DE102020102139A1 - Slicing station and method for operating a slicing station - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a slicing station for creating and dispensing individual portions of food products with a magazine with a plurality of storage compartments for the food products, a cutting device for separating sections from the food products, and a portioning unit for receiving the separated sections and forming the portions. Either the portioning unit is arranged in the cutting mode so that the separated sections fall onto a portioning surface of the portioning unit or a transfer unit is arranged in the cutting mode so that the separated sections fall onto the transfer unit and the separated sections can be transported to a portioning surface of the portioning unit. The cutting device and the plurality of receiving compartments are arranged so as to be movable relative to one another and configured such that the sections can be separated from the respective food product by means of the cutting device while this food product is in the receiving compartment assigned to it.

Description

The invention relates to a slicing station for creating and dispensing individual portions, in particular multi-type portions, of food products.

Such a slicing station is for example from the US patent application US 2004/0154445 A1 famous. When a user submits an order to create a portion at this slicing station, a first product is first fed from a cooled display to a product holder by means of a robot arm. The product holder holds the product while it is cut open. The robot arm then places the product back on the display and picks up the next product to feed it to the product holder. Each of the products is thus first transported from the display to the product holder, clamped there, and only then can the slicing process be started.

This slicing station has the disadvantage that the creation of an individual portion, in particular a multi-type portion, is time-consuming.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a slicing station and a method for operating a slicing station by means of which the creation of an individual portion, in particular multi-type portion, can be carried out more quickly and thus the waiting time for the user can be shortened.

The object is achieved by a slicing station with the features of claim 1 and in particular in that the slicing station has a magazine with a plurality of receiving compartments for the, in particular bar-shaped or product bar-shaped, food products, a cutting device for cutting off sections, in particular slices or pieces, of the food products, and a portioning unit for receiving the separated sections and forming the portions. Either the portioning unit is arranged in the cutting mode in such a way that the separated sections fall onto a portioning surface of the portioning unit or a transfer unit is arranged in the cutting mode in such a way that the separated sections fall onto the transfer unit. In the second case, the separated sections can be transported to a portioning surface of the portioning unit. The cutting device and the plurality of receiving compartments are arranged so as to be movable relative to one another and are designed such that the sections can be separated from the respective food product by means of the cutting device while this food product is in the receiving compartment assigned to it.

In other words, the slicing station is designed in such a way that the food products can be sliced in the receiving compartments provided for storing the food products and do not have to be transported from a display to a slicing compartment in order to be sliced.

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

At least two of the receiving compartments are preferably arranged parallel to one another. Preferably, all of the receiving compartments are arranged parallel to one another.

According to one embodiment, the magazine is equipped with a product conveyor. The product conveyor can be designed to feed at least one of the food products to a cutting plane of the cutting device while this food product is arranged in its receiving compartment. A feed path per cut can preferably be set in order to be able to define a thickness of the severed section.

The receiving compartments are preferably each equipped with separate product conveyors, i.e. separate elements are provided for the plurality of receiving compartments in order to come into contact with the respective food product and to apply a feed force to the respective food product. In order to still be able to produce the slicing station inexpensively, the separate product conveyors, in particular individually, can be driven by a common drive motor. The drive motor can be connected to the drive trains of the product conveyor by means of couplings. The drive motor is advantageously attached to the portioning unit or the cutting device.

The at least one product conveyor, preferably the one product conveyor per receiving compartment, is advantageously designed and set up to deposit end pieces and / or convey them out of the receiving compartment. A control unit can be provided which checks whether the portioning unit or transfer unit is arranged above the receiving compartment from which the end piece is to be conveyed and only allows the end piece to be ejected if the portioning unit or transfer unit is arranged above the receiving compartment. A chute for receiving the end pieces can be arranged below the portioning unit or transfer unit. The product conveyor can be connected to the drive motor via couplings to generate a feed movement of the food product to the cutting plane and to generate an ejection movement of the respective end piece. If the drive motor is arranged on the portioning unit or transfer unit, it is advantageous if two separate couplings are provided per product conveyor, one coupling being used to generate the feed movement and one coupling being used to generate the ejection movement.

According to one embodiment, the receiving compartments can comprise a support on which the food product lies while it is stored and sliced. The support can be designed, for example, as a sliding plate, as a roller conveyor or as a belt. If the support is designed as a belt, the belt can be driven together with the product conveyor. In order to hold the food products laterally and thus feed them in a defined position, the support can be formed by two or more support elements arranged at an angle to one another, for example sliding plates, roller conveyors or belts.

According to a further embodiment, the product conveyor comprises a product gripper for gripping, in particular an end facing away from the cutting plane, of the food product. The product gripper can be designed to be passive. “Passively designed” means that the product gripper is not adjusted by a motor between a gripping position and a release position, but can be adjusted, for example, through contact with the food product or part of the receiving compartment. For this purpose, the product gripper can be adjusted between the gripper position and the release position by means of two mechanical switching points which, for example, are each triggered in a force-controlled manner.

Alternatively, the product gripper can be designed as an actively drivable product gripper. For example, a servomotor can be assigned to the product gripper or the product gripper can be designed as a vacuum gripper.

According to one embodiment, the portioning unit is mounted so as to be movable relative to the receiving compartments, in particular parallel to the cutting plane. Alternatively or additionally, the portioning unit is mounted so as to be movable relative to the cutting device, in particular parallel to the cutting plane. As a result, the portioning surface of the portioning unit can be arranged directly below the food product to be cut, as a result of which more precise portioning is possible.

As an alternative to this, the portioning unit can be arranged in a stationary manner in the slicing station and the receiving compartments can be movably mounted, for example in accordance with a revolver magazine.

According to a further variant, the receiving compartments are arranged in several rows and several columns and thus form, as it were, an m × n matrix with m rows and n columns. According to an advantageous embodiment, exactly 2 columns of receiving compartments are provided, i.e. the matrix is an m × 2 matrix. Thus, the number of food products made available for slicing can be doubled compared to a slicing station with a column of storage compartments without having to forego corresponding reserve compartments, which for example can be arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another on opposite sides of the storage compartments. In other words, the left column of receiving compartments can be connected to reserve compartments arranged to the left of the receiving compartments and the right column of receiving compartments can be connected to reserve compartments arranged to the right of the receiving compartments.

According to one embodiment, the portioning unit comprises a scale in order to weigh the sections cut off during the cutting operation. The scales can have a tare-weighing function in order to be able to weigh the packaging before the start of cutting and to be able to subtract this weight from the total weight of the portion and packaging. In this way, the weight of the food portion can be correctly determined even with packaging of different weights.

In order to be able to transport away the finished portion in a simple manner, it is advantageous if the portioning unit comprises at least one drivable conveyor element, in particular several drivable endless conveyor belts. This at least one drivable conveyor element preferably forms the portioning surface at least in sections.

In order to be able to achieve precise and defined cuts by means of the cutting device, the slicing station can comprise at least one counter-bearing or counterpart, which forms a cutting edge, for the cutting device or the cutting knife. This counter bearing or counterpart is preferably part of the portioning unit or the transfer unit. The counter bearing or counterpart can also be part of a holder for the cutting device. The holder of the cutting device can correspond to the portioning unit or the transfer unit or be designed as a separate part.

According to one embodiment, a cooling device for cooling an interior of the slicing station is provided in order to reduce the Keeping food products fresh. The cooling device can be a cooling unit that is completely integrated in the slicing station or it can represent part of a cooling circuit which is connected to an external cooling unit, that is to say arranged outside the slicing station.

In order to be able to guarantee the freshness of the food product on offer, the slicing station can comprise a module for monitoring the storage time of the individual food products. After a corresponding time has elapsed, the storage time monitoring module can send a signal to a control unit that the food product should be cut again or that the food product should be removed from the receiving compartment.

According to one embodiment, the cutting device comprises a cutting knife that rotates during the cutting operation. The cutting knife is preferably a circular or sickle knife. The cutting knife is preferably movable along its cutting plane relative to the magazine in order to carry out a cutting movement relative to the magazine and its receiving compartments. Advantageously, the cutting device can be moved relative to the magazine in two mutually perpendicular directions in order to be able to control different receiving compartments. In order to be able to perform blank cuts with the cutting device, for example, the cutting device can advantageously be moved perpendicular to the cutting plane, i.e. for example in the axial direction with respect to the knife axis. In other words, the cutting knife can be disengaged to a small extent along its axis of rotation.

According to one embodiment, the cutting device, in particular the cutting knife, can be moved relative to the portioning surface. As a result, sections of the food products can be cut off and, for example, fall onto the standing portioning belt.

In order to avoid contamination of the interior of the slicing station, for example via an output route for the portion, the slicing station can comprise a hygiene lock in the form of an air lock. The hygiene sluice can be used to feed in a base and / or to discharge a portion or packaging. The hygiene lock preferably comprises a first area facing the interior of the slicing station, a second area which can be separated airtight from the first area and which can be disinfected by means of a disinfection system, and a third area which can be separated airtight from the second area and which connects to the surroundings of the slicing station communicates.

Alternatively, means for generating an internal pressure can be provided, which generate a slight overpressure in a, preferably cooled, interior of the slicing station, so that it is ensured that the air located in the interior after an opening of the interior, for example by opening a lock flows outside and so essentially no germ-contaminated outside air penetrates into the interior.

According to one embodiment, the slicing station comprises a cleaning module for the cutting knife. In order to integrate the cleaning module as space-efficiently and cost-effectively as possible, the cleaning module for the cutting knife can be integrated into the hygiene lock. For example, the cutting knife can be moved into the second area and disinfected there by the disinfection system.

According to a further embodiment, the slicing station can comprise a monitoring module for monitoring the knife sharpness of the cutting knife. Alternatively or additionally, the slicing station can comprise an acoustic or visual display in order to notify an upcoming cleaning or an upcoming knife change. In addition, the slicing station can have means for informing service personnel, for example via the Internet, that the slicing station should be equipped with a new cutting knife or a new food product.

In order to keep at least one additional food product available for replenishing the receiving compartment, a reserve compartment assigned to it can be provided for at least one of the receiving compartments. Preferably, each of the receiving compartments is provided with a reserve compartment assigned to it. In order to enable the storage compartments to be refilled automatically, the reserve compartment can have an inclined bottom surface so that the food product can slide or roll over from the reserve compartment into an unequipped storage compartment. The inclined bottom surface of the reserve compartment can be designed, for example, as a sliding surface or as a runway.

In order to be able to pack the created portions accordingly, the slicing station can comprise a packaging module for the automatic packaging of the portions. The packaging module can be designed to provide the packaging itself. Alternatively or additionally, the packaging module can be designed to receive packaging brought by the user and to pack the portions by means of the packaging brought by the user or at least to transfer the portions to the packaging. The packaging module can be a detection system for Contain packaging, which checks the dimensions of the respective packaging for its usability. For example, packaging brought by the user may not be usable for the desired portion because it is too small. In this case, the packaging is given to the user without content and, for example, the user is informed that the packaging he has brought with him is too small for the portion.

Foils, for example, come into consideration as packaging or portion carriers; these can be folded by the packaging module and then glued, pressed or sealed. Alternatively, paper or stone paper can be used as packaging or portion carrier. This can also be folded by the packaging module and then glued. Alternatively or additionally, the packaging module can be designed to staple or staple packaging materials. In addition, disposable trays, for example made of plastic or a natural material such as wood, come into consideration, which can be sealed with a film by the packaging module.

In order to produce less waste, reusable containers could alternatively be used as packaging, which can be closed with a lid, for example. In addition, it would be conceivable to use a reusable support for portioning, from which the user can repack his portion in a package he has brought with him or from which a, preferably contactless, transfer into a package takes place.

For the direct production of sandwiches, it would also be conceivable to use a slice of bread, toast or a roll as a base for forming portions. This edible pad can serve as a pad in wrapped or unpacked form.

In order to keep the portioning unit or the transfer unit clean, the packaging module can be designed and set up to provide at least part of the packaging on the portioning unit or the transfer unit so that the separated sections fall directly onto the part of the packaging and thus not the portioning unit or the Touch the transfer unit. The entire individual portion can preferably be formed directly in or on the packaging.

The slicing station can comprise a labeling module for automatically labeling the portion and / or the packaging. For example, the price, the contents of the packaging or a barcode for cashing in at a till can be part of the label on the portion.

• Bereitstellen einer Mehrzahl von, insbesondere verschiedenartigen, Lebensmittelprodukten in jeweiligen Aufnahmefächern eines Magazins,
• Bereitstellen einer Schneidvorrichtung zum Abtrennen von Abschnitten der Lebensmittelprodukte,
• Bereitstellen einer Eingabemöglichkeit zur Auswahl mindestens eines Lebensmittelprodukts aus der Mehrzahl von Lebensmittelprodukten, und automatisches Abtrennen zumindest eines Abschnitts von einem der Lebensmittelprodukte in Abhängigkeit von einer Eingabe eines Benutzers während sich das entsprechende Lebensmittelprodukt in dem ihm zugeordneten Aufnahmefach befindet.

The invention also relates to a method for operating a slicing station for dispensing individual portions of food products, in particular a slicing station with one or more of the features mentioned above or below, with the steps:

• Providing a plurality of, in particular different types of, food products in respective receiving compartments of a magazine,
• Providing a cutting device for severing sections of the food products,
• Providing an input option for selecting at least one food product from the plurality of food products, and automatically separating at least a section from one of the food products as a function of an input by a user while the corresponding food product is in the receiving compartment assigned to him.

In other words, at least a section is separated from the food product without the selected food product being removed from its respective receiving compartment.

The input option can be provided, for example, via a touchscreen, via a camera for recognizing gestures or via a microphone. In addition, the input option can be provided via software, for example via an app, or via a website, so that pre-assembled and ordered portions can be picked up without waiting. The input option can include a free selection of the portions and / or a selection from suggestions for portions.

According to one embodiment, providing the input option for selecting the at least one food product can include providing an input option for selecting a quantity of the at least one food product, a slice thickness of the at least one food product, a cutting sequence of several food products and / or a packaging for the individual portion. Using the input option, it may be possible to select whether and, if so, how, the individual portion is packaged.

The method can further include providing a display for showing the selected individual portion. In this way, the selected individual portion can be displayed to the user so that the user can select the portion, preferably via an operator interface or Input device, can further supplement, change, reduce or discard.

• 1 eine perspektivische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidestation;
• 2A ein erstes Verfahrensstadium während eines Betriebs der Aufschneidestation, in dem eine Verpackung bereitgestellt wird;
• 2B ein zweites Verfahrensstadium während eines Betriebs der Aufschneidestation, in dem eine Scheibe von einem ersten Lebensmittelprodukt abgetrennt wird;
• 2C ein drittes Verfahrensstadium während eines Betriebs der Aufschneidestation, in dem eine Schneidvorrichtung zwischen zwei Aufnahmefächern verfahren wird;
• 2D ein viertes Verfahrensstadium während eines Betriebs der Aufschneidestation, in dem eine Scheibe von einem zweiten Lebensmittelprodukt abgetrennt wird;
• 2E ein fünftes Verfahrensstadium während eines Betriebs der Aufschneidestation, in dem die fertig erstellte Portion einem Verpackungsmodul zugeführt wird;
• 2F ein sechstes Verfahrensstadium während eines Betriebs der Aufschneidestation, in dem die fertig erstellte Portion vollständig verpackt wird;
• 2G ein siebtes Verfahrensstadium während eines Betriebs der Aufschneidestation, in dem die fertig verpackte Portion beschriftet wird;
• 2H ein achtes Verfahrensstadium während eines Betriebs der Aufschneidestation, in dem die fertig verpackte und beschriftete Portion einer Hygieneschleuse zugeführt wird;
• 3 die Hygieneschleuse der Aufschneidestation von 1;
• 4A eine konzeptionelle Darstellung eines Produktgreifers der Aufschneidestation in einer Greifstellung;
• 4B eine konzeptionelle Darstellung des Produktgreifers aus 4A in einer Freigabestellung;
• 5 ein Endstückentsorgungssystem der Aufschneidestation von 1;
• 6A eine Nachfüllmechanik eines Reservefachs der Aufschneidestation von 1 in einer Vorhaltestellung; und
• 6B die Nachfüllmechanik von 6A in einer Nachladestellung.

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

• 1 a perspective view of a slicing station according to the invention;
• 2A a first method stage during operation of the slicing station, in which a package is provided;
• 2 B a second method stage during operation of the slicing station, in which a slice is severed from a first food product;
• 2C a third method stage during operation of the slicing station, in which a cutting device is moved between two receiving compartments;
• 2D a fourth method stage during operation of the slicing station, in which a slice is severed from a second food product;
• 2E a fifth method stage during operation of the slicing station, in which the finished portion is fed to a packaging module;
• 2F a sixth method stage during operation of the slicing station, in which the finished portion is completely packaged;
• 2G a seventh method stage during operation of the slicing station, in which the finished packaged portion is labeled;
• 2H an eighth process stage during operation of the slicing station, in which the fully packaged and labeled portion is fed to a hygiene lock;
• 3 the hygiene lock of the slicing station from 1 ;
• 4A a conceptual illustration of a product gripper of the slicing station in a gripping position;
• 4B a conceptual representation of the product gripper 4A in a release position;
• 5 a tail disposal system of the slicing station of 1 ;
• 6A a refill mechanism of a reserve compartment of the slicing station of 1 in a hold; and
• 6B the refill mechanics of 6A in a reloading position.

In 1 is a slicing station according to the invention 10 shown. The slicing station 10 includes a housing 11 showing an interior 42 the slicing station 10 surrounds in such a way that the interior 42 can be kept cooled and hygienically clean. In the interior 42 is a magazine 16 with several, eight in the embodiment shown, receiving compartments 18th arranged. In operation, the receiving compartments 18th with food products 14th filled. In the embodiment shown, the storage compartments are 18th arranged one above the other. The receiving compartments 18th but can, for example, also be arranged next to one another or along a circumference.

So that the slicing station 10 Sections or disks 22nd (please refer 2C ) of the respective food products 14th can cut off is in the interior 42 also a cutting device 20th with a cutting knife 46 intended. The cutting knife 46 can be driven in rotation. In addition, the cutting device is 20th mounted displaceably in two mutually perpendicular directions, in the present embodiment in a substantially horizontal direction and in a substantially vertical direction. This allows the cutting device 20th in a first direction along one end face 19th the receiving compartments 18th be moved to sections or slices 22nd of food products 14th cut off and additionally moved in a second direction oriented perpendicular to the first direction in order to use the cutting device 20th the individual compartments 18th to be able to approach. In addition, the cutting knife 46 still be movably mounted in a third direction, which is aligned perpendicular to the first and second direction, in order to produce blank cuts, for example.

The receiving compartments 18th indicate an edition 32 on, which is designed, the respective the receiving compartment 18th associated food product 14th to wear. In addition, the storage compartments 18th a side support structure 33 on to the food product 14th to be supported laterally and thus to be held in a defined position. On the side support structure 33 opposite side of the respective receiving compartment 18th is in the respective receptacle 18th assigned reserve compartment 56 (please refer 2A) provided in the food products 14th for refilling the storage compartments 18th can be provided. As for example in 2A and 2 B shown indicate the reserve compartments 56 a sloping floor surface 58 on so the food products 14th from the respective reserve compartment 56 in the reserve compartment 56 assigned receptacle 18th can slide or roll afterwards.

In the interior 42 is also a portioning unit 24 with a portioning surface encompassing a conveyor belt 25th provided, which is arranged in the company so that the food products 14th cut off sections or slices 22nd on the portioning surface 25th or directly on one of the portioning surface 25th provided packaging 66 (please refer 2A) fall. The portioning unit 24 is synchronous with the cutting device 20th in the second, ie vertical, direction can be moved around the various receiving compartments 18th together with the cutting device 20th to be able to approach. The portioning unit 24 but can also be separated from the cutting device 20th be movable in the second, ie vertical, direction, for example one later with respect to FIG 5 described chute 94 to clear and thus a possibility to dispose of trimmings and / or end sections of the food products 14th provide.

The portioning unit 24 comprises a counter bearing forming a cutting edge 38 which, as in 1 shown, can be formed by a side support bar. So it is possible in a simple way to produce food products 14th with different cross-sections using the same counter bearing 38 to cut open. While the portioning unit 24 and the counter bearing 38 The cutting device is not movable in the first, ie horizontal, direction 20th , such as in 2F can be seen relative to the portioning unit 24 movable in the first, ie horizontal, direction. The portioning unit 24 includes a scale 34 to put on the portioning surface 25th deposited sections or slices 22nd to weigh.

In order to enable a user, for example a customer, to place an order or to communicate information, is on an outside of the housing 11 an ad 54 together with an input option 64 provided in the form of a touchscreen. Using this touchscreen, the user has the option of selecting preset portion recommendations or the portion he wishes individually from the storage compartments 18th existing food products 14th put together and display graphically. Among other things, the user can specify the slice thickness for the respective food products 14th to choose. For example, a bar representing the thickness of the pane can be displayed here. The pane thickness can be adjustable between a minimum value and a maximum value, preferably continuously, by means of the touchscreen. A recommendation for the slice thickness can also be displayed. Part of the case 11 is designed to be transparent so that the user can view the food products 14th , in particular their cut surfaces, can view.

The ad 54 can also be used to provide the user with information, for example an error message. For example, the user can be informed that the slicing station 10 just a knife cleaning or a sharpening of the cutting knife 46 performs. However, the slicing station should be controlled 10 programmed in such a way that such maintenance work is usually carried out when the slicing station 10 is not operated by a user, for example after closing time or at night.

Referring to the 2A until 2H is described below how the slicing station 10 a selected multi-type portion is created fully automatically. In 2A will be the packaging 66 from a packing warehouse 67 by means of a packaging dispenser 68 the portioning unit 24 fed so the packaging 66 on the portioning surface 25th rests. The cutting device then moves 20th and the portioning unit 24 together a first receptacle to store sections or slices there 22nd of a first food product 14th to cut off. As in 2 B is shown, the cutting knife moves 46 then in a rotating state once or several times along the face 19th of the receiving tray 18th until it is the counter bearing 38 happened to sections or slices 22nd from the first food product 14th to cut off. This is where the food product becomes 14th from one to the 4A and 4B shown product conveyor 26th perpendicular to a cutting plane 28 of the cutting knife 46 advanced, at a speed corresponding to a selected slice thickness for the first food product 14th . A drive motor 30th to the process of the product conveyor 26th is on the portioning unit 24 arranged and is used to operate all the product conveyors assigned to the respective receiving compartments 26th .

As in 2C can be seen are the individual components of the slicing station 10 adjusted so that the severed discs 22nd on a first half 66a the packaging 66 fall, but a second half 66b the packaging 66 not from the severed panes 22nd is occupied. This simplifies the subsequent complete packaging of the portion 12th which will be described later.

After a number of sections or slices corresponding to the order 22nd from the first food product 14th was cut off, drive the portioning unit 24 and the cutting device 20th a second storage compartment 18th to there sections or slices 22nd from a second food product 14th to cut off.

As in 2D can be seen the cutting device 20th again, ie as in terms of that 2 B described along the front 19th of the receiving tray 18th of the second food product 14th proceed to also from this second food product 14th Sections or disks 22nd to cut off. This is the second food product 14th also from one in the 4A and 4B shown product conveyor 26th perpendicular to the cutting plane 28 of the cutting knife 46 advanced at a speed corresponding to one for the second food product 14th selected slice thickness.

When the ordered portion 12th is completely created, the portioning unit 24 returned to their original position. Then the on the packaging 66 lying portion 12th , as in 2E shown to a packaging module 60 transported further. For this purpose, the conveyor belt of the portioning unit 24 forming endless conveyor belts 36 from a drive shaft 70 the portioning unit 24 driven.

In 2F is shown like the one on the first half 66a the packaging 66 lying portion 12th is packed. By means of a swiveling flap 72 of the packaging module 60 will be the second half 66b the packaging 66 over the first half 66a the packaging 66 folded so that the portion 12th between the first half 66a and the second half 66b the packaging 66 is arranged. Then the packaging module 60 the superimposed surfaces of the first and second halves 66a , 66b the packaging 66 connect with each other, for example by folding, gluing, pressing or sealing.

After the serving 12th is packed, as in 2G shown, the packaging by means of a labeling module 62 printed with individual information about the portion, such as weight and / or price. Then the assembled packaging 66 a hygiene lock 48 fed, which is now in relation to the 3 is described.

In the 3 Hygiene lock shown 48 is designed to have a passage for the portion 12th from the interior 42 to an area around the slicing station 10 to create, without the passage of contamination from the environment into the interior 42 reach. The hygiene lock 48 includes a first, the interior 42 the slicing station 10 facing, area 48a , one of the first area 48a by means of a first lock door 76 airtight separable second area 48b , which by means of a disinfection system 74 can be disinfectable, and one of the second area 48b by means of a second lock door 78 airtight separable third area 48c , which with the environment of the slicing station 10 can be associated. First is the portion 12th as shown at 1) in the interior 42 the slicing station 10 . So that the portion 12th the interior 42 through the hygiene lock 48 the first lock door is the first 76 open while the second lock door 78 remains closed. Then the portion 12th from the first area 48a in the second area 48b transported. Then the first lock door 76 closed, which can be seen at 3). Then the second lock door 78 open while the first lock door 76 remains closed. Then the portion 12th through the opened second lock door 78 be conveyed through. As shown at 5a), the hygiene sluice 48 Be designed so that a user can cut the portion 12th , preferably after opening a third lock door 79 , straight from the third area 48c the hygiene lock 48 can be found. Alternatively, the hygiene sluice 48 in the third area 48c the portion 12th to a means of transport 77 , for example a paternoster, passed that the portion 12th conveyed to an output tray.

As shown at 5a), the disinfection system 74 the second area 48b the hygiene lock 48 disinfect while the first lock door 76 and the second lock door 78 are closed.

In the 4A and 4B is the product conveyor 26th shown in the form of a product gripper, wherein 4A the product gripper 26th in a gripping position and 4B the product gripper 26th represents in a release position. The product gripper 26th has two gripping elements that can be moved like pliers 80 which are designed to move into a rear, ie, from the cut surface of the food product 14th facing away, section of the food product 14th to intervene. The product gripper shown here 26th is a passive product gripper 26th , ie it does not require a separate drive motor provided for this purpose for the adjustment between the gripping position and the release position. Instead, the product gripper 26th by one of the food product 14th on a first adjustment surface 82 exerted compressive force adjusted from the release position to the gripping position. To do this, the food product 14th held in position, for example by an adjustable stop or by friction, and then the product gripper 26th from behind the food product 14th moved up to the first adjustment surface 82 a back of the Food product 14th contacted. From a certain of the food product 14th on the adjustment surface 82 applied force becomes the first adjustment surface 82 forming adjusting element 84 relative to a pivot axis 86 of a first swivel arm 88 and relative to a pivot axis 86 a second swivel arm 88 emotional. The swivel arms 88 are each on one side of the pivot axis with the adjustment element 84 coupled and on the other side of the pivot axis 86 with one of the gripping elements 80 coupled.

Around a tail of the food product 14th again from the product gripper 26th to be able to solve, has the adjusting element 84 a second adjustment surface 90 on, which is preferably opposite to the first adjustment surface 82 is aligned. As in 4B is shown, the respective receiving compartment 18th a back stop 92 train against which the second adjustment surface 90 is mobile. From a certain force between the adjustment surface 90 and the back stop 92 can the product gripper 26th Jump back into its release position and so, as also in 4B shown an end piece of the food product 14th release.

In relation to 5 it will now be explained what happens to the end piece after it has been removed from the product gripper 26th is released. The end piece of the food product 14th is from the open product gripper 26th to the open face 19th of the respective receiving compartment 18th pressed and falls there into the chute 94 for end pieces and up to an end piece collecting container 96 . The control of the slicing station 10 ensured that the portioning unit 24 during such evacuation of the receptacle 18th above the receiving compartment to be cleared 18th is arranged to exclude that the end piece on the portioning unit 24 falls.

Referring to the 6A and 6B a possibility will now be described, such as in the reserve compartment 56 stored food products 14th individually and then individually to the respective receiving compartment 18th can be fed. At a lower end of the sloping floor area 58 of the reserve compartment 56 is a seesaw 98 arranged, their inclusion 100 is designed to produce exactly one food product 14th take in and hold. On the product gripper 26th is an adjusting element in its release position 102 , for example a pin, to adjust the rocker 98 active. When the product gripper 26th in its release position in the respective receiving compartment 18th up to the rear or rear stop 92 is driven, the adjusting element releases 102 an adjustment of the rocker 98 off, so the next one, in the shot 100 the seesaw 98 provided, food product 14th into the receiving compartment 18th can slide or roll. A holding section 98a holds the rocker 98 other food products located in the reserve compartment 14th from getting into the inclusion 100 the seesaw 98 or in the receiving compartment 18th to slide or to roll. When the product gripper 26th by grasping the refilled food product 14th has been brought back into its gripping position, the adjustment element switches itself on 102 automatically into an inactive position, for example the pin adjusts itself so that the rocker 98 in your, in 6A can pivot back the starting position shown. The next food product can be placed in this starting position 14th , if available, in the recording 100 curl up or slide in.

In addition, the slicing station has 10 via a cooling device 40 for cooling the interior 42 , via a module for storage time monitoring 44 to monitor whether a particular food product 14th is no longer fresh enough to sell and should therefore be re-cut or ejected completely, and via a monitoring module 52 for monitoring the knife sharpness of the cutting knife 46 .

List of reference symbols

10

Slicing station

11

casing

12th

individual portion

14th

Food products

16

magazine

18th

Receiving compartment

19th

Front side

20th

Cutting device

22nd

Section / disc

24

Portioning unit

25th

Portioning area

26th

Product conveyor / gripper

28

Cutting plane

30th

Drive motor

32

Edition

33

Support structure

34

Libra

36

Endless conveyor belts

38

Counter bearing

40

Cooling device

42

inner space

44

Storage time monitoring module

46

Cutting knife

48

Hygiene lock

48a

first area

48b

second area

48c

third area

50

Cleaning module

52

Monitoring module

54

advertisement

56

Reserve compartment

58

Floor area

60

Packaging module

62

Labeling module

64

Input option

66

packaging

66a

first half

66b

second half

67

Packing warehouse

68

Packaging issue

70

drive shaft

72

swiveling flap

74

Disinfection system

76

first lock door

77

Mode of Transport

78

second lock door

79

third lock door

80

Gripping elements

82

first adjustment surface

84

Adjustment element

86

Swivel axis

88

Swivel arm

90

second adjustment surface

92

rear stop

94

Chute

96

Tail storage container

98

Seesaw

100

recording

100a

Holding section

102

Adjustment element

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• US 2004/0154445 A1 [0002]

Claims (20)

Slicing station (10) for creating and dispensing individual portions (12), in particular multi-type portions, of food products (14), comprising: a magazine (16) with a plurality of receiving compartments (18) for the, in particular bar-shaped, food products (14), a cutting device (20) for severing sections (22), in particular slices or pieces, from the food products (14), and a portioning unit (24) for receiving the separated sections (22) and forming the portions (12), wherein the portioning unit (24) is arranged in the cutting operation in such a way that the separated sections (22) fall onto a portioning surface (25) of the portioning unit (24) or wherein a transfer unit is arranged in the cutting operation in such a way that the separated sections fall onto the transfer unit and the separated sections can be transported to a portioning surface of the portioning unit, and wherein the cutting device (20) and the plurality of receiving compartments (18) are arranged so as to be movable relative to one another and are designed such that the sections (22) can be separated from the respective food product (14) by means of the cutting device (20) while this food product is being separated (14) is located in the receiving compartment (18) assigned to it. Slicing station (10) after Claim 1 , wherein the magazine (16) is equipped with a product conveyor (26), and wherein the product conveyor (26) is designed to feed at least one of the food products (14) to a cutting plane (28) of the cutting device (20) while this food product ( 14) is arranged in its receiving compartment (18). Slicing station (10) after Claim 2 wherein the plurality of receiving compartments (18) are each equipped with separate product conveyors (26), in particular wherein the separate product conveyors (26) can be driven by a common drive motor (30). Slicing station (10) after Claim 2 or 3 wherein the product conveyor (26) comprises a product gripper for gripping, in particular an end facing away from the cutting plane (28), of the food product (14). Slicing station (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the portioning unit (24) can be moved relative to the receiving compartments (18) and / or the cutting device (20), in particular parallel to the cutting plane (28). Slicing station (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the portioning unit (24) comprises a scale (34) in order to weigh the sections (22) cut off during the slicing operation. Slicing station (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the portioning unit (24) comprises at least one drivable conveyor element (36), in particular several drivable endless conveyor belts. Slicing station (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the portioning unit (24) and / or the cutting device (20) is connected to a counter-bearing (38) for the cutting device (20), in particular for a cutting knife (46), which forms a cutting edge /are. Slicing station (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a cooling device (40) is provided for cooling an interior (42) of the slicing station (10). Slicing station (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting device (20) comprises a cutting knife (46) rotating during cutting operation, in particular wherein the cutting knife (46) can be moved along its cutting plane (28) relative to the magazine (16). Slicing station (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the slicing station (10) comprises a hygiene sluice (48) and / or wherein the slicing station comprises means for generating an internal pressure to create a slight overpressure in an interior (42) of the slicing station (10) to create. Slicing station (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the slicing station (10) comprises a cleaning module (50) for the cutting device (20), in particular for a cutting knife (46). Slicing station (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a reserve compartment (56) assigned to this is provided for at least one receiving compartment (18), in particular for each receiving compartment (18), in order to store at least one additional food product (14) for replenishing the receiving compartment ( 18). Slicing station (10) after Claim 13 , wherein the reserve compartment (56) has an inclined bottom surface (58) so that the food product (14) can slide or roll from the reserve compartment (56) into an empty receiving compartment (18). Slicing station (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the slicing station (10) comprises a packaging module (60) for automatically packaging the portions (12). Slicing station (10) after Claim 15 wherein the packaging module (60) is designed and set up to provide at least part of a packaging (66) on the portioning surface (25) so that the portion (12) can be formed directly on the part of the packaging (66). Slicing station (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the slicing station (10) comprises a labeling module (62) for automatically labeling the portion (12) and / or a packaging (66). A method for operating a slicing station (10) for dispensing individual portions (12) of food products (14), in particular a slicing station (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: Providing a plurality of, in particular different types of, food products (14) in respective receiving compartments (18) of a magazine (16), Providing a cutting device (20) for severing sections (22) of the food products (14), Providing an input option (64) for selecting at least one food product (14) from the plurality of food products (14), automatic separation of at least one section (22) from one of the food products (14) as a function of an input by a user while the corresponding food product (14) is in the receiving compartment (18) assigned to it. Procedure according to Claim 18 , wherein providing the input option (64) for selecting the at least one food product (14), providing an input option (64) for selecting a quantity of the at least one food product (14), a slice thickness of the at least one food product (14), a cutting sequence of a plurality of food products (14) and / or a package (66) for the individual portion (12). Procedure according to Claim 18 or 19th the method further comprising: providing a display (54) showing the selected individual serving (12).

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