention can be carried out in a product conveying device according to the fifth aspect of the invention and a food slicing machine according to the sixth aspect of the invention.

[0141] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the figures.

[0142] Figure 1 : a food processing line,

[0143] Figure 2: a perspective view of a food slicing machine,

[0144] Figure 3: a perspective sectional view of a food slicing machine,

[0145] Figure 4: a perspective sectional view of a food slicing machine,

[0146] Figure 5: a schematic view of a first conveyor track of a product conveyor device,

[0147] Figure 6: a perspective view of a cassette,

[0148] Figure 7: a perspective sectional view of the cassette according to Figure 6,

[0149] Figure 8: a perspective view of a cassette of a further embodiment, Figure 9: a side sectional view of the cassette according to Figure 8,

[0150] Figure 10: a perspective view of a cassette of another embodiment,

[0151] Figure 11: a perspective view of a product conveying device according to the fifth aspect of the invention,

[0152] Figure 12: a perspective view of the product conveying device of Figure 11 without cassette,

[0153] Figure 13: a perspective view of a cassette of the product conveying device of Figure 11,

[0154] Figure 14: a perspective view of the product conveying device of Figure 11 with the cassette pivoted upwards,

[0155] Figure 15: a perspective view of another embodiment of a cassette with cassette frame and upwardly pivoted roller module,

[0156] Figure 16: a perspective view of a roller module of the cassette of Figure 15,

[0157] Figure 17: a perspective view of a cassette frame of the cassette of Figure 15,

[0158] Figure 18: a schematic view of another embodiment of a product conveying device according to the fifth aspect of the invention,

[0159] Figure 19: a perspective view of a product conveying device of a further embodiment,

[0160] Figure 20: a sectional view of the first and second conveyor tracks of the product conveyor device of Figure 19.

[0161] Corresponding components are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

[0162] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a food processing line 1 with several processing stations along a conveying direction 100. A food block 3, for example a block of cheese, is fed to a block divider 5 to be divided, for example, into four elongated food products, each of which has a smaller height and width than the original food block 3. The food products are then analyzed in a scanner 7, for example an X-ray scanner. For example, the external dimensions of the food products can be recorded or their internal density structure can be determined, or both. In the downstream food slicing machine 9, the food products are sliced ​​into food slices by means of a slicing unit 11. Dividers can be inserted between the slices by means of a separator inserter 13, also called an "interleaver."A portioning unit 15, onto which the cut slices initially fall, determines the arrangement and number of slices in a food portion through the movement of its conveyor unit. A continuous checkweigher 17 verifies the portion weight. A desired number of food portions can be lined up on a subsequent buffer 19, in order to then process portion groups or format sets in the subsequent stations. In a loading station 21, the food portions are placed into packaging trays, for example, using a picking robot or a belt conveyor. In a subsequent packaging machine 23, the packaging trays filled with food portions are closed, for example, sealed. The closed packages are then labeled and separated.

[0163] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a food slicing machine 9 with a slicing unit 11 configured to slice food products from four conveyor tracks along a cutting edge 27 using a rotating cutting blade 25 in the form of a sickle blade. A blade protection hood 29 covers the rotating cutting blade 25 and can be folded upwards to replace the cutting blade 25. The cut slices fall onto a portioning belt 31 configured to produce food portions, i.e., stacks of slices with the desired number and arrangement, for example, stacked or shingled portions, and then convey them further.Upstream of the slicing unit 11 there is a four-track infeed belt 33, a four-track product conveyor belt 35 with central separating webs 37, and between the product conveyor belt 35 and the slicing unit 11 there is a product conveying device according to the invention, which is largely concealed here due to the housing parts.

[0164] The product conveyor belt 35 can be pivoted upward about an axis located on its downstream side, allowing a product gripper 39 to grasp the rear end of the food products in the conveying direction. The food products are fed diagonally downward in the conveying direction 100 to the slicing unit 11. A control unit 41 in the form of a touchscreen serves to operate the food slicing machine 9 and to display operating parameters. A protective cover 43 can be folded upward to provide access to the product guide.

[0165] Figure 3 shows a perspective sectional view of a food slicing machine 9. The infeed belt 33 moves a food product (not shown) onto the product conveyor belt 35. A sensor 45 can detect the length of the food product. The sensor 45 can be a light barrier or a laser sensor. The product conveyor belt 35 is in a lower, horizontal position in Figure 3 and can be pivoted about a rotation axis 200 into an upper, inclined position, as shown in Figure 4. From the product conveyor belt 35, the food product is moved onto the product conveyor device 47 according to the invention, which is located upstream of the cutting edge 27, in order to be fed to the sickle blade 25 by means of the product conveyor device 47. In this embodiment, the product conveyor device 47 has a first and second traction roller 49, a support roller 51, and a support element 53.An upper product feeder 55, coupled to a driven feed belt 57, engages the food product from above to assist the feed movement. In addition, the product gripper 39 is configured to grip the rear end of the food product to further control the feed movement. The interleaver 13 provides a controlled, in particular synchronized, flow of interleaver material 59 depending on the cutting process, which can be inserted as individually cut interleavers between or under the slices. A discharge belt 61 is used to remove the initial slices and end pieces and can rotate clockwise for this purpose in the view shown here.

[0166] Figure 4 shows a perspective sectional view of the food slicing machine as in Figures 2 and 3, but with the product conveyor belt 35 pivoted upward about the rotation axis 200. In this upper position of the product conveyor belt 35, the food product is fed along the conveying direction 100 of the slicing unit 11 by means of the product conveying device 47. In addition, the upper product feed 55, the product conveyor belt 35, and the product gripper 39, which engages the upstream end of the food product, support the most precise feed possible. The product conveying device 47 has two traction rollers 49, a support roller 51, and a support element 53. Some elements, such as the separator sheet inserter 13 and the portioning unit 15, have been omitted from this illustration for the sake of clarity.

[0167] Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a first conveyor track 10 of a three-track product conveyor device 47. A second conveyor track 20 and a third conveyor track 30 are indicated by dashed placeholders. The conveyor track 10 has an upstream and a downstream traction roller 49, a support roller 51, and a support element 53, which are aligned together to form a substantially flat conveying surface for a food product 63. The traction rollers 49, the support roller 51, and the support element 53 may also deviate slightly from the common, ideal support or conveying plane, in particular due to the effective diameter of the traction rollers 49 or in order to adjust a desired grip. The traction rollers 49 are each connected to a drive 67, for example an electric motor, in particular a servomotor, by means of a drive shaft 65.The support element 53 is mounted on a lifting mechanism 69, which allows the height of the support element 53 to be adjusted. The traction rollers 49 and the support roller 51 are mounted on a frame 71, wherein the frame 71 has passages for the drive shafts 65. The frame 71 can be provided on both sides of the conveyor track 10 and can be used to support the components of the remaining conveyor tracks 20 and 30. Likewise, the support element 53 can be mounted on the frame 71 or an associated strut. The conveyor tracks 20 and 30 can have the same structure as the conveyor track 10, but can also be designed differently.

[0168] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a product conveying device 47 in the form of a removable cassette 73 with four conveyor tracks 10, 20, 30, 40. Each of the conveyor tracks 10, 20, 30, 40 has three support rollers 51, a support element 53, and a traction roller 49. The cassette 73 is removably inserted into a cassette receptacle 75, which is indicated here as a right and a left dashed frame element. The first drive shaft 65 is part of the cassette receptacle 75 and is releasably connected coaxially to the traction roller 49 of the first conveyor track 10 via a coupling 77. A second drive shaft 79 runs parallel to the traction roller 49 of the second conveyor track 20 and is connected to the traction roller 49 of the second conveyor track 20 via a revolving drive means 81 in the form of a drive belt. A drive corresponding to the second conveyor track 20 is provided for the third conveyor track 30.A drive corresponding to the first conveyor track 10 is provided for the fourth conveyor track 40. As shown in more detail in Figure 7, the traction rollers 49 of the second conveyor track 20 and third conveyor track 30 have a first, structured circumferential region intended to engage the food product 63, and a second circumferential region around which the drive means rotates. The diameter of the first circumferential region is larger than the diameter of the second circumferential region and the overlying drive means 81. An inner section of the second drive shaft 79 is designed as a drive roller 83, over which the drive means 81 rotates.

[0169] Figure 7 shows a perspective sectional view of the cassette 73 of Figure 6, in a vertical section along a lateral section axis through the traction rollers 49. A section of the second conveyor track 20 and third conveyor track 30 can be seen. The traction rollers 49 have a first circumferential region 85 and a second circumferential region 87, wherein the first circumferential region 85 is provided for supporting the food product 63 and the second circumferential region 87 is provided for engagement with the rotating drive means 81. The first circumferential region 85 has a first diameter 50. The second circumferential region 87 has a second diameter 60. The sum of the thickness of the rotating drive means 81 and the second diameter 60 results in the third and third diameters, respectively.total diameter 70 of the second circumferential region 87, which is smaller than the first diameter 50 of the first circumferential region 85, so that the food product 63 does not rest on the rotating drive means 81 even if the width of the food product 63 is greater than the width of the first circumferential region 85. The traction rollers 49 have a surface structure 89 in the form of a transverse groove with pointed outer edges and a height 80. The sum of the thickness of the rotating drive means 81 and the second diameter 60 is in particular smaller than the effective diameter of the first circumferential region 85 or the traction roller 49. The outer side orThe upper side of the rotating drive means 81 is lower than the underside of the product, even when the underside of the product engages or is operatively connected to structures of the traction roller 49, i.e. even when the food product 63 penetrates between the surface structure 89, for example between transverse grooves, of the traction roller 49.

[0170] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a cassette 73 with four conveyor tracks 10, 20, 30, 40 in a further embodiment. As in the embodiment of Figure 7, the upstream traction rollers 49 of the middle two tracks 20, 30 are each driven by the rotating drive means 81, which in turn are driven by the second drive shafts 79. In addition, the drive means 81 also runs over the second, downstream traction roller 91 in order to drive this as well. The outer conveyor tracks 10, 40 now also each have second, downstream traction rollers 91. Second rotating drive means 93 run around the traction rollers 49, 91 of the outer conveyor tracks 10, 40 in order to also drive the second traction roller 91 by means of the rotation of the first traction roller 49. The first traction roller 49 is driven via the coupling 77 by the first drive shaft 65 shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0171] In addition, all conveyor tracks 10, 20, 30, 40 each have two third traction rollers 95, which also have a surface structure in the form of a transverse groove and are driven by the respective rotating drive means 81, 93.

[0172] Figure 9 shows a side sectional view of a cassette 73 of the embodiment according to Figure 8. The first rotating drive means 81 in the form of a toothed belt runs over the drive shaft 79, the first traction roller 49, the second traction roller 91 and the two third traction rollers 95 of the second conveyor track 20. The second rotating drive means 93 in the form of a toothed belt runs over the first traction roller 49, the second traction roller 91 and the two third traction rollers 95 of the first conveyor track 10. The first traction rollers 49 have the diameter 50, which is larger than the diameter 90 of the second traction rollers 91. The first circumferential region 85 of the traction rollers 49, 91 has a serrated surface structure 89, the outermost extent of which, as already shown in Figure 7, projects beyond the rotating drive means 81, 93, so that a food product 63 rests on the surface structure 89 but not on the drive means 81, 93.In this embodiment, the second circumferential regions 87 have a toothed surface, each of which engages with the drive means 81, 93 in the form of a toothed belt. The traction rollers 95 are designed accordingly.

[0173] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a cassette 73 of a further embodiment. In this embodiment, the rotating drive means 93 of the first conveyor track 10 is guided such that its first, inner side 97 engages the outer traction rollers 49, 91 and its second, outer side 99 opposite the first side engages the middle traction rollers 95. Thus, the drive means 93 is guided further away from the food product 63 in certain sections and is additionally tensioned. The first traction roller 49 is rotatable about the first rotation axis 300, and the second traction roller 91 is rotatable about the second rotation axis 400.

[0174] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a product conveying device 101 of the further embodiment according to the fifth aspect of the invention. The product conveying device 101 comprises a cassette receptacle 103, which is essentially formed by the frame 105 and the cylindrical shaft guide 107. The product conveying device 101 also comprises the detachably arranged cassette 109. In this variant, the cassette 109 comprises the free-running support rollers 51. The four traction rollers 49, which in this embodiment are not part of the cassette 109, are arranged coaxially in the product conveying device 101. The product conveying device 101 is designed with four tracks. The upper vertices of the support rollers 51 can be at exactly the same height as the upper vertex of the respective traction roller 49, but they can also be aligned at a slightly different height. The food products 63 are conveyed along the conveying direction 100.In this embodiment, the left conveyor track is referred to as the first conveyor track 10, the right conveyor track as the second conveyor track 20, and the middle conveyor tracks as the third conveyor track 30 and fourth conveyor track 40. The traction roller 49 of the first conveyor track 10 is driven by the first, coaxially arranged drive shaft 111. The traction roller 49 of the second conveyor track 20 is driven by the second, coaxially arranged drive shaft 113. This designation for the first and second conveyor tracks 10, 20 was chosen because it corresponds to the basic structure in the case of a two-track machine, with a right and left conveyor track 10, 20 each driven on one side by the associated drive shafts 111, 113. Middle tracks are added as an extension of the concept, including associated separate drive shafts 115, 117. The traction roller 49 of the third conveyor track 30 is driven by a third drive shaft 115 arranged offset in parallel.The traction roller 49 of the fourth conveyor track 40 is driven by a fourth drive shaft 117 arranged offset in parallel. Drive rollers 83 are arranged at the ends of the third and fourth drive shafts 115, 117. The traction rollers 49 of the third and fourth conveyor tracks 30, 40 have a first circumferential region 85 and a second circumferential region 87, and a rotating drive means 81 rotates around the second circumferential region 87 and the drive roller 83 to drive the traction rollers 49. The circumference of the second circumferential region 87 with the drive means 81 is smaller than the circumference of the first circumferential region 85. The cassette 109 has circular-arc-shaped recesses 121 on its lateral parts of the cassette frame 119, with which the cassette 109 is attached to the circular-cylindrical shaft guides 107. The shaft guides 107 have additional notches 123, which also fix the cassette 109 laterally.

[0175] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the product conveying device 101 of Figure 11 without the cassette 109. The drive motors 67 for the respective drive shafts 111, 113, 115, 117 can be seen on the side of the frame 105. The four traction rollers 49 are mounted on a common bearing 125, which is supported by means of a support 127 on a traverse-like cross element 129 of the frame 105. The traction rollers 49 can be removed from the product conveying device 101 together with the bearing 125 by loosening the support 127, pulling the bearing 125 with the traction rollers 49 downwards out of the couplings 77, and loosening the flanged disks 131 of the drive rollers 83 in order to remove the drive means 81. The notch 123 onto which the cassette 109 is placed can be seen on the shaft guide 107.

[0176] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a cassette 109 of the product conveying device 101 of Figure 11. Four support rollers 51 are arranged in the cassette frame 119 for each conveyor track 10, 20, 30, 40. A circular recess 121 is formed in each of the lateral sections of the cassette frame 119, which in turn is formed or enclosed by a first leg 133 and a second leg 135. One or both legs 133, 135 can be elastically loaded so that the recess 121 can be plugged onto the circular-cylindrical shaft guide 107. A lateral handle 137 is used for handling, pivoting and removing the cassette 109 when removing it from a locking mechanism.

[0177] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the product conveying device 101 of Figure 11, viewed opposite the conveying direction 100, with the cassette 109 pivoted upward for removal. To remove the cassette 109, a locking mechanism 139 is opened, for example, by pulling a bolt preloaded inward by a spring outward. The cassette 109 is then pivoted upward and removed from the cylindrical shaft guide 107.

[0178] Figure 15 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a cassette 109 with a cassette frame 119 and a roller module 141 pivoted upwards. The roller module 141 is mounted on the cassette frame 119 and is removable therefrom. Thus, the roller module 141 can be exchanged, for example, to provide a different number of conveyor tracks 10, 20, 30, 40.

[0179] Figure 16 shows a perspective view of a roller module 141 of the cassette 109 of Figure 15. The roller module 141 can be plugged onto internal lateral supports (see Figure 17) of the cassette frame 119 by means of recesses 143. By means of an eccentric 145, the roller module 141 can be adjusted in height relative to the cassette frame 119, for example, to slightly adjust the height with respect to a cutting edge.

[0180] Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the cassette frame 119 of the cassette 109 of Figure 15. The recesses 143 of the roller module 141 can be plugged onto the lateral supports 147 in order to place the roller module 141 in the cassette frame 119.

[0181] Figure 18 shows a schematic view of another embodiment of a product conveying device 101 according to the fifth aspect of the invention. The traction rollers 49 are arranged offset from the drive shafts 111, 113, 115, 117 in the conveying direction 100 and are thus positioned closer to a cutting edge. Circulating drive means 81 extend from the drive shafts 111, 113, 115, 117, of which the first drive shaft 111 and the second drive shaft 113 are visible here, to the traction rollers in order to drive them. For this purpose, the inner traction rollers 49 of the third conveyor track 30 and the fourth conveyor track 40 have a first circumferential region 85 and a second circumferential region 87, wherein the drive means 81 rotates around the second circumferential region 87, wherein the diameter 60 of the second circumferential region 87 and of the supporting drive means 81 is smaller than the diameter 50 of the first circumferential region 85 (see Figure 7).Thus, the rotating drive means 81 does not come into contact with the conveyed food product 63, which rests on the first circumferential region 85. The third and fourth drive shafts 115, 117 are offset downward relative to the traction rollers 49. In the embodiment shown, the third and fourth drive shafts 115, 117 are offset downward but are in the same position in the conveying direction 100 as the first and second drive shafts 111, 113. However, they could also be positioned further downstream in the conveying direction 100. The cassette 109 comprises the free-running support rollers 51, which can thus be removed together. For each conveyor track 10, 20, 30, 40, there are two support rollers 51 upstream of the traction roller 49 and one support roller 51 downstream of the traction roller 49. The traction rollers 49 of the outer conveyor tracks 10, 20 comprise outwardly facing roller extensions 149 around which the drive means 81 rotate.As a result, the drive means 81 are arranged outside the conveyor tracks 10, 20, wherein the conveyor tracks 10, 20 are formed by the traction rollers 49 with their first circumferential region 85 and the width of the support rollers 51. In the embodiment shown, the roller extensions 149 also have a smaller diameter than the remaining part of the traction rollers 49.

[0182] Figure 19 shows a perspective view of a product conveying device 47 of a further embodiment with four conveyor tracks 10, 20, 30, 40, wherein each conveyor track 10, 20, 30, 40 has a first traction roller 49 and a second traction roller 91 as well as at least one support roller 51. The first traction roller 49 and second traction roller 91 of the left, first conveyor track 10 are driven by a common rotating drive means 81 in the form of a toothed belt, wherein the drive means 81 is additionally guided via a tensioning roller 151. The rollers 49, 81, 151 can be connected to a drive 67 via a coupling 77.

[0183] The first traction roller 49 and the second traction roller 91 of the second conveyor track 20 are also connected by means of a rotating drive means 81 in the form of a toothed belt engaging a respective sprocket on their left side as viewed in the conveying direction 100. A drive shaft 65 is connected to the second traction roller 91 for this purpose and has a coupling 77 on its left, outer side for connection to a further drive 67. While the drive shaft 65 is non-positively connected to the second traction roller 91 of the second conveyor track 20 in order to drive the traction roller 91, a free-running support roller (not shown here) can be freely rotatably mounted on the drive shaft 65 in the first conveyor track 10, in particular without being driven by the drive shaft 65.

[0184] Above the rotating drive means 81, which drives the traction rollers 49, 91 of the second conveyor track 20 and is arranged on the left side thereof, a cover 153 is arranged, which covers the rotating drive means 81, so that contact of a food product 63 located on the first or second conveyor track 10, 20 with the drive means 81 is prevented. A similar cover 153 is located on the right side of the third conveyor track 30 and covers the rotating drive means 81 of the third conveyor track 30.

[0185] Figure 20 shows a sectional view of the first and second conveyor tracks 10, 20 of the product conveyor device of Figure 19. The first traction roller 49 of the first conveyor track 10 and the first traction roller 49 of the second conveyor track 20 are mounted on a common stub axle 155. The stub axle 155 is releasably secured by a screw 157 and can be pulled out after loosening the screw, so that the traction rollers 49 are released and can be removed. Likewise, the second traction roller 91 of the first conveyor track 10 and the support roller 51 of the second conveyor track 20 are mounted on a stub axle 155. The plug-in axles 155 each have a separation point 159 in the center of the product conveying device between the second conveyor track 20 and the third conveyor track 30, shown here on the right edge of the figure, with which they are each detachably connected to a second half of the plug-in axle 155, which extends over the third and fourth conveyor tracks 30, 40.

[0186] The second traction roller 91 of the second conveyor track 20 is driven directly via the drive shaft 65. The first traction roller 49 of the second conveyor track 20 is also driven by the drive shaft 65 via the circulating conveyor means 81.

[0187] The traction rollers 49, 91 of the second conveyor track 20 have a collar 161 on their left sides, which encloses a toothed ring with which the circulating conveyor means 81 in the form of a toothed belt engages. Furthermore, a protrusion is formed to the left of the conveyor means 81 and the toothed ring as part of the collar 161. A seal 163 is arranged on this protrusion of the collar 161 of the traction roller 49 of the second conveyor track 20, which seals the collar 161 against the traction roller 49 of the first conveyor track 10.

Claims

Claims 1. Product conveying device (47) for feeding food products (63) to a slicing unit (11) of a food slicing machine (9), comprising a first conveyor track (10), a second conveyor track (20), and a third conveyor track (30), wherein the first, second and third conveyor tracks (10, 20, 30) are each designed to feed a food product (63) to the slicing unit (11) independently of one another, characterized in that one of the first, second or third conveyor tracks (10, 20, 30) comprises a traction roller (49, 91, 95), wherein the traction roller (49, 91, 95) is designed to come into conveying contact with a food product (63) and to feed it to the slicing unit (11).

2. Product conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the traction roller (49, 91, 95) is drivable via a rotating drive means (81, 93).

3. Product conveying device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the traction roller (49, 91, 95) comprises a first circumferential region (85) and a second circumferential region (87), wherein the drive means (81, 93) rotates around the second circumferential region (87), wherein the diameter of the second circumferential region (87) and of the supporting drive means (81, 93) is smaller than the diameter of the first circumferential region (85).

4. Product conveying device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the traction roller (49, 91, 95) is arranged in the region of the upstream half of the product conveying device (47) in the conveying direction (100), in particular on the upstream side of the product conveying device (47) in the conveying direction (100).

5. Product conveying device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the traction roller (49, 91, 95) is arranged in the second conveyor track (20), wherein the second conveyor track (20) is arranged between the first conveyor track (10) and the third conveyor track (30).

6. Product conveying device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the traction roller (49, 91, 95) has on its outer circumference a surface structure (89) with a height (80) of less than 4 millimeters, in particular less than 2 millimeters.

7. Product conveying device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two or more than two traction rollers (49, 91, 95) are provided in a conveyor track (10, 20, 30).

8. Product conveying device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein traction rollers (49, 91, 95) of different diameters are provided.

9. Product conveying device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one traction roller (49, 91, 95) is provided in at least two of the conveying tracks (10, 20, 30).

10. Product conveying device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two traction rollers (49, 91, 95) are arranged coaxially.

11. Product conveying device according to claim 9, wherein parallel arranged drive shafts (65, 79) are provided for the traction rollers (49, 91, 95) in the at least two conveying tracks (10, 20, 30).

12. Product conveying device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more free-running support rollers (51) are arranged in at least one of the conveying tracks (10, 20, 30).

13. Food slicing machine (9) with a slicing unit (11) and a product conveying device (47) according to one of the preceding claims.

14. A method for removing a cassette (73) from a food slicing machine (9), wherein the cassette (73) has a first conveyor track (10), a second conveyor track (20), and a third conveyor track (30), wherein the first, second, and third conveyor tracks (10, 20, 30) are each designed to independently feed a food product (63) to a slicing unit (11), and wherein one of the first, second, or third conveyor tracks (10, 20, 30) comprises a traction roller (49, 91, 95), wherein the traction roller (49, 91, 95) is designed to come into conveying contact with a food product (63) and to feed it to the slicing unit (11), the method comprising the following steps: Disconnecting a drive connection between a drive (67) and the traction roller (49, 91, 95), and Removing the cassette (73) from a cassette holder (75).

15. Use of a traction roller (49, 91, 95) for conveying food products (63) to a cutting blade (25) in a product conveying device (47) having at least three independent conveying tracks (10, 20, 30).

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