SEPARATING DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for cutting a base web with a separating device as well as a corresponding method, where the separating device can cut a base web into individual bases which can be guided under a fresh product. The separating device comprises a knife device and a counter cutting device, each of which comprise at least two cutting edges. The knife device and/or the counter cutting devices can be moved to and fro in two directions.

Claims

1. A separating device for cutting a base web into individual bases which can be guided under a fresh product, comprising: a knife device; and a counter cutting device, wherein said knife device as well as said counter cutting device each comprise at least two cutting edges and said knife device and/or said counter cutting device are configured to be moved to and fro in two directions.

2. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein said knife device and said counter cutting device are configured and arranged such that a cut of said base web is produced when said knife device is moved in a forward direction and/or said counter cutting device is moved in a reverse direction and said knife device is moved in the reverse direction and/or said counter cutting device is moved in the forward direction, where a first cutting edge of said knife device and a first cutting edge of said counter cutting device move towards each other and are configured to shear off said base web.

3. The separating device according to claim 2, wherein said base web is configured to be cut with the respective first cutting edges during the forward motion of said knife device and/or the reverse motion of said counter cutting device and by respective second cutting edges of the knife device and counter cutting device during the reverse motion of said knife device and/or the forward motion of said counter cutting device.

4. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein said counter cutting device comprises a passage opening with an insertion end at which said base web is configured to be inserted and an exit end at which said base web is configured to exit, where said cutting edges of the counter cutting device are arranged opposite one another at said exit end.

5. The separating device according to claim 4, wherein said passage opening tapers from said insertion end to said exit end.

6. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein said knife device comprises one or more individual knives, each with two cutting edges, where said one or more individual knives are arranged consecutively in a direction of movement and an opening is arranged between said one or more individual knives through which said base web is configured to be guided.

7. The separating device according to claim 6, wherein said base web is configured to be cut consecutively during a forward motion of said one or more individual knives of said knife device and/or a reverse motion of said counter cutting device by said one or more individual knives by a respective second cutting edge of said knife device and a second cutting edge of said counter cutting device, and said base web is configured to be cut consecutively during the reverse motion of said individual knives of said knife device and/or the forward motion of said counter cutting device by said one or more individual knives by a respective first cutting edge of said knife device and a first cutting edge of said counter cutting device.

8. The separating device according to claim 6, wherein said one or more individual knives are arranged to be linearly movable or said one or more individual knives are arranged to rotate.

9. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein said counter cutting device is arranged to be linearly movable or said counter cutting device is arranged to rotate.

10. The separating device according to claim 1, wherein said cutting edges of said knife device do not run in parallel to said cutting edges of said counter cutting device.

11. The separating device according to claim 10, wherein said cutting edges of said knife device run at an angle of 0.5° to 3° to said cutting edges of said counter cutting device.

12. A device for feeding cut bases under a fresh product, comprising: a separating device for cutting a base web into individual cut bases, comprising a knife device and a counter cutting device, wherein said knife device as well as said counter cutting device each comprise at least two cutting edges and said knife device and/or said counter cutting device are configured to be moved to and fro in two directions; two transport devices for said fresh product; and a conveyor device for feeding said base web to said separating device, where said separating device is arranged such that said base web is configured to be guided between said transport devices and said fresh product is configured to be applied onto said cut bases.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein said device comprises a control device which adjusts an advancement distance of said base web to a point of provision, at which said fresh product runs onto said cut bases, in dependence of a position.

14. The device according to claim 12, wherein said transport device comprises oppositely disposed transport rollers, where one transport roller has a non-cylindrical outer contour and said oppositely disposed transport roller has a complementary non-cylindrical outer contour.

15. The device according to claim 12, wherein said device comprises a control device which actuates said conveyor device for feeding said base web and said transport devices for said fresh product as well as said separating device, and said control device further comprises a sensor for detecting a position of said incoming fresh product.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein said conveyor devices for feeding said base web and said separating device are actuated in dependence of the position detected by way of said sensor.

17. A method for cutting a base web with a knife device and a counter cutting device, wherein said knife device as well as said counter cutting device each comprise at least two cutting edges, comprising: cutting said base web when said knife device moves in a forward direction and/or said counting cutting device moves in a reverse direction and when said knife device is moved in the reverse direction and/or said counter cutting device in the forward direction such that, for producing a cut, a cutting edge of said knife device and a cutting edge of said counter cutting device move towards each other and shear off said base web.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein cutting said base web comprises cutting said base web into individual bases, where said knife device and/or said counter cutting device move to and fro in two directions.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein, after a cut, said knife device and/or said counter cutting device continue to move such that an advancement path for said base web is free again without said knife device and/or said counter cutting device having to be moved back.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] The present invention shall be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0031] FIG. 1 shows in a simplified schematic representation an embodiment of a device for feeding bases that have been cut.

[0032] FIG. 2a schematically shows a separating device according to a first embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 2b shows in a simplified schematic representation a separating device according to a further embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 2c shows in a simplified schematic representation a separating device according to a further embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 3a shows in a simplified schematic representation a separating device according to a further embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 3b shows in a simplified schematic representation a separating device according to a further embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 3c shows in a simplified schematic representation a separating device according to a further embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows in a simplified schematic representation the cutting edges of the knife device and the counter cutting device in cross section.

[0039] FIG. 5 show in a simplified schematic representation a further embodiment according to the present invention.

[0040] FIGS. 6a and 6b each show a cross section through transport rollers for the base web according to a preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] FIG. 1 shows in a simplified schematic representation a device 10 for feeding cut bases 2b under a fresh product 3. In this application, fresh product is understood to mean, for example, ground meat, burgers, patties, etc., but also meatless products such as pieces of cheese. As shown in FIG. 1, these fresh products can be supplied in portions. A base, for example, in the form of paper, a plastic film, or a liquid-absorbing base, for example, non-woven material, is placed underneath the product.

[0042] Device 10 comprises a first transport device 12, presently a conveyor belt, via which fresh products 3 that have already been portioned are transported in a direction of transport T. The fresh products are transferred from first transport device 12 to a second, spaced transport device 13. A further transport device 14 can be arranged in direction of transport T downstream of second transport device 13, which is presently likewise configured as a circulating conveyor belt, and presently be disposed, for example, a little lower, in which the product can be introduced together with the base into a packaging, presently container 19.

[0043] The device further comprises a conveyor device 15 for feeding base web 2a to separating device 1. Conveyor device 15 comprises a supply roll 20 onto which base web 2a is wound. The base web can be conveyed, for example, by way of conveyor rollers 17a, 17b, of which at least one is driven and which convey the base web in the direction of the separating device. Supply roll 20 can be driven and be decoupled from transport rollers 17a, 17b by a loop formed by the base web. Base web 2a can be held subject to tension in this loop by a so-called dancer roller 21 which is mounted to be movable. Dancer roller 21 also serves to regulate the supply from the supply roll. As is generally known from prior art, the base web is drawn off from the supply roll in dependence of the position of the dancer roller.

[0044] The feed of the base web to the fresh products is preferably effected at a separation point between two conveyor belts 12 and 13. The feed takes place during passage, e.g., while fresh products 3 pass the separation point in direction of transport T. For this purpose, base web 2a can be pushed through between conveyor belts 12, 13 to such an extent that a fresh product 3 that has been supplied, for example a burger, runs onto the base and takes the latter along. For example, the product can run onto the base without reducing its speed or without being stopped.

[0045] Base 2b can already be severed to the required length when it is taken over by product 3. However, if, for example, the base is to protrude at the rear region of the fresh product, it is also possible for base web 2a to be cut while the base is already being taken along by the product, for example, during passage. The base web can be cut to the desired length while it is being transported (where the advance speed can also be reduced) or during a brief stop of transportation.

[0046] Separating device 1 for cutting base web 2a shall be explained in more detail in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2a. Separating device 1 comprises a knife device 4 and a counter cutting device 5. Knife device 4 presently comprises a single knife which comprises two cutting edges 7a and 7b spaced apart at the end facing counter cutting device 5. For this purpose, for example, the individual knife can have oppositely disposed inclined sections at the lower region such that a knife width b widens in the direction of counter cutting device 5 so that a cutting edge tapering to a point can be formed. The cutting edges are e.g. 1 mm to 10 mm apart.

[0047] Counter cutting device 5 also has two cutting edges 8a and 8b spaced apart on the side facing knife device 4. Cutting edges 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b have at least one length which corresponds to the width of base web 2a to be cut.

[0048] A passage opening 6 is there formed in counter cutting device 5 having an insertion end 9 at which base web 2a can be inserted and an exit end 11 at which the base web can exit, where cutting edges 8a, 8b are arranged opposite one another at exit end 11. Passage opening 6 can taper conically from insertion end 9 to exit end 11, in particular at least in the region of the exit end, where the spacing between the cutting edges is in a range from 1 mm to 10 mm. Passage opening 6 guides base web 2a. Due to the conical configuration, firstly, guidance towards the exit end is improved so that the exit position is disposed in a defined region and, secondly, a pointed cutting edge can be created in a simple manner by the inclined extension of the side walls of counter cutting device 5.

[0049] According to the present invention, knife device 4 and/or counter-cutting device 5 can be moved to and fro in two directions, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 2a. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2a, for example, counter cutting device 5 can be arranged to be movable to and fro. For this purpose, a drive (not shown), for example, a linear drive of any kind, such as a servo drive, can be provided. Knife device 4 is then, for example, fixedly arranged between transport devices 12 and 13. Knife device 4 may extend into a region of the oppositely disposed rollers of transport devices 12 and 13. If counter cutting device 5 is now moved in a reverse direction R under knife device 4, e.g., presently in a direction opposite to direction of transport T, then second cutting edge 8b moves toward second cutting edge 7b, presently in a linear manner, and shears off base web 2a, as can be seen from the illustration of FIG. 2a on the left-hand side. Counter cutting device 5 continues to move until passage opening 6 at exit end 11 is free again at least in part such that base web 2a is transported onward, e.g., meaning that it is presently pushed upwardly by transport device 15, as shown in the illustration in FIG. 2a at the center. Counter cutting device 5 can then again be moved in the forward direction, e.g., presently along direction of transport T, such that cutting edges 7a and 8a move towards one another and finally shear off base web 2a into individual bases 2b, as shown in the illustration in FIG. 2a on the right-hand side. Counter cutting device 5 is then moved onward again accordingly until the region at exit end 11 of the passage opening is free again, such that the base web can be advanced upwardly, as shown in the illustration at the center, in order to then be severed again by edges 7b and 8b.

[0050] Due to passage opening 6 tapering from insertion end 9 to exit end 11, base web 2a can be easily inserted from the entry side and at the same time the region at exit end 11 can be quickly freed again.

[0051] FIG. 2b shows a further embodiment which corresponds to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2a, where counter cutting device 5 there, however, is stationary and knife device 4 is arranged to be linearly movable. As can be seen from the illustration on the lower left-hand side, knife device 4 moves in the forward direction, e.g., in direction of transport T starting out from the upper illustration such that cutting edges 7b and 8b can move towards each other and shear off base web 2a. In the illustration at the center, knife device 4 has already moved in direction of transport T to the extent that the region at exit end 11 of passage opening 6 is free again and further advancement of base web 2a is possible, as can be seen from the illustration at the center.

[0052] Knife device 4 now begins to move in the reverse direction such that first cutting edges 7a, 8a move towards one another and sever base web 2a. As shown in the figure on the right-hand side, the knife can then move onward in reverse direction R until region 11 is free again and base web 2a can be advanced further. Knife device 4 can then be moved again in the forward direction, presently transport direction T, such that cutting edges 7b and 8b again move towards one another.

[0053] As has been described in the context of FIGS. 2a and b, this means that base web 2a can be cut, in particular continuously, into individual bases 2b, where knife device 4 and/or counter cutting device 5 move continuously to and fro in two directions T, R. It is also possible for both devices, e.g., knife device 4 and counter cutting device 5, to move to and fro and to each move towards one another for the cutting process. It is particularly advantageous to have only the counter cutting device be arranged to be movable since there is more space for free movement in a lower region under transport devices 12, 13 than between the rollers of transport devices 12, 13.

[0054] FIG. 2c corresponds substantially to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, with the exception that knife device 4 there comprises several individual knives, each with two cutting edges 7a, 7b. Respective opening regions are arranged between the individual knives such that base web 2a can be pushed through these regions before base web 2a is cut by the individual knife that is the subsequent one when viewed in the direction of movement of the individual knives. As illustrated by the arrow, this means that the individual knives are moved linearly over the counter cutting device and its cutting edges in order to accomplish several cuts in quick succession. As shown in the context of FIG. 2b, in this embodiment as well, the counter cutting device could in principle be arranged to be linearly movable and knife device 4 could be arranged in a stationary manner or both the knife device as well as the counter cutting device can also be arranged to be movable to and fro such that cutting edges 7a, 8a and 7b, 8b can move towards one another and shear off base web 2a. The number of knives can be, for example, up to 6 knives.

[0055] FIG. 3a show a further embodiment according to the present invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3a corresponds substantially to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b with the exception that counter cutting device 5 is there not arranged to be linearly movable but is instead arranged to be rotatable about a central axis M in two directions R, V. Passage opening 6 with cutting edges 8a and 8b can therefore be moved to and fro beneath stationary knife device 4 such that cutting edges 8b and 7b move towards one another during the rotational motion in direction R and shear off base web 2a, and cutting edges 8a and 7a move towards one another with a motion in direction V and shear off base web 2a. The counter cutting device can there have a cylindrical outer contour and the knife device can have a substantially complementary shape in the facing region such that the two devices 4, 5 can slide past one another. As already described in the context of the other embodiments, counter cutting device 5 is respectively rotated so far beneath knife device 4 that passage opening 6 at exit end 11 is freed again and an advancement of the base web out of counter cutting device 5 is possible.

[0056] FIG. 3b corresponds substantially to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3a, where knife device 4 is there configured such that at least one individual knife is arranged rotatable about central axis M, while the counter cutting device is stationary. The individual knife there moves to and fro between cutting edges 7a and 7b respectively over the passage opening in the directions, presently directions of rotation R and V, and then cuts base web 2a as explained above.

[0057] FIG. 3c shows a further embodiment which corresponds to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3b, where the knife device presently comprises several individual knives which are also arranged rotatable about axis M and can be moved to and fro successively over passage opening 6. Counter cutting device 5 can there be arranged in a stationary manner. Here as well, a respective opening is provided between the individual knives through which base web 2a can move.

[0058] In FIGS. 3b and 3c, however, it is also possible that knife device 4 as well as counter cutting device 5 are arranged to be rotatable to and fro such that the cutting edges can move towards one another.

[0059] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment which corresponds substantially to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3a. Knife device 4 is drawn so far up between transport devices 12 and 13 that it can serve as a guide. As shown by the dashed lines, counter cutting device 5 can be moved to and fro between the two outer positions. The different positions result in advancement distances of different lengths for the base web, in particular up to provision position B on transport device 13 at which fresh product 3 can rest on the base web. The necessary correction in the advancement distance is carried out, for example, by controlling the feed rollers by way of software in dependence of the corresponding angle of rotation or the position of the counter cutting device, e.g., for example, the advancement distance in the position shown in dashed lines can be shorter than the advancement distance in the rotational position, which is shown to be continuous.

[0060] A different advancement distance can also arise with a counter cutting device that moves linearly to and fro and can then likewise be corrected accordingly.

[0061] FIG. 4 shows in a simplified schematic representation a section through the separating device, for example, along line I-I. in FIG. 2b. It can be seen there that cutting edges 7a, 7b do not run parallel to cutting edges 8b and 8a, but at an angle of 0.5° to 3°, preferably 1° to 2°. This increases operational reliability even more.

[0062] FIGS. 6a, 6b show a cross section through transport rollers 17a, 17b, as they are shown, for example, in FIG. 1. In order for the base web to have a certain rigidity, conveyor roller 17a can have a non-cylindrical, for example, a convex outer contour and conveyor roller 17b can have a complementary non-cylindrical, e.g. concave outer contour. This makes the base web assume a corresponding shape and thereby gives it even more stability such that the advancement of the base web works even better.

[0063] In the method according to the invention, base web 2a is fed by way of conveyor device 15 and guided by passage opening 6 of the counter cutting device. Base web 2a is cut when the knife device moves in the forward direction V and/or the counter cutter device moves in reverse direction R, or vice versa. To produce a cut, for example, cutting edge 7a, which in the direction of movement is the leading one, moves towards the respective leading cutting edge 8a of counter cutting edge 5 and shears off base web 2a to form an individual base 2b. Knife device 4 or the counter cutting device moves continuously to and fro in two directions so that a continuous cutting process can be implemented. After the cut, knife device 4 and/or counter cutting device 5 continues to move such that the advancement for base web 2a is free again, e.g., passage opening 6 in exit area 11 is free. Base web 2a can then be advanced again and base web 2a can be cut.

[0064] Base web 2a is pushed between two transport devices 12 and 13 up into an upper region, where fresh product 3 is pushed onto base web 2a, 2b and takes it along. At this point in time, either base web 2a can already be cut or, in particular if the base web is to protrude to the rear underneath the product, it can be cut only once fresh product 3 has already run up.

[0065] The device comprises a control device 25 which actuates conveyor device 15 for feeding the base web and transport devices 12, 13 for the fresh product as well as separating device 1, and adapts the functions, in particular the speeds, to one another.

[0066] In the embodiments shown above, the feed of fresh products can be irregular due to production. It is therefore advantageous to have the incoming fresh product, in particular the incoming fresh product portion, be detected by way of a sensor 30 (in particular an optical sensor). The sensor is arranged, for example, in the region of the first transport device, presently conveyor belt 12, or in a region between transport devices 12, 13. For example, the sensor can detect when the fresh product portion arrives, e.g., detect the leading edge and forward this to the control device such that the control device knows the position of the fresh product. The control device then controls conveyor devices 15 for feeding the base web and separating device 1 in dependence of the position detected by sensor 30. It can then always be ensured that the bases are always fed at the correct point in time and in the correct length when the fresh product portions are fed in irregularly, e.g., a portion is always correctly positioned on the base. It is also possible to adapt the speed of transport devices 12, 13 accordingly.

[0067] According to a further embodiment, the length of the fresh product portion can also be detected by way of sensor 30 so that the length of the base can be adjusted accordingly if the lengths of the portions fluctuate, whereby material can be saved.

[0068] The knife device and/or the counter cutting device can be moved continuously to and fro in two directions. The advancement and separating process can also be carried out continuously. This results in an ongoing, in particular substantially continuous, process, where the transport speed of the base web, however, can be constant or changed periodically or can also be reduced or temporarily stopped in the meantime.