EP2414140B2 - 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 slicing a block of food into portions of exact weight.

Food bars, for example sausage, cheese and/or ham bars, often have to be cut into portions for sale, which consist of at least one, preferably several food slices. This cutting is usually done on so-called slicers, in which the respective block of food rests on a support that transports it continuously or intermittently in the direction of a cutting blade that separates food slices from the front end of the block of food. The thickness of each slice is preferably determined by the rate of feed in relation to the speed of rotation of the cutting blade. The slice(s) cut off is/are transported away in portions, whereby the weight of the packaging must comply with the finished packaging ordinance. As a result, the packs must be heavier than the specified minimum weight, particularly on average. This additional weight is known to those skilled in the art, for example, as a "give away" and is undesirable or should be kept as minimal as possible 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 aims at improved detection and tracking of the position of a block of food which is transported by one of several transport means of a slicing machine in the direction of the cutting knife.

In principle, when operating such a slicing machine, the person skilled in the art strives to provide a method and a device in which this "give away" per portion 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 method, not according to the invention, for slicing a bar of food into portions of exact weight, in which:

• the weight (W) or the length (L) of the food block (1) is determined,
• a transmission scanner determines n signals (p _{i, i = 1 - n} ) from n scan slices with a thickness (x _{i, i = 1 -n} ), which are arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal axis (x) of the block of food,
• 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 block of food is calculated will and
• this length is transferred to a slicing machine, which cuts off the respective portion.

A food bar is preferably a sausage, cheese or ham bar. These food blocks often have an essentially constant cross-section. As a rule, the food blocks are elongated, like a sausage, i.e. their cross-section is significantly smaller than their length. As a rule, the food slices are cut perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. However, the food bar can also be a natural ham.

In a further method not according to the invention, according to an alternative, the weight of the entire block of food is determined before it is sliced. This can be done with any scale familiar to a person skilled in the art. However, the determination of the weight within the meaning of the invention is not limited to weighing. If the density is known, the weight can also be determined on the basis of data from the transmission scanner, in which, for example, this delivers data about the external shape of the product. This weight W is transferred to a computer unit that stores the weight value. If the weight of the block of food is known, it can also be transferred directly to the computer unit without being weighed beforehand.

In a second alternative, it is sufficient to know the total length of the product. This procedure leads to satisfactory results, particularly when the average density of the product bar is known. This can be known from existing data and/or the value of the average density can be continuously updated using backward control. This length can be measured or it can be known, since it is always essentially constant, for example with cheese.

In a further process step, the block of food is x-rayed slice by slice with a transmission scanner. This transmission scanner, for example an X-ray scanner, has a radiation source and a photosensitive sensor, for example, which is located on opposite sides of the circumference of the block of food. This sensor is a line scan camera, for example. The radiation source emits radiation that enters on one side of the circumference of the block of food, penetrates the block of food over its entire width and is received by the sensor on the opposite side. This sensor measures the intensity of the received beams, which are attenuated when radiating through the block of food, the attenuation depending on the local condition of the block of food, for example its density. The irradiation takes place over the entire width of the product. The transmission scanner is preferred provided in a stationary manner and the block of food is transported through the transmission scanner, preferably along its longitudinal axis. In this case, the block of food rests, for example, on a conveyor belt that is arranged between the radiation source and the sensor. The block of food is irradiated slice by slice, with the slices preferably being arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the block of food. The desired thickness of such a disk, referred to below as "scanning disk", depends on the desired measurement accuracy. However, the thickness of the scan slice is preferably smaller than the food slice to be separated from the block of food. The thickness of the scanned slice is preferably ≦1/5, particularly preferably ≦1/10 of the thickness of the food slice actually cut off. Preferably, the thickness of each scan slice is the same. The transmission scanner measures n values p _{i , i=1−n} of n scan slices, with the respective value preferably representing an integral over the width of the product for weight-precise portioning. The values measured by the sensor are stored in the computer unit, preferably depending on their respective position in the longitudinal direction of the block of food. The computer unit can be in the transmission scanner or in a downstream slicer or in another CPU. This storage can take place as individual values. However, a curve is preferably drawn through the measured values and this curve is stored. Furthermore, it is preferably also possible to interpolate between two values in each case. The computer unit therefore preferably knows which measured value was determined at which point along the longitudinal axis of the block of food. In the event that the thickness of the scan slices is not uniform, the respective thickness of the scan slice must also be registered and saved or taken into account when determining the curve.

After a block of food has been completely scanned, the sum P of all values determined by the sensor is formed. If the thickness of the scan slices is not uniform, it can be advantageous if a sum weighted with the slice thickness is formed. The sum is also saved.

The food block is then transferred to a slicing machine in the same orientation in which it was x-rayed, which cuts it into portions. For each portion, a specific length x _N must be cut from the block of food, which corresponds to the desired target weight G of the respective portion, with a portion comprising at least one, preferably several, food slices. The cuts of the slicing machine are made essentially parallel to the transmission direction of the transmission scanner and are preferably arranged essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of the block of food. If this is not the case, a mathematical correction of the respective data set must be made. The initial position of the block of food when cutting open preferably corresponds as exactly as possible to the initial position when scanning, so that the longitudinal coordinates stored during scanning match the longitudinal coordinates when cutting open.

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

For this purpose, a factor k is preferably first calculated by dividing the weight W of the block of food by the sum P of all measured signals from the scanning disks.

The measured value p _i,i=1−n can then be converted into the weight w _i,i=1−n of each scan disk with the factor k. These values are added up for each portion until the desired target weight G of the portion is reached. Based on the number of added scan slices multiplied by the thickness of the scan slices, the computer unit knows which length x _N is to be cut off from the block of food for the respective portion. This process is repeated for each portion until the food block is sliced open. The respective values are transferred from 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 product length to be cut off per portion can also be calculated in a computer unit assigned to the slicer or in another CPU which receives data from the through-beam scanner and transmits data to the slicer.

Alternatively, it can also be calculated which number of measured values 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. Based on the number of added scan slices multiplied by the thickness of the scan slices, the computer unit knows which length x _N is to be cut off from the block of food for the respective portion. This process is repeated for each portion until the food block is sliced open. The respective values are transferred from 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 product length to be cut off per portion can also be calculated in a computer unit assigned to the slicer or in another CPU which receives data from the through-beam scanner and transmits data to the slicer.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the measured values are combined to form a curve. In order to determine which length (x _N ) is to be cut off from the block of food for the respective portion, in particular a number of integrals are calculated under the curve. The desired weight of the respective portion is specified and determined with the integral, which length (x _N ) has to be cut off from the food block. The entire calculation for all portions of a food block is very particularly preferably carried out before it is sliced open.

The length (x _N ) to be severed from the block of food 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 specific thickness of the food slices is predetermined. The computer unit then calculates how many of these food slices are cut off from the food block per portion.

In the event that the scan slices all have the same thickness, it is sufficient to count the number of measured values determined per food block. This sum is then divided by a measured length of the food block and the thickness of a scanning disc is determined. However, the thickness of a scan slice can also be determined in any other manner familiar to a person skilled in the art.

The transmission scanner preferably has a transport means, preferably a transport belt, with which the block of food is transported along the transmitter and receiver.

The transmission scanner preferably has a means, preferably a detection means, which detects at least one point at the start of the block of food on the conveyor belt. The detection means can be arranged 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 recorded as a function of the longitudinal axis of the product. For this, the movement of the food block relative to the scanner and/or the movement of the scanner relative to the food block must be known. For example, the conveyor belt has an encoder that 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 the distance covered by the product can be determined via an integration. The values from the X-ray scanner and the distance covered by the block of food are stored as pairs of values or as a curve. An interpolation between two or more values can also be calculated and preferably stored. The means preferably also starts the detection of the relative movement between the scanner and the block of food and/or the conveyor belt. Those skilled in the art will understand that the transmission scanner can also be movable while the product is stationary. In this case, the movement of the transmission scanner must be recorded.

The time interval and/or the path that the product takes between being detected by the detection means and reaching the scanning plane, which preferably extends perpendicularly to the transport direction of the block of food, is preferably detected. For products where the leading end is level and perpendicular to the direction of transport, this distance/path typically corresponds to the physical distance between the detection means and the scanning plane. In the case of natural products in particular, such as ham, this distance will usually deviate from the physical distance. This distance/distance is preferably 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 block of food within the slicing device.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, several blocks of food are irradiated simultaneously, at least at times, with a transmission scanner. The blocks of food are preferably located next to one another and are preferably scanned along their longitudinal axis.

A further aspect in the context of the present invention is therefore a radiation scanner with which several food blocks can be scanned in parallel at least at times. The scanner preferably has only one means of transport, preferably a conveyor belt. The transmission scanner preferably has only one transmitter and one receiver, the longitudinal axis of which preferably extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the product to be scanned. The length of the longitudinal axis of the transmitter and/or receiver preferably corresponds essentially to the width of the means of transport. The scanner preferably has a means for each block of food, preferably a detection means, which detects the beginning of the respective block of food on the conveyor belt.

A reference point is preferably determined individually for each block of food and transmitted to a slicing machine and/or another control unit/CPU. This reference point can be different for each food bar.

Furthermore, the distance between the center and the reference point is preferably determined for each block of food 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 is a plurality of conveyor belts, with the block of food preferably resting on one conveyor belt and being guided and/or transported at least in sections by another conveyor belt which is located above the block of food.

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

The position of the block of food in the slicing machine is preferably detected without the block of food being appreciably lengthened or shortened in the process.

The block of food is preferably fixed in the slicing device in such a way that it can at most perform a small movement relative to the transport means.

The transport means includes a transmitter, for example an incremental transmitter, with which the movement, in particular the path covered by the conveyor belt, can be detected so that a controller knows at all times where the beginning of the product is and/or which longitudinal section of the product just being cut open.

According to the invention, the slicing machine comprises several transport means. This makes it possible to cut several food blocks at the same time. The means of transport can be driven independently of one another and can therefore be operated at different speeds. Each means of transport has a means with which its movement, in particular its covered path, can be determined. This means is an encoder, for example an incremental encoder. According to the invention, each means of transport is provided with a means with which the position of the block of food on the respective means of transport can be determined and tracked in its direction of transport. According to the invention, the means recognizes the beginning of the respective block of food. The means is a sensor.

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

According to the invention, each means of the slicing machine detects the beginning of the block of food in the same area as the means of the transmission scanner. Preferably the means(s) is/are located at the same height above the means of transport. The means(s) are preferably or particularly preferably arranged on the same latitude coordinates, so that they detect the start of the block of food at the same point 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 block of food on the conveyor belt can be determined. This means can be the same means used to identify the beginning of the product. This means it can be determined whether the bar was placed in the slicer in the correct orientation; i.e. whether the beginning of the block of food when scanning is also the beginning of the block of food when slicing and/or whether the block of food also rests with the same surface on the transport means of the slicer as it did during scanning. This is advantageous for cutting the block of food into portions with an exact weight and/or for classifying the cut food slices.

The slicing machine preferably has a means with which the respective block of food can be individualized. This preferred embodiment makes it possible, in particular automatically possible, to assign the respective scan data record to the respective block of food. The slicing machine recognizes which food block it is and loads the associated data that is required for the weight-accurate portioning of the food block. For example, the block of food can have a transponder or a barcode that is read by the slicing machine. This means can be the same means by which the beginning of the product is identified and/or by which the orientation of the product is determined.

In another preferred embodiment, the path of a block of food is tracked between the transmission scanner and the slicing device and/or within the slicing device, 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 clearly assigned to the respective block of food.

The slicing machine preferably has a controller that automatically assigns a scan data set to the respective block of food. This ensures that the respective food block is portioned with exact weight. This preferred embodiment is also advantageous when several blocks of food are sliced open at the same time. The operator then does not have to pay attention to the order in which he inserts the food blocks into the slicing machine. The order in the radiographic scanner does not have to correspond to the order in which they were cut open.

The slicing machine preferably has a gripper which grips the block of food at its end remote from the slicing surface and stabilizes the block of food in its position, in particular when the food bar has already been largely cut open. Preferably, the block of food is only grasped when the slicing of the block of food has already begun. The block of food is preferably driven and/or guided in such a way that it does not compress the block of food when grasping and/or subsequently holding the end of the block of food. This preferred embodiment ensures that the longitudinal coordinates that are determined during scanning also match the longitudinal coordinates during cutting open.

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 end of the block of food in which the diameter of the slices is smaller. Furthermore, areas of the food bar with a very high fat content, very large cavities (cheese) and/or so-called "blood spots" can be determined with the data. These areas with a reduced quality can then be sorted out and do not end up in the sliced portion. The sorting is also based on the measured data and a corresponding control of the slicing machine. Furthermore, the radiation allows foreign bodies to be detected in the food block. Food bars with foreign bodies are at least only partially cut open in order not to damage the knife or because they are unsuitable as food. This analysis is preferably carried out via an image evaluation. This image evaluation analyzes, preferably each, scan disk over its entire width; i.e. perpendicular to the direction of transport of the block of food. The transmission scanner or a connected CPU therefore preferably has image recognition software. The analysis is preferably carried out on the basis of a comparison, i.e. the data within one scan slice, the data before two more scan slices or the data from one or more scan slices and stored comparison data are compared with one another. As a result, local structural changes and 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 is based on 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 objects of the invention.

figure 1

shows a cutting line

figure 2

shows a transmission scanner

figure 3

shows the curve of the signal from the transmission scanner

figure 4

shows the transmission scanner

figure 5

shows the curve of the signal from the transmission scanner

figure 6

shows a slicing machine not according to the invention

figure 7

shows an embodiment of the slicing machine according to the invention

figure 8

shows a food bar

figure 9

shows a bar of food on the transmission scanner or the slicing machine

figure 1 shows a slicing line in which food bars are cut into food slices and portions that are as precise in weight as possible are produced. A block of food 1 is conveyed with a feed belt through the transmission scanner 4, preferably an X-ray scanner. Before or after the scanning, the block of food is weighed, for example with scales 10. However, the weight of the respective block of food can also already be known. The product is scanned slice by slice in the scanner. The implementation of the scanning is explained in more detail using the Figures 2 - 5 explained.

After the block of food has been scanned, it is loaded into the slicer 12 by means of the infeed conveyor belt 11 . This feed belt can also include a buffer in which blocks of food that have already been scanned 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 required. The slicing process in the slicing device is now controlled using the data determined during scanning in such a way that the weight of the portions is as accurate as possible. Furthermore, food slices whose structure contains undesirable components are sorted out and food slices of different quality are classified into different product groups. After slicing, the respective food portions can be transferred to a weighing device 13 in order to check whether the desired 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 inside the slicing device 12, for example in the area of the product feed. Several blocks of food can be sliced at the same time in the slicing device.

figure 2 FIG. 1 shows a radiographic scanner which has a conveyor belt 5 on which the block of food 1 to be analyzed is located. In the present case, this is cylindrical, like a salami, for example, and has rounded ends 1'. 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 determined at any time. If the conveyor belt is operated at a constant, known speed, the path of the conveyor belt can also be determined from this. The transport direction of the conveyor belt is shown by the arrow. Furthermore, the radiation 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 can be arranged 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 camera or any other means with which the block of food can be analyzed slice by slice.

Optionally, the weight of the entire food block can be determined before it is sliced. This can be done with any scale familiar to a person skilled in the art. However, the determination of the weight within the meaning of the invention is not limited to weighing. If the density is known, the weight can also be determined on the basis of data from the transmission scanner. This weight W is transferred to a computer unit that stores the weight value. If the weight of the block of food is known, it can also be transferred directly to the computer unit without being weighed beforehand. However, it can also be sufficient to merely determine the length of the block of food.

Furthermore, the food block can be x-rayed slice by slice with a transmission scanner. This transmission scanner, for example an X-ray scanner, has a radiation source 4' and a photosensitive sensor 4", for example, which are located on opposite sides of the circumference of the block of food 1. The radiation source emits rays which are on one side of the circumference of the block of food enter, penetrate the block of food and are received by the sensor on the opposite side. The block of food is irradiated over its entire width, which extends perpendicularly to the plane of the paper. The sensor 4" measures the intensity of the received rays, which are weakened when irradiated through the block of food , where the attenuation depends on the local nature of the food block, for example its density. Other parameters that can be determined with the transmission scanner are described below. The transmission scanner is preferably provided in a stationary manner and the block of food is transported through the transmission scanner, preferably along its longitudinal axis. The block of food is irradiated slice by slice, with the slices preferably being arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the block of food. The desired thickness of such a disk, referred to below as "scanning disk", depends on the desired measurement accuracy. However, the thickness of the scan slice is preferably smaller than the food slice to be separated from the block of food. The thickness of the scanned slice is preferably ≦1/5, particularly preferably ≦1/10 of the thickness of the food slice actually cut off. Preferably, the thickness of each scan slice is the same. The transmission scanner measures n values p _{i , i=1−n} from n scan slices. The values measured in each case by the sensor are stored in the computer unit, preferably as a function of their respective position in the longitudinal direction of the block of food, very particularly preferably as a curve of measured values. 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 accordingly shows which measured value was determined at which point along the longitudinal axis of the block of food. In the event that the thickness of the scan slices is not uniform, the respective thickness of the scan slice must also be registered and saved. The scan values can be determined as a function (as a function) of the thickness of the food block. However, for the weight-accurate portioning of the food block, it is usually sufficient if the measured scan values per scan slice are integrated over the thickness of the food product, ie one value per scan slice is sufficient.

The food block is then transferred to a slicing machine in the same orientation in which it was x-rayed, which cuts it into portions. A certain length l must be cut off the food block per portion, which length corresponds to the desired target weight G of the respective portion, with a portion comprising at least one, preferably several food slices. The cuts of the slicing machine are made essentially parallel to the transmission direction of the transmission scanner and are preferably arranged essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of the block of food. If this is not the case, the scan values must be corrected mathematically accordingly. The slicing machine also has a detector, namely a sensor 15 (cf. figures 6 and 7 ) which preferably determines the same reference point/line β of the block of food as the detector 6 of the transmission scanner. The signal from this detector is used to determine the position of the block of food in the slicing device and/or to precisely synchronize the data from the scanning process with the slicing process of the product.

The values 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 end of the block of food in which the Diameter of the discs is smaller. Furthermore, areas of the food bar with a very high fat content, very large cavities (cheese) and/or so-called "blood spots" can be determined with the data. These areas with a reduced quality can then be sorted out and do not end up in the sliced portion. The sorting is also based on the measured values and a corresponding control of the slicing machine. Furthermore, the radiation allows foreign bodies to be detected in the food block. Food bars with foreign bodies are at least only partially cut open in order not to damage the knife or because they are unsuitable as food. For the determination of such quality features, the data determined for each scanned slice are preferably analyzed as a function of the thickness (perpendicular to the plane of the paper), ie in this case an integral consideration per scanned slice is generally not sufficient. A grayscale analysis is usually required here, which is carried out, for example, by image recognition software.

The analysis of the determined data can lead to a food block being rejected in whole or in part. Partial areas of the block of food can be separated out during or after slicing. The rest can then be processed into "good portions". Classification can also be carried out during or after slicing. The classification is preferably based on predetermined quality features.

In figure 3 the signal of the transmission scanner is shown as a function of the signal of the transmitter from the conveyor belt 4. With a constant transport speed of the transport 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 start of the product by the X-ray scanner 4 and the detection of the reference point β by the detector 6, the scanner 4 first of all captures the start area 1' of the food 1. In the event that the detector 6 is arranged downstream of the x-ray scanner, the scanner first detects the initial region 1′ of the block of food 1 before the detector 6 detects the block of food. In the case of a product in which the beginning of the product is level 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. In the case of the in figure 2 product shown, this will probably not be the case. Here, as shown, α < δ because the product peak leads the reference point β. The value α is passed on to the slicing machine and is used to synchronize the scan values with the movement of the block of food in the slicing machine. In particular, the reference point is used to recalculate the correct start of the product. Since the food block in the present case is curved, the measured values slowly increase. A value is determined for each scanning disc 9 as a function of its position within the block of food. The measured values are summarized as curve 8. An interpolation can also take place between two or more measured values. Each measured value of the curve represents an integral over the thickness and the width of the respective scan slice. The scanner then records the further structure of the food block. The length of the block of food can be determined with the scan signal and the relative movement between the transmission scanner and the block of food. Based on the measured weight and/or the length L and the measured signals, the block of food is divided into portions each with 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 can vary per portion.

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

figure 6 shows a slicing machine not according to the invention. This has a transport means 16 with which a block of food 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 means of transport and thus of the block of food can be tracked. This cutting blade 14 separates food slices from the food block, which are configured into portions from a plurality of food slices and are then transported away in this way. This slicing machine receives the data determined by the transmission scanner 4, as for example in the Figures 3 and 5 are shown in order to divide the block of food into portions that are as accurate as possible by weight or to classify the food slices. In order to synchronize the data transmitted by the scanner with the movement of the block of food in the slicing machine, the slicing machine also has a detection means 15 which is at a distance γ from the slicing blade. As soon as this detection means detects the start of the block of food 1, the device can calculate when the start of the block of food 1 will be in the cutting plane of the cutting knife 14 and then correlate this point in 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. The two detection means 6, 15 are therefore preferably arranged at the same height h, so that they detect the block of food at the same height. In the event that the detection takes place from above, the detection means 6, 15 must be provided on the same latitude coordinate. An at least almost identical arrangement of the detection means 6, 15 ensures that the cutting and the associated data are exactly correlated. Those skilled in the art recognize that the slicing machine can also have a stop against which the front end of the block of food rests, preferably without being compressed in the process. As a result, the position of the block of food in the slicing machine is clearly defined and its further path can be clearly traced. A control unit knows when the front end of the block of food will be in the cutting plane and will synchronize the scan data determined accordingly.

figure 7 shows an embodiment of a slicing machine according to the invention. In the present case, several blocks of food 1 can be sliced open at the same time. For this purpose, the slicing machine according to the invention has a plurality of conveyor belts 16 with which the blocks of food can be transported at different speeds in the direction of the cutting knife. In the cutting plane of the cutting blade 14, the blocks of food are cut into food slices. Here, too, each means of transport 16 has a sensor with which the advance of each means of transport can be determined in each case. Furthermore, each transport means 16 has a detection means, namely a sensor, 15 with which the beginning of the respective block of food can be determined. Otherwise we go to the explanations figure 6 referred.

figure 8 shows a food block which has 17 in the center in its initial region. The transport direction of the block of food is represented by the arrow marked "z". On the one hand, this means can be an orientation means with which it can be determined whether the beginning of the product 7 is actually arranged forward in the transport direction. Furthermore, the means 17 can receive information that allows the respective block of food to be identified. This makes it possible to assign the respective data set to the respective food block. This information can also be used to track production, so you know which portion was sliced from which food bar. The means 17 is preferably removed from the block of food prior to slicing.

How figure 9 can be removed, the means 17 also makes it possible to determine whether the block of food 1 is lying on the correct peripheral surface, here the peripheral surface 18″″, during scanning and/or during slicing. This can be important in particular when the block of food has an internal structure that is to be recognized during scanning.

example 1

1. 1) The weight W of the food block is determined (e.g.: 2,000g).
2. 2) The food block is transported through an X-ray scanner. The X-ray scanner takes a slit image of the food block, e.g. every 0.1 mm. The width of the gap is set, for example, by the speed at which the block of food passes through the x-ray scanner and/or the frequency of the recordings.
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 block 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 block of food in a computer unit connected to the X-ray scanner.
4. 4) All 5000 values are then added (e.g. 416325)
5. 5) The weight factor k is determined from this sum P and the weight W of the food block: 2000 g/ 416325 = 0.004805728
6. 6) With this weighting factor k, the weight of each scan value p _{i, i = 1 - n} ie each scan slice can be calculated eg w ₁ =83.234*K= 0.399999 g This is the weight w ₁ of 0.1 mm product at the Digit i=1.
7. 7) Based on the target weight of the portion (eg 150g) calculate the number of scan slices that need to be cut from the food block to achieve the target weight for that portion. For this purpose, the weight values w _i are added up until the desired target weight is at least reached (eg 375 scan slices). This corresponds to a real product length of 37.5 mm, which has to be cut off the food block for this portion.
8. 8) Assuming that the portion in the present case should have 15 slices of food, this results in a slice thickness of 2.5 mm.
9. 9) Accordingly, the slicing machine will cut 15 food slices, each 2.5 mm thick, from the food block.
10. 10) Steps 7-9 are repeated until the food bar is sliced.

example 2

1. 1) It becomes the weight W of the food block determined (e.g.: 2,000g).
2. 2) The food block is transported through an X-ray scanner. The X-ray scanner takes a slit image of the food block, e.g. every 0.1 mm. The width of the gap is set, for example, by the speed at which the block of food passes through the x-ray scanner and/or the frequency of the recordings.
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 block 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 block of food 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), it is first calculated which scan value number corresponds to this weight = 416325*150/2000. Then the number of scan slices that have to be cut off from the block of food to obtain the target value for one portion is calculated. For this purpose, the scan values p _i are added up until the desired target value is at least reached (eg 375 scan slices). This corresponds to a real product length of 37.5 mm, which has to be cut off the food block for this portion.
6. 6) Assuming that the portion in the present case should have 15 slices of food, the thickness of the slices of food is 2.5 mm.
7. 7) Accordingly, the slicing machine will cut 15 food slices, each 2.5 mm thick, from the food block.
8. 8) Steps 5-7 are repeated until the food bar is sliced.

Example 3

1. 1) The length L of the food block is measured (e.g. 500 mm). For this purpose, for example, a photocell and an encoder are used, which measure the feed of the belt on which the block of food is located as long as the signal from the photocell is interrupted.
2. 2) The food block is transported through an X-ray scanner. The X-ray scanner takes a slit image of the food block, e.g. every 0.1 mm. The width of the gap is set, for example, by the speed at which the block of food passes through the x-ray scanner and/or the frequency of the recordings.
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 block 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 block of food 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 (e.g. 150 g) and a known average density, it is first calculated which length l _i must be cut off per portion (e.g. 50 mm) and which measured value sum this corresponds to this weight = 416325*50/500 . Then the number of scan slices that have to be cut off from the block of food to obtain the target value for one portion is calculated. For this purpose, the scan values p _i are added up until the desired target value is at least reached (eg 375 scan slices). This corresponds to a real product length of 37.5 mm, which has to be cut off the food block for this portion.
6. 6) Assuming that the portion in the present case should have 15 slices of food, the thickness of the slices of food is 2.5 mm.
7. 7) Accordingly, the slicing machine will cut 15 food slices, each 2.5 mm thick, from the food block.
8. 8) Steps 5-7 are repeated until the food bar is sliced.
9. 9) The real weight of the package can then be determined and, if necessary, the density value taken can be corrected.

example 4

1. 1) The weight W of the food block is determined (e.g.: 2,000g).
2. 2) The food block is transported through an X-ray scanner. The X-ray scanner takes a slit image of the food block, e.g. every 0.1 mm. The width of the gap is set, for example, by the speed at which the block of food passes through the x-ray scanner and/or the frequency of the recordings.
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 block 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 block of food in a computer unit connected to the X-ray scanner.
4. 4) The scan values are plotted as a curve p _{i, i = 1 - n} (x)))
5. 5) All 5000 values are then added (e.g. 416325) or the integral under the entire curve is calculated.
6. 6) Based on the target weight of the portion (e.g. 150g) an integral under the curve is calculated and what length l needs to be severed from the food block for each portion. This calculation is preferably independent of the thickness of the scan slices.
7. 7) Step 6 is repeated until the food block is fully portioned.
8. 8) The food bar is then cut according to the calculated specifications.

Reference list:

1

food bars

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

measured value curve

9

scanning disk

10

Scale

11

means of transport, conveyor belt

12

Slicer, slicing machine

13

portioning belt

14

cutting knife

15

sensor

16

Means of transport, conveyor belt of the slicer

17

means of orientation

18'- 18""

peripheral surface

19

slicing line

20

drive

21

Foreign body, bruise

22

scan plane

L

Food bar length

l

length of a portion

i

Index of the respective scan disk, i = 1 - n

G

Desired portion weight 3

H

Distance between means of transport and means of detection 6, 15

K

Factor (k=W/P)

n

Number of scan slices

N

Number of slices cut per serving

P

Sum of the measured signals, especially pixels

pi

measured signal of the single scan slice

W

Weight of the entire food bar

wi

Weight of each scan disk

xi

Thickness of each scan slice

xN

Thickness of the cut portion

a

Spatial distance between the detection means 6 and the reference point

β

Measurement reference point

g

Distance between detection means and cutting blade

δ

Distance between detection means and sensor means

Claims (2)

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) so that it is possible to slice simultaneously a plurality of foodstuff blocks (1), 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) and the transport belt comprises a transducer, wherein the means (15) identifies the leading end of the foodstuff block (1), and wherein the means (15) detects the leading end of the foodstuff block (1) in the same region as a transmission scanner.
2. 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.

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