EP3172020B1 - Slicing device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device and a method for the continuous slicing of products, in particular food products, for example from sausage, ham, cheese or the like. The slicing apparatus, in particular slicing apparatus, may preferably be a high-performance slicer. The slicing device comprises at least one slicing unit, in particular with a rotating and / or planetary revolving circular or sickle knife, which separates product slices, and a feeding device for multi-track feeding of products to the slicing unit. The feeding device comprises a loading device, which is also called a loading swing, which is designed to receive at least one product and is adjustable between a loading position and a feed position. In the loading position, the loading device may in particular be oriented horizontally, while it may be inclined in the feed position and preferably arranged perpendicular to the cutting plane. Furthermore, the slicing device has a discharge device for discharging portions, which in each case comprise at least one separated product slice.

Such slicing devices are basically known. A disadvantage of conventional slicing devices is that the loading of new products can cause breaks in the product flow. These interruptions are particularly disadvantageous if the discharge device is followed by a packaging machine. The shorter the products to be sliced, the more frequently new products have to be introduced into the loading device, ie the proportion of interruptions is comparatively high for shorter products. The same applies to the processing of different types of products, because a change of the product type requires a reloading. Furthermore, due to products of different lengths, a lane-specific requirement may arise during loading. The track-specific loading requirements are difficult, if at all, to capture with a higher clock rate.

The interruptions in the product flow lead to the use of buffer devices, in particular in the region of the conveying and / or sorting sections, which are connected downstream of the slicing unit. By the buffer devices, the total length of a system of supply device, slicing unit and discharge device extended. However, the size of the plant may be a problem, because the plants are usually operated in foreclosed rooms due to the required hygiene, and possibly complicates the integration into existing processes and plant components.

DE 10 2012 109 247 A1 discloses an apparatus and a method for the continuous production of portions according to the preamble of claim 1 or claim 10. For slicing of several food products, a separate track is provided for each food product, along which it is transported in the direction of a knife. Each track is independent of the other tracks from a loading position adjustable in a Zuführstellung.

A disadvantage of this arrangement is the adjustment of the entire track, including the decisive for the exact product feed to the knife conveyor. Over the entire track length, therefore, all technical measures for the autonomous operation of the respective track, both for the feeding and the loading position, must be provided. The conveyor thus extends over the entire track length. Furthermore, each track requires a lifting device.

In addition, the fulcrum position, including recording in the vicinity of the cutting plane in terms of construction costs and accessibility unfavorable, since this results in a distance between the conveyor and the knife.

Furthermore, the discharge of end pieces upstream of the knife by conventional methods because of the continuous from the knife or from the cutting edge into the loading area conveyor is not possible.

Overall, there is a relatively long machine arrangement, when upstream feeders are included, with which the products are assigned before entering the vertically movable tracks in the transverse direction of a track.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an apparatus and a method for slicing products which do not have the disadvantages of the prior art.

The solution of this object is achieved by a device and by a method having the features of the independent claims.

According to the loading device as a whole between the loading position and the feed position is adjustable. In particular, all loading tracks of the loading device can only be adjusted together. Such a loading device is much cheaper to manufacture and maintain than a loading device with individually adjustable Beladepuren.

The feeding device comprises at least one conveying device which, viewed in the feed direction, is connected downstream of the loading device and has at least two conveying tracks. The number of conveyor tracks is basically arbitrary.

For example, if two conveyor tracks are provided, a product is cut in a conveyor track and the other conveyor track is loaded. In the case of more than two conveying tracks, a product can be cut open in at least one conveying track and at least one other conveying track can be loaded.

The number of Abführspuren the discharge device is basically arbitrary. Preferably, the number of laxate tracks may correspond to the number of conveyor lanes. This may in particular be the case in a region in which the separated product slices pass through the slicing unit after separation. After a portioning area in which the separated slices are combined into portions, the number of removal tracks can be reduced, in particular by at least one discharge track. For example, four conveyor tracks and, after a portioning area, three discharge tracks may be provided.

The term "portions" should also be understood to mean partial portions which, for example, can be brought together to form a common portion by means of a partial portion which originally originates from another conveyor track. This is especially the case when a product in a conveyor lane is no longer sufficient to form a complete portion. The resulting partial portion can then be supplemented for example by product slices or a partial portion from another conveyor track.

The conveyor device according to the invention is not identical to the loading device. Preferably, the conveying device can be arranged or arranged immediately in front of the slicing unit. In particular, the conveyor device can provide the product feed during the slicing operation. It is particularly advantageous if the conveyor as close as possible to the slicing unit, preferably the circular or sickle blade, reaching. This way you can In particular, an end region of the products are kept safe and promoted.

The conveyor preferably operates independently of the loading device. Thus, the loading device can be adjusted in particular relative to the conveying device between an at least substantially horizontal loading position and an inclined feed position, without influencing the conveying device. The conveyor device itself may preferably be arranged permanently in an oblique or inclined position. In particular, the conveying device is thus permanently in the feed position.

The feeder comprises a control device adapted to control the conveyor tracks independently of each other so as to continuously produce portions by interrupting the separation of product slices in a conveyor track and, in particular, almost simultaneously, e.g. within a maximum of 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25 or 0.1 seconds, starting to cut product slices in another conveyor track.

In particular or alternatively, the supply device comprises a control device which is designed to control the conveyor tracks independently of each other in such a way that portions are continuously produced by cutting a product in a conveyor track until a predetermined criterion is met, prior to the removal of product slices started in another conveyor lane. For example, the criterion may be met when the product is completely cut open. The criterion may also concern the achievement of a specific product range. It is conceivable, for example, an area with a certain contour and / or structure, which would lead to any gel-like product slices, such as a greasy or irregularly shaped area. In particular, the criterion can be met when an end region of a product is reached.

A bleed or a cutting of a remnant piece corresponds to this no separation of product slices. As product slices only such, in particular complete, discs are considered, which are suitable for the formation of a portion.

The slicing of a product is therefore initially interrupted, preferably when it is completely cut open, before starting to slit the next product in another conveyor track. In this sense, the products in the conveyor tracks are alternately respectively, in particular completely, cut open by being supplied individually track.

In contrast to the prior art, the invention, one-piece pivotally designed loading device supplies all conveyor tracks using a single lifting or pivoting device. This significantly reduces the construction costs compared to individual track means for a movement in the vertical direction.

Thus, according to the invention, a new product can be loaded into the loading device while a previous product is fed and cut by the conveying device to a slicing unit. The newly inserted product can be brought into a feed position independently of the other product, so that the new product can be cut as soon as the slicing of the previous product is interrupted on the other conveyor track.

In this way, at least one product can be permanently cut open. It is thus from the point of view of the slicing unit to a certain extent an improved single-track operation with the aid of a multi-track product feed. This leads to buffer sections being designed to be very short or omitted altogether can. The entire system can therefore be made comparatively compact.

Portions can then be formed from the product slices continuously separated from the products, which portions can be fed without interruption in the product flow to a packaging machine.

The device according to the invention and the method according to the invention are particularly advantageous especially when slicing foods of different types or short products, since in this case conventional loading times are relatively frequent, the flow thus often being interrupted and having to be evened out with additional measures.

Further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

According to one embodiment, the loading device extends at least substantially over the width of at least one conveyor track and is designed to bring a product to a predefinable or predetermined conveyor track.

The predefinable conveying track can preferably fulfill a specific criterion. The criterion may be, for example, that the corresponding conveyor track is not occupied by a product and therefore requests a product for further cutting operation. It can also be provided, for example, to feed the conveying tracks as uniformly as possible alternately with products in order, for example, to keep wear in all conveying tracks comparable and / or to somewhat even out the cutting circumference of the cutting blade. Alternatively, for example, individual conveyor tracks can not be charged with products, at least temporarily, in order to maintain or clean these conveyor tracks, for example.

A product can thus be conveyed by the loading device on a specific conveyor track, so for example only in the feed direction, if the product is already on the loading device in the correct position. Furthermore, however, a movement in the transverse direction is possible to bring a product located on the loading device to a corresponding conveyor track.

According to a further embodiment, the loading device extends at least substantially over the width of all conveyor tracks. The loading device is designed to bring a product to a predeterminable or predetermined conveyor track.

The loading device can be adjusted in particular only in the feed direction or both in the feed direction and in the transverse direction. Further, e.g. a tilting of the loading device about a longitudinal axis possible. A product located on the loading device can in a sense roll on a predetermined side of the loading device.

Preferably, the loading device comprises a single, wide conveyor belt which extends over the entire width of the conveyor. Alternatively, the loading device may comprise a sliding surface or be designed belt-like, in which case product holder can provide for track-specific feed.

According to a further embodiment, the loading device comprises a plurality of loading tracks. The number of loading tracks is always arbitrary. The number of loading tracks preferably corresponds to the number of conveyor tracks. The term tracks is to be understood broadly within the meaning of the invention. So the individual tracks do not have to be physically separated from each other. Therefore, the loading device can also comprise in particular a single, wide conveyor belt which place is for at least two juxtaposed products. The area intended for a product can be regarded as a track.

If the loading device comprises a single, wide conveyor belt, e.g. extends across the entire width of the conveyor, so this wide conveyor belt can also several Beladenpuren, i. Areas for different products. A product can be placed or conveyed during loading on a specific loading track, which corresponds to an extension of the associated conveyor track. Such a product can thus be supplied, for example, without a transverse adjustment of the loading device directly to a corresponding conveyor track.

Furthermore, it is also possible that the product is placed or conveyed on any loading track. Subsequently, the loading device, in particular a conveyor belt of the loading device, for example, tilted about the longitudinal axis or be adjusted transversely to the feed direction, so that the product reaches a certain loading track or ultimately to a specific conveyor track. In this case, the loading device may in particular comprise a longitudinally and transversely movable conveying device.

Alternatively, the Beladepuren can be controlled in particular independently. In this case, the loading device is also physically divided into several loading tracks. The Beladepuren can be formed, for example, each by a separate and individually controllable by means of a control device conveyor belt.

The conveying speed of a loading track can coincide with the transport speed of the product located in this loading track with the conveying speed of a corresponding conveyor track. The respective tracks can consequently in particular clocked each other, so that the product passes without interruption from the loading device in the conveyor.

According to an alternative embodiment, the loading device comprises a single loading track, which is adjustable transversely to the feed direction. The loading device may in this case be at least as wide as a conveyor lane and executed only single lane. The only loading track can be adjusted transversely so that the product reaches an associated conveyor track. Therefore, the transversely adjustable loading device is in particular also able to receive a product on the supply side at any position on a transversely movable region.

According to a further embodiment, the conveying device comprises sliding surfaces, passive conveyor belts and / or active conveyor belts, wherein in particular for each conveyor track a product holder is provided. For example, grippers for the end pieces as well as tractor binders acting on the product from above belong to these known means, in particular to guide the end region of products. Thus, the product feed occurs e.g. at least by a product holder. The conveyor device is used in particular for clocking a product into a slicing process.

The conveyor may comprise any support whatsoever. These may be, for example, sliding surfaces. The product may e.g. be moved over the sliding surface by means of a product holder and / or upper tractor.

Alternatively, passive, ie non-driven conveyor belts may be provided. Again, the product can be moved for example by a product holder and / or upper tractor on the conveyor belt to Aufschneideeinheit.

Furthermore, active, i. conceivable driven conveyor belts, which transport the product to the slicing unit. In this case, in particular, a product holder and / or upper tractor may additionally be provided for the transport of the product.

The product holder may preferably be designed as a gripper, which engages in an end region of a product. In this way, an almost completely cut product can be stabilized and reliably fed to the slicing unit. A remaining piece can then be removed from the gripper.

According to a further embodiment, the conveying device has a shorter length in the feed direction than the loading device. In particular, the conveying device can have a maximum of 60%, 50% or 40% of the length of the loading device. Preferably, the length of the conveyor may be at most 700 mm, 600 mm, 500 mm, 350 mm or 300 mm. The conveyor device can thus be shorter than a product that has not yet been cut open.

According to a further embodiment, the discharge device comprises a separation device with a plurality of removal tracks, wherein the number of removal tracks corresponds to the number of conveyor tracks and wherein the removal tracks are independently controllable. Thus, for example, product chips, which are produced when a product is removed, can be eliminated on a track-by-track basis. The separating device may comprise, for example, a rocker and / or a conveyor belt movable in the opposite direction to the feed direction.

According to a further embodiment, the discharge device comprises a distributor device, which is designed to merge portions or product slices from different conveyor tracks. The in different conveyor tracks Sliced product slices can thus be grouped in portions and then combined to ensure a continuous product stream or portion stream, for example to a packaging device. The distribution device can, for example, combine two Abrührspuren on a Abführspur or four Abführspuren on two Abführspuren. The product slices or partial portions from different removal tracks can also be superimposed, for example to form multi-variety portions.

The invention further relates to a method for the continuous slicing of products, in particular food products, with a slicing device, in particular high-performance slicer, with at least one slicing unit, in particular with a circular or sickle knife, for separating product slices. The slicing apparatus comprises a feed device for feeding products to the slicing unit in multiple tracks and a discharge device for discharging portions, which each comprise at least one separated product slab. The feeding device comprises a loading device which is designed to receive at least one product and is adjustable as a whole between a loading position and a feed position, and at least one conveying device, which is downstream of the loading device in the feed direction and has at least two conveying tracks.

A first product is supplied on a first conveyor track. The loading device is moved into the loading position when the first product has left the area of the loading device at least substantially. For example, the first product may also protrude somewhat beyond the rear region of the conveying device.

Subsequently, the loading device is loaded with at least one second product and the entire loading device with the second product in the feed position adjusted. Thereafter, the second product is supplied on a second conveyor track.

The process can be repeated or continued as desired. From nomenclature, the second product takes the place of the first product and a new product takes the place of the second product.

At the very beginning of a work cycle, i. When commissioning the feeder at the beginning of the slicing process, more than one conveyor track can be equipped with products, so that first of all products, the gate can be removed. However, the slicing itself then takes place one after another, i. Cutting a product is not started until the other product is cut open. After this initial phase, the loading takes place according to the method just described, i. a new product is loaded into the loading device while the previous product is being cut open.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the loading of a loading device comprising a plurality of loading tracks with the second product takes place in a loading track that differs from the loading track of the first product. The product is thus loaded in particular in a loading track, in which even in extension, ie in the corresponding conveyor track, currently no product is, which is cut open. The loading of the Beladepuren can thus preferably take place alternately.

According to an alternative embodiment, after the loading of a loading track comprising a single loading track, it is displaced transversely to the feed direction such that the second product arrives at the second conveying track. As a result, another product may arrive at a conveyor lane upon which a product request is present. The loading track is thereby adjusted transversely, that this corresponds to the extension of an associated conveyor track.

According to one embodiment, the loading device is loaded with at least two products and adjusted to the feed position, wherein first a product is cut before starting to separate product slices from the other product. The loading device is moved into the loading position when the other product has left the area of the loading device at least substantially. Preferably, several products are always loaded together in the loading device, i. several loading tracks are occupied at the same time. The products are adjusted together in the feed position. Subsequently, a product is cut open, for example, completely or until a predetermined criterion is met. The other product may already be supplied to the slicing unit while the one product is being cut, in order in particular to remove a start of product. Alternatively, the other product can be supplied only when the one product is no longer cut, so for example, is completely cut or a predetermined criterion is met. In particular, the loading device is only moved back into the loading position when both products have at least essentially left the region of the loading device.

In particular, or alternatively, two products may always be transported to the loading device and moved to the cutting position, i. the feed position to be lifted, wherein initially cut the first product and then the second product of the slicing unit is supplied. The loading device is then lowered for subsequent loading when the second product has left, at least substantially.

According to a further embodiment, the product beginning of the second product, in particular by means of the slicing unit, separated before the first Product is completely cut open. The second product is thus ready for slicing when the first product is completely cut open. With the slicing of the second product can therefore be started without interruption. This allows a continuous production of product slices or portions.

According to a further embodiment, product slices produced during the separation of the product beginning are separated from the discharge device in a track-specific manner via a separation device. The product chips are thus already removed when the actual slicing of the product is started. For a discharge in the conveying direction can be provided for a track individual split rocker. If, however, cutting material residues are removed counter to the conveying direction, a track-individually divided portioning belt is advantageous. This can in particular run for a short time in the opposite direction.

According to a further embodiment, portions which originate from different conveying tracks are brought together with the aid of a distributor device. For example, portions of originally two or more conveyor tracks may be placed on a single discharge track. In this way, a continuous product flow is ensured without interruptions.

The portions may also be, for example, partial portions, that is to say incomplete set portions, which can be combined with another portion portion and thus completed. For example, a serving comprising a total of ten product slices may be formed from the last six slices of product and the first four slices of another product. The product slices and / or portions of different conveyor tracks can in particular be laid one on top of the other.

It is also possible to make a cutting head adjustment, in particular a height and / or side adjustment. An adjustment of the cutting head is advantageous since, depending on the cutting operation, it may occur on one or the other track that the position, e.g. the entrance angle, the cutting blade, in particular the cutting edge, the product is not optimal. Preferably, the blade position can be optimized during a change phase before a track change. Thus, for example, when creating a final portion of a product, a cutting head adjustment can be made. In this case, for example, idle cuts can be utilized, which are carried out for the removal of the last portion of one or the first portion of the other track. Thus, in particular, a gradual adjustment, especially during the idle cuts, achieved.

All embodiments of the device described here are in particular designed to be operated according to the method described here. Furthermore, all embodiments of the device described here and all embodiments of the method described here can each be combined with each other.

Fig. 1A bis Fig. 4B

schematisch jeweils Drauf- bzw. Seitenansichten einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Zuführvorrichtung einer erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung,

Fig. 5

schematisch eine Draufsicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer Zuführvorrichtung einer erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung,

Fig. 6

schematisch eine Draufsicht einer dritten Ausführungsform einer Zuführvorrichtung einer erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung,

Fig. 7

schematisch eine Draufsicht einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Abführvorrichtung einer erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung,

Fig. 8

schematisch eine Draufsicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer Abführvorrichtung einer erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung, und

Fig. 9A und Fig. 9B

schematisch eine Drauf- bzw. Seitenansicht einer vierten Ausführungsform einer Zuführvorrichtung einer erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidevorrichtung.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1A to Fig. 4B

schematically each top or side views of a first embodiment of a feeding device of a slicing device according to the invention,

Fig. 5

FIG. 2 schematically a plan view of a second embodiment of a feed device of a slicing device according to the invention, FIG.

Fig. 6

FIG. 2 schematically a plan view of a third embodiment of a feed device of a slicing device according to the invention, FIG.

Fig. 7

FIG. 2 schematically a plan view of a first embodiment of a discharge device of a slicing device according to the invention, FIG.

Fig. 8

schematically a plan view of a second embodiment of a discharge device of a slicing device according to the invention, and

Figs. 9A and 9B

schematically a top or side view of a fourth embodiment of a feeding device of a slicing device according to the invention.

First, it will be noted that the illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary in nature. In particular, the number of illustrated tracks and conveyor units can vary. The features of one embodiment may also be arbitrarily combined with features of another embodiment. In particular, any feeding devices can be combined with any discharge devices.

In the Fig. 1A to 4B a feeder 8 of a slicing apparatus is shown. The feeder 8 is adapted for multi-lane feeding of food slices 10 representing the conveyed products.

The feeding device 8 comprises a loading device designed as a wide belt conveyor 12 and a conveying device 14 with two conveyor belts 16 which are independently controllable.

To the conveyor 14 is followed by a slicing unit 18, of which only the cutting plane is shown in dashed lines. Depending on the application, the slicing unit 18 may comprise one or more cutting knives, in particular circular knives or sickle knives. If products 10 different types cut, especially different cutting blades for the respective product types can be used.

Both the loading device 12 and the conveyor 14 are each divided into two tracks, ie subregions. A first product 20 is in Fig. 1A arranged on a first conveyor track 22 of the conveyor 14. On the other hand, a second product 24 is placed on a second loading track 26 'of the loading device 12 that is different from the first conveying track 22. In each case a product holder 28 engages in both product ends.

As in Fig. 1A can be seen, the belt conveyor 12 is approximately as wide as the conveyor 14. The conveyor belts 16 of the conveyor 14 are significantly shorter than the belt conveyor 12. As in the side view according to Fig. 1B can be seen, the conveyor belts 16 are permanently tilted and located at a right angle to the cutting plane of the slicing unit 18. The belt conveyor 12, however, can be adjusted from a horizontal loading position into an oblique feed position.

The second product 24 is provided on the belt conveyor 12 in the second loading track 26 'while the first product 20 in the first conveying track 22 is being fed to the slicing unit 18 in the feeding direction Z. The belt conveyor 12 is here in the loading position. This way can become permanent a food loaf 10 on the belt conveyor 12 are located. The selection of which of the loading tracks 22 ', 26' is loaded depends on the requirements of the conveyor device 14. Thus, in principle, a loading track 22 ', 26' always loaded, in which the corresponding conveyor track 22, 26 of the downstream conveyor belt 16 is not already occupied by a preceding Lebensellellaib 10, and in which the product holder 28 is moved back so far in the upstream direction in that a product 10 can be conveyed past it into the intended conveying track 22, 26.

In the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B the belt conveyor 12 was moved from the loading position to the feed position. By means of a control device not shown, the second product 24 in the second loading track 26 'and the second conveying track 26 can now be conveyed to the slicing unit 18 with the aid of the belt conveyor 12 and the conveyor belt 16 in the feed direction Z.

Even while the first product 20 is being cut, the beginning of the second product 24 is separated. In this way, the second product 24 for the actual slicing process, in which entire product slices are separated, prepared.

As in FIGS. 3A and 3B is shown, the actual slicing process of the second product 24 only begins when the first product 20 is completely cut open. This results in a continuous product flow.

The product residue of the first product 20 can be removed from the gripper 28. For example, the product residue can then be discharged downwards through a gap between the loading device 12 and the conveying device 14.

Now the belt conveyor 12 can be adjusted again from the feed position to the loading position. This can happen even when the food loaf 10 something with his guided on the product holder 28 end portion over the region of the belt conveyor 12 protrudes.

According to FIGS. 4A and 4B Now, a third product 30 is loaded in the first loading track 22 'of the belt conveyor 12, while the second product 24 is cut in the second conveying track 26.

According to the invention can thus be reversed after the completion of a slicing operation of a Lebensellellaibs 10 without significant interruption to the slicing of another Lebensellellaibs 10.

The loading of the belt conveyor 12 can be done manually or automatically. In the case of manual filling, the operator may be assisted, for example, by mechanical aids, e.g. Baffles, flaps and / or panels, and / or optical aids, e.g. Display devices are displayed, on which side or on which loading track 22 ', 26' a new food loaf 10 is to be launched. Not shown, but similarly feasible, is the manual loading and placing of products on a loading table, which is the loading device 12 upstream. Also, tools described above can be used.

An automated loading can, for example, by means of a in Fig. 5 shown device can be realized. Via two single-ended belts 32, supplied food loaves 10 can be fed to the desired loading track 22 ', 26'. Before Eintaktbändern 32 supply belts, not shown, may be arranged, the Lebensmittellaibe 10 can be promoted in principle multi-lane to the Eintaktbändern 32. The food loaves 10 can originate, for example, from a pellet machine or can also be placed by hand on the single-ended belts 32.

According to Fig. 6 The distribution takes place only by the belt conveyor 12 itself. The belt conveyor 12 is in this case formed transversely displaceable in an adjustment direction R. A food purifier 10 located on the belt conveyor 12 can thus be supplied to the first conveyor track 22 or the second conveyor track 26, depending on the track request. The Lebensellellaib 10 can be inserted directly into the belt conveyor 12 or fed with the aid of an upstream conveyor belt 33. The upstream conveyor belt 33 may for example be offset parallel to a machine longitudinal axis and thus does not necessarily have to centrally control the belt conveyor 12. Equally conceivable, but not shown, is a lateral loading of the loading device 12, when the conveyor belt 33 extends laterally next to this and are handed over from there Lebensmittellaibe 10.

The loading device 12 can be adjusted as a whole relative to a frame of the loading device 12. Alternatively, only individual components, e.g. laterally displaceable shafts, belts or a tape cassette to be adjusted. Preferably, the transverse displacement takes place in the loading position.

Furthermore, parallel side guides are preferably conceivable. Between these, a Lebensmittellaib 19 is inserted and then, for example, on a relatively smooth surface of the loading device 12, laterally moved to a requesting conveyor track 22, 26 or moved.

Alternatively, a belt-like loading device 12 is conceivable for fixing a food loaf 10 and transversely transporting it.

In Fig. 7 a slicing device according to the invention with feeding device 8, slicing unit 18 and discharge device 34 is shown. The discharge device 34 may comprise portioning and / or control bands, which may be formed in one, two or more tracks. Shown is a two-lane variant, at on the slicing unit 18 a portioning and weighing device 36 follows with separate weighing belts. Also conceivable would be a common weigh belt for both tracks. With the aid of the portioning and weighing device 36, it can be determined, in particular, whether complete product slices and / or portions 38 have been separated, from which portions 38 are formed, or only product slices 40. If product slices 40 have been separated off, they can subsequently be separated via a downstream separating device 42 , In particular a rocker, are discharged from the product or Portionsstrom. If a rocker is used for the separation of the product chips 40, this can be arranged in an individual discharge track 43.

In this way, already the beginning of the product of a new product 10 can be separated, while the previous product 10 is still cut.

If the portioning and weighing device 36 is formed transversely movable between the tracks, it is also possible to complete incomplete portions resulting in a first track on an adjacent track with the start of the local slicing operation.

In Fig. 8 another possible arrangement is shown downstream of the slicing unit 18. After a portioning belt 44 and a control belt 46, a transverse distributor 48 follows as a distributor device. With the help of the transverse distributor 48, for example, a multi-lane product or portion stream can be combined into a single discharge lane 43.

Through the transverse manifold 48, it is possible that a continuous flow to the packaging machine or a transfer point, such as a depositor is maintained.

The separation of product chips 40 takes place in accordance with the exemplary embodiment Fig. 8 by driving the portioning belt 44 against the actual conveying direction. Due to the split, each track assigned execution of Portionierbandes 44, it is thus possible to dissipate in one lane product Schnitzel 40, while still being cut in another track.

In Figs. 9A and 9B For example, a feeder 8 with four parallel tracks is shown. The products 10 are fed and cut in the conveying device 14 of the slicing unit 18. If these products 10 have at least essentially left the region of the loading device 12 and if a product 10 is completely cut open at least in a conveying track 22, 26 and the conveying track 22, 26 is thus empty, the loading device 12 can be moved into the loading position to produce a new product 10 from the single-ended tape 32.

LIST OF REFERENCES

8th

feeder

10

Food loaf, product

12

Belt conveyor, loading device

14

conveyor

16

conveyor belt

18

Aufschneideeinheit

20

first product

22

first conveyor lane

22 '

first loading track

24

second product

26

second conveyor lane

26 '

second loading track

28

product holder

30

third product

32

Eintaktband

33

conveyor belt

34

discharge device

36

Portioning and weighing device

38

portion

40

product Schnitzel

42

separating device

43

Abführspur

44

portioning

46

control band

48

Cross distributor, distributor device

Z

feed

R

adjustment

Claims (15)

1. A slicing apparatus, in particular a high-performance slicer, for a continuous slicing of products (10), in particular food products, comprising at least one slicing unit (18), in particular having a circular blade or a scythe-like blade, for cutting off product slices;
   a supply apparatus (8) for a multi-track supply of products (10) to the slicing unit (18); and
   a removal apparatus (34) for removing portions (38) which each comprise at least one cut-off product slice,
   wherein the supply apparatus (8) comprises

   a loading apparatus (12) which is configured for receiving at least one product (10) and which is adjustable as a whole between a loading position and a supply position,

   characterized by

   at least one conveying apparatus (14) which is connected downstream of the loading apparatus (12) viewed in a supply direction (Z) and which has at least two conveying tracks (22, 26); and

   by a control apparatus which is configured to control the conveying tracks (22, 26) independently of one another such that portions (38) are produced continuously in that the cutting off of product slices is interrupted in one conveying track (22, 26) and the cutting off of product slices is started in another conveying track (26, 22), in particular almost simultaneously.
2. A slicing apparatus in accordance with claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the loading apparatus (12) extends at least substantially over the width of at least one conveying track (22, 26) and is configured to bring a product (10) to a predefinable conveying track (22, 26).
3. A slicing apparatus in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2,
   characterized in that
   the loading apparatus (12) extends at least substantially over the width of all the conveying tracks (22, 26) and is configured to bring a product (10) to a predefinable conveying track (22, 26).
4. A slicing apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the loading apparatus (12) comprises a plurality of loading tracks (22', 26'), with the number of loading tracks (22', 26') corresponding to the number of conveying tracks (22, 26), and with the loading tracks (22', 26') in particular being controllable independently of one another.
5. A slicing apparatus in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2,
   characterized in that
   the loading apparatus (12) comprises a single loading track which is adjustable transversely to the supply direction (Z).
6. A slicing apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the conveying apparatus (14) comprises sliding surfaces, passive conveyor belts and/or active conveyor belts (16), with a product holder (28) in particular being provided for each conveying track (22, 26).
7. A slicing apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the conveying apparatus (14) has a smaller length than the loading apparatus (12) in the supply direction (Z).
8. A slicing apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the removal apparatus (34) comprises a discarding apparatus (42) having a plurality of removal tracks (43), with the number of removal tracks (43) corresponding to the number of conveying tracks (22, 26), and with the removal tracks (43) being controllable independently of one another.
9. A slicing apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the removal apparatus (34) comprises a distributor device (48) which is configured for leading together portions (38) from different conveying tracks (22, 26).
10. A method for a continuous slicing of products (10), in particular food products, using a slicing apparatus, in particular a high-performance slicer, comprising
    at least one slicing unit (18), in particular having a circular blade or a scythe-like blade, for cutting off product slices;
    a supply apparatus (8) for a multi-track supply of products to the slicing unit (18); and
    a removal apparatus (34) for removing portions (38) which each comprise at least one cut-off product slice,
    wherein the supply apparatus (8) comprises a loading apparatus (12) which is configured for receiving at least one product (10) and which is adjustable as a whole between a loading position and a supply position,
    characterized in that
    the supply apparatus (8) furthermore comprises

    at least one conveying apparatus (14) which is connected downstream of the loading apparatus (12) viewed in the supply direction (Z) and which has at least two conveying tracks (22, 26); and

    a control apparatus which is configured to control the conveying tracks (22, 26) independently of one another such that portions (38) are produced continuously in that the cutting off of product slices is interrupted in one conveying track (22, 26) and the cutting off of product slices is started in another conveying track (26, 22), in particular almost simultaneously; and

    in that the method comprises the following steps:

    - supplying a first product (20) on a first conveying track (22);

    - adjusting the loading apparatus (12) into the loading position when the first product (20) has at least substantially left the region of the loading apparatus (12);

    - loading the loading apparatus (12) with at least one second or further product (24);

    - adjusting the loading apparatus (12) into the supply position; and

    - supplying the second or further product (24) on a second or further conveying track (26).
11. A method in accordance with claim 10,
    characterized in that
    the loading of a loading apparatus (12) comprising a plurality of loading tracks (22', 26') with the second or further product (24) takes place in a loading track (26') which differs from the loading track (22') of the first product (20).
12. A method in accordance with claim 10,
    characterized in that,
    after the loading of a loading apparatus (12) comprising a single loading track (22'), the former is adjusted transversely to the supply direction (Z) such that the second product (24) moves to the second or further conveying track (26).
13. A method in accordance with claim 10 or claim 11,
    characterized in that
    the loading apparatus which in particular comprises a plurality of loading tracks (22', 26') is loaded with at least two products (10) and is adjusted into the supply position, with one product (10) first being sliced before the cutting off of product slices from the other product (10) is started, and with the loading apparatus (12) being adjusted into the loading position when the other product (10) has at least substantially left the region of the loading apparatus (12).
14. A method in accordance with any one of the claims 10 to 13,
    characterized in that
    the product front end of the second or further product (24) is cut off, in particular by means of the slicing unit (18), before the first product (20) has been completely sliced, with in particular
    product scraps (40) produced on the cutting off of the product front end being discarded from the removal apparatus (34) on individual tracks via a discarding apparatus (42).
15. A method in accordance with any one of the claims 10 to 14,
    characterized in that
    portions (38) which come from different conveying tracks (22, 26) are led together with the aid of a distributor device (48).

Images