EP2414140B1 - Slicing apparatus for slicing a block of food into portions of precise weight - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a slicing machine according to claim 1 for cutting a food bar in weight-accurate portions.

Food bars, such as sausage, cheese and / or ham bars must often be cut for sale in portions, which consist of at least one, preferably several food slices. This slicing is usually done on so-called slicers, in which the respective food bar rests on a support that transports him continuously or intermittently in the direction of a cutting knife, which separates food slices from the front end of the food bar. The thickness of the respective disc is preferably determined by the speed of the feed in relation to the rotational speed of the cutting blade. The cut slice (s) is / are transported in portions, whereby the weight of the packaging must correspond to the prepackaging regulation. As a result, the packages, in particular on average, must be equipped with a higher weight than the stated minimum weight. For example, this additional weight is known to the skilled person as a "give away" and is undesirable or minimized because it limits the profitability of food production.

A generic slicing machine is known from the publication WO 2005/037501 A2 , In particular, the present invention is directed to an improved detection and tracking of the location of a food bar which is transported by one of a plurality of transport means of a slicing machine in the direction of the cutting knife.

In principle, the person skilled in the art endeavors to provide a method and a device during the operation of such a slicing machine in which this "give away" per serving is as small as possible.

• das Gewicht (W) oder die Länge (L) des Lebensmittelriegels (1) ermittelt wird,
• ein Durchstrahlscanner n Signale (p_{i, i = 1 - n}) von n Scannscheiben mit einer Dicke (x_{i, i =1 -n}) ermittelt, die hintereinander entlang der Längsachse (x) des Lebensmittelriegels angeordnet sind,
• die Signale (p_{i,i = 1 - n}) in einer Rechnereinheit gespeichert werden und deren Summe (P) gebildet und gespeichert wird,
• mit den Werten von W, P und p_{i, i = 1 - n} oder L, P und p_{i, i = 1 - n} und sowie dem gewünschten Sollgewicht G der jeweiligen Portion die von dem Lebensmittelriegel jeweils abzutrennende Länge (x_N) berechnet wird und
• diese Länge an eine Aufschneidemaschine übergeben wird, die die jeweilige Portion abschneidet.

This object is achieved with a non-inventive method for cutting a food bar in weight-accurate portions, in which:

• the weight (W) or the length (L) of the food bar (1) is determined,
• a transmission scanner detects n signals (p _{i, i = 1-n} ) of n scanning disks with a thickness (x _{i, i = 1 -n} ) arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal axis (x) of the food bar,
• the signals (p _{i, i = 1 - n} ) are stored in a computer unit and their sum (P) is formed and stored,
• with the values of W, P and p _{i, i = 1 - n} or L, P and p _{i, i = 1 - n} and as well as the desired target weight G of the respective portion, the length (x _N ) to be separated from the food bar is calculated will and
• this length is passed to a slicer which cuts off the respective portion.

A food bar is preferably a sausage, cheese or ham bar. These food bars often have a substantially constant cross section. In general, the food bars, such as a sausage, are elongated, i. their cross-section is much smaller than their length. As a rule, the food slices are separated perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The food bar may also be a natural ham.

In a further method not according to the invention, according to an alternative, the weight of the entire food bar is determined before its slicing. This can be done with any, familiar to the expert scale. The determination of the weight according to the invention is not limited to weighing. With known density, the weight can also be determined on the basis of data from the Durchstrahlscanners, for example, this provides data about the outer shape of the product. This weight W is transferred to a computer unit which stores the weight value. If the weight of the food bar is known, it can also be transferred directly to the computer unit without weighing beforehand.

In a second alternative it is sufficient to know the total length of the product. This procedure leads to satisfactory results, especially when the average density of the product is known. This can be known on the basis of existing data and / or the value of the average density can be updated again and again by means of a backward regulation. This length can be measured or known because, for example, it is always substantially constant in the case of cheese.

In a further process step, the food bar is screened by a disk scanner with a Durchstrahlscanner. This transmission scanner, for example an X-ray scanner, has a radiation source and a sensor, for example a photosensitive sensor, which is located on opposite sides of the circumference of the food bar. This sensor is, for example, a line scan camera. The radiation source emits jets which enter on one side of the periphery of the food bar, penetrate the food bar over its entire width and are received on the opposite side from the sensor. This sensor measures the intensity of the received rays, which are attenuated as it passes through the food bar, the attenuation depending on the local nature of the food bar, for example its density. The radiation is carried out over the entire width of the product. The Durchstrahlscanner is preferably provided stationary and the food bar is preferably transported along its longitudinal axis by the Durchstrahlscanner. In this case, the food bar is, for example, on a conveyor belt, which is arranged between the radiation source and the sensor on. The irradiation of the food bar is done slice by disc, the discs are preferably arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of the food bar. The desired thickness of such a disk, which will be referred to as a "scanning disk" below, depends on the desired measurement accuracy. Preferably, however, the thickness of the scanning disc is smaller than the food slice to be separated from the food bar. Preferably, the thickness of the scanning disk is ≦ 1/5, more preferably ≦ 1/10 the thickness of the actually cut food disc. Preferably, the thickness of each scanning disk is the same. The transmission scanner measures n values p.sub.i _{, i = 1-n} of n scanning disks, wherein for the weight-based portioning the respective value preferably represents an integral of the width of the product. The values respectively measured by the sensor are stored in the computer unit, preferably as a function of their respective position in the longitudinal direction of the food bar. The computer unit can take place in the transmission scanner or in a downstream slicer or in another CPU. This storage can be done as individual values. Preferably, however, a curve is laid by the measured values and this curve is stored. Furthermore, it is also possible in each case between two values to interpolate. The computer unit therefore preferably knows which measured value has been determined at which point along the longitudinal axis of the food bar. In the event that one does not work with a uniform scanning disc thickness, in addition the respective thickness of the scanning disc must be registered and stored or taken into account in the determination of the curve.

After a food bar has been completely scanned, the sum P of all the values determined by the sensor is formed. In the event that the thicknesses of the scanning discs are not uniform, it may be advantageous if a sum weighted with the slice thickness is formed. The sum is also saved.

Subsequently, the food bar in the same orientation in which it was also illuminated, passed to a slicer, which divides it into portions. Per portion, a certain length x _N must be separated from the food bar, which corresponds to the desired target weight G of the respective portion, wherein a portion comprises at least one, preferably several food slices. The cuts of the slicing machine take place substantially parallel to the transmission direction of the transmission scanner and are preferably arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the food bar. If this is not the case, a mathematical correction of the respective data record must be made. Preferably, the initial position of the food bar when cutting as exactly as possible corresponds to the initial position during scanning, so that the stored during scanning longitudinal coordinates match the longitudinal coordinates when slicing.

With the values of W, P and p _{i, i = 1 - n} and the desired target weight G of the respective portion, the length (x _N ) to be separated from the food bar is calculated.

Preferably, a factor k is first of all calculated by dividing the weight W of the food bar by the sum P of all measured signals of the scanning discs.

With the factor k, the measured value p _{i, i = 1 - n} can then be converted into the weight w _{i, i = 1 - n of} each scan disk. These values are added up for each portion until the desired target weight G of the portion is reached. Because of the number of scanned disks multiplied by the thickness of the scanning disks, the computer unit knows which length x _N for the respective portion is to be separated from the food rack. This process is repeated for each serving until the food bar is cut open. The respective values are transferred by the computer unit to the slicing machine, which is controlled on the basis of this value. The person skilled in the art understands that the calculation of the product length to be separated per portion can also take place in a computer unit assigned to the slicer or another CPU which receives data from the Duchstrahlscanner and transmits data to the slicer.

Alternatively, it can also be calculated which measured value number is required per portion. The measured values p _i are then added up for each portion until the desired measured value number of the portion is reached. Because of the number of scanned disks multiplied by the thickness of the scanning disks, the computer unit knows which length x _N for the respective portion is to be separated from the food rack. This process is repeated for each serving until the food bar is cut open. The respective values are transferred by the computer unit to the slicing machine, which is controlled on the basis of this value. The person skilled in the art understands that the calculation of the product length to be separated per portion can also take place in a computer unit assigned to the slicer or another CPU which receives data from the Duchstrahlscanner and transmits data to the slicer.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the measured values are connected to a curve. In order to determine which length (x _N ) for the respective portion is to be separated from the food bar, in particular several integrals are calculated below the curve. The desired weight of the respective portion is predetermined and the integral determines which length (x _N ) is to be separated from the food bar. Most preferably, the entire calculation is done for all portions of a food bar before it is cut.

The length (x _N ) to be separated from the food bar can be cut into a predetermined number of food slices. This then results in the thickness of the food slices to be separated for the respective portion

Alternatively, a certain thickness of the food slices is predetermined. The computer unit then calculates how many of these food slices are separated from the food bar per serving.

In the case that the scanning disks all have the same thickness, it is sufficient to count the number of measured values determined per food bar. This sum is then divided by a measured length of the food bar, thereby determining what thickness a scanning disc has. The thickness of a scanning disk can also be determined in any other manner known to those skilled in the art.

Preferably, the transmission scanner has a transport means, preferably a conveyor belt, with which the food bar is transported along the transmitter and receiver.

Preferably, the transmission scanner has a means, preferably a detection means, which detects at least one point of the beginning of the food bar on the conveyor belt. The detection means may be located upstream or downstream of the transmission scanner. This detection means preferably starts the transmission scanner and / or the recording of the measured values of the transmission scanner. The measured values are preferably detected as a function of the longitudinal axis of the product. For this, the movement of the food bar relative to the scanner and / or the movement of the scanner relative to the food contact bar must be known. For example, the conveyor belt has a transmitter, which transmits the movement of the belt, in particular the path of the belt to a data acquisition unit and / or the conveyor belt moves at a constant, known transport speed. In this case, the time is recorded and integration can be used to determine the distance traveled by the product. The values of the scanning scanner and the way the food bar has traveled are stored as value pairs or as a curve. An interpolation can also be calculated in each case between two or more values and preferably stored. The means also preferably starts the detection of the relative movement between the scanner and the food bar and / or the conveyor belt. The skilled person understands that the transmission scanner can also be movable while the product is stationary. In this case, the movement of the X-ray scanner must be detected.

Preferably, the time interval and / or the path that the product detects between the detection by the detection means and the reaching of the scanning plane, which preferably extends perpendicular to the transport direction of the food bar, is detected. For products whose front end is aligned flat and perpendicular to the transport direction, this distance / path usually corresponds to the physical distance between the detection means and the scanning plane. In the case of natural products such as ham in particular, however, this distance will generally deviate from the physical distance. Preferably, this distance / path is forwarded to the slicing machine or a corresponding control unit / CPU, so that this value can be used to synchronize the measured values with the slicing process, in particular with the movement of the food bar within the slicing apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, several food bars are at least temporarily irradiated simultaneously with a transmission scanner. Preferably, the food bars are juxtaposed and are preferably scanned along their longitudinal axis.

Another aspect in the context of the present invention is therefore a Durchstrahlscanner with the at least temporarily parallel food bars can be irradiated. Preferably, the scanner has only one transport means, preferably a conveyor belt. Preferably, the transmission scanner has only one transmitter and one receiver whose longitudinal axis preferably extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the product to be scanned. Preferably, the length of the longitudinal axis of the transmitter and / or receiver substantially corresponds to Width of the means of transport. Preferably, the scanner per food latch on a means, preferably a detection means, which detects the beginning of the respective food bar on the conveyor belt.

Preferably, a reference point is individually determined from each food bar and transmitted to a slicing machine and / or another control unit / CPU. This reference point may be different for each food bar.

Further preferably, the distance between the means and the reference point is determined per food latch and transferred to the slicer or to another control unit / CPU.

The subject of the present invention is a slicing machine according to claim 1.

The means of transport are a plurality of conveyor belts, wherein the food bar preferably rests on a conveyor belt and at least in sections of a further conveyor belt, which is located above the food bar, guided and / or transported.

The means comprises a sensor or a stop. The agent may detect a starting point, an initial line or an initial surface of the product. Both the line and the surface can be curved. Based on this data, the position of the product can be determined on the conveyor of the slicer. Furthermore, this data can be used to adapt / synchronize the longitudinal coordinates determined during scanning to the path of the food bar in the slicing machine.

The detection of the position of the food bar in the slicing machine preferably takes place without the food bar being appreciably elongated or shortened.

Preferably, the food bar is fixed in the slicing device so that it can possibly perform a small relative movement to the transport.

The means of transport comprises an encoder, for example an incremental encoder or a similar means, with which the movement, in particular the distance traveled by the conveyor belt can be detected, so that a controller knows at each point in time where the beginning of the product is or and / or which longitudinal section of the product is being cut straight.

According to the invention, the slicing machine comprises a plurality of transport means. This makes it possible to cut several food bars at the same time. The means of transport are preferably independently drivable and thus can be operated at different speeds. Each means of transport preferably has a means by which its movement, in particular its distance covered, can be detected. This means may be an encoder, such as an incremental encoder or other means. According to the invention, each means of transport is provided with a means with which the position of the food bar on the respective means of transport can be detected and tracked in its transport direction. Preferably, the agent recognizes the beginning of the respective food bar. The means is a sensor or a stop against which the beginning of the food bar strikes before it is cut open. As a result, the food bar is in a clearly defined initial position and his way can be clearly traced, for example, with the donor of the conveyor belt, once the stopper has been removed.

The agent may detect a starting point, an initial line or an initial surface of the product. Both the line and the surface can be curved.

Preferably, each means of the slicing machine detects the beginning of the food bar in the same area as the means of the Durchstrahlscanners. Preferably, the means / are arranged at the same height above the transport means. Preferably, or more preferably, the means are arranged on the same latitude coordinate so that they detect the beginning of the food bar at the same location as the means on the scanner.

In a preferred embodiment, the slicing machine according to the invention has a means, preferably per transport means, with which the orientation of the food bar on the conveyor belt can be determined. This agent can be the same means by which the beginning of the product is identified. By this means it can be determined whether the bar was placed in the correct orientation in the slicer; i.e. whether the beginning of the food bar during scanning is also the beginning of the food bar when slicing and / or if the food bar also rests with the same area on the means of transport of the Slicers, with which he has also listed during scanning. This is advantageous for slicing the food bar in portions and / or classifying the sliced food slices.

Preferably, the slicing machine has a means by which the respective food bar can be customized. This preferred embodiment makes it possible, in particular automatically possible, to associate the respective food batch with the respective scan data record. The slicing machine recognizes which food bar is involved and loads the associated data needed to portion the food bar by weight. For example, the food bar can have a transponder or a barcode that is read out by the slicing machine. This agent may be the same agent that identifies the beginning of the product and / or determines the orientation of the product.

In another preferred embodiment, the path of a food bar is traced between the penetrant scanner and the slicer and / or within the slicer, preferably electronically. This can be done for example in the form of an electronic shift register. This preferred embodiment has the advantage that each data record can be uniquely assigned to the respective food bar.

The slicing machine preferably has a controller which automatically assigns a scan data record to the respective food bar. This ensures that the respective food bar is portioned with exact weight. This preferred embodiment is also advantageous when several food bars are cut simultaneously. The operator then does not have to pay attention to the order in which he inserts the food bars into the slicing machine. The order in the X-ray scanner does not have to correspond to the order of cutting.

The slicing machine preferably has a gripper which grips the food bar at its end remote from the slicing surface and stabilizes the food bar in its position, in particular when the food bar has already been largely cut open. Preferably, the gripping of the food bar takes place only when the cold cut of the food bar has already begun. Preferably, the food bar is driven and / or guided so that it does not compress the food bar during gripping and / or during subsequent holding of the end of the food bar. This preferred embodiment ensures that the longitudinal coordinates, which are determined during scanning, also coincide with the longitudinal coordinates when slicing.

The data determined by the transmission scanner can also be used to determine quality features. For example, these values can be used to determine the area of the beginning and the end of the food bar in which the diameter of the slices is smaller. Furthermore, with the data areas of the food bar with a very high Fat content, very large cavities (cheese) and / or so-called "blood spots" are determined. These areas with a reduced quality can then be sorted out and do not get into the cut portion. The sorting also takes place on the basis of the measured data and a corresponding control of the slicing machine. Furthermore, the transmission allows foreign body detection in the food bar. Food bars with foreign bodies are at least only partially cut so as not to damage the knife or because they are unsuitable as food. This analysis preferably takes place via an image analysis. This image analysis analyzes, preferably each, scanning disk over its entire width; ie transverse to the transport direction of the food bar. Preferably, therefore, the transmission scanner or a connected CPU via an image recognition software. The analysis preferably takes place on the basis of a comparison, ie the data within a scanning disk, the data in front of two or more scanning disks, or the data from one or more scanning disks and stored comparison data are compared with one another. As a result, local structural changes, foreign bodies can be detected.

Figur 1

zeigt eine Aufschneidelinie

Figur 2

zeigt einen Durchstrahlscanner

Figur 3

zeigt die Kurve des Signals des Durchstrahlscanners

Figur 4

zeigt den Durchstrahlscanner

Figur 5

zeigt die Kurve des Signals des Durchstrahlscanners

Figur 6

zeigt eine nicht erfindungsgemäße Aufschneidemaschine

Figur 7

zeigt eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Aufschneidemaschine

Figur 8

zeigt einen Lebensmittelriegel

Figur 9

zeigt einen Lebensmittelriegel auf dem Durchstrahlscanner bzw. der Aufschneidemaschine

In the following the invention with reference to an embodiment and the Figures 1-9 explained. These explanations are merely exemplary and do not limit the general inventive concept. The explanations apply equally to all subjects of the invention.

FIG. 1

shows a slit line

FIG. 2

shows a transmission scanner

FIG. 3

shows the curve of the signal of the transmission scanner

FIG. 4

shows the Durchstrahlscanner

FIG. 5

shows the curve of the signal of the transmission scanner

FIG. 6

shows a slicing machine not according to the invention

FIG. 7

shows an embodiment of the slicing machine according to the invention

FIG. 8

shows a food bar

FIG. 9

shows a food bar on the Durchstrahlscanner or Aufschneidemaschine

FIG. 1 shows a Aufschneidelinie be sliced in food slices in food slices, while possible weight-accurate portions are produced. A food bar 1 is conveyed by a feed belt through the through-beam scanner 4, preferably an X-ray scanner. Before or after scanning, the food bar is weighed, for example with the scale 10. However, the weight of the respective food bar can already be known. In the scanner, the product is scanned slice by slice. The execution of the scan will be explained in more detail on the basis of FIGS. 2 to 5 explained.

After the food bar has been scanned, it is loaded into the slicer 12 by means of the feed conveyor 11. This feed belt may also include a buffer in which already scanned food bars are waiting to be sliced. The data determined by the transmission scanner are either transferred directly to the slicing device or to another control unit / CPU, where they are further processed as needed. The slicing process in the slicing apparatus is now controlled on the basis of the data determined during scanning in such a way that portions which are as accurate as possible in terms of weight are produced. Furthermore, food slices whose structure has undesirable components are sorted out and food slices of different quality are classified into different product groups. After cutting, the respective food portions can be transferred to a weighing device 13 in order to check whether the desired target weight has been maintained. This data can be used to calibrate the data evaluation of the transmission scanner and / or to control the slicing process. The person skilled in the art recognizes that the scanner can also be arranged within the slicing device 12, for example in the region of the product feed. In the slicing device several food bars can be cut simultaneously.

FIG. 2 shows a transmission scanner, which has a conveyor belt 5, on which the food bar 1 to be analyzed is located. This is cylindrical in the present case, such as a salami and has rounded Ends 1 'on. The conveyor belt 5 has, for example, a drive 20 with a transmitter, so that the feed of the belt and / or its speed can be detected at any time. If the conveyor belt is operated at a constant, known speed, the path of the conveyor belt can also be determined therefrom. The transport direction of the conveyor belt is shown by the arrow. Furthermore, the transmission scanner has a detection means 6, for example a photocell, which detects a point or a line β of the beginning of the product. The detection means 6 is arranged at a distance δ from the transmission scanner 4. The detection means may be located upstream or downstream of the transmission scanner. This consists of a radiation source 4 'and a receiver 4 ", which span a scanning plane 22. The receiver 4" is preferably a line chamber, or any other means with which the food bar can be analyzed slice by slice.

Optionally, the weight of the entire food bar can be determined prior to its slicing. This can be done with any, familiar to the expert scale. The determination of the weight according to the invention is not limited to weighing. With known density, the weight can also be determined on the basis of data from the transmission scanner. This weight W is transferred to a computer unit which stores the weight value. If the weight of the food bar is known, it can also be transferred directly to the computer unit without weighing beforehand. But it may also be sufficient only to determine the length of the food bar.

Furthermore, the food bar can be screened disc wise with a Durchstrahlscanner. This X-ray scanner, for example an X-ray scanner, has a radiation source 4 'and a, for example photosensitive, sensor 4 "located on respectively opposite sides of the circumference of the food bar 1. The radiation source emits radiation on one side of the circumference of the food bar penetrate the food bar and be received on the opposite side of the sensor The food bar is over its entire width, which radiates perpendicular to the plane of the paper. The sensor 4 "measures the Intensity of the received rays, which are attenuated when irradiating the food bar, wherein the attenuation depends on the local nature of the food bar, for example its density. Other parameters that can be determined with the pass-through scanner are described below. The Durchstrahlscanner is preferably provided stationary and the food bar is preferably transported along its longitudinal axis by the Durchstrahlscanner. The irradiation of the food bar is done slice by disc, the discs are preferably arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of the food bar. The desired thickness of such a disk, which will be referred to as a "scanning disk" below, depends on the desired measurement accuracy. Preferably, however, the thickness of the scanning disc is smaller than the food slice to be separated from the food bar. Preferably, the thickness of the scanning disk is ≦ 1/5, more preferably ≦ 1/10 the thickness of the actually cut food disc. Preferably, the thickness of each scanning disk is the same. The transmission scanner measures n values p _{i, i = 1 - n} of n scan disks. The values respectively measured by the sensor are stored, preferably as a function of their respective position in the longitudinal direction of the food bar in the computer unit, very particularly preferably as a measured value curve. The computer unit can be assigned to the transmission scanner, the slicing machine or another control unit / CPU. The position of the scan values in the longitudinal direction is determined by the encoder on the conveyor belt. The computer unit therefore has which measured value was determined at which point along the longitudinal axis of the food bar. In the event that one does not work with a uniform scanning disc thickness, in addition the respective thickness of the scanning disc must be registered and stored. The scan values can be determined as a function of (as a function of) the thickness of the food bar. For the weight-accurate portioning of the food bar, however, it is generally sufficient if the measured scan values per scan disk are integrated over the thickness of the food product, ie one value per scan disk is sufficient.

Subsequently, the food bar in the same orientation in which it was also illuminated, passed to a slicer, which in portions divided. Per portion, a certain length l must be separated from the food bar, which corresponds to the desired target weight G of the respective portion, wherein a portion comprises at least one, preferably several food slices. The cuts of the slicing machine take place substantially parallel to the transmission direction of the transmission scanner and are preferably arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the food bar. In the event that this is not the case, then the scan values must be corrected mathematically. Preferably, the slicing machine also has a detector (see. FIGS. 6 and 7 ), which preferably determines the same reference point / line β of the food bar as the detector 6 of the transmission scanner. The signal of this detector is used to determine the position of the food bar in the slicing device and / or to synchronize the data of the scanning process exactly with the slicing operation of the product.

The values determined by the transmission scanner can additionally be used to determine quality features. For example, these values can be used to determine the area of the beginning and the end of the food bar in which the diameter of the slices is smaller. Furthermore, the data areas of the food bar with a very high fat content, very large cavities (cheese) and / or so-called "blood spots" can be determined. These areas with a reduced quality can then be sorted out and do not get into the cut portion. The sorting also takes place on the basis of the measured values and a corresponding control of the slicing machine. Furthermore, the transmission allows foreign body detection in the food bar. Food bars with foreign bodies are at least only partially cut so as not to damage the knife or because they are unsuitable as food. For the determination of such quality features, the data determined per scanning disk are preferably analyzed as a function of the thickness (perpendicular to the paper plane), ie in this case an integral viewing per scanning disk is generally not sufficient. Here, a grayscale analysis is usually required, which is performed for example by an image recognition software.

The analysis of the data collected may lead to the total or partial discarding of a food bar. The separation of parts of the food bar can be done during or after cutting. The remainder can then be processed into "good portions". Classification can also be performed during or after cutting. The classification is preferably based on predetermined quality characteristics.

In FIG. 3 the signal of the transmission scanner is shown as a function of the signal of the encoder from the conveyor belt 4. At a constant transport speed of the conveyor belt, the signal can also be plotted as a function of time. After a distance / time interval of α, the distance / time difference between the detection of the product start by the X-ray scanner 4 and the detection of the reference point β by the detector 6, the scanner 4 first of all detects the initial area 1 'of the foodstuff 1. In the event that the detector 6 is located downstream of the X-ray scanner, the scanner first detects the starting area 1 'of the food bar 1 before the detector 6 detects the food bar. In the case of a product in which the product start is aligned flat and perpendicular to the transport direction, or in the event that the detector accidentally detects the foremost tip of the product, α corresponds exactly to the distance δ between the detector 6 and the scanner 4 FIG. 2 this product will probably not be the case. Here, as shown, α <δ will be because the product peak is leading the reference point β. The value α is passed on to the slicing machine and serves to synchronize the scanned values with the movement of the food bar in the slicing machine. In particular, the reference point is used to recalculate the correct product start. Since the food bar in the present case is curved in the present case, the measured values increase slowly. For each scanning disk 9, a value is determined as a function of its position within the food bar. The measured values are summarized as curve 8. It is also possible to interpolate between two or more measured values. Each measured value of the curve represents an integral over the thickness and the width of the respective scanning disc. Then the scanner detects the further structure of the food bar. Its length can be determined with the scan signal and the relative movement between the transmission scanner and the food bar become. On the basis of the measured weight and / or the length L and the measured signals, the food bar is divided into portions each having a length l such that the desired weight of the portion is obtained in each case. The person skilled in the art recognizes that this length l per serving can be different.

FIG. 4 essentially shows the arrangement according to FIG. 2 In the present case, the food bar has a vertically arranged beginning or end area 1 '. Accordingly, the in FIG. 5 shown measurement signal on a very steep beginning or end edge. In this case, the reference point β coincides with the product beginning. In this case, α and δ are the same

FIG. 6 shows a slicing machine not according to the invention. This has a transport means 16, with which a food bar 1 is transported in the direction of a rotating cutting blade 14. The means of transport preferably has an encoder with which the movement of the transport means and thus of the food bar can be tracked. This cutting blade 14 separates from the food latch food slices, which are configured to portions of several food slices and then transported away. This slicing machine receives the data determined by the transmission scanner 4, as shown for example in the Figures 3 and 5 are shown in order to divide the food bar into as precise as possible portions or to make a classification of food slices. In order to synchronize the data transmitted by the scanner with the movement of the food bar in the slicing machine, the latter also has a detection means 15 which is at a distance γ from the cutting blade. Once this detection means detects the beginning of the food bar 1, the apparatus can calculate when the beginning of the food bar 1 will be in the cutting plane of the cutting blade 14 and then correlate this time with the data transmitted by the scanner. For this purpose, the value α is preferably transmitted to the slicing machine. It is important that the detection means 15 detects the same area / point β of the front end of the food as the detection means 6 of the transmission scanner. Preferably, therefore, the two detection means 6, 15 are arranged at the same height h, so that they recognize the food bar at the same height. For In the case where the detection is from the top, the detection means 6, 15 must be provided on the same width coordinate. An at least almost identical arrangement of the detection means 6, 15 ensures that the slicing and the associated data are exactly correlated. The person skilled in the art recognizes that the slicing machine can also have a stop against which the front end of the food bar rests, preferably without being compressed. As a result, the position of the food bar in the slicing machine is clearly defined and its further way can be clearly traced. A control unit knows when the front end of the food bar will be in the cutting plane and will synchronize the detected scan data accordingly.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a slicing machine according to the invention. In the present case, several food bars 1 can be cut simultaneously. For this purpose, the slicing machine according to the invention has a plurality of conveyor belts 16 with which the food bars can be transported at different speeds in the direction of the cutting blade. In the cutting plane of the cutting blade 14, the food bars are cut into food slices. Again, each transport 16 has a donor, with which the feed of each means of transport can be determined in each case. Furthermore, each transport means 16 has a detection means 15 with which the beginning of the respective food bar can be determined. Otherwise we go to the comments too FIG. 6 directed.

FIG. 8 shows a food bar having in its starting area in the middle 17. The transport direction of the food bar is indicated by the arrow marked "z". This means can firstly be an orientation means, with which it can be determined whether the product start 7 is actually arranged in the transport direction to the front. Furthermore, the means 17 can receive information that allows identification of the respective food bar. This makes it possible to assign the respective food record the respective record. This information can also be used to track production, so you know which portion of which food bar has been cut open. The means 17 is preferably removed from the food bar before slicing.

How FIG. 9 can be removed, the means 17 also allows to determine whether the food bar 1 during scanning and / or when slicing on the correct peripheral surface, here the peripheral surface 18 "" rests. This may be particularly important if the food bar has an internal structure that is to be detected during scanning.

example 1

1. 1) The weight W of the food bar is determined (e.g., 2,000g).
2. 2) The food bar is transported by an X-ray scanner. The X-ray scanner makes a gap-taking of the food bar e.g. every 0.1 mm. The width of the gap is set, for example, by the speed with which the food bar is adjusted by the X-ray scanner and / or the frequency of the images.
3. 3) The x-ray scanner determines, for example, n = 5000 data p _{i, i = 1-n} . The determined values p _{i, i = 1-n} depend on the local X-ray absorption of the food bar and are, for example, p ₁ = 83.234, p ₂ = 83.334, p ₃ = 83.244. The values are stored individually and as a function of their position along the longitudinal axis of the food bar in a computer unit connected to the X-ray scanner.
4. 4) All 5000 values are then added (e.g. .. 416325)
5. 5) From this sum P and the weight W of the food bar, the weighting factor k is determined 2000 g / 416325 = 0.004805728
6. 6) With this weighting factor k, it is possible to calculate the weight of each scan value p _{i, i = 1 - n,} ie each scan disk, eg w ₁ = 83.234 * K = 0.399999 g. This is the weight w ₁ of 0.1 mm product on the Place i = 1.
7. 7) Based on the target weight of the portion (eg 150 g), the number of scan discs is calculated which must be cut from the food bar to obtain the target weight for that portion. For this purpose, the weight values w _{i are} added up until at least the desired target weight has been reached (eg 375 scanning disks). This corresponds to a real product length of 37.5 mm cut off the food bar for this portion got to.
8. 8) Assuming that the portion should have 15 food slices in the present case, the result is a food slice thickness of 2.5 mm.
9. 9) Accordingly, the slicing machine 15 will cut food slices each 2.5 mm thick from the food bar.
10. 10) Repeat steps 7 -9 until the food bar is cut open.

Example 2

1. 1) The weight W of the food bar is determined (e.g., 2,000g).
2. 2) The food bar is transported by an X-ray scanner. The X-ray scanner makes a gap-taking of the food bar e.g. every 0.1 mm. The width of the gap is set, for example, by the speed with which the food bar is adjusted by the X-ray scanner and / or the frequency of the images.
3. 3) The x-ray scanner determines, for example, n = 5000 data p _{i, i = 1-n} . The determined values p _{i, i = 1-n} depend on the local X-ray absorption of the food bar and are, for example, p ₁ = 83.234, p ₂ = 83.334, p ₃ = 83.244. The values are stored individually and as a function of their position along the longitudinal axis of the food bar in a computer unit connected to the X-ray scanner.
4. 4) All 5000 values are then added (e.g. .. 416325)
5. 5) Based on the target weight of the portion (eg 150 g) is first calculated which scan value number corresponds to this weight = 416325 * 150/2000. Thereafter, the number of scan slices is calculated which must be truncated to obtain the target value for a portion of the food bar. For this purpose, the scan values p _{i are} added up until the desired setpoint is at least reached (eg 375 scan disks). This corresponds to a real product length of 37.5 mm, which must be cut off the food bar for this portion.
6. 6) Assuming that the portion should have 15 food slices in the present case, this results in a food slice thickness of 2.5 mm.
7. 7) Accordingly, the slicing machine 15 will cut food slices each 2.5 mm thick from the food bar.
8. 8) Repeat steps 5-7 until the food bar is cut open.

Example 3

1. 1) Measure the length L of the food bar (e.g., 500 mm). For example, a photocell and encoder is used, which measures the advance of the tape on which the food bar is located, as long as the signal of the photocell is interrupted.
2. 2) The food bar is transported by an X-ray scanner. The X-ray scanner makes a gap-taking of the food bar e.g. every 0.1 mm. The width of the gap is set, for example, by the speed with which the food bar is adjusted by the X-ray scanner and / or the frequency of the images.
3. 3) The x-ray scanner determines, for example, n = 5000 data p _{i, i = 1-n} . The determined values p _{i, i = 1-n} depend on the local X-ray absorption of the food bar and are, for example, p ₁ = 83.234, p ₂ = 83.334, p ₃ = 83.244. The values are stored individually and as a function of their position along the longitudinal axis of the food bar in a computer unit connected to the X-ray scanner.
4. 4) All 5000 values are then added (e.g. .. 416325)
5. 5) Based on the target weight of the portion (eg 150 g) and a known average density, it is first calculated which length l _i per portion (for example 50 mm) has to be separated and which measured value sum corresponds to this weight = 416325 * 50/500 , Thereafter, the number of scan slices is calculated which must be truncated to obtain the target value for a portion of the food bar. For this purpose, the scan values p _{i are} added up until the desired setpoint is at least reached (eg 375 scan disks). This corresponds to a real product length of 37.5 mm, which must be cut off the food bar for this portion.
6. 6) Assuming that the portion should have 15 food slices in the present case, this results in a food slice thickness of 2.5 mm.
7. 7) Accordingly, the slicing machine 15 will cut food slices each 2.5 mm thick from the food bar.
8. 8) Repeat steps 5-7 until the food bar is cut open.
9. 9) The real weight of the packing can then be determined and, if necessary, the decrease in the value of the density corrected.

Example 4

1. 1) The weight W of the food bar is determined (e.g., 2,000g).
2. 2) The food bar is transported by an X-ray scanner. The X-ray scanner makes a gap-taking of the food bar e.g. every 0.1 mm. The width of the gap is set, for example, by the speed with which the food bar is adjusted by the X-ray scanner and / or the frequency of the images.
3. 3) The x-ray scanner determines, for example, n = 5000 data p _{i, i = 1-n} . The determined values p _{i, i = 1-n} depend on the local X-ray absorption of the food bar and are, for example, p ₁ = 83.234, p ₂ = 83.334, p ₃ = 83.244. The values are stored individually and as a function of their position along the longitudinal axis of the food bar in a computer unit connected to the X-ray scanner.
4. 4) The scans are plotted as curve p _{i, i = 1 - n} (x)))
5. 5) All 5000 values are then added (eg 416325) or the integral is calculated under the whole curve.
6. 6) Based on the target weight of the portion (e.g., 150g), calculate an integral below the curve and calculate which length l for the particular portion must be separated from the food bar. This calculation is preferably independent of the thickness of the scanning disks.
7. 7) Step 6 is repeated until the food bar is completely divided into portions.
8. 8) Thereafter, the slicing of the food bar follows the calculated specifications.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Food bar

1'

Ends of the food bar

1"

Longitudinal axis of the food bar

2

Food slices

3

portion

4

Sensor means, transmission scanner

4 '

Source, receiver

4 '

Receiver, source

5

Means of transport of the scanner

6

detection means

7

Beginning of the food bar

8th

Measurement trace

9

scan disc

10

Libra

11

Means of transport, conveyor belt

12

Slicer, Slicer

13

portioning

14

cutting blade

15

Sensor / stop

16

Means of transport, conveyor belt of the slicer

17

orienting means

18'- 18 '' ''

peripheral surface

19

Aufschneidelinie

20

drive

21

Foreign body, bruise

22

scanning plane

L

Length of food bar

l

Length of a portion

i

Index of the respective scanning disc, i = 1 - n

G

desired weight of portion 3

H

Distance between means of transport and detection means 6, 15

k

Factor (k = W / P)

n

Number of scanning discs

N

Number of slices cut per serving

P

Sum of the measured signals, in particular pixels

p _i

measured signal of the individual scanning disc

W

Weight of the entire food bar

w _i

Weight of the individual scanning disc

x _i

Thickness of the individual scanning disc

x _N

Thickness of the cut portion

α

Spatial distance between the detection means 6 and the reference point

β

Reference point of the measurement

γ

Distance between detection means and cutting blade

δ

Distance between detection means and sensor means

Claims (4)

1. Slicing machine having a cutting blade (14) which severs foodstuff slices from the front end (7) of a foodstuff block (1), wherein the foodstuff block (1), by a transportation means (16), specifically a transport belt, is transported in the direction of the cutting blade (14), wherein the slicing machine comprises a plurality of transportation means (16), characterized in that each transport belt is provided with a means (15) by way of which the position of the foodstuff block on the transport belt is capable of being established and tracked in the transporting direction of said transport belt, and the transportation speed of each transport belt (16) is capable of being individually set, wherein the means is a sensor (15) or a detent, and the transport belt comprises a transducer.
2. Slicing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (15) identifies the leading end of the foodstuff block (1) .
3. Slicing machine according to Claim 2, characterized in that the means (15) detects the leading end of the foodstuff block (1) in the same region as a transmission scanner.
4. Slicing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said slicing machine has a means (15), preferably one means (15) per transportation means (16), by way of which the orientation of the foodstuff block on the transport belt is capable of being established, wherein the means of the slicing machine detects the leading end of the foodstuff block in the same region as a means of a transmission scanner.

Images