DE102018119601A1 - Method and device for generating a target separation zone - Google Patents

Abstract

The application relates to a method for the automatic machine processing of a portion comprising at least one slice of a food product, in which at least one target separation zone is generated by locally weakening the portion, the target separation zone further at least essentially specifying contiguous portion parts and a later separation of the portion into the individual ones Portion parts relieved.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for the automatic machining of a portion comprising at least one slice of a food product, in particular a slice separated from a product bar.

It is known to automatically cut slices from food product bars by machine, to stack the slices in portions on a so-called portioning belt, and then to automatically package these portions for transport to the customer. The end customer can then take the individual slices out of the packaging and, if necessary, tear them by hand or slice them lengthways with a knife in order to use the slice pieces, for example, to load a roll or pizza.

The end customer must, if he so wishes, separate the slices into slice pieces himself. In the event that the end customer tears the pane, this can result in the pane tearing in an undesired area and / or an unattractive tear edge being created. In contrast, slitting with a knife has the simple disadvantage that the end customer needs a knife for this. This can be particularly disadvantageous when there is no knife at hand, for example during a spontaneous picnic. In addition, especially with children, using a knife increases the risk of injury.

An object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages mentioned above and to provide a method and a device which enables the end customer to easily cut slices of food products.

The object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and in particular in that at least one target separation zone is generated by locally weakening the portion, the target separation zone at least essentially specifying contiguous portion parts and facilitating a later separation of the portion into the individual portion parts.

The invention is therefore based on the basic idea of mechanically weakening the portion or slice locally, so that the end customer can easily break it into pre-defined portion parts, i.e. portions, by hand. On the other hand, the end customer still has the option of using the portion or slice as a whole.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the subclaims, the description and the drawings.

According to one embodiment, the target separation zone is generated in a portion that was previously cut off from a product. In particular, the portion can have been cut off from a product bar.

The generation of the target separation zone preferably comprises a partial severing of the portion. This can be a partial severing from an end face and / or a peripheral side.

For example, the creation of the target separation zone can include piercing the portion or piercing the portion. Alternatively or additionally, the creation of the target separation zone can include pressing or pushing the portion through. It is also conceivable to partially or completely generate the desired separation zone by laser cutting or by jet cutting. Examples of jet cutting are water jet cutting, jet cutting using air or compressed air impulse or jet cutting using plasma. It would also be conceivable to create the target separation zone by driving blades and possibly counterblades to micro-movements by means of ultrasound.

Preferably, the creation of the target separation zone comprises creation of several weakenings of the portion arranged along at least one line, i.e. generating at least one target dividing line, which is formed by several local weakenings of the portion. If this target dividing line is visible to the end customer, it intuitively tells the end customer where to separate the portion. The at least one line is preferably on a straight line.

According to one embodiment, the creation of the target separation zone comprises the creation of a perforation. A perforation is understood to mean a plurality of stitches or cuts which are arranged along a line and spaced apart from one another and completely cut through the portion.

Preferably, the creation of the target separation zone comprises processing the portion from the top and / or bottom thereof. If the portion is a single slice cut from a product bar or a stack of slices cut from a product bar, the top and / or the bottom can each represent a cut surface of the slice.

Alternatively or additionally, the generation of the target separation zone can include processing the portion from its circumferential side. For example, the creation of the target separation zone can include cutting the portion sideways. According to a special embodiment, the creation of the target separation zone can only be effected by cutting the portion sideways.

According to one embodiment, the portion is fed to a packaging machine after the desired separation zone has been created. The generation of the target separation zone is thus carried out on a large industrial scale, for example in a sausage factory, and the portions provided with a target separation zone are then automatically machine-packed.

So that no additional time is required to generate the target separation zone, the target separation zone can be generated while the portion is moving. For example, the target separation zone can be generated while the portion is being transported on a conveyor belt. Such a conveyor belt can be part of a conveyor and sorting device connected downstream of a slicer. Alternatively or additionally, the desired separation zone can be generated before the portion is transported, for example by means of a conveyor belt. It is also conceivable to carry out the generation of the target separation zone after the portion has been transported.

According to a further embodiment, in which no additional time is required to generate the target separation zone, the target separation zone can be generated by recording the portion. The target separation zone can be generated in particular by picking up the portion by means of a robot gripper. Such robot grippers are used, for example, to combine portions with one another, to rearrange them, to sort them and / or to insert them into packaging. For example, the robot gripper can have gripping arms that are equipped with weakening tools. Alternatively or additionally, the robot gripper can be equipped with a hold-down device, the holding side of which has weakening tools. A basic idea is to use a gripping movement and / or a movement of a component of the robot gripper to generate the target separation zone.

The invention also relates to a processing device for a food product processing line. The processing device comprises at least one weakening tool which is set up to generate at least one target separation zone in a portion comprising at least one slice of a food product by local weakening, the predetermined separation zone further at least essentially specifying contiguous portion parts and a later separation of the portion into the individual portion parts facilitated.

The at least one pane machined by the weakening tool has preferably been previously separated from a product bar by means of a slicer. In other words, the processing device is preferably a slicer, i.e. a slicer, upstream, which cuts slices from a product bar. These disks can then be fed to the processing device individually or in a stack. The slicer can have a portioning belt to form portions from several slices.

According to one aspect, a drive unit is provided which drives and / or moves the weakening tool. The weakening tool can preferably be driven by the drive unit to perform a rotational movement. As an alternative or in addition, the drive unit can move the weakening tool in a translatory manner, for example along a straight line or a curve.

Alternatively or additionally, the drive unit can move the portion relative to the weakening tool. For example, the weakening tool can be fixed in place and the drive unit drives a portion carrier, which moves towards the weakening tool and is moved away from the weakening tool again after the desired separation zone has been created. Alternatively, the drive unit can drive a conveyor belt that transports the portion under a rotating wheel that has teeth or cutting edges on its peripheral surface.

Preferably, a support surface, in particular associated with the processing device, is provided for receiving the portion during its processing by the weakening tool, the support surface being formed from a plurality of spaced apart, in particular strip-shaped, partial support surfaces. Alternatively or additionally, the contact surface can have openings and / or openings. The resulting gaps between the partial contact surfaces or the openings or the openings in the contact surface can be arranged in such a way that teeth or blades of the weakening tool in regions of the portion which cover the spaces, openings or openings create the desired separation zone. In general, the design of the contact surface can be adapted to that of the weakening tool.

Alternatively or additionally, the support surface and the weakening tool can be configured such that the support surface is a Support level defined and the weakening tool penetrates through the support level at least in sections during the creation of the target separation zone. According to one embodiment, the weakening tool penetrates into the support plane through an intermediate space between two partial contact surfaces, an opening or an opening during the creation of the desired separation zone. Alternatively, the weakening tool can penetrate into the element defining the contact surface during the creation of the desired separation zone. In this embodiment, the element defining the bearing surface should be softer than the weakening tool in order not to damage the weakening tool.

In order to ensure that the weakening tool completely separates the portion in an area, the weakening tool is preferably designed in such a way that a relative movement between the support plane and the weakening tool is at least possible until the weakening tool touches the support plane through the portion.

In one aspect, the support surface is movable in a portion conveying direction. The support surface can preferably be part of an actively driven conveying device for conveying the portion. For example, the support surface can be part of a belt conveyor or a belt conveyor. Alternatively, the support surface can be formed by a portion carrier of a magnetic conveyor system. The portion carrier can in particular be designed to receive exactly one portion.

According to one aspect, the weakening tool can have a plurality of, in particular sharp-edged, teeth or blades. These are preferably arranged in at least one row on the weakening tool. For example, the teeth or blades can be arranged along a straight line.

The teeth or blades of the weakening tool can be arranged along a circumference of a rotatable body. Alternatively, several of the teeth or blades may protrude in the same direction.

According to one aspect, a counter-tool is provided which is designed to receive a compressive force exerted on the food product by the weakening tool when the desired separation zone is generated. This is particularly helpful if the support surface for the portions is formed by a flexible element, such as a belt conveyor, and would therefore yield under the pressure of the weakening tool.

The shape of the counter tool is preferably adapted to the shape of the weakening tool. For example, the counter tool can have recesses into which portions of the weakening tool engage when the desired separation zone is created. The sections of the weakening tool which engage in the counter-tool when the desired separation zone is generated can be teeth or blades of the weakening tool, for example. Alternatively, the counter tool itself can be designed as a weakening tool. In this way, the target separation zone can be generated simultaneously from opposite sides.

In order to separate portions or product residues adhering to the weakening tool from the weakening tool, the processing device can have a stripping device. The stripping device is preferably arranged such that it can be moved relative to the weakening tool and / or the weakening tool can be moved relative to the stripping device. Preferably, the scraper is configured to extend on opposite sides of a tooth or blade in order to evenly adhere a portion adhered to the tooth or blade. without wasting a moment on the portion, wiping off the tooth or blade.

According to a further aspect, a control device is provided which is designed and set up to operate the processing device according to one or more of the previously described method steps. The control device can be designed to adapt a processing speed of the processing device to a cutting speed of an upstream slicer.

The processing device can be designed in such a way that it can be controlled whether a target separation zone is to be generated in a portion or whether the portion is to be transported further without a target separation zone. In this way, portions can be produced with or without a predetermined separation zone without having to reassemble the processing device.

The invention also relates to a system with a slicer, in particular high-performance slicer, and a processing device according to one of the embodiments described above or below. The system preferably also includes a packaging machine downstream of the processing device, for example a deep-drawing packaging machine.

According to one embodiment, the system comprises a control device which is connected to the slicer and the processing device. This controls the processing device depending on the speed at which the slicer cuts open slices. The control device can additionally be designed and set up to control the packaging machine as a function of the speed of the slicer and the processing device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a local weakening can be carried out in the product before the product is cut into portions having at least one disc. A method for the automatic machine production of portions formed from at least one slice of a product is thus also claimed, in which at least one future target separation zone is first generated by local weakness of the product, the future target separation zone at least essentially specifying connected product parts and thereby makes it possible to separate portions comprising at least one slice separated from the product into individual portion parts. The locally weakened product is then cut into slices.

According to one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the future target separation zone can be introduced directly at the cut surface, i.e. between two cutting operations. Alternatively, the future target separation zone can be created before the product is cut open. For example, it would be conceivable to provide the product with incisions from the circumferential side and then to cut open this product with incisions. Alternatively or in addition, it would also be conceivable, for example by means of long needles, laser cutting or jet cutting, to cut several depressions or through holes into the product from the end face and then to cut open the product equipped with the depressions or through holes.

According to one embodiment, it is conceivable to produce part of the weakening before cutting the product and another part of the weakening after cutting the product.

• 1A bis 1L verschiedene mit einer Solltrennzone versehene Portionen;
• 2A eine Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Bearbeitungsvorrichtung;
• 2B eine Frontansicht der Bearbeitungsvorrichtung aus 2A;
• 3A eine Auflagefläche einer Bearbeitungsvorrichtung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform;
• 3B eine Auflagefläche einer Bearbeitungsvorrichtung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform;
• 3C eine Auflagefläche einer Bearbeitungsvorrichtung gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform;
• 4 eine Draufsicht auf eine Bearbeitungsvorrichtung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;
• 5A eine Frontansicht einer Bearbeitungsvorrichtung mit Gegenwerkzeug;
• 5B eine Frontansicht einer Bearbeitungsvorrichtung mit Gegenwerkzeug gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;
• 5C eine Frontansicht einer Bearbeitungsvorrichtung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;
• 6A einen Greifer mit integrierter Bearbeitungsvorrichtung;
• 6B einen Ausschnitt eines Greifers mit integrierter Bearbeitungsvorrichtung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform;
• 7 eine erfindungsgemäße Lebensmittelverarbeitungslinie.

The invention is described below on the basis of purely exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1A to 1L various portions provided with a predetermined separation zone;
• 2A a side view of a processing device according to the invention;
• 2 B a front view of the processing device 2A ;
• 3A a bearing surface of a processing device according to a first embodiment;
• 3B a bearing surface of a processing device according to a second embodiment;
• 3C a bearing surface of a processing device according to a third embodiment;
• 4 a plan view of a processing device according to another embodiment;
• 5A a front view of a processing device with counter tool;
• 5B a front view of a machining device with counter tool according to a further embodiment;
• 5C a front view of a processing device according to another embodiment;
• 6A a gripper with integrated processing device;
• 6B a detail of a gripper with integrated processing device according to a second embodiment;
• 7 an inventive food processing line.

In the 1A to 1L are portions 10 shown, which are each formed by a slice of a food product, such as sausage or cheese. In each of these servings 10 became a target separation zone 12 that generates the serving 10 in portions 10a and 10b separates in such a way that the portion parts continue to be connected, but can be separated mechanically more easily and, above all, more uniformly than the portion parts 10a and 10b can even be separated into smaller pieces.

In the 1A and 1 B is the target separation zone 12 due to a straight dividing line 14 educated. The target dividing line 14 is made up of several short cuts in a row arranged in a line in the portion 10 formed, which can also be called perforation. In the 1C and 1D are the portions with two such dividing lines 14 provided that are perpendicular to each other. This is the portion 10 in four easy-to-separate portions 10a . 10b . 10c and 10d divided. The target dividing lines 14 portions 10 according to the 1A to 1D run from a section of the edge 16 the serving 10 to a second section of the edge 16 the serving 10 ,

In contrast, in the 1E and 1F portions 10 shown, the target separation zone 12 describes a closed shape, here a star shape. Here too is the target separation zone 12 through a target dividing line 14 educated. The target dividing line 14 traces the closed shape inside the portion. Such a separation zone 12 can be easily produced by punching out.

The 1G to 1L show more servings 10 in which a target separation zone 12 was generated. However, these are separation zones 12 not created by perforations. Instead, are the target separation zones 12 in the 1G to 1L through side incisions 18a . 18b generated which is consistently from the edge 16 into the inside of the portion 10 extend. The incisions 18a . 18b etc. are not connected to each other, so a middle area 20 remains in the portion portions 10a and 10b continue to be connected. In this middle area 20 are the target separation zone 12 , because there the portion 10 from an end consumer into the portion parts in a simple manner 10a and 10b be completely separated.

In the 2A and 2 B is a processing device 22 with a weakening tool 24 shown by means of which one or more target separation zones 12 in portions 10 can be generated. The weakening tool 24 includes a rotatable, round body 26 , the extent of which is in one level (see 2 B) several teeth 28 are located. The teeth 28 have sharp-edged tips 30 on to in the serving 10 to be able to cut.

To in the portion 10 a target separation zone 12 to create the portion 10 from a conveyor 32 in a conveying direction 34 to the weakening tool 24 transported. In the 2A and 2 B is the conveyor 32 in the form of two mutually parallel, spaced apart conveyor belts. However, it is also conceivable for the conveyor 32 , as in 3B can be seen as a belt conveyor 32 train. The conveyor 32 has a contact surface 36 which consists of a plurality of spaced-apart partial contact surfaces 36a . 36b , the conveyor belts. As in 2 B can be seen, the teeth protrude 28 of the weakening tool 24 at least up to one of the contact surface 36 defined support level 38 , ie the teeth 28 can also go to the support level 38 in between the partial contact surfaces 36a . 36b extend through.

During the transport of the portions 10 through the conveyor 32 teeth clench 28 of the weakening tool 24 from above into the portion 10 , So the teeth 28 perforations 14 in the portion 10 produce and not the portion 10 cut completely, the weakening tool 24 driven in the opposite direction and at substantially the same peripheral speed as the conveyor 32 , This causes the teeth to move 28 of the weakening tool 24 and the one on the contact surface 36 the conveyor 32 lying portion 10 at the same speed in the conveying direction 34 ,

So that portion 10 when the teeth 28 again from the serving 10 be pulled out, not on the teeth 28 adheres further and is consequently raised is a stripping device 40 intended.

In the 3A to 3C are different ways to create a support level 38 shown. Each is the one to form the support level 38 used contact surface 36 the number and direction of the target dividing lines to be generated 14 customized. In 3A is the support level 38 by two plates lying in one plane but at a distance from each other 42 . 44 educated. There is therefore a gap 46 between the two plates 42 . 44 , causing one through the plates 42 . 44 generated contact surface 36 in two sections 36a . 36b is divided. The plates 42 . 44 are preferably provided with a non-stick coating so that the portions 10 easily on the contact surface 36 can slide.

As already mentioned in 3B a belt conveyor with multiple belts 48 shown that together the support level 38 form. Between the straps 48 are spaces 50 trained in the generation of a target separation zone 12 or target dividing line 14 a weakening tool 24 can intervene.

In 3C is a funding agency 32 shown the multiple conveyor belts 52 comprises, which are spaced from each other, but arranged in a plane to each other. This also creates gaps here 54 , through the teeth or blades of a weakening tool 24 can reach through.

4 shows a stationary processing device 122 whose weakening tool 124 by means of a linear movement from a top side a predetermined separation zone 12 in one serving 10 generated. The weakening tool 124 can also be called a stamp. The weakening tool 124 has several blades arranged at an angle to one another 128 which each have an interrupted cutting edge. There is also a support surface 136 provided which several to the blades 128 recesses arranged in alignment 156 has, so when Creation of the target separation zone 12 the blades 128 into the recesses 156 can immerse and not with the contact surface 136 collide. In the 4 The processing device shown thus generates target separation zones 12 , which enables a round disk to be torn in circular sectors.

In 5A is another embodiment of a processing device 222 shown. The processing device 222 comprises a weakening tool which can be driven in the vertical direction 224 , in the lower end area several pointed teeth 228 are arranged, which extend vertically downwards. In addition, a round belt conveyor is provided, the belt 258 run parallel to each other at the same height and thus a support plane 238 make up for the serving. To by means of the weakening tool 224 To be able to exert a compressive force on a portion (not shown) without the portion or the conveyor giving way is a counter tool 260 provided which of the weakening tool 224 absorbs the compressive force exerted on the portion and thus provides a corresponding counterforce. As in 5A can be seen is each of the teeth 228 a corresponding counter tool 260 assigned. Each of the counter tools 260 has a recess 262 on that as a negative form of a tip 230 of the respective tooth 228 is trained. So each of the teeth 228 partly in the counter tool assigned to it 260 intervention. The straps 258 of the belt conveyor run between the counter tools 260 , This ensures that the teeth 228 the belts mostly made of an elastomer 258 do not damage.

In 5B is an embodiment of a processing device 322 shown at the two weakening tools 324 . 360 to be moved towards each other in the vertical direction. For this, each of the weakening tools is 324 . 360 drivable in the vertical direction. The weakening tool 324 has several teeth 328 which extend downwards in the vertical direction. The weakening tool points to this 360 that as a counter tool for the weakening tool 324 acts, teeth 364 on which is in alignment with your teeth 328 are arranged. In order to provide a portion (not shown) with a target separation zone, the weakening tool 324 and the weakening tool 360 towards each other until the teeth 328 and 364 pierce the portion. To get it on your teeth 328 and 364 pressure when the tips collide 330 and 366 the teeth 328 and 364 can shrink the tips 330 and 366 be flattened, as in 5B you can see.

5C shows a further variant of a processing device 422 , with two weakening tools 424 . 460 to be moved towards each other in the vertical direction. For this, each of the weakening tools is 424 . 460 drivable in the vertical direction. However, the teeth are 428 and 464 staggered so that the teeth 428 in interdental spaces 467 the teeth 464 intervention. In an end position, ie the position in which the weakening tools are 424 . 460 The vertically most advanced are the teeth 428 and 464 , as in 5C can be seen, still spaced apart. The teeth 428. and 464 Do not touch at any time during the creation of the target separation zone.

The processing device 422 also includes a belt conveyor with multiple round belts 458 which is between the teeth 464 of the second weakening tool 460 extend. The round belts 458 form a support level 438 for a serving 410 , When creating a target separation zone in the portion 410 become the weakening tools 424 . 460 moved towards each other until the teeth 428 of the upper weakening tool 424 the portion from the top 410 pierce and teeth 464 of the lower weakening tool 460 the portion 410 Pierce from the bottom. The weakening tools are preferred 424 and 460 on the part of their movement so that they are coordinated with the portion 410 come into contact. This can ensure that there is sufficient counterforce for the respective weakening tools 424 and 460 on the portion 410 transmitted, compressive force can be applied. This allows the weakening tool 460 as a counter tool for the weakening tool 424 be considered.

In 6A is a robot gripper 568 shown which a processing device 522 to create a target separation zone in one portion 510 assigned. Such a robot gripper 568 can be used for serving 510 to be provided with a predetermined separation zone when placed in packaging. The robot gripper 568 includes two grippers 570 , which can also be called gripping blades. These grabs 570 are trained to come from the side under the serving 510 to be pushed. The grippers point to this 570 horizontally arranged recordings 572 on that towards a free end 574 rejuvenate. The recordings 572 are arranged so that their free ends 574 to face each other. About the portion 510 the recordings 572 on a support surface, not shown, to the side of the portion 510 put on and then towards each other under the portion 510 pushed. So that portion 510 with a subsequent transport using the robot gripper 568 hold-down can not slip 576 be provided from above on the serving 510 press and so the friction force between the serving 510 and the recordings 572 increase. Such a hold-down 576 can, for example, be spring-loaded or permanently installed.

The robot gripper 568 is a weakening tool 524 assigned, which can be designed as a hold-down. The weakening tool 524 can be driven vertically and has several teeth 528 that point vertically downwards. The weakening tool 524 can be controlled so that after the robot gripper 568 the portion 510 has absorbed, lowered and so by means of his teeth 528 one or more separation zones in the serving 510 generated. At the same time, the weakening tool 524 used to serve the portion 510 to keep positive and / or non-positive. As in 6A can be seen, recesses in the top of the recording 556 be provided in the teeth 528 of the weakening tool 524 intervene during the generation of the target separation zone. To set the portion down 510 can use the weakening tool 524 be driven up again. As a drive for the weakening tool 524 For example, a pneumatic cylinder is conceivable. The pneumatic cylinder, as in 6A shown, the weakening tool 524 be assigned and the weakening tool 524 drive directly. However, it is also conceivable that a pneumatically generated movement is used to open and close the gripper in order to press the portion against a weakening tool, for example a fixed installation.

In 6B is a variant of a robot gripper 668 shown where the weakening tool 624 in at least one of the grippers 670 is trained. For this purpose, the gripper is in at least one 670 a substantially vertically oriented blade 678 provided by when picking up the serving 610 the portion 610 is cut automatically laterally, ie from the circumference. The blade can, as in 6B you can see a concave cutting edge 680 exhibit. This will make the serving 610 initially only cut at their corner edges. This ensures that the blade 678 exerts less force on the portion in the horizontal direction and prevents the portion from moving 610 moves and / or undulates in the horizontal direction when generating the target separation zone.

Around the blade 678 holding securely is a holding section 682 provided which together with the recording 672 and a connecting section 684 the blade 678 holds. The holding section forms 682 , the connecting section 684 and the recording 672 together an essentially C-shaped profile. Because of this C-shaped profile and because of the portion 610 stuck blade 678 becomes the serving 610 during a movement of the robot gripper 668 kept safe.

7 shows a food product processing line 700 with a slicer 786 , a first conveyor 788 in the form of a belt conveyor, a processing device 722 to generate at least one target separation zone 712 in one serving 710 , a second conveyor 790 in the form of a belt conveyor and a packaging machine 792 ,

The first and second conveyor 788 . 790 can also be designed as a single conveyor. In addition to the funding facilities described so far from 3A to 3C . 6A and 6B are also magnetic conveyor systems as the first and / or second conveyor 788 . 790 , ie to transport the portions 710 between the slicer 786 , the processing device 722 and / or the packaging machine 792 , conceivable.

The slicer 786 can have a circular knife or sickle knife, by means of which individual slices from a product bar 794 be separated. These slices become portions by means of a portioning belt (not shown) assigned to the slicer 710 stacked. The servings 710 are then the processing device 722 fed. There in portions 710 at least one target separation zone 712 generated. This is done using a weakening tool 724 the processing device 722 from a drive unit 723 the processing device 722 driven. Then the serving 710 the packaging machine 792 , which can be designed as a thermoforming packaging machine. The one with the target separation zone 712 provided portions 710 are then packaged for sale. An end customer can do the packaging 796 open and slice the serving 710 remove as a whole. If desired, the end customer can then use the target in their separation zone 712 Tear by hand to make smaller portions 710a . 710b to obtain.

To the food product processing line 700 Being able to control fully automatically is a control device 798 provided with the slicer 786 , the processing device 722 and the packaging machine 792 connected to data of the slicer 786 , the processing device 722 and the packaging machine 792 to receive and send commands to the respective devices. This allows the working speeds of the slicer 786 , the processing device 722 and the packaging machine 792 are coordinated with one another in order to avoid the provision of buffer sections (not shown).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

portion

10a, 10b

portion part

10c, 10d

portion part

12

Target separation zone

14

Line of weakness

16

edge

18a, 18b

side incisions

18c, 18d

side incisions

20

middle area

22

processing device

24

weakening tool

26

body

28

tooth

30

top

32

Conveyor

34

conveying direction

36

bearing surface

36a, 36b

Part support surfaces

38

support plane

40

stripping

42

plate

44

plate

46

gap

48

belt

50

gap

52

conveyor belt

54

gap

122

processing device

124

weakening tool

128

blade

136

bearing surface

156

recess

222

processing device

224

weakening tool

228

tooth

230

top

258

belt

260

counter-tool

262

recess

322

processing device

324

weakening tool

328

tooth

330

top

360

weakening tool

364

tooth

366

top

410

portion

422

processing device

424

weakening tool

428

tooth

438

support plane

458

round belts

460

weakening tool

464

tooth

467

Interdental

510

portion

522

processing device

524

weakening tool

528

tooth

556

recess

568

robot gripper

570

grab

572

admission

574

free end

576

down device

610

portion

624

weakening tool

668

robot gripper

670

grab

672

admission

678

blade

680

cutting edge

682

holding section

684

connecting portion

700

Food product processing line

710

portion

710a

subportion

710b

subportion

712

Target separation zone

722

processing device

723

drive unit

724

weakening tool

786

slicer

788

first conveyor

790

second conveyor

792

packaging machine

794

product Riegel

796

packaging

798

control device

Claims (16)

Method for the automatic machine processing of a portion (10) comprising at least one slice of a food product, in particular a slice separated from a product bar (794), in which at least one target separation zone (12) is generated by local weakening of the portion (10), the Desired separation zone (12) at least essentially specifies contiguous portion parts (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) and facilitates later separation of the portion (10) into the individual portion parts (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d). Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the creation of the target separation zone (12) comprises a piercing into the portion (10), a partial severing of the portion (10) or a piercing of the portion (10). Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the creation of the target separation zone (12) comprises the creation of a plurality of weakenings of the portion (10) arranged along at least one line (14). Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the generation of the target separation zone (12) comprises processing the portion from the top and / or bottom thereof. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the generation of the target separation zone (12) comprises processing the portion from its circumferential side. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portion (10) is supplied to a packaging machine (792) after the desired separation zone (12) has been created. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the target separation zone (10) is generated during a movement of the portion (10) or by picking up the portion (10), in particular by a robot gripper (568). Processing device (22) for a food product processing line (700), with at least one weakening tool (24) which is set up to contain at least one portion (10) in at least one slice of a food product, in particular a slice separated from a product bar (794) To produce the target separation zone (12) by local weaknesses, the target separation zone (12) at least essentially specifying contiguous portion parts (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) and a later separation of the portion (10) into the individual portion parts (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) relieved. Processing device after Claim 8 , characterized in that a drive unit (723) is provided which drives and / or moves the weakening tool (24). Processing device after Claim 8 or 9 , characterized in that a bearing surface (36) is provided for receiving the portion (10) during its processing by the weakening tool (24), the bearing surface (36) being formed from a plurality of spaced apart, in particular strip-shaped, partial bearing surfaces (36a, 36b) and / or wherein the bearing surface (36) has openings and / or openings. Processing device according to at least one of the preceding Claims 8 to 10 , characterized in that a support surface (36) is provided for receiving the portion (10) during its processing by the weakening tool (24), wherein the support surface (36) defines a support plane (38) and the weakening tool (24) is configured in this way is that it penetrates at least in sections through the support plane (38) during the creation of the desired separation zone (12). Processing device according to at least one of the preceding Claims 8 to 11 , characterized in that a support surface (36) is provided for receiving the portion (10) while it is being processed by the weakening tool (24), the support surface (36) being movable in a portion conveying direction (34), in particular the support surface (36 ) Is part of a conveyor (32) for conveying the portion (10). Processing device according to at least one of the preceding Claims 8 to 12 , characterized in that a counter tool (260) is provided, which is designed to a to absorb pressure force exerted on the food product by the weakening tool (24) when the desired separation zone (12) is generated. Processing device according to at least one of the preceding Claims 8 to 13 , characterized in that a control device (798) is provided which is designed and set up to process the processing device (22) according to a method according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 7 to operate. System comprising a slicer (786), in particular high-performance slicer, and a processing device (22) according to at least one of the Claims 8 to 14 , and preferably a packaging machine (792) arranged downstream of the processing device (22). Method for the automatic machine production of portions formed from at least one slice of a product, in particular a food product, in which at least one future separation zone is generated by local weakening of the product (794), the future separation zone at least essentially specifying related product parts and thereby makes it possible to separate portions comprising at least one slice separated from the product into individual portion parts (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d), and in which the locally weakened product is then cut into slices, in particular with the future target separation zone being generated after at least one the Claims 2 to 5 and 7 happens, the portion is fed to a packaging machine (792) and / or the future target separation zone by a processing device (22) with at least one of the features of the Claims 8 to 15 is produced.

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