Separating device for portioning machine

Abstract

The invention concerns a portioning machine (1) comprising: - a cutting device (2) for cutting pieces of food product (4) to be cut into portions (5, 6); - a discharge transport belt (8) for discharging the portions (5, 6) from the cutting device (2) in a transport direction (T); - a separating device (9) having a pusher element (10) which is driven by means of a servomotor (12) and guided by means of a guide device (14), is displaceable in a linear displacement direction (V) between lateral sides of the discharge transport belt (8) so as to engage with a portion (6) in order to remove this via a lateral side of the discharge transport belt (8).

Description

[0001] SEPARATING DEVICE FOR PORTIONING MACHINE

[0002] The invention concerns a portioning machine comprising: a cutting device for cutting pieces of food product to be cut into portions; a discharge transport belt for discharging the portions from the cutting device in a transport direction; a separating device with:

[0003] • a pusher element which is displaceable between lateral sides of the discharge transport belt so as to engage with a said portion as a portion to be removed, in order to remove this portion from the discharge transport belt via a lateral side of the discharge transport belt; with

[0004] • drive means for driving the pusher element, comprising a motor for driving the pusher element in a linear displacement direction; and with

[0005] • a guide device for guiding the pusher element during the displacement movement and comprising at least one guide which extends in the displacement direction, with a guide rod and a guide cavity through which said guide rod is arranged.

[0006] Food products which are cut with such portioning machines are typically pieces of meat (including poultry) or fish or cheese etc.

[0007] Examples of portioning machines to which this invention relates are described and shown in EP 2759205 Al, DE 202006017089 U1 and WO 2014 / 169925 Al.

[0008] Using such a portioning machine, a food product to be cut is supplied on a supply transport belt to the cutter blade for cutting this product into desired portions. After cutting, the portions are typically discharged from the portioning machine via a discharge transport belt.

[0009] Such a product is often cut to obtain desired portions with a fixed weight or equal thickness. Residual portions which do not have the desired weight or thickness must then be separated from the desired portions.

[0010] Often however, not all portions obtained during cutting can be sold as high quality products. Products which are regarded as odd or of lower quality must be removed from the stream as residual portions after the cutting process. These residual portions are often removed by hand. Also, for other reasons, it may be desired to remove portions from the discharge transport belt in different directions, e.g. to process these further at different locations and in some cases remove them from the discharge transport belt via different discharge devices.

[0011] The invention concerns portioning machines in which one or more portions are mechanically removed from the discharge transport belt by means of a separating device.

[0012] A difficulty with respect to separating devices is that the installation must be designed to be food-safe, and the portions typically comprise sticky products which have a tendency to adhere to the discharge transport belt or stick to one another.

[0013] Various systems are known for separating the residual portions from the desired portions.

[0014] Marel has developed a separating device as described and shown in WO 2014 / 169925 Al, wherein the discharge transport belt is pushed aside to allow a residual portion to drop down between the blade and the discharge transport belt, while the desired portions can be discharged by the discharge transport belt.

[0015] A disadvantage here is that the separation relies on the stroke of the blade for removing the residual portion, wherein product to be cut thereafter may sometimes no longer be presented correctly, so it is then more difficult to cut the desired portion to the desired weight or in the desired form.

[0016] A separating device (9) is also known, as illustrated schematically in figures 1-4, wherein a paddle blade (103) is arranged above the discharge transport belt (8). This blade (103) is rotatable by means of a servomotor (102) in a rotational direction (R) around a rotational axis (A) which extends parallel to the transport direction (T). Two ends of the blade (103) serve as pusher elements (10). In order to remove a portion (6), the blade (103) is rotated through 180°, wherein a pusher element (10) expels the portion (6) to the side of the discharge transport belt (8).

[0017] Because the pusher elements (10) can be displaced rapidly with the rotational movement (R), it is not necessary to make a forward movement when expelling a portion to be removed, whereby the space required above the discharge transport belt (8) for this separating device (9) remains limited.

[0018] A disadvantage with this separating device (9) with paddle blade (103) is that the portions (6) to be removed must lie perfectly centrally on the discharge transport belt (8), so that the pusher element (10) can effectively remove a portion (6) to be removed from the discharge transport belt (8), as shown in figures 2 and 3. If a portion (6) to be removed does not lie centrally, the portion (6) cannot be removed as well or is crushed, as shown in figure 4.

[0019] In each case, a different blade (103) must be provided for different widths of portions (6) to be removed, and for straight or obliquely cut portions (6) to be removed.

[0020] WO 89 / 08983 Al describes and illustrates a portioning machine with a nut-spindle mechanism. Such a nut-spindle motor is however less suitable in practice for use in a food-safe process.

[0021] The object of this invention is thus to provide a separating device formed in a foodsafe fashion which, in contrast to a separating device from WO 2014 / 169925 Al, has no influence on the cutting of a food product into portions, wherein the position of the portion to be removed in the width direction of the discharge transport belt is less crucial than on use of a said paddle blade.

[0022] This object of the invention is achieved by the provision of a portioning machine comprising a cutting device for cutting pieces of food product to be cut into portions; a discharge transport belt for discharging the portions from the cutting device in a transport direction; a separating device with:

[0023] • a pusher element which is displaceable between lateral sides of the discharge transport belt so as to engage with a said portion as a portion to be removed, in order to remove this portion from the discharge transport belt via a lateral side of the discharge transport belt; with

[0024] • drive means for driving the pusher element, comprising a linear servomotor for driving the pusher element in a linear displacement direction; and with • a guide device for guiding the pusher element during the displacement movement and comprising multiple guides which extend in the displacement direction and are spread apart viewed in the transport direction; wherein the pusher element is attached to or forms part of a guide element which is attached displaceably to said guides, and wherein of said guides, a first said guide is arranged closest to the cutting device and a last said guide is arranged furthest from the cutting device, and wherein the linear servomotor is provided for driving the pusher element between said first guide and said last guide.

[0025] By means of a linear servomotor, the displacement movement can take place at a speed which is relatively high compared with the speed of the discharge transport belt. Acceleration and deceleration can take place very quickly with the servomotor. Thus there is no need to make a forward movement when expelling a portion to be removed. The displacement movement of the pusher element need not therefore be carried out at an angle relative to the transport device. In a specific embodiment, the displacement direction may then extend transversely to the transport direction.

[0026] The guide device comprises multiple said guides which are arranged spread apart viewed in the transport direction, to keep the pusher element more stable and ensure a more stable guidance. By providing multiple guides, the pusher element can be displaced quickly, wherein a portion to be removed can be expelled from the discharge transport belt with great reliability.

[0027] The cutting device of a portioning machine according to the invention may take various forms. These may include a rotatably arranged cutting blade, or a waterjet cutting device, or a linearly displaceable cutting blade, or a laser cutter device, or an ultrasonic cutter device, or a string / wire cutter device, or a saw device, or a vibrating blade device, or a scissor device etc.

[0028] After cutting of a food product with a cutting device, the portions to be removed may lie on the discharge transport belt, viewed in the transport direction, in front of the other portions or behind the other portions or between the other portions. The portions to be removed may be removed for various reasons. Their weight may be too low or too high, or they may contain too much bone and / or fat in the case of meat, or have a deviating shape etc. It is also possible for example to remove portions from the discharge transport belt in different directions for packing separately.

[0029] The portioning machine preferably comprises a detection system for determining the position of the portion to be removed on the discharge transport belt, and a control unit for actuating the servomotor for driving the pusher element as a function of said determined position.

[0030] The servomotor may be actuated by a signal from the control unit which indicates, on the basis of the determined position, when a portion to be separated must be expelled. To actuate the servomotor, the progress of the portion to be removed on the discharge transport belt must also be taken into account. In this way, a good image can be obtained of the precise location of the portion to be removed on the discharge transport belt, in order to start the necessary acceleration of the pusher element at the correct time.

[0031] More specifically, the portioning machine may comprise an image-forming device for forming an image of pieces of food product to be cut. The detection system may be provided for determining the position on the basis of said formed image.

[0032] The pieces of food product to be cut are typically supplied to the cutter blade on a supply transport belt. A said image-forming device here is typically arranged above this supply transport belt so that it can form an image of a piece supplied thereon.

[0033] This image-forming device may assume various forms, wherein e.g. an image of the pieces of food product to be cut is formed by a camera, or lasers, or X-rays, or ultrasound or a similar image-forming device. The position is preferably calculated on the basis of a 3D scan of the piece to be cut.

[0034] Alternatively, it is possible to place a separate detection system above the discharge transport belt in order, after cutting the piece to be cut, to determine the position of a portion to be removed or if necessary adjust a position which is determined on the basis of an image formed with the image-forming device. In positioning machines with a said cutter device and a said control unit, this control unit may additionally be provided for actuating the cutting device as a function of the image formed by the image-forming device.

[0035] The separating device may be provided for removing the portions to be removed via one lateral side of the discharge transport belt, or alternatively or additionally may also be provided for removing portions via both lateral sides of the discharge transport belt. For removal by the separating device of such portions to be removed via one lateral side of the discharge transport belt, said portions may be captured in one or more catchment trays at the corresponding lateral side next to the discharge transport belt, or on one or more further discharge transport belts in order to discharge these via said further discharge transport belt or belts etc.

[0036] Depending on the portions to be removed, it may be possible to cause the pusher element to make a to and fro movement for each portion to be separated. Portions are then always removed on the same lateral side of the discharge transport belt. In some cases, the pusher element may be foldable for this, wherein the pusher element can be folded up for a return movement.

[0037] The discharge transport belt is provided with a support surface for holding the portions during discharge thereof.

[0038] More specifically, the pusher element may comprise an engagement surface for engaging with the portion to be removed. The pusher element may then be foldable between an engagement position, in which said engagement surface extends at a first angle relative to the support surface in order to engage with the portion to be removed, and a release position in which said engagement surface extends at a second angle relative to the support surface or parallel to the support surface in order to leave other said portions unhindered.

[0039] Such a guide element may be formed of one piece, but may also be assembled from multiple pieces, wherein one or more pieces together with the pusher element may then form a guide element. A said guide extends preferably between the lateral sides of the discharge transport belt, and preferably over the entire width of the discharge transport belt.

[0040] The linear servomotor may comprise a drive bar which is attached to the guide element in order to push or retract said guide element.

[0041] By providing a guide on both sides of such a drive bar, the guide element can more easily be held stable by the guides during pushing.

[0042] The guide element is preferably made as lightweight as possible, wherein the aim is for maximum stability during guidance.

[0043] More specifically, each said guide may be configured as a guide rod, wherein the guide element is provided with at least two corresponding guide cavities, through which said guide rods are arranged.

[0044] Such a guide rod is preferably configured with a round cross-section.

[0045] For cutting pieces of food product to be cut, the cutting device is provided with a cutting surface which extends at a cutting angle relative to the support surface. This cutting surface may extend transversely to the support surface, or may stand at an angle deviating from a multiple of 90° relative to the support surface. The angle may also be adjustable. Towards the cutting device, the pusher element is preferably provided with end surface which extends at said cutting angle relative to the support surface.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the separating device comprises a second pusher element which is interchangeable with the first pusher element.

[0047] In the case of multiple pusher elements, the second pusher element may for example be provided with a said end surface which, in mounted state, extends at a different cutting angle relative to the support surface than the end surface of the first pusher element. Alternatively and / or additionally, different pusher elements may have different widths, viewed in the width direction of the discharge transport belt.

[0048] In a specific embodiment, the portioning machine may be provided with a holding device for holding on the discharge transport belt at least one said portion which, viewed in the transport direction, is discharged next to the portion to be removed. With such a holding device, one or more portions next to the portion to be removed can be held stable in their position on the discharge transport belt while the portion to be removed is removed. More specifically, such a holding device may for example comprise an assembly of transport belts which rest from above on the adjacent portion(s) in order to hold said portion(s) on the discharge transport belt during expulsion of the portion to be removed.

[0049] A portioning machine according to this invention may comprise a single said separating device or multiple such separating devices which are arranged spread apart in the transport direction.

[0050] Different such separating devices may for example be provided for removing different types of portions at corresponding places.

[0051] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the following detailed description of a portioning machine according to this invention. The aim of this description is exclusively to provide clarifying examples and indicate further advantages and features of this invention, and may thus in no way be interpreted as a restriction of the area of application of the invention, or of the patent rights claimed in the claims.

[0052] In this detailed description, by means of reference signs, reference is made to the appended drawings in which:

[0053] - figure 1 shows, schematically in perspective, a second separating device according to the prior art with a paddle blade, during removal of portions supplied on a discharge transport belt;

[0054] - figure 2 shows, schematically from the front, the separating device from figure 1 with the blade in a first position, with the pusher elements away from the portions supplied on the discharge transport belt;

[0055] - figure 3 shows, schematically from the front, the separating device from figure 1 with the blade in a second position, wherein a pusher element expels a portion to be removed from the discharge transport belt;

[0056] - figure 4 shows, schematically from the front, the separating device from figure 1 with the blade in a position between the first position and the second position, wherein a pusher element crushes a portion not lying centrally on the discharge transport belt;

[0057] - figure 5 shows, schematically in perspective, a portioning machine according to the invention;

[0058] - figure 6 shows, schematically from the side, the portioning machine from figure 5;

[0059] - figure 7 shows, schematically from above, the portion machine from figure 5;

[0060] - figure 8 shows, schematically in perspective, the separating device and discharge transport belt from the portioning machine from figure 5;

[0061] - figure 9 shows, separately in perspective, the separating device from figure 5;

[0062] - figure 10 shows, separately from above, the separating device from figure 5;

[0063] - figure 11 shows, schematically from above, the separating device and discharge transport belt from the portioning machine in figure 5, with a portion to be removed on the left side of the discharge transport belt and the pusher element on the left side;

[0064] - figure 12 shows, schematically from above, the separating device and discharge transport belt from the portioning machine in figure 5, with a portion to be removed on the right side of the discharge transport belt and the pusher element on the right side;

[0065] - figure 13 shows, schematically from above, the separating device and discharge transport belt from the portioning machine in figure 5, with a portion to be removed on the left side of the discharge transport belt and the pusher element on the right side;

[0066] - figure 14 shows, schematically from above, the separating device and discharge transport belt from the portioning machine in figure 5, with a portion to be removed on the right side of the discharge transport belt and the pusher element on the left side;

[0067] - figure 15 shows, separately in perspective, the pusher element and guide element from the separating device from the portioning machine in figure 5, with the pusher element in the folded down position;

[0068] - figure 16 shows, separately in perspective, the pusher element and guide element from the separating device from the portioning machine in figure 5, with the pusher element in the folded up position; - figure 17 shows, separately in perspective, the pusher element and guide element from the separating device from the portioning machine in figure 5, with the pusher element in a position between the folded down position and the folded up position;

[0069] - figure 18 shows, in a separate view, a first alternative embodiment of the pusher element from the separating device from the portioning machine in figure 5;

[0070] - figure 19 shows, in a separate view, a second alternative embodiment of the pusher element from the separating device from the portioning machine in figure 5;

[0071] - figure 20 shows, in a separate view, a third alternative embodiment of the pusher element from the separating device from the portioning machine in figure 5;

[0072] - figure 21 shows, in a separate view, a fourth alternative embodiment of the pusher element from the separating device from the portioning machine in figure 5;

[0073] - figure 22 shows, in a separate view, a fifth alternative embodiment of the pusher element from the separating device from the portioning machine in figure 5;

[0074] - figure 23 shows, in a separate view, a sixth alternative embodiment of the pusher element from the separating device from the portioning machine in figure 5.

[0075] The portioning machine (1) shown in the figures comprises a cutting device (2) for cutting pieces of food product (4) into portions (5, 6).

[0076] The cutting device (2) shown in figures 5 to 7 is provided with a cutting blade (3) for cutting the pieces (4) into portions (5, 6). The cutting blade (3) is arranged between a supply transport belt (7) and a discharge transport belt (8). The cutting blade (3) is arranged so as to be rotatable around a rotational axis which extends in the figures along the transport direction (T). When cutting a piece (4), the cutting blade (3) rotates around the rotational axis and thus the cutting blade (3) is brought in a rotational movement from a position above the meat to between the supply transport belt (7) and the discharge transport belt (8). The pieces (4) to be cut are brought by the supply transport belt (7) up to the cutting blade (3) where they are cut into portions (5, 6) by the cutting blade (3), whereupon the food product cut into portions (5, 6) is discharged from the cutting blade (3) by the discharge transport belt (8). The transport direction (T) of the pieces of food product (4) is indicated by an arrow in the figures.

[0077] There are many alternatives to the cutting device (2) shown, which may be included in alternative embodiments of a portioning machine (1) according to the invention. As an alternative to a rotatable cutting blade, the portioning machine (1) may for example comprise a waterjet cutting device or a linearly displaceable cutting blade, or a laser cutting device or an ultrasonic cutting device, or a string / wire cutting device, or a saw device, or a vibrating blade device, or a scissor device etc.

[0078] The supply transport belt (7) and discharge transport belt (8) may also each assume various forms, such as the known transport belts of portioning machines (1) which may take the form of a link belt or solid textile belt etc.

[0079] A piece of food product (4) to be cut may, in alternative embodiments, also be brought up to the cutting device (2) by a different supply device than said supply transport belt (7). Thus a piece (4) may for example be pushed up to the cutter device (2) by a pusher device on a surface.

[0080] The discharge transport belt (8) is preferably provided with an approximately flat support surface (18) for holding the portions (5, 6) so that the portions (6) to be removed can be removed quickly.

[0081] Pieces of food product (4) which can be cut with a portioning machine (1) illustrated are pieces of meat (including poultry) or fish or cheese etc. These pieces (4) are typically cut to obtain desired portions (5) with a fixed weight or equal thickness. Residual portions (6) which do not have the desired weight or thickness should then be separated from the desired portions (5). In the figures, pieces (4) are cut into portions (5) with an equal weight, wherein residual portions (6) with a different weight must be removed. Similarly, it may be provided to cut portions with a desired thickness and remove portions with a different thickness. Alternatively, for example, it is possible that not all portions obtained during cutting can be sold as the same type of product, and depending on the type of product, these may be removed from the discharge transport belt (8) separately.

[0082] In the figures shown, the portions (6) to be removed lie either in front of or behind the portions (5) which are to be discharged via the discharge transport belt (8) at one end of said discharge transport belt (8). Alternatively, it is also possible that the portions (6) to be removed lie between other portions (5) on the discharge transport belt (8).

[0083] According to the invention, the portioning machine (1) is provided with a separating device (9) having a pusher element (10) which is displaceable in a linear displacement direction (V) between lateral sides of the discharge transport belt (8), so as to engage with a portion (6) to be removed in order to remove said portion (6) via a lateral side of the discharge transport belt (8).

[0084] The separating device (9) is provided with a linear servomotor (12) for driving the pusher element (10). In addition, a guide device (14) is provided for guiding the pusher element (10) during the displacement movement. The displacement movement may thereby take place at such a high speed that the linear displacement direction (V) may extend transversely to the transport direction (T), as shown in the figures.

[0085] When a portion (6) must be expelled, the pusher element (10) is set in motion quickly, driven by the servomotor (12).

[0086] For each portion (6) to be removed, the pusher element (10) may perform a single movement, wherein for example it moves first from left to right as shown in figures 11 and 14, in order to expel the first portion (6) to be removed. In a subsequent iteration, the pusher element (10) then moves from right to left in order to remove a following portion (6) to be removed, as shown in figures 12 and 13. Portions (6) are then thus removed alternately on both lateral sides of the discharge transport belt (8). Depending on the portions (6) to be separated however, it may also be possible to allow the pusher element (10) to carry out a to and fro movement for each portion (6) to be separated. Portions (6) are then always removed on the same lateral side of the discharge transport belt (8). In some cases, the pusher element (10) may be foldable for this, as described in more detail and shown in figures 15 to 17, wherein the pusher element (10) can be folded up in a return movement.

[0087] Further alternatively, it is also possible to achieve combinations of both movements, for example depending on the type of portions (6) to be removed. Thus for example it is possible to combine single movements with to and fro movements, in order to remove a first type of portions (6) on the one lateral side of the discharge transport belt (8) and a second type of portions (6) on the other lateral side of the discharge transport belt (8).

[0088] When removing such portions (6) to be removed via one lateral side of the discharge transport belt (8) by means of the separating device (9), said portions may be captured on the corresponding lateral side next to the discharge transport belt (8) in one or more catchment trays (not shown) or on one or more further discharge transport belts (not shown) in order to discharge these via the further discharge transport belt or belts etc. For displacement of the pusher element (10), the servomotor (12) of the separating device (9) is actuated by a signal from a control unit (16) which, on the basis of a determined or known position of a portion (6) to be removed, indicates when a portion (6) must be expelled from the discharge transport belt (8). To actuate the servomotor (12), the control unit (16) must take account of the progress of the portion (6) to be removed on the discharge transport belt (8). In this way, a good image can be obtained of the precise location where the portion (6) lies on the discharge transport belt (8), in order to start the necessary acceleration of the pusher element (10) at the correct moment.

[0089] The control unit (16) may be the control unit which is provided in the portioning machine (1) for actuating the cutting device (22), or it may be a separate control unit. In certain situations, the position of a piece of food product (4) to be cut and the portions (6) to be removed are fixed and hence known. Typically however, this position will be unknown and must be determined by means of a detection system (15). The portioning machine (1) may comprise an image-forming device (17), as shown, for forming an image of the pieces of food product (4) to be cut. The detection system (15) may be provided for determining the position of a portion to be removed on the basis of said formed image.

[0090] This image-forming device (17) may assume various forms, wherein for example an image of the pieces of food product (4) to be cut is formed by a camera, or lasers or X-rays or ultrasound, or by a similar image-forming device (17). The position is preferably calculated on the basis of a 3D scan of the piece (4) to be cut.

[0091] The pieces of food product (4) to be cut are typically supplied to the cutting device (2) on a supply transport belt (7). A said image-forming device (17) may here be arranged above said supply transport belt (7) so it can form an image of a piece (4) supplied thereon. A said image-forming device (17) forms an image of the pieces of food product (4) to be cut and, on the basis thereof, can determine information about the piece (4) to be cut, such as its position on such a supply transport belt (7), the height and / or width and / or length thereof relative to said supply transport belt (7), its colour etc. Depending on this information, by means of this image-forming device (17) or an associated evaluation device, the portions (5, 6) to be cut can be determined in the same way as in the portioning machines (1) known today with such an image-forming device (17). This image-forming device (17) may now also be provided for determining which portions (5, 6) must be removed along a lateral side of the discharge transport belt (8). Also, it can in some cases determine which lateral side this is.

[0092] On the basis of the obtained information, a detection system (15) of this image-forming device (17) or a detection system (15) of a separate evaluation device may determine the position of a portion (6) to be removed on the discharge transport belt (8). Further alternatively, it is possible to place a separate detection system above the discharge transport belt (8) in order, after cutting the piece (4) to be cut, to determine the position of a portion (6) to be removed, or if necessary adjust a position which is determined on the basis of an image formed by the image-forming device (17).

[0093] As a function of the portions (5, 6) to be cut, as determined by the image-forming device (17) or a secondary evaluation device, the cutting device (2) may be actuated to cut the pieces of food product (4) to be cut, e.g. by said control unit (16).

[0094] Depending on the position determined by a said detection system (15), the servomotor (12) may be actuated for driving the pusher element (10) to remove portions (6) to be removed, e.g. by means of said control unit (16).

[0095] The guide device (14) shown comprises two guide rods (21, 22) which extend as guides across the discharge transport belt (8) between the lateral sides of the discharge transport belt (8).

[0096] In the embodiments illustrated, the pusher element (10) is attached to a guide element (23) which is provided with corresponding guide cavities (24) through which the guide rods (21, 22) are arranged. In alternative embodiments, such a pusher element (10) may be designed as one piece with such a guide element (23).

[0097] Instead of two guide rods (21, 22), in alternative embodiments more guide rods may also be provided. Preferably however, two are provided.

[0098] In the embodiment illustrated, the guide element (23) is provided with two guide cavities (24) for the first guide rod (21) and one guide cavity (24) for the second guide rod (22), in order to keep twisting of the guide element (23) relative to the guide rods (21, 22) to a minimum. In alternative embodiments, more or fewer guide cavities (24) may be provided.

[0099] In the embodiment illustrated, the guide cavities (24) are closed by guide bushes 2(5). In alternative embodiments, these may also be open on one side. The guide rods (21, 22) shown and corresponding guide cavities (24) have a round cross-section. In alternative embodiments, this cross-section may also assume various other forms.

[0100] Various alternative embodiments of guide devices are also conceivable. In an alternative embodiment, one or more guide pins of a guide element may engage guidingly in corresponding guide slots of one or more guides which extend across the discharge transport belt in the displacement direction (V). Conversely, the guide element may also be provided with one or more guide cavities or guide slots, in which one or more guide ribs of one or more guides engage guidingly, said guides extending across the discharge transport belt in the displacement direction (V).

[0101] The guide element (23) is preferably made as lightweight as possible, wherein the aim is for maximum stability during guidance thereof.

[0102] The guide element (23) may be made of one piece but may also be constructed from multiple pieces, wherein one or more pieces together with the pusher element (10) may form a guide element.

[0103] The guide device 1(4) comprises multiple guides - such as the guide rods (21, 22) from the embodiment illustrated - which, viewed in the transport direction (T), are spread apart in order to keep the pusher element (10) more stable and ensure more stable guidance. By providing multiple guides, the pusher element (10) can quickly be displaced, wherein a portion (6) to be removed can be expelled from the discharge transport belt (8) with great reliability.

[0104] Of said guides (21, 22), a first said guide (21) is arranged closest to the cutting device (2), and a last said guide (22) is arranged furthest from the cutting device (2). The linear servomotor (12) is here provided for driving the pusher element (10) between said first guide (21) and said last guide (22).

[0105] The linear servomotor (12) preferably comprises a drive bar (13) which is attached to the guide element (23) to push or retract said guide element (23).

[0106] By providing guides on either side of such a drive bar (13), the guide element (23) can be more easily held stable by the guides (21, 22) during pushing.

[0107] Figures 15 to 17 show how the pusher element (10) may be foldable. The pusher element (10) is here attached to the guide element (23) by means of a hinge pin so as to hinge around a hinge axis (S). The pusher element (10) is provided with a limiting element (27) which limits the hinge movement relative to the guide element (23). The pusher element (10) is here foldable between an engagement position, in which an engagement surface (19), for engaging with the portion (6) to be removed, extends transversely to the support surface (18) in a folded down position at a first angle (Pi) so it can engage with the portion (6) to be removed, and a release position in which said engagement surface 1(9) extends almost parallel to the support surface (18) so as to leave other said portions (5) unhindered. In figure 15, the pusher element (10) is folded down. In figure 16, the pusher element (10) is folded up. In figure 17, the pusher element (10) is in a position between the folded down position and the folded up position, wherein the engagement surface (17) extends at a second angle (P2) relative to the support surface (18).

[0108] To make the pusher element (10) foldable, this pusher element (10) may have a passive system, wherein the pusher element (10) is driven firstly towards the engagement position under the influence of the acceleration occurring and the force of gravity, and secondly towards the release position. Alternatively, drive means may also be provided which actively control the pusher element (10) so as to fold the pusher element (10) up to the release position or down into the engagement position.

[0109] For cutting pieces of food product (4) to be cut, the cutting device (2) is provided with a cutting surface (26) which extends at a cutting angle (a) relative to the support surface (18). This cutting surface (26) may extend transversely to the support surface as shown in figure 6, or may stand at an angle (a) different from multiples of 90° relative to the support surface (18). This angle (a) may also be adjustable. Towards the cutting device (22), the pusher element (10) is here preferably provided with an end surface (20) which extends at this cutting angle (a) relative to the support surface (18).

[0110] The separating device (9) is preferably provided with multiple pusher elements (10) which can be attached to or removed from the guide element (23) interchangeably with one another. Figures 18 to 23 show images of pusher elements (10) which are provided interchangeably with the pusher element (10) from the separation device (9) shown in figures 5 to 14. In the case of multiple pusher elements (10), one or more pusher elements (10) may for example be provided with an end surface (20) which, in mounted state, extends at a different cutting angle (a) relative to the support surface (18) than the end surface (20) of the first pusher element (10), as shown in figure 18. Furthermore, different pusher elements (10) may have a different width viewed in the width direction of the discharge transport belt (8), as shown in figures 19 to 23.

[0111] The portioning machine (1) may furthermore provided with a holder device (not shown) for holding on the discharge transport belt (8) at least one said portion (5) which, viewed in the transport direction (T), is discharged next to the portion (6) to be removed.

[0112] With such a holding device, one or more portions (5) next to the portion (6) to be removed may be held stable in their position on the discharge transport belt (8) while the portion (6) to be removed is removed. More specifically, such a holding device may for example comprise an assembly of transport belts which rest from above on adjacent portions (5) which must be held on the discharge transport belt (8).

[0113] The portioning machine (1) shown comprises a separation device (9). In alternative embodiments, it is possible to provide multiple such separating devices (9) which, viewed in the transport direction (T), are arranged spread apart above the discharge transport belt (8).

[0114] Different such separating devices (9) may for example be provided for removing different types of portions (6) at corresponding places.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Portioning machine (1) comprising: a cutting device (2) for cutting pieces of food product (4) to be cut into portions (5, 6); a discharge transport belt (8) for discharging the portions (5, 6) from the cutting device (2) in a transport direction (T); a separating device (9) with:• a pusher element (10) which is displaceable between lateral sides of the discharge transport belt (8) so as to engage with a said portion (6) as a portion to be removed (6), in order to remove this portion (6) from the discharge transport belt (8) via a lateral side of the discharge transport belt (8); with• drive means (11) for driving the pusher element (10), comprising a motor (12) for driving the pusher element (10) in a linear displacement direction (V); and with• a guide device (14) for guiding the pusher element (10) during the displacement movement and comprising at least one guide (21, 22) which extends in the displacement direction (V), wherein the pusher element (10) is attached to or forms part of a guide element (23) which is attached displaceably to said at least one guide (21, 22); characterized in that the motor is configured as a linear servomotor (12), that the guide device comprises multiple said guides (21, 22) which are arranged spread apart viewed in the transport direction (T), and that of said guides (21, 22), a first said guide (21) is arranged closest to the cutting device (2) and a last said guide (22) is arranged furthest from the cutting device (2), and that the linear servomotor (12) is provided for driving the pusher element (10) between said first guide (21) and said last guide (22).

2. Portioning machine (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the displacement direction (V) extends transversely to the transport direction (T).

3. Portioning machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portioning machine (1) comprises a detection system (15) for determining the position of the portion (6) to be removed on the discharge transport belt (8), andcomprises a control unit (16) for actuating the servomotor (12) for driving the pusher element (10) as a function of said determined position.

4. Portioning machine (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the portioning machine (1) comprises an image-forming device (17) for forming an image of pieces of food product (4) to be cut, and that the detection system (15) is provided for determining the position on the basis of said formed image.

5. Portioning machine (1) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the control unit (16) is provided for actuating the cutting device (2) as a function of the image formed by the image-forming device (17).

6. Portioning machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge transport belt (8) is provided with a support surface (18) for holding the portions (5, 6) during discharge thereof, and that the pusher element (10) is provided with an engagement surface (19) for engaging with the portion (6) to be removed, and is foldable between an engagement position, in which said engagement surface (19) extends at a first angle (Pi) relative to the support surface (18) in order to engage with the portion (6) to be removed, and a release position in which said engagement surface (19) extends at a second angle (P2) relative to the support surface (18) or parallel to the support surface (18) in order to leave other said portions (5) unhindered.

7. Portioning machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each guide (21, 22) is configured as a guide rod, and that the guide element (23) is provided with at least one corresponding guide cavity (24), through which said guide rods (21, 22) are arranged.

8. Portioning machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge transport belt (8) is provided with a support surface (18) for holding the portions (5, 6) during transport thereof, that for cutting the pieces of food product (4) to be cut, the cutting device (2) is provided with a cutting surface which extends at a cutting angle (a) relative to the support surface (18), and that towards thecutting device (2), the pusher element (10) is provided with an end surface (20) which extends at said cutting angle (a) relative to the support surface (18).

9. Portioning machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating device (9) comprises a second pusher element (10) which is interchangeable with the first pusher element (10).

10. Portioning machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portioning machine (1) is provided with a holding device for holding on the discharge transport belt (8) at least one said portion (5, 6) which, viewed in the transport direction (T), is discharged next to the portion (6) to be removed.

11. Portioning machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portioning machine (1) comprises multiple such separating devices (9) which are arranged spread apart in the transport direction (T).

Images