Device for handling food, a slicing device and a method for handling food

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for handling food, comprising a supply unit for transporting the food, an actuator unit, and a storage element, wherein the supply unit can be raised and lowered by means of the actuator unit, characterised in that the storage element is configured in such a way that the storage element receives and / or stores at least a portion of potential energy during the lowering of the supply unit.

Description

[0001] Device for handling food, a cutting device and a method for handling food

[0002] The invention relates to a device for handling food, as well as a cutting device for handling food and for cutting food into portions. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for handling food.

[0003] Slicing devices are preferably used in the industrial processing of food, where the slicing device can cut food, especially food bars, into portions. Such food includes, in particular, cheese, sausage, meat, or vegetarian or vegan substitute products. For this purpose, the slicing devices have a cutting blade and a drive unit, the cutting blade slicing the food into portions. These portions fall onto a product platform and are conveyed further. Furthermore, a food handling device can transport the food to the cutting blade. Such devices can include a feeding unit, which conveys the food.

[0004] Devices for handling food are preferably used to transport food from one process step to the next. For example, the device can be arranged upstream of a cutting device, allowing the food to be conveyed to the cutting blade and / or the cutting plane.

[0005] It is particularly desirable to design the feeding units of the food transport devices to be movable, with one feeding unit being height-adjustable and / or tiltable. This advantageously allows for the compensation of height differences or the transfer or receipt of food at different heights to a subsequent machine.

[0006] It is already known that, for example, the feeding units of the devices can be pivoted around a drive shaft. The height adjustability of a feeding unit is also already known. Typically, the feeding units are regularly pivoted or moved, especially when handling larger quantities of food. For example, a feeding unit conveying the food can be pivoted every 20 to 90 seconds, with each movement, and especially pivoting or adjusting, requiring energy. The weight of the feeding unit itself and the food can require significant amounts of energy to be lifted. The pivoting motion can consist of an upward and a downward movement, with the feeding unit gaining potential energy during the upward movement. Furthermore, energy is expended again during the downward movement to move the feeding unit downwards.This has a particularly negative impact on the energy efficiency of such a device. This is because the potential energy gained through the upward movement is lost again, and further energy is expended to move the device downwards. Especially with a high frequency of pivoting or adjusting the feed unit, the lost energy can be compounded.

[0007] Against this background, the task arises to provide a device for the energy-efficient handling of food.

[0008] The problem is solved by a device for handling foodstuffs comprising a feed unit for transporting the foodstuffs, an actuator unit and a storage element, wherein the feed unit can be raised and lowered by means of the actuator unit, and wherein the storage element is configured such that the storage element absorbs and / or stores at least some potential energy when the feed unit is lowered.

[0009] The method according to the invention has the advantage that the device can absorb or store at least some of the potential energy when the feed unit is lowered. Thus, the energy previously used to raise the feed unit, which is largely converted into potential energy of the feed unit, is preferably not completely lost. Advantageously, the storage element is configured such that at least some of the potential energy of the feed unit, which is present at the feed unit in particular before it is lowered, can be absorbed and / or stored by means of the storage element.

[0010] According to the invention, the device for handling food comprises at least one feed unit, one actuator unit, and one storage element. The feed unit transports the food and can be raised and lowered by means of the actuator unit. Thus, the feed unit can perform an upward and a downward movement by means of the actuator unit, which in particular includes height adjustment and pivoting of the feed unit. Furthermore, according to the invention, the storage element is configured such that when the feed unit is lowered, at least a portion of the available potential energy can be absorbed and / or stored by the storage element. Advantageously, the force of gravity can thus be used to reduce energy consumption, which can be particularly advantageous if there is a high frequency of movement of the feed unit.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises several substantially parallel feeding units, with each feeding unit preferably having an actuator unit and a storage element. This allows the multiple feeding units to be controlled selectively and separately from one another. Alternatively, several feeding units can be configured as groups, with each group comprising an actuator unit and a storage element. This allows for targeted control of the group as a whole. Furthermore, the substantially parallel arrangement of the feeding units enables a more compact design of the device and also allows for a higher number of transportable food items or food portions.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the storage element is configured such that the energy absorbed by the storage element can be at least partially utilized when the feed unit is lifted by the actuator unit. According to the invention, the storage element can absorb and store at least a portion of the potential energy when the feed unit is lowered, and the storage element is further preferably configured such that the absorbed and / or stored energy provides support when the feed unit is lifted by the actuator unit. The energy absorbed and / or stored by the storage element can preferably be used by the actuator unit or utilized by the storage element in such a way that the actuator unit is at least partially supported when lifting the feed unit.Advantageously, the otherwise lost potential energy can thus be reused when lowering the feed unit, in particular by absorbing and / or storing and then using the absorbed and / or stored energy.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the storage element comprises a mechanical spring. The storage element can include a mechanical spring, which is preferably arranged such that it is compressed when the feed unit is lowered. Furthermore, the mechanical spring can be arranged such that it provides support when the feed unit is raised. For example, the compressed spring can extend again during raising and provide support through its spring force. Preferably, the mechanical spring is arranged around the actuator unit and positioned between the actuator unit and the feed unit such that lowering the feed unit compresses the mechanical spring. The mechanical spring can be a particularly cost-effective and simple way to absorb potential energy and simultaneously release the absorbed energy.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the mechanical spring is a torsion bar spring, wherein the feed unit is rotatable about an axis of rotation by means of the actuator unit, and the torsion bar spring is preferably arranged in the axis of rotation such that it absorbs and / or stores at least some of the potential energy when the feed unit is lowered. The feed unit is preferably pivotable about an axis of rotation, and in particular, the feed unit is pivotable about the axis of rotation by means of the actuator unit. The feed unit may, in particular, have a drive axis, wherein the drive axis can be driven by an electric motor. Preferably, the axis of rotation of the feed unit lies in the drive axis.The torsion spring is preferably arranged in the axis of rotation such that, when the feed unit is lowered around the axis of rotation, the torsion spring is twisted, absorbing and / or storing energy. Furthermore, the absorbed energy can be released when the feed unit is raised around the axis of rotation, and the actuator unit can assist in this lifting action. The torsion spring represents a particularly cost-effective solution for a pivotable feed unit.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises several storage elements for each feed unit. This can be particularly beneficial if the feed unit is height-adjustable and pivotable. Thus, one storage element can preferably absorb and / or store the potential energy during the lowering of the feed unit by pivoting, and another storage element can absorb and / or store the potential energy during the lowering of the feed unit in a substantially vertical direction.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the mechanical spring is a coil spring, the coil spring being arranged on the feed unit such that it absorbs and / or stores at least some of the potential energy when the feed unit is lowered. Preferably, the coil spring is arranged below the feed unit and is positioned either substantially perpendicular to the feed unit or at an angle to it. Alternatively, the coil spring can be arranged above the feed unit, particularly substantially perpendicular to it or at an angle to it, in such a way that it is extended or tensioned when the feed unit is lowered. Preferably, the coil spring is arranged substantially parallel to the conveying direction of the food in the respective feed unit.Preferably, the coil spring can be arranged at an angle of 0 to 90 degrees, preferably 30 to 60 degrees, and particularly preferably 40 to 50 degrees, relative to the feed unit. Depending on the application, the coil spring can be arranged relative to the feed unit to enable efficient force absorption and release. Alternatively, the coil spring can be arranged essentially perpendicular to the feed unit, which advantageously allows for efficient force absorption and release even with essentially vertical movement of the feed unit. The coil spring represents a simple and cost-effective method for energy absorption and release. Furthermore, the coil spring can be easily integrated with an actuator unit.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a device has a coil spring and a torsion bar spring for each feeding unit.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the storage element is designed as a pneumatic spring accumulator. The pneumatic spring accumulator can enable a wider range of applications and, furthermore, absorb a large proportion of potential energy during the lowering of the feed unit with minimal energy loss. The pneumatic spring accumulator is preferably arranged substantially perpendicular to or at an angle to the feed unit, particularly below the feed unit.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the storage element comprises a generator and a buffer battery, wherein the generator is configured such that it generates electrical energy when the feed unit is lowered, and the buffer battery absorbs and / or stores at least some of this electrical energy. The generator can preferably be arranged on the feed unit such that it generates electrical energy when the feed unit is lowered. This electrical energy can further be stored in the buffer battery and used, at least partially, when the feed unit is raised. For example, energy losses in real systems can mean that not all of the generated electrical energy can be used. Preferably, the electrical energy in the buffer battery can be used by the actuator unit when the feed unit is raised.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuator unit is configured as a spindle drive, an electrically adjustable cylinder, or a pneumatically adjustable cylinder. The spindle drive can include an electric motor. The spindle drive or the electrically adjustable cylinder can preferably be at least partially powered by the buffer battery of the storage element. Furthermore, the electric motor of the spindle drive can function as a generator when the feed unit is lowered. Thus, the electric motor of the actuator unit can function as a generator for the storage element.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the storage element and the actuator unit are designed as a single module, with the storage element being arranged on the actuator unit such that it absorbs and / or stores at least a portion of the potential energy generated when the feed unit is lowered. Preferably, the storage element is arranged around and / or on the actuator unit. Preferably, the storage element is arranged at least partially between the actuator unit and the feed unit. The arrangement of the storage element and the actuator unit as a module can advantageously enable a more compact design of the device.

[0022] A further aspect of the invention is a slicing device for handling food and for slicing food into portions, wherein the slicing device comprises at least one device for handling food according to one of the preceding embodiments and a cutting blade, the device being arranged upstream of the cutting blade. Preferably, the slicing device includes a drive unit for the cutting blade.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the food handling device is configured to additionally and / or alternatively handle food portions. The food portion handling device can be arranged downstream of the cutting blade.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the slicing device includes a device for handling the food or food portions according to one of the preceding embodiments, both upstream and downstream of the cutting blade. Thus, the slicing device can include a food handling device that conveys the food to the cutting blade by means of one or more feeding units. Furthermore, the slicing device can include a food handling device that conveys the food portions away from the cutting blade by means of one or more feeding units.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the slicing device includes a product support, the product support being arranged downstream of the cutting blade and the device being arranged upstream of the cutting blade. The slicing device may include one or more food handling devices. If only one food handling device is arranged, preferably upstream of the cutting blade, a product support may be arranged downstream of the cutting blade. The product support can collect and transport the food portions.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device for handling foodstuffs has several feeding units, wherein the several feeding units can convey several foodstuffs essentially in parallel and / or simultaneously.

[0027] A further aspect of the invention is a method for handling foodstuffs, wherein the method comprises a device for handling the foodstuffs, the device comprising a feed unit for transporting the foodstuffs, an actuator unit, and a storage element, wherein the feed unit is raised and / or lowered by means of the actuator unit, and wherein the storage element absorbs and / or stores at least some potential energy during the lowering of the feed unit. The one or more feed units can preferably transport foodstuffs. One or more feed units are preferably movable by one or more actuator units. Following an upward movement, the actuator unit can perform a downward movement, wherein some of the potential energy gained during the upward movement is absorbed and / or stored by the storage element.Thus, energy losses due to upward and downward movement can be reduced. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the energy absorbed by the storage element is utilized when the feed unit is lifted by the actuator unit. According to the invention, the lifting of the feed unit is carried out by the actuator unit. The utilization of the absorbed energy of the storage element during lifting of the feed unit can occur either by means of the actuator unit or the storage element itself. In this way, the storage element can use the absorbed and / or stored energy to provide assistance when the feed unit is lifted by the actuator unit.

[0028] If, within the scope of this invention, only a device is mentioned, it is to be assumed that a device for handling food is meant, unless a different device is clearly meant.

[0029] The same advantages and effects can be achieved in the slicing device and the method for handling food that have already been described in connection with the food handling device according to the invention. The advantageous embodiments and features described in connection with the food handling device according to the invention can also be applied to the slicing device and the food handling method, alone or in combination.

[0030] Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. These show:

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cutting device;

[0032] Fig. 2a, b, c, d several schematic representations of different embodiments of the device according to the invention for handling foodstuffs and the method according to the invention;

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a cutting device with a

[0034] Device for handling food.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a slicing device 1. Preferably, foodstuffs 2 can be cut into food portions 3a, 3b by means of the slicing device 1, wherein the foodstuffs 2 and / or the food portions 3a, 3b can be handled and cut by means of the slicing device. For this purpose, the slicing device 1 has at least one device for handling foodstuffs 10 and a cutting blade 4. The one or more devices 10 can be arranged upstream and / or downstream of the cutting blade 4. Alternatively to the respective device 10, the slicing device 1 can have a conveying device upstream of the cutting blade 4 and / or a product support 7 downstream of the cutting blade 4. The product support 7 preferably catches the food portions 3a, 3b cut from the foodstuffs 2 and conveys the food portions 3a, 3b further.The conveying device preferably transports the foodstuffs 2 to the cutting blade 4, particularly preferably in a conveying direction x. The cutting blade 4 can be driven by a drive unit 5 so that the foodstuffs 2 can be cut into food portions 3a, 3b. A packaging machine can be arranged downstream of the product support 7, wherein the packaging machine preferably packages the food portions 3a, 3b.

[0036] It is quite conceivable that a device 10 is arranged upstream and downstream of the cutting blade 4. The device 10 has one or more feed units 11, wherein, according to the invention, the feed unit 11 is height-adjustable and / or pivotable by means of an actuator unit 12. If a device 10 is arranged upstream and downstream of the cutting blade 4, increased adaptability to the respective application can be enabled by means of the cutting device 1.

[0037] Figures 2a to 2d show different embodiments of such a device for handling food 10 or, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2d, a device for handling food portions 10.

[0038] Fig. 2a shows a first embodiment of a device for handling foodstuffs 10. It can be seen that the device 10 transports a foodstuff 2 in a conveying direction x, in particular towards the cutting blade 4 or the cutting plane of the cutting blade 4, by means of a feed unit 11. A device 10 can have several such feed units 11, wherein the feed units 11 are preferably arranged substantially parallel to one another. A feed unit 11 can have one or more substantially parallel conveyor belts for transporting food portions 3a, 3b or foodstuffs 2. A food portion 3a preferably consists of several food slices, which are cut from the foodstuff 2 by means of the cutting blade 4.

[0039] According to the invention, the feed unit 11 can be raised and lowered by means of an actuator unit 12. An upward movement and a downward movement of the feed unit 11 preferably comprise a pivoting and / or a substantially vertical movement of the feed unit 11. In the first embodiment, the pivoting or rotation of the feed unit 11 about an axis of rotation 14 is indicated by arrows, wherein the feed unit 11 preferably performs a rotation about the axis of rotation 14 towards the cutting blade 4 as an upward movement.

[0040] Furthermore, the device 10 has a storage element 13, wherein, according to the invention, the storage element 13 absorbs and / or stores at least some potential energy when the feed unit 11 is lowered. During an upward movement of the feed unit 11, it can gain potential energy, which is typically lost again during a downward movement. For example, the actuator unit 12 can be used to lower the feed unit 11. The advantage of the invention is therefore that at least some of this potential energy gained during the upward movement of the feed unit 11 can be absorbed and / or stored by the storage element 13 during a downward movement. Thus, the energy efficiency of such a device 10 and the cutting device 1 can be increased, with this positive effect being particularly pronounced at a high rate of movement of the feed unit 11.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the storage element 13 is designed as a mechanical spring, in particular as a coil spring. The coil spring can be compressed and / or stretched, for example, during a downward movement of the feed unit 11, particularly if the coil spring is arranged above the feed unit 11, thereby accumulating potential energy. This potential energy of the coil spring can be used when lifting the feed unit 11 and provides support, in particular, for the actuator unit 12. Thus, the storage element 13 can be configured such that the energy initially absorbed by the storage element 13 can be at least partially utilized when lifting the feed unit 11 by means of the actuator unit 12. This can be understood, among other things, as recuperation.The use can either consist of a form of support or of the energy stored by the storage element 13 being used by the actuator unit 12. In the first embodiment shown, the stored spring energy of the storage element 13 can, in particular, help or support the upward movement of the feed unit 11. Thus, the energy consumption or requirement of the actuator unit 12 can also be advantageously reduced.

[0042] In the first embodiment, the storage element 13 and the actuator unit 12 are designed as a module and are advantageously compact. The storage element 13 is preferably arranged at least partially between the actuator unit 12 and the feed unit 11. Thus, the storage element 13 can absorb some of the potential energy when the feed unit 11 is lowered and release this energy as efficiently as possible when the feed unit 11 is raised. Alternatively, the storage element 13 can be arranged separately from the actuator unit 12 on the feed unit 11. Preferably, the storage element 13 is positioned below the feed unit 11 at an angle to it.

[0043] The storage element 13 can be arranged above the feed unit 11 at an angle to it or essentially perpendicular to it. In this configuration, the storage element 13 would be compressed during a downward movement of the feed unit 11, thus converting the energy into potential energy. Alternatively, the storage element 13 can be arranged above the feed unit 11 at an angle to it or essentially perpendicular to it. In this case, the storage element 13 could be stretched during a downward movement of the feed unit 11, and during an upward movement of the feed unit 11, the storage element 13 would pull the feed unit 11 upwards by means of spring force. Alternatively, the actuator unit 11 can be designed as an electrically adjustable cylinder or as an electrically actuated spindle drive, and the storage element 13 can be designed as a generator with or without a buffer battery.

[0044] Fig. 2b shows a second embodiment of the device 10. The embodiment shown in Fig. 2b differs from the first embodiment only by the storage element 13. Preferably, the conveying direction x is directed towards the cutting blade 4. In the second embodiment, the storage element 13 is designed as a torsion bar spring. The feed unit 11 can be rotated or pivoted about a rotation axis 14 by means of the actuator unit 12. Preferably, the torsion bar spring is arranged in the rotation axis 14 such that the torsion bar spring absorbs and / or stores at least some of the potential energy when the feed unit 11 is lowered. It is particularly conceivable that the torsion bar spring is twisted when the feed unit 11 is lowered and absorbs and / or stores potential energy. This energy can be released by the torsion bar spring, preferably when the feed unit 11 is raised by the actuator unit.

[0045] 12 can be used for support.

[0046] Alternatively and / or additionally to the coil spring and / or torsion bar spring, the device 10 can have a pneumatic spring accumulator as a storage element 13. The coil spring and the torsion bar spring are advantageously particularly cost-effective and easy to use, while the pneumatic spring accumulator can open up a wider range of applications.

[0047] Fig. 2c shows a third embodiment of the device for handling foodstuffs 10. The device 10 additionally has a further actuator unit 12' and a further storage element 13' for the feed unit 11. Furthermore, it is conceivable that there is only one actuator unit 12 and several storage elements 13 for each feed unit 11, wherein in particular one storage element 13 is designed as a coil spring and another storage element 13' as a torsion bar spring.

[0048] The two actuator units 12, 12' are arranged below the feed unit 11 and essentially parallel to each other. This arrangement preferably allows only height adjustment or essentially vertical adjustment of the feed unit 11. An actuator unit 12 and a further actuator unit 12' can advantageously enable a larger range of motion for the feed unit 12, as indicated in Fig. 2c.

[0049] Preferably, the actuator unit(s) 12, 12' are configured as a spindle drive, an electrically adjustable cylinder, or a pneumatically adjustable cylinder. The spindle drive may include an electric motor. The storage element 13 may preferably include a generator and a buffer battery, wherein the generator is configured such that it generates electrical energy when the feed unit 11 is lowered, and the buffer battery at least partially absorbs and / or stores the electrical energy. It is entirely conceivable that the spindle drive or the electrically adjustable cylinder is at least partially supplied with electrical energy via the buffer battery of the storage element 13. Furthermore, the electric motor of the spindle drive can function as a generator when the feed unit 11 is lowered.Thus, the electric motor of the actuator unit 12 can function as a generator for the storage element 13 and the electrical energy gained can be used by the actuator unit 12.

[0050] Fig. 2d shows a fourth embodiment of the device 10. The fourth embodiment is identical to the first embodiment, the only difference being that a food portion 3a, rather than food 2, is transported. Furthermore, it can be seen that the rotation of the device 10 preferably also includes an upward movement towards the cutting blade 4, and in particular, preferably by arranging the device 10 downstream of the cutting blade 4, the device 10 is arranged differently.

[0051] Preferably, in a first process step, the feed unit 11 is first raised or pivoted upwards by means of the actuator unit 12. Preferably, during, before, and / or after this, the feed unit 11 can be driven such that the food 2 is transported or conveyed in a conveying direction x, in particular towards the cutting blade 4. In a second process step following the first process step, the feed unit 11 can be lowered, wherein the storage element 13 is configured such that a portion of the potential energy previously gained by raising the feed unit 11 can be absorbed and / or stored by the storage element 13. In a third process step following the second process step, the feed unit 11 can be raised again, wherein the energy absorbed by the storage element 13 can assist or be used by the actuator unit 12 during the lifting process.For example, the storage element 13 can be designed as a mechanical spring and, when the feed unit 11 is lowered, be deformed in such a way that the spring wants to return to an initial state when it is raised and therefore releases the absorbed or stored energy.

[0052] The feed unit 11 can have a loading position in which the storage element 13 has a starting position, wherein the storage element 13 is pre-tensioned in the starting position and already possesses potential energy. Thus, the storage element 13 can provide support even during an initial upward movement of the feed unit 11. Furthermore, the feed unit 11 can be moved, particularly continuously, into a feed position, wherein the storage element 13 possesses no or only negligible potential energy in the feed position. The feed position can be understood as the highest position and / or the position of maximum pivotability of the feed unit 11. If the feed unit 11 is moved downwards, the potential energy of the storage element 13 can increase.

[0053] Fig. 3 shows a cutting device 1 with a device for handling food 10. The device 10, or the feeding unit 11, is shown in Fig. 3 in a first position 1T, a loading position, and in a second position 11", a feeding position. The feeding unit 11 can be moved, pivoted, or rotated from the loading position to a feeding position by means of an articulated arm assembly 16. The articulated arm assembly 16 can have a mechanical spring in the axis of rotation, or a mechanical spring can be arranged between the articulated arms 16 such that at least some of the potential energy can be absorbed during the downward movement. In the angled second position of the feeding unit 11", or the device 10, the food 2 can be cut into food portions 3a, 3b by the cutting blade 4.

[0054] Furthermore, a device 10 can have several feed units 11, which are preferably arranged substantially parallel to each other along the conveying direction x. Each feed unit 11 can be assigned at least one storage element 13 and one actuator unit 12. Advantageously, the feed units 11 can thus be controlled and moved individually. It can be advantageous for the feed units 11 to be individually movable in order to avoid unnecessary energy losses. Alternatively, the feed units 11 can be arranged in groups, with each group having one actuator unit 12 and one or more storage elements 13. Thus, a group can be controlled and moved together. Alternatively, all feed units 11 can only be controlled together.

[0055] Reference symbol list

[0056] 1 - Cutting device

[0057] 2 - Food

[0058] 3a, b - Food portions

[0059] 4 - Cutting blades

[0060] 5 - Drive unit

[0061] 7 - Product run

[0062] 10 - Device for handling food or food portions

[0063] 11 - Feed unit

[0064] 1 T - Feed unit in a first position

[0065] 11" - Feed unit in a second position

[0066] 12 - Actuator unit

[0067] 12' - additional actuator unit

[0068] 13 - Storage element

[0069] 13' - further storage element

[0070] 14 - Axis of rotation

[0071] 15 - Drive axle

[0072] 16 - Articulated arm arrangement x - Conveying direction

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Device for handling food (10) comprising a feeding unit (11) for transporting the food (2), an actuator unit (12) and a storage element (13), wherein the feed unit (11) can be raised and lowered by means of the actuator unit (12), characterized in that the storage element (13) is configured such that the storage element (13) absorbs and / or stores at least some potential energy when the feed unit (11) is lowered.

2. Device (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the storage element (13) is configured such that the energy absorbed by the storage element (13) can be at least partially used when lifting the feed unit (11) by means of the actuator unit (12).

3. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage element (13) has a mechanical spring.

4. Device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the mechanical spring is a torsion bar spring, wherein the feed unit (11) is connected by means of the actuator unit (12) is rotatable about an axis of rotation (14), wherein the torsion bar spring is preferably arranged in the axis of rotation (14) such that the torsion bar spring absorbs and / or stores at least some of the potential energy when the feed unit (11) is lowered.

5. Device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the mechanical spring is a coil spring, wherein the coil spring is arranged on the feed unit (11) such that the coil spring absorbs and / or stores at least part of the potential energy when the feed unit (11) is lowered.

6. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the storage element (13) is designed as a pneumatic spring storage device.

7. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the storage element (13) comprises a generator and a buffer battery, wherein the generator is configured such that the generator produces electrical energy when Lowering the feed unit (11) generates, whereby the buffer battery absorbs and / or stores at least some of the electrical energy.

8. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage element (13) and the actuator unit (12) are designed as one module, wherein the storage element (13) is arranged on the actuator unit (12) such that the storage element (13) absorbs and / or stores at least part of the potential energy when the feed unit (11) is lowered.

9. Cutting device (1) for handling food (2) and for cutting food (2) into food portions (3a, 3b), wherein the cutting device (1) comprises at least one device for handling food (10) according to one of the preceding claims and a cutting blade (4), characterized in that the device (10) is arranged upstream of the cutting blade (4).

10. Cutting device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the cutting device (1) has a product support (7), wherein the product support (7) is arranged downstream of the cutting blade (4) and the device (10) is arranged upstream of the cutting blade (4).

11. Method for handling food (2), wherein the method comprises a device for handling the food (10), wherein the device (10) comprises a feed unit (11) for transporting the food (2), an actuator unit (12) and a storage element (13), wherein the feed unit (11) is raised and / or lowered by means of the actuator unit (12), characterized in that the storage element (13) absorbs and / or stores at least some potential energy when the feed unit (11) is lowered.

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the energy absorbed by the storage element (13) is used when lifting the feed unit (11) by means of the actuator unit (12).

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