Apparatus for slicing food products

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for slicing food products, the apparatus being designed to feed products to be sliced, in a single track or in multiple tracks, to a cutting blade (34) moving in a cutting plane, in particular a circular blade or a sickle-shaped blade, in order to cut the products into individual slices. The apparatus comprises a portioning unit for forming portions from falling slices, the portioning unit comprising a conveying device, which defines a receiving plane, for receiving the falling slices and for transporting the slices away in a transport direction. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises at least one engagement device which projects at least in part into a falling path of the slices and is designed to influence the falling movement of the slices at least temporarily, thereby causing the slices to be deposited on the portioning unit in accordance with a desired deposition pattern. The engagement device has a longitudinal axis which is arranged at an angle with respect to the receiving plane. The present invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Description

[0001] Device for cutting food products

[0002] The invention relates to a device for cutting food products, which is designed to feed products to be cut to a cutting blade moving in a cutting plane, in particular a circular or sickle blade, in a single or multiple track, in order to cut the products into individual slices.

[0003] For easier, direct use by consumers, it is common practice to sell food products pre-sliced ​​and packaged. Systems for this purpose are generally available that include at least one slicing device (also called a slicer) to slice the food products largely automatically. In many cases, such slicing devices are integrated into processing lines that include a packaging unit, allowing the sliced ​​product to be packaged immediately. Especially when the slicing device is a high-speed slicer, processing speeds of over 1000 slices per minute can be achieved. Throughput can be increased even further by using multiple slicing devices in parallel.

[0004] As a rule, slices cut from a given food product are not individually packaged, but rather in portions. A portion comprises at least one piece or slice of the product. The spatial arrangement of the slices within each portion and / or the layering method may be specified. A portioning unit is provided to form the portions from the cut and then falling slices.

[0005] When producing pre-packaged portions from sliced ​​food products such as meat, sausage, and cheese, or even vegan and vegetarian alternatives, there is a desire for visually appealing presentation. When the sliced ​​portions fall freely from the cutting blade onto the portioning unit, they usually land flat on a product tray within the unit (generally a conveyor system, such as a single or multiple conveyor belts). This allows for the creation of portions whose pieces or slices are stacked or shingled with or without a separating sheet, with or without a base, in single or multiple layers, and in linear, round, oval, or other shapes. An intervention device can be used to influence the falling portions (e.g., with compressed air), resulting in a different presentation, such as a folded, rolled, wavy, or crinkled arrangement of the slices.There are also portions whose presentation or shape is described as "shaved". These are produced by cutting thin slices and then stacking them on top of each other.

[0006] Portions that appear to have been hand-folded are becoming increasingly popular. Ideally, the slices should be folded to resemble a rose. Packaging containing such portions is often referred to as "fluffy packs." "Fluffy" portions are becoming more and more common, for example, with meat products such as ham.

[0007] In principle, there are known constructive methods for producing such portions. However, these are often complex and / or do not always produce the desired result, leading to incorrect portion sizes. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for cutting food products with which "fluffy" portions can be produced reliably and reproducibly in a simple manner.

[0008] This problem is solved using a device having the features of claim 1.

[0009] According to the invention, the slicing device has a portioning unit for forming portions of the falling slices, which includes a conveying device defining a receiving plane for receiving the falling slices and for transporting the slices away in a transport direction. Furthermore, at least one engagement device is provided, projecting at least partially into the falling path of the slices, which is designed to influence the falling motion of the slices, at least temporarily, in order to bring about the placement of the slices on the portioning unit in a desired shape.

[0010] The wording "intervention device projecting into the fall path of the discs" does not preclude the possibility that there may also be operating situations of the cutting device in which the intervention device is temporarily placed outside the fall path.

[0011] The discs are thus influenced mechanically, resulting in (brief) contact between the discs and a section of the engagement device.

[0012] The engagement device has a longitudinal axis that is arranged obliquely to the receiving plane. The folding or inverting of the discs produced by the concept according to the invention is easy to implement and delivers highly reproducible results. Existing systems can be easily retrofitted with the engagement device. It can also be combined with other known engagement devices as needed to produce the desired deposit pattern.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the recording plane is also to be understood as "arranged obliquely", whereas a longitudinal axis arranged parallel to the recording plane is not.

[0014] Further embodiments of the present invention are specified in the claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the engagement device forms an angle of 30° to 90° with the receiving plane. A preferred angle range is 40° to 80°, particularly 45° to 75°. For example, angle ranges of 35° ± 5°, 45° ± 5°, 55° ± 5°, 65° ± 5°, and 75° ± 5° are provided. The optimal angle range depends on the specific application, particularly on the properties of the product to be cut, the desired stacking pattern, the geometric relationships between the cutting plane and the conveying device, and / or the cutting parameters.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the engagement device forms an angle of 30° to 90° with a transverse direction that is perpendicular to the transport direction and parallel to the receiving plane. A preferred angle range is 40° to 80°, and more specifically, 45° to 75°. For example, angle ranges of 35° ± 5°, 45° ± 5°, 55° ± 5°, 65° ± 5°, and 75° ± 5° are provided. The optimal angle range depends on the specific application, particularly on the properties of the product to be cut, the desired stacking pattern, the geometric relationships between the cutting plane and the conveying device, and / or the cutting parameters.

[0017] In particular, the longitudinal axis of the engagement device is arranged parallel to the cutting plane. However, it can also be arranged at an angle to this plane. For example, it forms an angle with this plane in the range of greater than 0° to 60°, particularly greater than 0° to 45°, preferably greater than 0° to 30°. For example, an angular range of 5° ± 5°, 15° ± 5°, 25° ± 5°, 35° ± 5°, 45° ± 5°, 55° ± 5° is provided. The longitudinal axis of the engagement device can be arranged such that, viewed in the direction of the receiving plane, it converges on the cutting plane. A reverse embodiment, in which the longitudinal axis of the engagement device diverges from the cutting plane in the direction of the receiving plane, is also conceivable.

[0018] The engagement device can be arranged so that, in the device's operating position, it projects from above into the fall path of the falling slices when viewed from the cutting plane (i.e., in the case of a loaded device, from the end face of the product to be sliced). It can project obliquely into the fall path.

[0019] The engagement device can - alternatively or additionally - be arranged in such a way that, in the operating position of the device, it is laterally offset to a central axis and / or plane of the product in a view of the cutting plane.

[0020] In a two- or multi-track cutting device, the engagement device can be assigned to at least two tracks of the cutting device. For example, it is positioned between adjacent tracks. However, for track-specific folding of the discs, each track can also be assigned its own engagement device. These can then be designed and / or configured completely differently and / or operated independently.

[0021] It is also possible to provide a first and a second engagement device, both assigned to a single track of the cutting device, for example, to create particularly complex stacking patterns. The first and second engagement devices can be positioned on both sides near the edges of the product to be cut. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the first and second engagement devices are offset from each other with respect to the falling path of the slices, for example, to influence the falling motion or shape of the slices at staggered times or intervals. It is understood that any number of engagement devices can be provided to create the desired stacking pattern or shape.

[0022] The engagement device can include a folding or engagement element that comes into contact with the falling discs. To enable faster adaptation of the device to changing requirements (e.g., during product changes) and to facilitate cleaning, the folding element can be detachably attached to another component of the engagement device (e.g., a support rod). Preferably, it can be detached without tools. However, variants are also conceivable in which the folding element is not a separate component or is permanently connected to another component of the engagement device. A one-piece engagement device is, for example, a simple rod, where the folding element is then the part of the rod that comes into contact with the discs.

[0023] Since the folding element is not subjected to excessive stress, it can be easily manufactured, e.g., by 3D printing. Folding elements can be, for example, sleeves shaped and dimensioned according to requirements, which are attached to a rod or shaft.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the engagement device, in particular the folding element, is designed and arranged such that it only comes into contact with the falling disc in a specific area of ​​a lateral partial or edge surface. This does not mean that the entire partial or edge surface comes into contact with the engagement device, but rather that the contact is located within this specific area.

[0025] This means that only a lateral or edge surface of the falling disc is captured, which leads to a (partial) "folding" of the disc, so that its shape and width are reduced, for example by 20% or more compared to trays without lateral folding of the disc.

[0026] The lateral partial or edge surface comprises, for example, no more than 40%, preferably no more than 30% (e.g., no more than 25%, no more than 20%, or even no more than 15%) of the total surface area of ​​the end face of the respective disc that comes into contact with the engagement device and is bounded, at least partially, by the edge of the respective disc. For example, the partial or edge surface is bounded on one side by the edge of the disc and on the other side by a straight line arranged obliquely to a central axis and / or central plane of the respective disc.

[0027] According to an alternative definition, the partial or boundary surface is bounded by a straight line arranged parallel to and offset from the central axis and / or central plane of the respective disk when viewed from its end face, and by a section of the edge of the respective disk, wherein the offset between the straight line and the central axis and / or central plane is more than 10%, preferably more than 20% (e.g., more than 30%, more than 40%, or even more than 50%) of the distance of the edge from the central axis and / or central plane. For a circular disk, the distance corresponds to the radius of the disk.

[0028] The two definitions given above are not mutually exclusive. That is, a lateral partial surface or boundary surface can fulfill both definitions.

[0029] In particular, the folding element is rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the engagement device and arranged coaxially to it. For example, it is shaped as a sphere, a (constricted) cylinder, or a truncated cone. In special applications, a non-rotationally symmetrical design is conceivable, for example, to optimize the characteristics of the discs' falling motion. The folding element can then, for example, be an eccentric and / or have one or more cams, or be an element that is rotationally symmetrical but not arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the engagement device.

[0030] It is also conceivable that the folding body is shape-variable, meaning that its cross-sectional shape can be selectively changed. For example, it can be adjusted between a first and a second configuration. With the folding body in the first configuration, where it protrudes into the fall path, the discs can be laid down folded. With the folding body in the second configuration, where it does not protrude into the fall path, the discs can be laid down unaffected and, in particular, unfolded. In this case, it is not necessary to move the entire engagement device out of the fall area of ​​the discs to avoid influencing their fall. Rather, it is sufficient to adjust only the cross-sectional shape of the folding body, which can be done particularly quickly.

[0031] A radially and / or axially movable engagement element can be provided on one outer surface of the folding body. The folding body can then be arranged, for example, such that the falling discs are not affected when the engagement element is retracted. By extending the engagement element in a controlled manner (e.g., via a cam mechanism), the falling motion of the discs can be influenced as desired, thus resulting in a modified deposit shape. The engagement element can, for example, be designed in a semi-shell shape.

[0032] One particular embodiment provides that the engagement device comprises at least two telescopic parts. For example, a rotating outer part of the folding body can be guided axially along an inner part and retracted to switch between configurations.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the folding body is surface-treated and / or coated at least in sections. For example, the folding body as a whole, or – viewed in the circumferential and / or longitudinal direction – in sections, can be particularly smooth or textured to influence the adhesion of the discs.

[0034] In principle, the engagement device can be mounted statically or passively rotatable. Preferably, however, the engagement device is driven, at least in sections, into a rotary motion about its longitudinal axis by means of a rotary drive. The rotary drive can be variably controlled to adjust the rotary motion as needed. Depending on the application, continuous or variable rotation in one direction or alternating back-and-forth rotation can be provided. To save energy, the rotary motion can be slowed down or interrupted during non-cutting periods (e.g., during idle cuts, loading of the device, or other pauses). In particular, the folding element of the engagement device can (optionally only) be driven into a rotary motion to adjust the characteristics of the disc's drop motion as required.For example, in combination with a non-rotationally symmetric and / or non-coaxially arranged folding body, a variation in the folding of the disks within a portion is also made possible.

[0035] The rotary drive can be electric (e.g., with a servo motor) or pneumatic. If two or more engagement devices are provided, each can have a separate drive so that they can be controlled independently. However, a common or group-based drive for the engagement device may also be provided in certain applications.

[0036] To increase the flexibility of the device, a positioning device can be provided, allowing the engagement device to be positioned relative to the cutting plane and / or the receiving plane. The positioning device can be manually operated, for example, to swivel the engagement device out of the working area for maintenance or cleaning purposes and / or to adjust or adapt its position. Preferably, however, the positioning device is driven by at least one positioning drive. The positioning drive can be an electric motor (e.g., with a servo motor) or a pneumatic drive.

[0037] This allows the position of the engagement device to be changed even while the cutting device is operating, for example, to tailor the characteristics of the slices' falling motion to specific requirements, such as allowing for variations in the folding of the slices within a portion. A positioning drive also enables easy (re)adjustment or adaptation of the engagement device's position, particularly automatically (for example, depending on the product being cut and / or the desired stacking shape).

[0038] According to one embodiment, the portioning unit comprises a transport device downstream of the conveying device for receiving and transporting the discs, wherein the conveying device and the transport device are movable relative to each other in a transverse direction that is arranged perpendicular to the transport direction and parallel to the receiving plane. Preferably, the transport device is fixed in position in the transverse direction, while the conveying device is movable in the transverse direction.

[0039] A control unit may be provided with which the rotary drive and / or the positioning drive and / or the conveyor and / or the transport device can be controlled. The control unit preferably also controls the cutting of the product and – if present – ​​other components of a processing line into which the cutting device is integrated.

[0040] In particular, the control device is designed and configured to control the rotary drive and / or the positioning drive depending on at least one operating parameter of the cutting device and / or a characteristic parameter of the product and / or a portion property.

[0041] Operating parameters of the slicing device include, for example: ON / OFF, blade speed, product feed, and slicing speed. Characteristic product parameters include, for example: mass, volume, and product type. Portion characteristics include, for example: number of slices, slice arrangement, and tray shape.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured and designed to control the conveyor and / or transport unit based on at least one operating parameter of the slicing device and / or a characteristic parameter of the product and / or a portion property. The control can affect the feed rate of the conveyor and / or transport unit to adapt it to the slicing process and / or to coordinate them, for example, to allow portion compression or overlapping of the slices during portioning, as explained earlier in connection with the formation of a "shaved" stacking pattern. In particular, the speeds of two successive belts can vary, especially so that the second / rear belt (viewed in the direction of transport) travels slower than the first / front belt.These speed differences can be adjusted and adapted, for example, according to product parameters (e.g., product type or temperature) or portion type. The control system can also cause a lateral movement of the conveyor and / or transport device to influence portion formation. The lateral movement of the conveyor and / or transport device and the portion compression and / or the slicing of the portions can overlap in time.

[0043] The present invention further relates to a system comprising a device for slicing food products according to at least one of the embodiments described above and a packaging machine downstream of this device, in particular a thermoforming packaging machine. Functionally, a sorting and conveying section can be provided between the device for slicing food products and the packaging machine. Here, among other things, the portions can be manipulated and / or checked. For example, the portions can be compressed in this section. The system can comprise a variety of different functional units arranged between the slicing device and the packaging machine or downstream of the packaging machine. Functional units can also be provided upstream of the slicing device.

[0044] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a device for slicing food products, which is configured to feed products to be sliced ​​to a cutting blade moving in a cutting plane in one or more tracks in order to slice the products into individual slices, in particular a device according to at least one of the embodiments described above. The device comprises a portioning unit for forming portions from falling slices, which has a conveying device defining a receiving plane for receiving the falling slices and for transporting the slices away in a transport direction, and at least one engagement device. The engagement device has a longitudinal axis arranged obliquely to the receiving plane and projects at least partially into a falling path of the slices.The falling motion of the discs is influenced, at least temporarily, by the section of the engagement device projecting into the falling path, in order to bring about the placement of the discs on the portioning unit according to a desired placement shape.

[0045] It may be designed so that the falling disc only comes into contact with the engagement device in a specific area of ​​a lateral partial or edge surface. Regarding the term "lateral partial or edge surface," please refer to the definitions given above.

[0046] According to embodiments of the method, the engagement device can be driven into a (variable) rotary motion and / or positioned by the control unit defined above. The same applies to the portioning unit, the conveying device, and / or the transport device. The control unit can be integrated into or connected to the control system of a system of the type described above (line control).

[0047] Accordingly, the intervention device can be moved at least in sections, especially during operation of the device, in order to have more possibilities for generating a storage image.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the method, the movement of the engagement device comprises a rotary movement and / or a translational movement and / or a pivoting movement. The movement may—but need not—vary over time. Periods of standstill are also conceivable during the cutting of a product.

[0049] The movement of the device's components can be controlled based on a wide variety of parameters. For example, the engagement device and / or the conveying device and / or a downstream transport device of the portioning unit are moved depending on at least one operating parameter of the device and / or a characteristic parameter of the product and / or a portioning property. Movement of the conveying device and / or the transport device can include not only a drive to generate a translational movement of the cut slices in or against the transport direction, but also lateral movement and / or tilting of the aforementioned devices.

[0050] The conveying device and / or – if provided – the transport device of the portioning unit can be moved depending on at least one operating parameter of the engagement device. In principle, it is also possible to move the engagement device depending on at least one operating parameter of the conveying device and / or the transport device. According to one embodiment of the method, the transport device is moved depending on at least one operating parameter of the conveying device, e.g., to enable the portions to be compressed.

[0051] The present invention is explained below by way of example with reference to advantageous embodiments and the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0052] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a processing line for cutting and packaging a food product,

[0053] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a cutting device,

[0054] Figs. 3 to 8 show different spatial arrangements of the intervention device.

[0055] Fig. 9 different embodiments of a folding body and

[0056] Figs. 10 to 12 show different designs of the lateral partial or edge surface.

[0057] Fig. 1 shows a processing line 10 for slicing and packaging a food product. The product is supplied in batches of bars or loaves 12, which are sliced ​​by a slicer 14. The bars 12 are fed by a conveyor belt 16, which is shown only schematically. If required, the conveyor belt 16 can have multiple lanes. It feeds a loading device 18 in the conveying direction F, which in turn is used to load the slicer 14. Other feeding and loading concepts can be used. For example, manual feeding and / or feeding using gripper devices are also conceivable.

[0058] Before the bars 12 are sliced ​​by the slicer 14, their weight is determined. A scale 20 is provided for this purpose, which in the example shown is located in the area of ​​the conveyor belt feed 16. The respective weight of the bars 12 can also be determined beforehand by a separate scale. The corresponding data must then be subsequently assigned to the bars 12. This can be done, for example, by assignment during processing and / or by sensory means. Detection can be optical, for example.

[0059] The dimensions or outer contour of the bars 12 are also recorded. This can be done, for example, by a scanner 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the scanner 22 is arranged in the area of ​​the scale 20. However, it is understood that the recording of the dimensions or outer contour of the bars 12 can be carried out separately from the determination of the weight, for example, also in the slicer 14, in particular in its feed area before the cutting plane or during the transfer from the loading to the feed area, while the corresponding bar 12 is being cut.

[0060] The recorded or separately determined data are fed to a control unit (SE).

[0061] The bars 12 are sliced ​​by the slicer 14 into slices, which are then arranged into portions 24. Units and devices for forming the portions 24 are not shown in Fig. 1. However, according to the invention, they are present and are described in more detail below.

[0062] The portions 24 are transported away from the slicer in the conveying direction F via belts (not shown in detail). In this embodiment, they are placed on product carriers provided by corresponding dispensing units 26. The units 26 can be, for example, so-called cardboard dispensers that dispense L-boards or C-boards. Such carrier boards are widely used, in particular, in bacon packaging.

[0063] In principle, an automatic or manual inspection of the portions 24 can also be provided before and after units 26 in order to reject or remove portions 24 from the portion stream or to correct those that do not meet certain quality requirements. This is reliably detected by tracking the portions 24 and taken into account in the control unit S.

[0064] The portions 24 are then weighed using a scale 28. The data obtained are transmitted to the control unit S.

[0065] The data available in the control unit S can be used to optimize the cutting of subsequent bars 12.

[0066] In the conveying or transport direction F behind the scale 28, the portions 24 are placed by a loading robot 30 onto a packaging film underweb, into trays in a packaging film underweb produced by a thermoforming unit of a packaging machine 32, or into trays. The portions 24 can also be transferred to the packaging, trays, or trays by means of conveyor belts.

[0067] At the end of processing line 10, an end-of-line scale 34 is arranged, which weighs the sealed packages individually or in groups. Further functional units are provided for the production of the finished packages. For example, a sealing unit can be integrated into the packaging machine 32, in which the filled packages, trays, or containers are sealed with a film. Additional units can be provided for marking and / or labeling the sealed forms or trays and / or for singulating the sealed forms or trays. These units are not shown in detail. However, it is understood that the packaging machine 32 and / or the processing line 10 can be variably adapted to the specific requirements. The packaging machine 32 can—as already mentioned—include a thermoforming unit.

[0068] It is emphasized that only an exemplary embodiment of a processing line has been described above. The concept according to the invention can also be used in differently designed or configured (single- or multi-lane) lines with more or fewer and / or different functional units or slicers (especially high-performance slicers).

[0069] Fig. 2 shows a simplified part of the slicer 14, as it can be used, for example, in a line of the type described above. It includes a cutting blade 36, which defines a cutting plane S with a cutting edge (not shown). The blade 36 can rotate and / or move in a planetary motion. A product feeder (not shown) of the high-performance slicer 14 serves to automatically feed the product bars or loaves 12 to the cutting plane S, thus enabling repeated slicing of slices from the product bar 12. Depending on the size of the cutting blade 36, several adjacent product bars 12 can also be fed to the cutting plane S simultaneously, which is referred to as "multi-lane operation". The falling slices land on a portioning conveyor 38 of a portioning unit 40, which conveys the slices away from the cutting blade 36 along the conveying direction F.An electronic control unit (not shown) allows the conveying speed and direction of the portioning belt 38 to be changed as needed, in order to produce portions (not shown) with a desired placement pattern. It is also possible to move the portioning belt 38 laterally to influence the portion width.

[0070] The portioning belt 38 defines a receiving plane A which is arranged at an angle to a horizontal plane H; the planes A and H enclose, for example, an angle β of 2° to 40°, preferably 5° to 30°. In the example shown, the angle is approximately 5°. In other embodiments, the planes A and H can also coincide.

[0071] The portioning unit 40 also includes a control belt 42, which can also be laterally movable if required, but is usually stationary. It serves to transport the portions 24 in the conveying direction F, in this example in a plane parallel to the horizontal plane H. However, by appropriately adjusting its control, taking into account the feed of the portioning belt 28, it can also be used to compress the portions 24.

[0072] Preferably, but not necessarily, even in a multi-lane slicer 14, only one portioning unit 40 common to all lanes with a portioning belt 38 and a control belt 42 is provided.

[0073] In the area of ​​the discs' fall path, an engagement device 44 is arranged, which is designed to influence the falling motion of the discs, at least temporarily, in order to place the discs onto the portioning belt 38 in a specific manner. In the embodiment according to Fig. 2, the engagement device 44 comprises a folding or engagement element 46, which can be driven by a shaft 48 to a continuous or selectively variable rotary motion. A rotary drive for the shaft 48 is not shown.

[0074] The shaft 48 is attached to a traverse 50. The traverse 50 has a longitudinal axis Q, which is perpendicular to the conveying direction F (and thus perpendicular to the image plane) and parallel to the recording plane A. It therefore corresponds to a transverse direction of the slicer 14.

[0075] The engagement device 44 has a longitudinal axis L that coincides with that of the shaft 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axis L is arranged parallel to the cutting plane S. The longitudinal axis L forms an angle oc with the receiving plane A, which in the illustrated example is approximately 65°. Since the angle β between the horizontal plane H and the plane A is approximately 5°, an angle of approximately 30° results, which the longitudinal axis L forms with a vertical plane V that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane H and parallel to the transverse direction Q.

[0076] The longitudinal axis L is therefore inclined to the recording plane A and not parallel to it or to the transverse direction Q.

[0077] The longitudinal axis L can also be arranged obliquely to a plane that extends parallel to the conveying direction F and thus perpendicular to the transverse direction Q, as is shown below.

[0078] By means of a positioning device (not shown), the position of the engagement device 44 – i.e., its position relative to the planes H, V, A, S and / or in the transverse direction Q – can be adjusted manually and / or by a control device, e.g., to move it out of the path of the discs or to adjust its position as required. Corresponding positioning movements can be translational and / or pivoting movements relative to the traverse 50. Accordingly, linear drives and / or rotary drives can be used. It is also conceivable – additionally or alternatively – to arrange the traverse 50 so that it can be moved and / or pivoted and / or rotated manually and / or by means of a traverse drive and a control device.

[0079] The engagement device 44, arranged at an angle to the receiving plane A and projecting into the fall path of the cut product slices, enables the creation of complex stacking patterns that can be easily adapted to the respective customer requirements. A rotational movement of the engagement body 46 assists in folding the falling slices.

[0080] Figures 3 to 8 below illustrate that the design and spatial arrangement of the engagement device 44 can be varied very flexibly. They each show simplified views of the end face of the respective product 12 in the position in which it is to be cut, i.e., a view perpendicular to the cutting plane S.

[0081] It should be noted that the individual aspects of the described design and / or arrangement examples can be combined as needed to meet the respective requirements.

[0082] Fig. 3 shows an engagement device 44, which is arranged laterally offset from a vertical product center plane vM of the product 12. The engagement body 46 is arranged essentially symmetrically to a horizontal product center plane hM. The longitudinal axis L is arranged parallel to the plane vM. It may—but does not have to—form an angle α of less than 90° to the receiving plane A (see, for example, Fig. 2). It can be seen that the engagement device 44 projects obliquely upwards into the fall path of the sliced ​​discs—in the operating position of the slicer 14. Due to the lateral offset of the engagement device 44, a lateral partial surface or edge surface of the disc comes into contact with the (possibly rotating) folding body 46 during the fall, resulting in a (partial) "folding" of the disc.

[0083] Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which a further engagement device 44 is provided (see right-hand side) to cause both lateral surfaces of the falling discs to fold inwards. In the example shown, the devices 44 are not arranged symmetrically to the plane vM. A symmetrical arrangement is, of course, also conceivable.

[0084] The devices 44 can have different or identical spatial orientations / alignments of their longitudinal axes L. They can also be arranged offset with respect to the fall path and / or the horizontal product center plane hM. Although the engagement bodies 46 of the two devices 44 are identical in Fig. 4, differently shaped and / or dimensioned bodies 46 can also be used. They can perform the same or different (even opposing) rotational movements. It can also be provided that one or both bodies 46 are arranged statically.

[0085] With reference to Fig. 5, it is explained that the longitudinal axis L of the engagement device 44 also forms an angle with respect to the vertical product center plane vM (shown here for the sake of simplicity on a parallel plane vM').

[0086] can include γ (corresponding in the image plane to an angle γ' = 90° - γ with the transverse direction Q).

[0087] Figure 6 shows a 4-lane arrangement of products 12, with each pair of lanes being assigned an engagement device 44. Figure 7 illustrates that the longitudinal axis L and the cutting plane S need not be parallel (see angle θ). In the example shown, the longitudinal axis L and the cutting plane S converge in the direction of the receiving plane A. In specific applications, a divergent arrangement may also be used.

[0088] Fig. 8 shows a particularly simple embodiment of the engagement device 44. It is rod-shaped. The engagement body 46 of the device 44 is that part of the rod which comes into contact with the falling discs. It can be statically arranged or rotatable.

[0089] The design of the engagement body 46, which is detachably and preferably without tools attachable to a component of the engagement device 44 (e.g., to the shaft 48), can be freely chosen to create the desired deposit pattern. Figure 9 shows, purely by way of example, rotationally symmetrical shapes (truncated cone, sphere, constricted cylinder, cylinder). Other shapes—including non-rotationally symmetrical shapes—are conceivable.

[0090] Since the intervention or folding elements 46 are only subjected to comparatively low loads, their manufacture does not present any particular challenges. Suitable methods include milling or 3D printing.

[0091] Figures 10 to 12 show an example of what can be understood by the term “lateral partial or boundary surface” (hereinafter referred to as boundary surface).

[0092] Fig. 10 shows an edge surface RF of a disk 12S of product 12, which in this example has a circular cross-section. The following statements apply analogously to other cross-sectional shapes, both regular and irregular.

[0093] The edge surface RF comprises significantly less than 40% of the total area of ​​the end face of the disk 12S that comes into contact with the engagement device 44 or the engagement or folding element 46 (e.g., less than 35%, less than 20%, less than 15%, or less than 10%). It is bounded by a curved line Li and a section of an edge R of the disk 12S. If two engagement devices 44 are provided, which engage on both sides in the fall path of the disk 12S, a second edge surface RF can be provided, which—with appropriate design and arrangement of the second engagement device 44—is arranged and shaped symmetrically to the vertical center plane vM. Asymmetrical arrangements are also possible. This applies regardless of the shape of the edge surface RF, and thus also to the embodiments described below.

[0094] Fig. 11 shows an edge surface RF bounded by a straight line G, which, in a view of the end face of the disk 12S, is parallel to and offset from its central axis and / or central plane vM, and by a section of the edge R. The offset Vs between the straight line G and the plane vM is more than 10% (e.g., more than 20%, more than 30%, more than 40%, more than 50%, or more than 60%) of the distance Ab of the edge R from the central axis and / or central plane vM; in the specific example shown, approximately 45%. The edge surface RF comprises significantly less than 40% of the total area of ​​the end face of the disk 12S.

[0095] Fig. 12 shows an edge surface RF bounded by a straight line G, which runs transversely or obliquely to the plane vM, and a section of an edge R of the disk 12S. The edge surface RF of Fig. 12 also comprises significantly less than 40% of the total area of ​​the end face of the disk 12S. The straight line G can be arranged parallel and offset from the position shown.

[0096]

[0097] 10 processing lines

[0098] 12 product loaves, bars

[0099] 12S disc

[0100] 14 slicers

[0101] 16 Belt feed

[0102] 18 Loading equipment

[0103] 20, 28 scale

[0104] 22, 22' Scanner

[0105] 24 servings

[0106] 26 output units

[0107] 30 insertion robots

[0108] 32 Packaging machine

[0109] 34 End-of-line scale

[0110] 36 cutting blades

[0111] 38 portioning belt

[0112] 40 portioning units

[0113] 42 control tape

[0114] 44 Intervention device

[0115] 46 intervention bodies, folding bodies

[0116] 48 wave

[0117] 50 traverse

[0118] F Transport / Conveyor direction

[0119] SE control unit

[0120] S cutting plane

[0121] A recording level

[0122] H Horizontal plane

[0123] V Vertical plane

[0124] L Longitudinal axis of the engagement device

[0125] Q Longitudinal axis of the traverse / Transverse direction vM Vertical center plane

[0126] vM' plane parallel to vM

[0127] hM horizontal center plane

[0128] RF edge surface

[0129] R edge of the disc 12S

[0130] G Straight

[0131] Left curved line Ab distance Vs offset

[0132] α, β, γ, γ', δ angles

Claims

Claims 1. Device for slicing food products, designed to feed products (12) to be sliced ​​to a cutting blade (34) moving in a cutting plane (S), in particular a circular or sickle blade, in a single or multiple track, in order to slice the products (12) into individual slices (12S), with a portioning unit (40) for forming portions from falling discs (12S), which includes a conveying device (38) defining a receiving plane (A) for receiving the falling discs (12S) and for transporting the discs (12S) in a transport direction (F), and with at least one engagement device (44) projecting at least partially into a fall path of the discs (12S), which is designed to influence the falling movement of the discs (12S) at least temporarily in order to bring about a deposit of the discs (12S) on the portioning unit (40) according to a desired deposit shape, wherein the engagement device (44) has a longitudinal axis (L) which is arranged obliquely to the receiving plane (A).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis (L) of the engagement device (44) forms an angle (a) of 30° to 90° with the receiving plane (A).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the longitudinal axis (L) of the engagement device (44) forms an angle (β) of 30° to 90° with a transverse direction (Q) which is perpendicular to the transport direction (F) and parallel to the receiving plane (A).

4. Device according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis (L) of the engagement device (44) is arranged parallel to the cutting plane (S).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement device (44) in the operating position of the device projects into the fall path of the falling discs in a view of the cutting plane (S) from above.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement device (44) is arranged in the operating position of the device in a view of the cutting plane (S) laterally offset to a central axis and / or central plane (vM) of the product (12).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement device (44) is associated with at least two tracks of the cutting device.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a first and a second engagement device (44) are provided which are jointly assigned to a track of the cutting device.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement device (44) has a folding body (46) which comes into contact with the falling discs (12S), in particular wherein the folding body (46) is detachably arranged.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement device (44), in particular the folding body (46), is designed and arranged such that it only comes into contact with the falling disc (12S) in an area of ​​a lateral partial or edge surface, in particular wherein the lateral partial or edge surface (RF) comprises no more than 40%, preferably no more than 30%, of the total area of ​​the end face of the respective disk (12S) coming into contact with the engagement device (44) and is at least partially bounded by the edge (R) of the respective disk (12S) and / or wherein the lateral partial or edge surface (RF) is bounded by a straight line (G) which, in a view of the end face of the respective disk (12S), is arranged parallel to its central axis and / or central plane (vM), and a section of the edge (R) of the respective disk (12S), wherein the offset (Vs) between the straight line (G) and the central axis and / or central plane (vM) is more than 10%, preferably more than 20% of the distance (Ab) of the edge (R) from the central axis and / or central plane (vM).

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the folding body (46) is designed to be rotationally symmetrical to the longitudinal axis (L) of the engagement device (44) and is arranged coaxially to it.

12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the folding body (46) is not rotationally symmetric to the longitudinal axis (L) of the engagement device (44) and / or is not arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis (L).

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the folded body (46) is surface-treated and / or coated at least in sections.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement device (44) can be driven at least section by means of a rotary drive to a rotary movement about the longitudinal axis (L), especially to a variable rotational movement.

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a positioning device is provided with which the engagement device (44) can be positioned relative to the cutting plane (S) and / or the receiving plane (A), in particular wherein the positioning device can be driven to a positioning movement by means of at least one positioning drive.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the portioning unit (40) comprises a transport device (42) downstream of the conveying device (38) for receiving and transporting the discs (12S), wherein the conveying device (38) and the transport device (42) are movable relative to each other in a transverse direction (Q) which is arranged perpendicular to the transport direction (F) and parallel to the receiving plane (A).

17. Device according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein a control device is provided with which the rotary drive and / or the positioning drive and / or the conveying device (38) and / or the transport device (42) can be controlled.

18. Device according to claim 17, wherein the control device is set up and designed to control the rotary drive and / or the positioning drive depending on at least one operating parameter of the cutting device and / or a characteristic parameter of the product (12) and / or a portion property.

19. Device according to claim 15 or 16 and 17 or 18, wherein the control device is set up and designed to control the conveying device (38) and / or the transport device (42) depending on at least one operating parameter of the cutting device and / or a characteristic parameter of the product (12) and / or a portion property.

20. System comprising a device for cutting food products according to at least one of the preceding claims and a packaging machine (32) downstream thereof, in particular a thermoforming packaging machine, in particular wherein a sorting and conveying section is provided between the device (14) for cutting food products (12) and the packaging machine (32).

21. Method for controlling a device (14) for cutting food products (12) which is configured to deliver products (12) to be cut to a device moving in a cutting plane (S). to feed cutting blades (34) in a single or multiple track in order to cut the products (12) into individual slices (12S), in particular a device according to at least one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the device comprises a portioning unit (40) for forming portions from falling slices (12S), which has a conveying device (38) defining a receiving plane (A) for receiving the falling slices (12S) and for transporting the slices (12S) away in a transport direction (F), and comprises at least one engagement device (44), wherein the engagement device (44) has a longitudinal axis (L) arranged obliquely to the receiving plane (A) and projects at least partially into a fall path of the disks (12S), wherein the falling motion of the discs (12S) is at least temporarily influenced by a section of the engagement device (44) projecting into the falling path in order to bring about the depositing of the discs (12S) on the portioning unit (40) according to a desired depositing shape.

22. Method according to claim 21, wherein the falling disc (12S) only comes into contact with the engagement device (44) in a region of a lateral partial or edge surface, in particular wherein the lateral partial or edge surface (RF) comprises no more than 40%, preferably no more than 30% of the total area of ​​the end face of the respective disc (12S) coming into contact with the engagement device (44) and is at least partially bounded by the edge (R) of the respective disc (12S) and / or wherein the lateral partial or edge surface (RF) is bounded by a straight line (G) which, in a view of the emerging end face of the respective disk (12S), is arranged parallel to its central axis and / or central plane (vM), and a section of the edge (R) of the respective disk (12S). is, wherein the offset (Vs) between the line (G) and the central axis and / or central plane (vM) is more than 10%, preferably more than 20% of the distance (Ab) of the edge (R) from the central axis and / or central plane (vM).

23. Method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the engagement device (44) is moved at least section by section, in particular during the operation of the device (14).

24. Method according to claim 23, wherein the movement of the engagement device (44) comprises a rotary movement and / or a translational movement and / or a pivoting movement.

25. Method according to at least one of claims 23 or 24, wherein the engagement device (44) and / or the conveying device (38) and / or a transport device (42) downstream of the conveying device (38) of the portioning unit (40) are moved depending on at least one operating parameter of the device (14) and / or a characteristic parameter of the product (12) and / or a portioning property.

26. Method according to at least one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the conveying device (38) and / or a transport device (42) downstream of the conveying device (38) of the portioning unit (40) are moved depending on at least one operating parameter of the engagement device (44) and / or wherein the intervention device (44) depends on at least one operating parameter of the conveying device (38) and / or one of the The conveying unit (38) is moved to the downstream transport unit (42) of the portioning unit (40).

27. Method according to at least one of claims 20 to 25, wherein a transport device (42) downstream of the conveying device (38) of the portioning unit (40) is moved depending on at least one operating parameter of the conveying device (38).

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