Device and method for portioning dough

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for portioning dough. The device comprises a portioning member with a number of receiving chambers which debouch in an outer surface of the portioning member. Each receiving chamber comprises a portioning cup which is movably in the receiving chamber in a direction towards and away from the outer surface. The portioning cup comprises a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall which define a portioning cavity with an opening facing the outer surface. The bottom and / or circumferential side wall of said cup comprises pervious parts, configured to allow a pressurized fluid to flow through the wall into the portioning cavity. The device further comprises a fluid supply member configured for supplying a pressurized fluid to the portioning cups, and an adjusting device configured for adjusting a distance between the portioning cup and the outer surface of the portioning member.

Description

[0001] Device and method for portioning dough

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] The invention relates to a device and a method for portioning dough, in particular bread dough or dough comprising a leavening agent .

[0004] Various of such methods and devices which portion out a speci fied dough portion from a dough mass using a volume method, are known in the prior art . For example , devices known in the art comprises dough drums , which comprises a number of receiving chambers which debouch in a circumferential surface of the dough drum, and into which dough is pressed and accordingly portioned . Each of the receiving chambers comprises a portioning piston which can move in the receiving chamber, which movement is controlled by means of a control curve lever system or mechanical system between a first position and a second position . In the first position, the distance between the circumferential surface of the drum and the portioning piston is at a predefined distance, which distance defines the volume of the dough pressed into a receiving chamber . In the second position, the portioning piston is arranged at or close to the circumferential surface of the drum, and the movement of the portioning piston from the first to the second position is used to push the portioned dough portion out of the receiving chamber . Accordingly, for portioning a dough portion, the portioning piston needs to move from its first position in the receiving chamber that defines the volume of dough to its second position to push the portioned dough portion out the receiving chamber, and back again to the first position for receiving a next dough portion .

[0005] Furthermore , the mass volume ratio or density of dough of every batch of dough may di ffer due to changes in the environment temperature, humidity, and / or di fferent batches of flour and / or leavening agent . In addition, during the time it takes to portion a large mass of dough into small portions , the density of the dough in the large mass of dough may also change over time . For example , the large mass of dough may settle which may lead to an increase of the density of the dough . In addition or alternatively, in particular when the dough comprises a leavening agent , the action of the leavening agent may decrease the density of the dough over time . When portioning dough, in particular bread dough, the volume of the portions is of lesser importance . More important is that the weight of all portioned dough portions are the same . In order to portion the large mass of dough into small portions with the same weight, the volume of the receiving chambers needs to be accurately adj usted during the process of portioning the large mass of dough into small portions .

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A disadvantage of the known portioning devices is that for each cycle of portioning, the portioning pistons need to move back and forth between the first and second position, which commonly requires a motion over a relative large distance . The relative large amount of back and forth motion which need to be repeated for each portioning cycle, results in wear of the moving parts and large maintenance efforts .

[0008] In addition, the portioning pistons are designed to have a tight or close fit in the receiving chambers in order to ensure that no dough passes between the wall of the receiving chambers and the circumferential edge of the portioning pistons . During the large amount of back and forth motion of the pistons in the receiving chambers , the circumferential edge of the pistons scrape along the circumferential inner wall of the receiving chambers , which also results in wear, and more importantly the resulting wear products , such as minute particles , may end up in the dough .

[0009] It is an obj ect of the present invention to provide an alternative device and method for portioning dough, that obviates one or more of the above disadvantages at least partially .

[0010] According to a first aspect , the invention pertains to a device for portioning dough which comprises : a portioning member which comprises a number of receiving chambers which debouch in an outer surface of the portioning member, wherein each receiving chamber comprises a portioning cup which is movably arranged in the receiving chamber in a direction towards and away from the outer surface, wherein the portioning cup comprises a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall which define a portioning cavity which is accessible via an opening delimited by a circumferential edge of the circumferential side wall facing towards the outer surface of the portioning member, wherein the bottom wall and / or the circumferential side wall of said cup facing the portioning cavity comprises pervious parts , which are configured to allow a pressuri zed fluid to flow through the wall into the portioning cavity, a fluid supply member configured for supplying the pressuri zed fluid to a side of the bottom wall and / or the circumferential side wall of the portioning cups which faces away from the portioning cavity, and an adj usting device configured for adj usting a distance between the circumferential edge of the circumferential side wall of the portioning cups and the outer surface of the portioning member .

[0011] The device for portioning dough according to the present invention is configured to use a pressurized fluid for pushing the portioned dough portion out the portioning cup and the receiving chamber, and substantially no mechanical movement of the portioning cup is required for pushing the portioned dough portion out of the portioning cup and the receiving chamber . Accordingly, the large amount of back and forth motion of the portioning pistons , and the resulting wear of the moving parts and / or large maintenance ef forts , is avoided in the device of the present invention .

[0012] In addition, since the adj ustment by the adj usting device is only required to compensate for a change in density of the dough, the adj ustments are few and the required movement of the portioning cup is relatively small . Accordingly, any wear due to the movement of the portioning cup in the receiving chamber is reduced or even substantially nullified, and the changes that wear products may end up in the dough is also reduced or substantially nullified .

[0013] Furthermore , since the required mechanical movement , i f any, is relatively small , less or no lubricant for reducing friction of the moving parts of the device for portioning dough is needed . Less or no lubricant, such as oils , fats or other lubricating liquids , in the device for portioning dough yields a cost saving for the amount of lubricant needed, and more importantly less cleaning and / or maintenance .

[0014] Due to the absence of large mechanical movements , the device of the present invention can be operated with a higher portioning frequency when compared with the portioning devices of the prior art . The portioning frequency is the number of portioned dough portions per unit of time .

[0015] In addition, the inventors found that by using a portioning cup, the device of the present invention allows to also portion softer doughs and / or doughs with a higher hydration or water content . A further advantage of the device of the present invention is that by using a portioning cup with a wall comprising pervious parts , the fluid for pushing out the dough portions can be distributed over the area of at least the part of the wall with the pervious parts , which will provide a more even push in order to quickly and substantially completely remove the portioned dough portion out of the portioning cup and the receiving chamber .

[0016] In addition, the pervious parts also allow any air trapped in the portioning cavity during the filling of the portioning cup with dough, to escape via the pervious parts . This provides for a more homogeneous filling of the portioning cup, substantially without any air bubbles trapped in the portioning cavity, and / or allows to use a lower pressure on the dough when pushing dough into the portioning cavity of the portioning cup . The reduction or absence of trapped air bubbles yields a more accurate resulting weight of the portioned dough portions and / or less variations in the weight of portioned dough portions .

[0017] It is noted that the adj usting device is configured for adj usting a distance between the portioning cup and the outer surface of the portioning member and thereby a position of the portioning cup in the receiving chamber . When the distance between the portioning cup and the outer surface of the portioning member is increased, an additional volume is added to the volume of the portioning cup, namely the volume of the part of the receiving chamber between circumferential edge of the circumferential side wall of the portioning cup and the outer surface of the portioning member . Since the portioning cup does not need to move for pushing the portioned dough portion out of the portioning cup and the receiving chamber, the adj usting device only needs to provide a small movement for correcting for variations in the density of the dough . Such a small movement can be made accurately and relatively quickly .

[0018] Although the adj usting device may be activated during the portioning of dough, the adj usting device is preferably activated, i f required, in between or prior to the portioning of dough . In other words , the adj usting device is preferably configured to substantially keep the portioning cup substantially stationary in the receiving chamber during the portioning of dough . By activating the adj usting device, i f required, in between or prior to the portioning dough, the adj usting device does not have to work against a pressure provided by the pushing of dough into the portioning cup, which makes the adj ustment of the position of the portioning cup in the receiving chamber more easy and requiring less force and / or power .

[0019] Accordingly, the device according to the present invention allows to portioning dough quickly to provide a high portioning capacity, and at the same time to accurately adj ust portioning volume in order to obtain dough portions with a desired weight and desired weight tolerances during the portioning of a large mass of dough into small portions .

[0020] In an embodiment, the pervious parts comprises an arrangement of passages which are in fluid communication with the fluid supply member and which debouch in openings at a surface of the bottom wall and / or the circumferential side wall of the portioning cups which is adj acent to the portioning cavity . Preferably, the openings at the side of the portioning cavity are configured to substantially block an intrusion of dough into the openings . Preferably a diameter of said openings is smaller than 1 mm, more preferably smaller than 0 , 3 mm .

[0021] Although the pervious parts of the wall of said cup may be through holes in the wall , in an embodiment, the pervious parts of the wall comprises a pervious porous structure . In an embodiment , the pervious porous structure is made from sintered metal powder, preferably wherein the pervious porous structures is obtained by additive manufacturing . An example of such an additive manufacturing process , in particular a powder bed printing method, for obtaining a material with such a pervious porous structure is known from WO 2019 / 066659, which is incorporated herein by reference . The pervious porous structure comprises a material with intercommunicating pores which allow a fluid to flow from one side of the wall to the opposite side of the wall . The use of a pervious porous structure provides a more uni form distribution of the pressurized fluid, such as compressed air, over the area of the pervious porous parts of the wall of said cup . Accordingly the pushing force for pushing the portioned dough portion out of the portioning cup and receiving chamber is also more uniformly distributed over the area of the pervious porous parts of the wall of said cup, which provides a more evenly distributed pushing force against the dough portion .

[0022] In particular, when substantially the complete bottom wall and circumferential side wall of the cup that faces the portioning cavity is provided with said pervious porous structure, the pushing force is distributed over substantially the entire surface of the cup that defines the portioning cavity which allows to quickly and / or completely push the portioned dough portion out of the portioning cup and receiving chamber of the portioning device .

[0023] In an embodiment, at least a part of the bottom wall and / or the circumferential side wall of the portioning cup comprises an inner wall , an outer wall , and an inner space in between the inner wall and the outer wall , wherein the inner wall is adj acent to the portioning cavity and comprises the pervious parts , and wherein the outer wall preferably comprises an input opening configured for supplying the pressurize fluid to the inner space . In an embodiment, at least an outer wall of the bottom wall is made from impervious material . The inner space provides passage for the pressuri zed fluid from the input opening to the pervious parts of the inner wall of the portioning cup . The outer wall with the impervious material is preferably configured to substantially guide the pressuri zed fluid to the pervious parts of the portioning cup and / or to substantially prevent leakage of the pressurized fluid out of parts of the device other than the pervious parts .

[0024] In an embodiment, a side of the circumferential side wall or the outer wall of the circumferential side wall that is facing a circumferential wall of the receiving chamber comprises a sealing member, preferably a circumferential sealing member, that sealingly abuts against the circumferential wall of the corresponding receiving chamber, wherein the pervious parts and / or the fluid passage are / is arranged at a side of the sealing member facing away from the circumferential edge of the circumferential side wall . In an embodiment , the sealing member comprises a circumferential groove with an O-ring placed at least partially in said groove . Accordingly, the sealing member at least substantially prevents leakage of the pressuri zed fluid out of the portioning member via a possible leakage path between the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber and the portioning cup, and ensures that the pressuri zed fluid flows through the pervious parts . In addition or alternatively, the sealing member at least substantially prevents that dough is pushed in between the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber and the portioning cup during a feeding of dough into the portioning cup and the part of the receiving chamber between the portioning cup and the outer surface of the portioning member, and reduces or avoids contamination of and / or the accumulation of dough remnants in the space between the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber and the portioning cup .

[0025] In an embodiment, the sealing member is a first sealing member, and wherein the side of the circumferential side wall or the outer wall of the circumferential side wall that is facing the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber comprises a second sealing member, preferably a second circumferential sealing member, which sealingly abuts against the circumferential wall of the corresponding receiving chamber, wherein the second sealing member is arranged spaced apart from the first sealing member, and wherein the first sealing member is arranged between the second sealing member and the circumferential edge of the circumferential side wall , wherein the pervious parts and / or the input opening are / is arranged in between the first and second sealing member, wherein the receiving chamber comprises a fluid outlet which is connected to the fluid supply member, wherein the fluid outlet is arranged at a position in between a position where the two sealing members abut against the circumferential wall of the corresponding receiving chamber . This embodiment is in particular suitable for cylindrical receiving chambers which also debouch in an inner surface which is facing the adj usting device . In an embodiment, both the first sealing member and the second sealing member each comprises a circumferential groove with an O-ring placed at least partially in said groove . Accordingly, the first sealing member at least substantially prevents leakage of the pressuri zed fluid out of the portioning member via a possible leakage path between the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber and the portioning cup, the second sealing member at least substantially prevents leakage of the pressurized fluid to the inside of the portioning member via a possible leakage path between the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber and the portioning cup . Both the first and second sealing member ensure that the pressuri zed fluid flows through the pervious parts .

[0026] In an embodiment, the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber ( s ) of the portioning member are cylindrical surfaces , preferably having a cross-sectional plane curve that comprises a circle, an ellipse , a square or a rectangle . It is noted that a cylindrical surface is a surface consisting of all the points on all the lines which are parallel to a given line and which pass through the fixed plane curve in a plane not parallel to the given line, preferably in a plane perpendicular to the given line . The portioning cup is configured to closely fit in the corresponding receiving chamber, such that at least the circumferential edge of the circumferential side wall of the portioning cup abuts against the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber .

[0027] In an embodiment, the circumferential edge of the circumferential side wall of the portioning cup is provided with a scraping edge which is configured to abut against the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber . Since the adj usting device is configured for moving the portioning cup in the receiving chamber in a direction towards and away from the outer surface of the portioning member, the adj usting device can be used to move the scraping edge along the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber, which allows to use the scraping edge for removing any material which may stick to the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber, in particular to the part of the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber between the scraping edge of the portioning cup and the outer surface of the portioning member . Such a scraping step may be performed during a maintenance session, for example prior to or after the portioning a dough mass into dough portions .

[0028] In an embodiment, a circumferential wall of the receiving chamber is provided with a first abutment member, and wherein a side of the circumferential side wall or the outer wall of the circumferential side wall that is facing the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber is provided with a second abutment member, wherein the first and second abutment member are configured to limit a movement of the portioning cup in the receiving chamber towards the outer surface of the portioning member . In an embodiment, the sealing member is configured to provide the second abutment member . The combined action of the first and second abutment member prevent that the portioning cup can move out of the receiving chamber . In an embodiment, a circumferential wall of the receiving chamber is provided with a first rotation limiting member, and wherein a side of the circumferential side wall or the outer wall of the circumferential side wall of the portioning cup that is facing the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber is provided with a second rotation limiting member, wherein the first and second rotation limiting members are configured to cooperate for restricting or blocking a rotation of the portioning cup in the receiving chamber . In an embodiment , one of the first or the second rotation limiting member comprises a pin which extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a center line of the receiving chamber, and wherein other one of the first or second rotation limiting member comprises an elongated slot which is configured to accommodate the pin, wherein the slot extends in a direction substantially parallel to a center line of the receiving chamber . This allows to shape the circumferential edge of the portioning cup conform the shape of the opening of the receiving chambers in the outer surface of the portioning member, which is particularly advantageous when the outer surface of the portioning member is not flat .

[0029] In an embodiment, the adj usting device comprises an actuator comprising at least one slanting surface , wherein the actuator is , at least adj acent to the receiving chamber, movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to a center line of the receiving chamber, wherein the actuator is configured such that the slanting surface moves closer to or further away from the receiving chamber, during a movement of the actuator, wherein the portioning cup is connected to or abuts against the slanting surface . In an embodiment , the actuator is arranged at side of the receiving chamber facing away from the outer surface of the portioning member . In an embodiment , the portioning cup comprises a support member at a side of the bottom wall facing away from the portioning cavity, wherein the support member, at least in use, at least temporarily abuts against the slanting surface .

[0030] It is noted that a fixed connection between the portioning cup and the slanting surface of the actuator is not necessary . During a step of filling the portioning cavity with dough, the portioning cup is pushed by the dough away from the outer surface of the portioning member until the portioning cup, preferably the abutment member thereof , abuts against the slanting surface of the actuator . Accordingly, the slanting surface of the actuator defines the distance between the portioning cup and the outer surface of the portioning member, and thereby an amount of additional volume that is added to the volume of the portioning cup, wherein the volume of the portioned dough is equal to a sum of the volume of the portioning cup and the additional volume .

[0031] In an embodiment, the portioning member comprises a cylindrical portioning drum, wherein the number of receiving chambers are arranged in one or more rows which extend in a direction substantially parallel to a center line of the cylindrical portioning drum. In an embodiment , the actuator comprises a cylindrical actuator which is arranged substantially concentrical inside the cylindrical portioning drum, wherein the cylindrical actuator comprises one or more circumferential surfaces which in a crosssection of the cylindrical actuator perpendicular to the center line and adj acent to receiving chambers , comprises part of a spiral , wherein the cylindrical actuator is rotatable relative to the cylindrical portioning drum, and wherein the one of the one or more circumferential surfaces provide the slanting surface .

[0032] According to a second aspect, the invention pertain to an assembly for portioning dough, wherein the assembly comprises : a device for portioning dough or an embodiment thereof as described above ; a dough feed member for feeding a part of a mass of dough into the portioning cup of one or more of the receiving chambers , wherein the dough feed member is arranged at a dough feed position; a dough ej ection position which is spaced apart from the dough feed position, wherein the device is configured for pushing portioned dough portions out of the portioning cup and the receiving chamber at the dough ej ection position by means of the pressurized fluid; wherein the portioning member is configured for moving the portioning cup and the receiving chamber from the dough feed position to the dough ej ection position .

[0033] According to a third aspect, the invention pertains to a method for portioning dough, wherein the method comprises the steps of : providing an assembly as described above ; arranging the one or more of the receiving chambers with the portioning cup at the dough feed position; feeding a part of a mass of dough into the portioning cup and the part of the receiving chamber between the portioning cup and the outer surface of the one or more of the receiving chambers ; moving the one or more of the receiving chambers with the portioning cup from the dough feed position to the dough ej ection position; pushing portioned dough portions out of the portioning cup and the receiving chamber of the one or more receiving chambers at the dough ej ection position by means of the pressurized fluid from the fluid supply member; establishing whether or not the weight of the portioned dough portions is substantially equal to a desired weight, in particular i f a deviation from the desired weight is smaller than a predefined amount, by weighing one or more of said portioned dough portions , and when the weight of the portioned dough portions deviate from the desired weight equal to or more than the predefined amount, then; adj usting a distance between the portioning cups in the receiving chambers and the outer surface of the portioning member by means of the adj usting device in order to adj ust the volume of a part of the receiving chambers between the portioning cups and the outer surface of the portioning member to compensate for the deviation .

[0034] In particular, when the weight of the dough portions is to low, the volume of a part of the receiving chambers between the portioning cups and the outer surface of the portioning member is increased by increasing the distance between the circumferential edge of the circumferential side wall of the portioning cup and the outer surface of the portioning member . When the weight of the dough portions is too high, the volume of a part of the receiving chambers between the portioning cups and the outer surface of the portioning member is decreased by decreasing the distance between the circumferential edge of the circumferential side wall of the portioning cup and the outer surface of the portioning member .

[0035] In an embodiment wherein the portioning member comprises a portioning drum and the actuator comprises a cylindrical actuator, the step of adj usting the distance between the portioning cup and the outer surface of the portioning member comprises a step of rotating the cylindrical actuator relative to the cylindrical portioning drum.

[0036] The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible . These individual aspects , in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims , can be made subj ect of divisional patent applications .

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings , in which :

[0039] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an example of a device for portioning dough;

[0040] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a crosssection along a longitudinal direction of the device for portioning dough of figure 1 ;

[0041] Figure 3A shows a detail of figure 2 , presenting a more detailed view of the receiving chambers and portioning cups of the device for portioning dough according to a first example ;

[0042] Figure 3B schematically shows a second example of a view of the receiving chambers with portioning cups having a portioning cavity with a larger volume ;

[0043] Figure 3C schematically shows presenting a more detailed view of the receiving chambers and portioning cups of the device for portioning dough according to a third example ;

[0044] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a crosssection perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the device for portioning dough of figure 1 ;

[0045] Figure 5 shows a schematic view of an example of a replaceable portioning member for use in a device for portioning dough;

[0046] Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-section view of an example of an assembly for portioning dough according to the invention; and

[0047] Figure 7 shows a schematic flow diagram of an example of a method for portioning dough according to the inventions .

[0048] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an example of a device for portioning dough 1 according to the present invention . The device for portioning dough 1 comprises a portioning member 2 and a driving assembly 3 . The portioning member 2 comprises a cylindrical portioning drum 4 which is arranged between two frame members 7 , 8 of a supporting frame (not shown in detail ) , wherein the cylindrical portioning drum 4 is rotatable around a centre line 5. The driving assembly 3 comprises a first motor 9 and a first transmission 10 for driving the rotation of the cylindrical portioning drum 4 . In addition, the driving assembly 3 comprises a second motor 11 and a second transmission 12 for driving an adj usting device arranged inside the cylindrical portioning drum 4 , which will be described in more detail below . The cylindrical portioning drum 4 comprises a series of receiving chambers 6, which will described in more detail below . As schematically shown in figure 1 , the series of receiving chambers 6 are arranged in a row which extend in a direction substantially parallel to the centre line 5 of the cylindrical portioning drum 4 . The example in figure 1 only shows one row of receiving chambers 6, however the cylindrical portioning drum 4 preferably comprises multiple rows of receiving chambers 6 which are preferably evenly distributed around the cylindrical portioning drum 4 . As indicated in the cross-section of figure 4 , the cylindrical portioning drum 4 of this example comprises three rows of receiving chambers 6 which are evenly distributed around the cylindrical portioning drum 4 .

[0050] The frame member 7 at a side of the cylindrical portioning drum 4 that faces away from the driving assembly 3 comprises a fluid supply member 13 for supplying a pressuri zed fluid, preferably compressed air, to the cylindrical portion drum 4 .

[0051] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a crosssection along a longitudinal direction of the device for portioning dough 1 of figure 1 . As shown in the crosssection of figure 2 , the cylindrical portioning drum 4 is connected to a first coupling member 17 , in particular a hollow drive axis . Inside the cylindrical portioning drum 4 , a cylindrical actuator 14 is provided . The cylindrical actuator 14 is connected to a second coupling member 15 , which acts as a second drive axis , which traverses through the first coupling member 18 and is coupled to the second motor 11 .

[0052] The cylindrical portioning drum 4 comprises a series of receiving chambers 6 which debouch in an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portioning drum 4 . In the example of figure 2 , a beam 19 is arranged inside the cylindrical portioning drum 4 , which beam 19 comprises at least a part of the receiving chambers 6 of one row . The beam 19 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the center line 5. By arranging at least a part of the receiving chambers 6 of one row in a beam 19, a relative thin walled cylindrical portioning drum 4 can be used in which the di fferent desired component are build into , which is more easy to manufacture . As schematically shown in figure 2 , each receiving chamber 6 is provided with a portioning cup 20 , wherein said portioning cup 20 is movable in a substantially radial direction, towards and away from the outer surface of the cylindrical portioning drum 4 .

[0053] The details of the receiving chambers 6 and the portioning cups 20 are more clearly shown in figure 3A. In this example the bottom wall and the circumferential side wall of the portioning cup 20 comprises an inner wall 21 , 22 , an outer wall 23 , 24 , and an inner space 40 in between the inner wall 21 , 22 and the outer wall 23 , 24 . The inner wall 21 , 22 is adj acent to the portioning cavity and comprises the pervious parts . In this example, the inner wall 21 , 22 of the portioning cup 20 is made out of a pervious porous material , preferably made from sintered metal powder, more preferably made by additive manufacturing, such as 3D powder bed printing . The outer wall 23 is made from impervious material and comprises a input opening 41 configured for supplying the pressuri ze fluid to the inner space 40 . Preferably, the impervious outer wall 23 , 24 is also made by additive manufacturing, such as 3D powder bed printing . More preferably the outer wall 23 , 24 and the inner wall 21 , 22 are integrally formed by additive manufacturing, such as 3D powder bed printing .

[0054] As shown in figure 3A, the outer wall 23 of the circumferential side wall that is facing a circumferential wall of the receiving chamber 6 comprises a first sealing member 25 which comprises a circumferential groove provided with an O-ring placed in said groove , wherein the O-ring abuts the circumferential wall of the corresponding receiving chamber 6 . In addition, the outer wall 23 of the circumferential side wall that is facing the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber 6 comprises a second sealing member 26 which comprises a circumferential groove provided with an O-ring placed in said groove, wherein the O-ring abuts the circumferential wall of the corresponding receiving chamber 6. The second sealing member 26 is arranged spaced apart from the first sealing member 25, wherein the first sealing member 25 is arranged between the second sealing member 26 and a circumferential edge 42 of the outer wall 23 of the circumferential side wall . The first sealing member 25 and the second sealing member are configured for at least reducing and preferably blocking that the pressurized fluid might flow between the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber 6 and the first and second sealing members 25, 26 of the portioning cup 20 . As schematically shown in figure 3A, the input opening 41 is arranged in between the first sealing member 25 and second sealing member 26.

[0055] As schematically shown in figure 3A, the circumferential wall of the receiving chambers 6 comprises an elongated slot 34 which accommodates a pin 35 which is part of and extends from the outer wall 23 of the portioning cup 20 . The slot 34 is configured to allow a movement of the pin 35 in a direction towards and away from the outer surface of the portioning drum 4 , but is also configured to restrict or block a rotation of the portioning cup 20 in the receiving chamber 6. This allows to shape the circumferential edge 42 of the portioning cup 20 conform opening of the receiving chambers 6 in the outer surface of the portioning drum 4 .

[0056] In addition, the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber 6 is provided with a first abutment member, in particular an inward facing edge 43 . Between the inward facing edge 43 and the outer surface of the cylindrical portioning drum 4 , the diameter of the receiving chamber 6 is smaller than the diameter of the receiving chamber 6 at a side of the inward facing edge 43 facing away from the outer surface of the cylindrical portioning drum 4 , in particular the part of the receiving chamber 6 in the beam 19 . Since the first sealing member 25 protrudes out of the outer wall 23 of the circumferential side wall or is arranged on top of the outer wall 23 of the circumferential side wall , the first sealing member 25 provides a second abutment member, wherein the inward facing edge 43 and the first sealing member 25 are configured to limit a movement of the portioning cup 20 in the receiving chamber 6 towards the outer surface of the cylindrical portioning drum 4 .

[0057] Furthermore , the portioning cup 20 comprises an support member 28 at a side of the bottom wall 22 , 24 facing away from the portioning cavity . The support member 28 , at least in use, abuts against the outer surface of the cylindrical actuator 14 .

[0058] As shown in figure 3A, the portioning cup 20 comprises a residual space 27 between the bottom wall 24 and the support member 28 . The residual space 27 can be made smaller to provide a portioning cup 20 ' with a larger portioning cavity, as in a second example as schematically shown in figure 3B, without substantially changing the outer dimensions of the portioning cup . The portioning cup 20 ' with the larger portioning cavity allows to obtain dough portions with a larger volume and thus with a larger weight , when compared with the portioning cup 20 with the smaller portioning cavity . However, both the portioning cups 20 , 20 ' can be used in the same cylindrical portioning drum 4 , because they have substantially the same outer dimensions .

[0059] In a third example as shown in figure 3C, the portioning cup 20" comprises a single circumferential side wall 21 , wherein both the bottom wall 22 and the circumferential side wall 21 comprises a pervious porous structure .

[0060] The circumferential edge 42 of the circumferential side wall 21 of the portioning cup 20" is provided with a scraping edge 42 ' which is configured to abut against the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber 6. Since the adj usting device 14 is configured for moving the portioning cup 20" in the receiving chamber 6 in a direction towards and away from the outer surface of the portioning member 4 , the adj usting device 14 can be used to move the scraping edge 42 ' along the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber 6 , which allows to use the scraping edge 42 ' for removing any material which may stick to the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber 6 . In particular, the part of the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber 6 between the scraping edge 42 ' of the portioning cup 20" and the outer surface of the portioning member 4 can be scraped by the scraping edge 42 ' . In addition, the scraping edge 42 ' can also be configured to provide a sealing member for at least reducing and preferably blocking that the pressurized fluid might flow between the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber 6 and the circumferential edge 42 of the circumferential side wall 21 of the portioning cup 20" .

[0061] As schematically shown in figure 3C, the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber 6 is provided with an inward facing edge 43 which provides a first abutment member . The circumferential wall 21 of the portioning cup 20" is provided with a second abutment member 36 at a side facing the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber and at a side of the inward facing edge 43 that is facing away from the outer surface of the portioning drum 4 . The second abutment member 36 is configured to abut against the inward facing edge 43 to prevent that the circumferential edge 42 of the circumferential side wall 21 of the portioning cup 20" moves out of the receiving chamber 6.

[0062] Furthermore , as schematically shown in figure 3C, the circumferential side wall 21 of the portioning cup 20" is a slightly tapered such that the inner diameter of the circumferential side wall 21 decreases with the distance to the outer surface of the portioning drum 4 . In contrast , the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber 6 extends substantially in a radial direction of the portioning drum 4 ( substantially perpendicular to the center line 5 as shown in figure 2 ) . The slightly tapered circumferential side wall 21 of the portioning cup 20" is advantageous for discharging the dough out of the portioning cup 20" . The tapering of the circumferential side wall 21 of the portioning cup 20" can be characterized by a tapering angle a between the circumferential side wall 21 and the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber 6 or a radial line of the portioning drum 4 . The angle a is preferably in a range between 0 - 10 degrees , and is typical a few degrees . For portioning dough portions with a larger weight , it seems advantageous to use portioning cups with a larger tapering angle a .

[0063] The bottom wall 22 of the portioning cup 20" is connected to an impervious outer wall 24 of a bottom part with the support member 28 . The bottom part also comprises the second sealing member 26 and the residual space 27 .

[0064] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a crosssection perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portioning drum 4 of figure 2 . The three rows of receiving chambers 6, 6' , 6" are evenly distributed around the cylindrical portioning drum 4 . As shown part of the receiving chambers 6, 6 ' , 6" are arranged in the beams 19, 19 ' , 19" . Each one of the receiving chambers 6, 6' , 6" comprises a portioning cup 20 , 20 ' , 20" , each comprising a first sealing member 25 and second sealing member 26 as shown in figure 3A and as described in more detail above.

[0065] As schematically shown in figure 4, the receiving chamber 6, 6', 6" comprises a fluid outlet 29, 29', 29" which is connected to the fluid supply member. The fluid outlet 29, 29' , 29" is arranged at a position in between a position where the two sealing members 25, 26 of the portioning cup 20, 20', 20" abut against the circumferential wall of the corresponding receiving chamber 6, 6' , 6". In this example, the fluid outlet 29, 29' , 29" is arranged in the beam 19, 19' , 19" and is provided with a tube connector 33, 33' , 33".

[0066] Inside the cylindrical portioning drum 4 there are also three fluid distribution pipes 30, 30' , 30", each provided with a series of tube connectors 31, 31', 31", each arranged near a tube connector 33, 33' , 33" of a receiving chamber 6, 6', 6". As schematically shown in figure 4, the fluid outlet 29, 29', 29" are in fluid connection with one of the fluid distribution pipes 30, 30' , 30" by means of tubes connected on one end to the tube connectors 31, 31', 31" of the fluid distribution pipes and on the opposite end to the tube connectors 33, 33' , 33" of the fluid outlets 29, 29', 29".

[0067] In addition, the cylindrical actuator 14 is substantially concentrically arranged inside the cylindrical portioning drum 4. The cylindrical actuator 14 comprises one or more circumferential surfaces 32, 32' , 32" which in the cross-section of figure 4 comprises a part of a spiral. Accordingly, these circumferential surfaces 32, 32' , 32" each provide slanting surface which moves further away from the center of the cylindrical actuator when moving in an anti-clockwise direction over said surfaces 32, 32' , 32". Since the cylindrical actuator is rotatable relative to the cylindrical portioning drum 4, the circumferential surfaces 32, 32' , 32" are movable in a tangential direction adjacent to the receiving chambers 6, 6' , 6", which is substantially perpendicular to a radial center line of the receiving chambers 6, 6', 6". When moving the cylindrical actuator 14 in an anti-clockwise direction relative to the cylindrical portioning drum 4, the circumferential surfaces 32, 32', 32" move further away from the receiving chambers 6, 6' , 6" , and the portioning cups 20, 20' , 20" which abut against the circumferential surfaces 32, 32' , 32" with their support members 28, 28', 28" can move downward in the receiving chambers 6, 6' , 6" for adjusting a distance between the portioning cup 20, 20' , 20" and the outer surface of the cylindrical portioning drum 4. Accordingly, an additional volume is added to the volume of the portioning cup 20, 20' , 20", namely the volume of the part of the receiving chamber 6, 6' , 6" between the portioning cup 20, 20', 20" and the outer surface of the cylindrical portioning drum 4, for example to correct for a decrease in the volumetric mass density due to a rise of the dough by the action of a leavening agent in the dough.

[0068] Preferably, the cylindrical portioning drum 4 is removable connected to the first coupling member 17, which allows to remove the cylindrical portioning drum 4 from the device for portioning dough 1. Such a removed cylindrical portioning drum 4 is schematically shown in figure 5. The removed cylindrical portioning drum 4 allows a more easy cleaning of the cylindrical portioning drum 4. In addition, the cylindrical portioning drum 4 can be removed to arranged a new and / or different cylindrical portioning drum over the cylindrical actuator of the device for portioning dough 1. Such a different cylindrical portioning drum may have, for example, different sized receiving chambers and / or a different number of receiving chambers in a row.

[0069] As schematically shown in figure 5, the fluid distribution pipes 30, 30', 30" debouch in the side of the drum 4 and are open. At the opposite side of the drum (not shown) , the fluid distribution pipes 30, 30' , 30" are closed. When a row of the receiving chamber 6, 6' , 6" is at a dough ejection position, the corresponding fluid distribution pipe 30 , 30 ' , 30" aligns and connects to the fluid supply member 13 ( as shown in figure 1 ) for supplying a pressurized fluid, preferably compressed air, to the receiving chambers of said row of receiving chambers at the dough ej ection position . At all other positions , in particular at the dough feeding position, of a row or receiving chambers 6, 6' , 6", the fluid distribution pipes 30 , 30 ' , 30" are not connected to the fluid supply member 13 and are open to the environment . Accordingly, the pervious parts of the portioning cups in the receiving chambers , at least the receiving chambers of the row of receiving chambers at the dough feed position are in fluid connection with the environment, which allows any air trapped in the portioning cavity during the filling of the portioning cup with dough, to escape via the pervious parts .

[0070] In addition or alternatively, when a row of the receiving chamber 6, 6 ' , 6" is at a dough feeding position, the corresponding fluid distribution pipe 30 , 30 ' , 30" may align and connect to the vacuum source (not shown) for lowering an air pressure in the receiving chambers of said row of receiving chambers at the dough feeding position . The low air pressure may assist in filling the dough portioning cups with dough .

[0071] Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-section view of an example of an assembly for portioning dough . The assembly comprises a device for portioning dough as described above with reference to figures 1 to 4 .

[0072] In addition, the assembly comprises a dough feed member for feeding a part of a mass of dough into the portioning cups 20 of row the receiving chambers 6 of the cylindrical portioning drum 4 that are arranged at a dough feed position . The dough feed member comprises a dough input 80 configured for supplying a dough mass into a feeding chamber 81 with an output channel 82 . The dough input 80 may be provided with a hopper (not shown) for holding the dough mass . The output channel 82 preferably has a height which is substantially equal to a diameter of the receiving chambers 6 of the cylindrical portioning drum 4 , and has a length which is substantially equal to the length of the row of receiving chambers 6. Accordingly, the dough feed member is configured to feed a part of the mass of dough in all receiving chambers 6 of a row of receiving chambers at the same time .

[0073] The output channel 82 is provided with at least a first abutment member 83 and a second abutment member 84 which, at least in use , abut against the outer surface of the cylindrical portioning drum to provide a dough tight sealing such that there is substantially no leakage of dough between the first and second abutment members 83 , 84 and the outer surface of the portioning drum 4 during the feeding of dough to the receiving chambers 6 with the portioning cups 20 at the dough feed position .

[0074] The dough feed member further comprises plunger ram 90 , which is connected to a driving member 92 via a lever 91 , so as to move the plunger ram 90 in a reciprocating movement in the feeding chamber 81 .

[0075] When feeding dough to the row of receiving chambers 6 , the plunger ram 90 is moved away from the cylindrical portioning drum 4 , for example to a position shown in figure 6. A part of the mass of dough in the dough input 80 is allowed to move into the feeding chamber 81 . When the feeding chamber 81 is filled with dough and a row of empty receiving chambers 6 is at or near the output channel 82 , the plunger ram 90 is driven to move towards the cylindrical portioning drum 4 for pushing the dough from the feeding chamber 81 to the output channel 82 and into the receiving chambers 6 and the corresponding portioning cups 20 . When a front side of the plunger ram 90 passes the edge 85 of the dough input 80 , the dough is confined and pressure is build up for pushing the dough into the receiving chambers 6 and the corresponding portioning cups 20 . Due to this pressure, the portioning cups 20 are pushed toward and against the cylindrical actuator 14 . When the receiving chambers 6 and the corresponding portioning cups 20 have been filled with the desired volume of dough, the cylindrical portioning drum 4 is rotated in a clockwise direction from the dough feed position to a dough ej ection position 70 . When the receiving chambers 6 are no longer in fluid communication with the output channel 82 , the plunger ram 90 is moved away from the cylindrical portioning drum 4 . During the clockwise rotation of the cylindrical portioning drum 4 , a row of empty receiving chambers 6" with their corresponding portioning cups 20" is moved to the dough feed position in order to be filled with dough form the dough feed member .

[0076] At the dough ej ection position 70 , which is spaced apart from the dough feed position, the fluid distribution pipe 30 ' aligns with the fluid supply member 13 ( see figure 1 ) . By activating a pressurized fluid source , such as a compressor for generating compressed air, which is connected do the fluid supply member 13 , the pressuri zed fluid flows into the fluid distribution pipe 30 ' , into the fluid outlets 29' of the receiving chambers 6' and towards the portioning cups 20 ' , and via the pervious porous walls of the portioning cups 20 ' into the portioning cavities for pushing portioned dough portions out of the portioning cups 20 ' of the receiving chambers 6' at the dough ej ection position .

[0077] Figure 7 shows a schematic flow diagram of an example of a method for portioning dough using the portioning member in the assembly is described above . After providing the assembly, the method comprises the steps of :

[0078] 101 providing a mass of dough to the dough input ;

[0079] 102 arranging a row of receiving chambers , each with a portioning cup, at the dough feed position of the dough feed member ;

[0080] 103 feeding a part of a mass of dough into the portioning cups and the part of the receiving chambers between the portioning cup and the outer surface of the cylindrical portioning drum (portioning member ) of said row of receiving chambers ;

[0081] 104 moving the row receiving chambers with their portioning cups from the dough feed position to the dough ej ection position;

[0082] 105 pushing portioned dough portions out of the portioning cups and the receiving chambers of the row receiving chambers at the dough ej ection position by means of the pressurized fluid from the fluid supply member;

[0083] 106 establishing whether or not the weight of the portioned dough portions is substantially equal to a desired weight, in particular i f a deviation from the desired weight is smaller than a predefined amount ;

[0084] I f Yes , than go to step 108 ;

[0085] I f No, than proceed with step 107 ;

[0086] 107 adj usting a distance between the portioning cups in the receiving chambers and the outer surface of the cylindrical portioning drum (portioning member ) by means of the cylindrical actuator ( adj usting device ) in order to adj ust the volume of a part of the receiving chambers between the portioning cups and the outer surface of the cylindrical portioning drum (portioning member ) , such that : the volume is enlarged when the weight of the dough portions is to low, or the volume is decreased when the weight of the dough portions is to high;

[0087] 108 establishing whether or not the remaining part of the mass of dough can to be portioned into further dough portions ;

[0088] I f YES , go back to step 102 .

[0089] I f No, end the portioning method .

[0090] It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention . From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the scope of the present invention . In summary, the invention relates to a method and a device for portioning dough . The device comprises a portioning member with a number of receiving chambers which debouch in an outer surface of the portioning member . Each receiving chamber comprises a portioning cup which is movably in the receiving chamber in a direction towards and away from the outer surface . The portioning cup comprises a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall which define a portioning cavity with an opening facing the outer surface . The bottom and / or circumferential side wall of said cup comprises pervious parts , configured to allow a pressuri zed fluid to flow through the wall into the portioning cavity . The device further comprises a fluid supply member configured for supplying a pressurized fluid to the portioning cups , and an adj usting device configured for adj usting a distance between the portioning cup and the outer surface of the portioning member .

Claims

C L A I M S1 . A device for portioning dough which comprises : a portioning member which comprises a number of receiving chambers which debouch in an outer surface of the portioning member, wherein each receiving chamber comprises a portioning cup which is movably arranged in the receiving chamber in a direction towards and away from the outer surface, wherein the portioning cup comprises a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall which define a portioning cavity which is accessible via an opening delimited by a circumferential edge of the circumferential side wall facing towards the outer surface of the portioning member, wherein the bottom wall and / or the circumferential side wall of said cup facing the portioning cavity comprises pervious parts , which are configured to allow a pressuri zed fluid to flow through the wall into the portioning cavity, a fluid supply member configured for supplying a pressuri zed fluid to a side of the bottom wall and / or the circumferential side wall of the portioning cups which faces away from the portioning cavity, and an adj usting device configured for adj usting a distance between the circumferential edge of the circumferential side wall of the portioning cups and the outer surface of the portioning member .2 . The device according to claim 1 , wherein the pervious parts comprises an arrangement of passages which are in fluid communication with the fluid supply member and which debouch in openings at a surface of the bottom wall and / or the circumferential side wall of the portioning cups which is adj acent to the portioning cavity .3 . The device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the pervious parts comprises a pervious porous structure,preferably wherein the pervious porous structure is made from sintered metal powder, preferably wherein the pervious porous structures is obtained by additive manufacturing .4 . The device according to claim 1 , 2 or 3 , wherein at least a part of the bottom wall and / or the circumferential side wall of the portioning cup comprises an inner wall , an outer wall , and an inner space in between the inner wall and the outer wall , wherein the inner wall is adj acent to the portioning cavity and comprises the pervious parts , preferably wherein the outer wall comprises a input opening configured for supplying the pressurize fluid to the inner space .

5. The device according to claim 4 , wherein at least an outer wall of the bottom wall is made from impervious material .

6. The device according to any one of the claims 1 - 5 , wherein a side of the circumferential side wall or the outer wall of the circumferential side wall that is facing a circumferential wall of the receiving chamber comprises a sealing member, preferably a circumferential sealing member, that abuts the circumferential wall of the corresponding receiving chamber, wherein the pervious parts and / or the fluid passage are / is arranged at a side of the sealing member facing away from the circumferential edge of the circumferential side wall .7 . The device according to claim 6, wherein the sealing member is a first sealing member, and wherein the side of the circumferential side wall or the outer wall of the circumferential side wall that is facing the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber comprises a second sealing member, preferably a second circumferential sealing member, which abuts the circumferential wall of thecorresponding receiving chamber, wherein the second sealing member is arranged spaced apart from the first sealing member, and wherein the first sealing member is arranged between the second sealing member and the circumferential edge of the circumferential side wall , wherein the pervious parts and / or the fluid passage are / is arranged in between the first and second sealing member, wherein the receiving chamber comprises a fluid outlet which is connected to the fluid supply member, wherein the fluid outlet is arranged at a position in between a position where the two sealing members abut the circumferential wall of the corresponding receiving chamber .8 . The device according to any one of the claims 1 - 7 , wherein the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber ( s ) of the portioning member comprises a cylindrical surface, preferably having a cross-sectional plane curve that comprises a circle, an ellipse , a square or a rectangle .

9. The device according to any one of the claims 1 - 8 , wherein the circumferential edge of the circumferential side wall of the portioning cup is provided with a scraping edge which is configured to abut against the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber .10 . The device according to any one of the claims 1 - 9, wherein a circumferential wall of the receiving chamber is provided with a first abutment member, and wherein a side of the circumferential side wall or the outer wall of the circumferential side wall that is facing the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber is provided with a second abutment member, wherein the first and second abutment member are configured to limit a movement of the portioning cup in the receiving chambertowards the outer surface of the portioning member .11 . The device according to claim 10 , when dependent on claim 6 or 7 , wherein the sealing member is configured to provide the second abutment member .12 . The device according to any one of the claims 1 - 11 , wherein a circumferential wall of the receiving chamber is provided with a first rotation limiting member, and wherein a side of the circumferential side wall or the outer wall of the circumferential side wall of the portioning cup that is facing the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber is provided with a second rotation limiting member, wherein the first and second rotation limiting members are configured to cooperate for restricting or blocking a rotation of the portioning cup in the receiving chamber .13 . The device according to claim 12 , wherein one of the first or the second rotation limiting member comprises a pin which extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a center line of the receiving chamber, and wherein other one of the first or second rotation limiting member comprises an elongated slot which is configured to accommodate the pin, wherein the slot extends in a direction substantially parallel to a center line of the receiving chamber .14 . The device according to any one of the claims 1 - 13 , wherein the adj usting device comprises an actuator comprising at least one slanting surface, wherein the actuator is , at least adj acent to the receiving chamber, movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to a center line of the receiving chamber, wherein the actuator is configured such that during a movement of the actuator, the slanting surface moves closer to or further away from the receiving chamber, and wherein the portioning cup isconnected to or abuts against the slanting surface .

15. The device according to claim 14 , wherein the actuator is arranged at side of the receiving chamber facing away from the outer surface of the portioning member, and / or wherein the portioning cup comprises an support member at a side of the bottom wall facing away from the portioning cavity, wherein the support member, at least in use, abuts against the slanting surface .

16. The device according to any one of the claims 1 - 15, wherein the portioning member comprises a cylindrical portioning drum, wherein the number of receiving chambers are arranged in one or more rows which extend in a direction substantially parallel to a center line of the cylindrical portioning drum.17 . The device according to claim 16 , when dependent on claim 14 or 15 , wherein the actuator comprises a cylindrical actuator which is arranged substantially concentrical inside the cylindrical portioning drum, wherein the cylindrical actuator comprises one or more circumferential surfaces which in a cross-section of the cylindrical actuator perpendicular to the center line and adj acent to receiving chambers , comprises part of a spiral , wherein the cylindrical actuator is rotatable relative to the cylindrical portioning drum, and wherein the one of the one or more circumferential surfaces provide the slanting surface .18 . An assembly for portioning dough, wherein the assembly comprises : a device for portioning dough according to any one of the claims 1 - 17 ; a dough feed member for feeding a part of a mass of dough into the portioning cup of one or more of the receiving chambers , wherein the dough feed member isarranged at a dough feed position; a dough ej ection position which is spaced apart from the dough feed position, wherein the device is configured for pushing portioned dough portions out of the portioning cup and the receiving chamber at the dough ej ection position by means of the pressurized fluid; wherein the portioning member is configured for moving the portioning cup and the receiving chamber from the dough feed position to the dough ej ection position .

19. Method for portioning dough, wherein the method comprises the steps of : providing an assembly according to claim 18 ; arranging the one or more of the receiving chambers with the portioning cup at the dough feed position; feeding a part of a mass of dough into the portioning cup and the part of the receiving chamber between the portioning cup and the outer surface of the one or more of the receiving chambers ; moving the one or more of the receiving chambers with the portioning cup from the dough feed position to the dough ej ection position; pushing portioned dough portions out of the portioning cup and the receiving chamber of the one or more receiving chambers at the dough ej ection position by means of the pressurized fluid from the fluid supply member; establishing whether or not the weight of the portioned dough portions is substantially equal to a desired weight, in particular i f a deviation from the desired weight is smaller than a predefined amount, and when the weight of the portioned dough portions deviate from the desired weight equal to or more than the predefined amount, then; adj usting a distance between the portioning cups in the receiving chambers and the outer surface of the portioning member by means of the adj usting device in orderto adj ust the volume of a part of the receiving chambers between the portioning cups and the outer surface of the portioning member to compensate for the deviation . 20 . The method according to claim 19 , when dependent of claim 17 , wherein the step of adj usting the distance between the portioning cup and the outer surface of the portioning member comprises a step of rotating the cylindrical actuator relative to the cylindrical portioning drum .-o- o-o-o-o- o-o-o-

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