Method for handling food portions with a rotation device

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an apparatus for handling food portions which comprises a first conveying device, a rotation device with a second conveying device forming a depositing surface which can be turned about a vertical axis, a third conveying device, and a control unit. The first conveying device is configured such that it can at least in regions be arranged above the rotation device. The control unit is adapted to control the first conveying device such that food portions are deposited in a format arrangement by the first conveying device from above onto the depositing surface of the rotation device, to control the rotation device to rotate the depositing surface with the food portions about the vertical axis, and to control the second conveying device to convey the turned food portions onward onto the third conveying device.

Claims

1. A method for producing packaged food portions by way of a production line, the method comprising: slicing a food product to produce food portions; conveying the food portions along a conveying direction of the production line; arranging the food portions in a format arrangement; rotating the food portions arranged in the format arrangement using a rotation device that is integrated into the production line; and packaging the food portions; wherein slicing a food product to produce food portions comprises slicing a plurality of food products to produce food portions arranged in a plurality of lanes, and wherein at least two respective food portions from different lanes of the plurality of lanes are arranged in a single lane due to their rotation and then packaged together.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein arranging the food portions in the format arrangement comprises aligning the food portions relative to each other in a predetermined relative arrangement, this relative arrangement being maintained during rotation.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising depositing the food portions arranged in the format arrangement onto a conveying device of the rotation device, wherein the conveying device has a conveying direction that is at an angle relative to the conveying direction of the production line while the food portions arranged in the format arrangement are deposited onto the conveying device, wherein the conveying device of the rotation device is then oriented such that the conveying direction of the conveying device points in the conveying direction of the production line, and wherein the food portions are then conveyed away from the rotation device.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the food portions arranged in the format arrangement are conveyed onto the rotation device by way of a retraction belt, wherein a movable retraction roller of the retraction belt is moved at a relative speed in a conveying direction of the retraction belt to above the rotation device, and wherein the retraction belt is operated at a conveying speed which is adapted to the relative speed.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the rotation device is adjusted in height before, during, and/or after the rotation to enable rotating and/or conveying the food portions arranged in the format arrangement.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the rotation device is movable in the conveying direction of the production line before, during, and/or after the rotation to enable rotating and/or conveying the food portions arranged in the format arrangement.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the rotation device is moved only within the production line.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least two respective food portions are grouped after slicing, and the grouped food portions are arranged in the format arrangement.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the food portions arranged in the format arrangement are rotated by the rotation device by 90°.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of food products include at least two different kinds of food products.

11. A method for producing packaged food portions by way of a production line, the method comprising: slicing a food product to produce food portions; conveying the food portions along a conveying direction of the production line; arranging the food portions in a format arrangement; depositing the food portions arranged in the format arrangement onto a conveying device of a rotation device that is integrated into the production line, wherein the conveying device has a conveying direction that is at an angle relative to the conveying direction of the production line while the food portions arranged in the format arrangement are deposited onto the conveying device; rotating the food portions arranged in the format arrangement using the rotation device such that the conveying direction of the conveying device points in the conveying direction of the production line; conveying the food portions away from the rotation device; and packaging the food portions.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a top view of a production line with an apparatus according to the disclosure for handling food portions;

(2) FIG. 2 shows a side view of a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the disclosure for handling food portions;

(3) FIG. 3 shows a top view of a second embodiment of an apparatus according to the disclosure for handling food portions with the rotation device in an initial position;

(4) FIG. 4 shows the side view of FIG. 3;

(5) FIG. 5 shows a top view of the second embodiment with the first conveying device retracted;

(6) FIG. 6 shows the side view of FIG. 5;

(7) FIG. 7 shows a top view of the second embodiment with the rotation device in the turned position;

(8) FIG. 8 shows the side view of FIG. 7;

(9) FIG. 9 shows a side view of a third embodiment of an apparatus according to the disclosure for handling food portions;

(10) FIG. 10 shows a side view of a fourth embodiment of an apparatus according to the disclosure for handling food portions;

(11) FIG. 11 shows a top view of a fifth embodiment of an apparatus according to the disclosure for handling food portions with the rotation device in an initial position;

(12) FIG. 12 shows a top view of a fifth embodiment of an apparatus according to the disclosure for handling food portions with the rotation device in a turned position;

(13) FIG. 13 shows a top view of a sixth embodiment of an apparatus according to the disclosure for handling food portions with the rotation device in an initial position;

(14) FIG. 14 shows the side view of FIG. 13;

(15) FIG. 15 shows a top view of a sixth embodiment of an apparatus according to the disclosure for handling food portions with the rotation device in a turned position;

(16) FIG. 16 shows a side view of a seventh embodiment of an apparatus according to the disclosure for handling food portions;

(17) FIG. 17 shows a side view of an eighth embodiment of an apparatus according to the disclosure for handling food portions;

(18) FIG. 18 shows a top view of a further embodiment of a rotation device; and

(19) FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the rotation device from FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(20) FIG. 1 shows a top view of a food production line, where several food products 2, 3, 4, 5 are sliced in a food slicer 1 using a rotating knife 6. Food products 2, 3, 4, 5 can be, for example, cheese, sausage or ham bars. Food products 2, 4 in the present embodiment differ from food products 3, 5. The disclosure basically can also be used for the same food products 2, 3, 4, 5 in the adjacent parallel lanes. For example, first food products 2, 4 can be ham bars, and second food products 3, 5 sausage bars. Alternatively, different cheeses can be sliced, and the food portions can then be combined.

(21) The slicing action by food slicer 1 produces food portions, each consisting, in particular, of stacked or shingled food slices, where separating sheets 7 which are shot in between the slices during slicing can be provided between the individual slices. Separating sheets 7 extend beyond the slices of the food portions, in particular, in the upstream direction.

(22) The food portions are produced by stacking food slices on a portion tray 8. Due to the different food products 2, 4 and 3, 5, food portions 9, 10 of different types are alternately formed, namely first food portions 9 and second food portions 10. In the present embodiment, four lanes of food portions 9, 10 are provided adjacent to each other, where each lane first comprises only either first or second food portions 9, 10. Each row of food portions 9, 10 has four food portions, each with two first food portions 9 and two second food portions 10. Portion tray 8 is in particular a conveying device, such as a conveyor belt, which can convey completed food portions 9, 10 in a conveying direction 100 of the production line.

(23) The food portions are then moved to an alignment and grouping device 11 in which the food portions can be moved relative to each other. For example, individually controllable conveying devices are provided for this with different conveying speeds in conveying direction 100 of the production line or in transverse direction 102. Food portions 9, 10 are aligned by aligning and grouping device 11 such that they can be conveyed onto a first conveying device 12 representing a format-forming and buffering device. Food portions 9, 10 are then arranged in a desired format arrangement on first conveying device 12, meaning arranged in a predetermined arrangement relative to each other.

(24) The food portion rows in the transverse direction 102 each consist alternately of first and second food portions 9, 10 and the respective lanes in conveying direction 100 always of one type of food portion 9 or 10.

(25) The format arrangement of food portions 9, 10 is then conveyed in conveying direction 100 of the production line onto a depositing surface 14 of a rotation device 13 which can be turned about a vertical axis 15.

(26) FIG. 1 shows depositing surface 14 already in the turned position. By turning depositing surface 14 of rotation device 13, food portions 9, 10 arranged thereon can be turned together in the format set about vertical axis 15, in the present embodiment by 90°. Now first and second food portions 9, 10 are therefore alternately arranged in one lane, as shown in FIG. 1.

(27) Depositing surface 14 is provided by a second conveying device 16 which is, in particular, a conveyor belt. In an initial position of depositing surface 14 of rotation device 13, conveying direction 101 of the second conveying device is oriented in transverse direction 102 to conveying direction 100 of the production line. In the turned position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, conveying direction 101 of second conveying device 16 is oriented in the direction of conveying direction 100 of the production line.

(28) Food portions 9, 10 rotated by rotation device 13 while maintaining their format arrangement are then in any case conveyed onward by second conveying device 16 onto a third conveying device 17 which constitutes a further buffer device, in particular in the form of a conveyor belt.

(29) Third conveying device 17 is followed by a separating device 18 and a combining device 19, which consists, for example, of a conveyor belt displaceable in transverse direction 102, and allows food portions 9, 10 of the various lanes to be combined on a single lane 20 of a packaging machine 21. In particular, a first and a second food portion 9, 10 are successively arranged on single lane 20, so that they can be packaged together.

(30) FIG. 2 shows a side view of the embodiment of the apparatus for handling food portions according to the disclosure from FIG. 1, where the apparatus comprises first conveying device 12, rotation device 13 with second conveying device 16, and a third conveying device 17, each of which can be controlled by a central control unit 22. Furthermore, it is also possible that control unit 22 also centrally controls the other components of the production line of FIG. 1.

(31) First conveying device 12 and third conveying device 17 are each arranged in a stationary manner. Second conveying device 16 of rotation device 13 can be moved along conveying direction 100 of the production line on a linear guide 23. For this purpose, a carriage 24 is provided which can be moved by a drive on linear guide 23 controlled by control unit 22. Second conveying device 16 is arranged on carriage 24 in a manner that can be turned about vertical axis 15, where a drive controlled by control unit 22 is also provided for the rotational motion.

(32) As shown in FIG. 2, the upper side and depositing surface 14 of second conveying device 16 are arranged just below the underside of first conveying device 12, so that second conveying device 16 can be moved under first conveying device 12. If carriage 24 is now moved at the same or substantially the same conveying speed as first conveying device 12 in conveying direction 100 of the production line along linear guide 23, then food portions 9, 10 can be deposited from above onto depositing surface 14 of rotation device 13, without second conveying device 16 needing to perform a conveying motion for this. This allows depositing surface 14 and therefore second conveying device 16 to be arranged in an initial position in which conveying direction 100 of the production line is not aligned with conveying direction 101 of second conveying device 16, but is turned at an angle thereto.

(33) In particular second conveying device 16 in the initial position is turned such that its conveying direction 101 is aligned in transverse direction 102. Once the format arrangement of food portions 9, 10 has been arranged on depositing surface 14, second conveying device 16 is turned about vertical axis 15, so that conveying direction 101 of second conveying device 16 is aligned with the conveying direction of production line 100 and thereby also with the conveying direction of third conveying device 17.

(34) First and second food portions 9, 10 are can then be conveyed from second conveying device 16 onto third conveying device 17. Carriage 24 with vertical axis 15 represents a movement device arranged below depositing surface 14 with which depositing surface 14 with food portions 9, 10 can be rotated.

(35) As can be seen in FIG. 2, second conveying device 16 is arranged just above third conveying device 17, so that turning is made possible without conveying devices 16, 17 contacting each another.

(36) Alternatively, a height adjustment for second conveying device 16 can be provided and likewise be controlled by central control unit 22, so that second conveying device 16 can be taken to the same height with third conveying device 17 when it is in the turned position, so that food portions 9, 10 can be conveyed at the same level and in a flush manner from second conveying device 16 to third conveying device 17.

(37) As can be seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, rotation device 13 is configured for rotating an entire format arrangement of food portions and integrated into the production line. Food portions 9, 10 from different lanes can consequently be combined in several lanes, this being particularly advantageous in the production of so-called twin stacks, i.e., combinations of two respective food portions 9, 10, which are packaged together in a tubular bag in a tubular bag packaging machine.

(38) Combining device 19 can alternatively also be a plate distributor in which food portions 9, 10 from several lanes can be combined onto one lane by way of transversely displaceable plate elements.

(39) FIGS. 3 to 8 show a second embodiment of the disclosure which is distinguished primarily by the fact that first conveying device 25 is configured as a retraction belt and that turning and height adjustment of second conveying device 16 can be performed in rotation device 26.

(40) In FIGS. 3 and 4, the downstream retraction roller 27 of first conveying device 25, which is displaceable along conveying direction 100, is arranged above depositing surface 14 of second conveying device 16. The front retracting roller 27 is continuously retracted against conveying direction 100, where the tension of the retraction belt is maintained by a respective motion of compensation roller 28. Retraction roller 27 and compensation roller 28 are arranged on a displaceable carrier. Movement of retraction roller 27 can be effected by a drive which displaces the carrier in a linear manner.

(41) The conveyor belt of first conveying device 24 is there moved such that food portions 9, 10 arranged thereon substantially remain in place while the retraction belt is pulled out from under them, so that they come to rest on depositing surface 14 of second conveying device 16 of rotation device 26 disposed directly therebelow.

(42) The completely retracted state of the retraction belt is then shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, where it can be seen that a complete format set of food products 9, 10 rests on depositing surface 14. Depositing surface 14 is now turned by way of rotation device 26 from the initial position to the turned position, so that conveying direction 101 of second conveying device 16 is aligned with the conveying direction of third conveying device 17, which corresponds, in particular, to conveying direction 100 of the production line. Before, during or after second conveying device 16 has been turned, second conveying device 16 is moved vertically by height adjustment device 29, so that contact between conveying devices 25, 16 and 17 among each other and food portions 9, 10 arranged thereon is prevented.

(43) Alternatively, it is also possible that no height adjustment device is employed, but that the retraction belt is retracted so far that any undesired contact between the conveying device 25 and second conveying device 17 or food portions 9, 10 arranged thereon, respectively, cannot occur during the turning motion.

(44) In addition, second conveying device 16 can be arranged slightly above third conveying device 17, so that turning is possible and food portions 9, 10 can still be conveyed from second conveying device 16 to the third conveying device 17 without any significant step. The compensation roller is therefore always moved along with retraction roller 27 exactly such that the belt tension of first conveying device 24 is maintained.

(45) A control unit 22 is provided also in the second embodiment and can control the respective drives of first conveying device 25, the adjustment of retraction roller 27 and compensation roller 28, the second conveying device 16, the rotation of second conveying device 16 about vertical axis 15, height adjustment device 29, and third conveying device 17.

(46) In the second embodiment according to FIGS. 3 to 8, the entire format of food portions 9, 10 can therefore be relocated from first conveying device 25 onto depositing surface 14 of second conveying device 16 by driving the conveyor belt of first conveying device 25 and retracting retraction roller 27. Second conveying device 16 is at the moment of receiving the food portions transverse to conveying direction 100 of the production line and is disposed at a slightly lower height level than upstream first conveying device 25. Once all food portions 9, 10 of the format arrangement have been deposited on second conveying device 16, the entire format is rotated by 90° and conveyed onto downstream third conveying device 17 which is configured to buffer at least one format arrangement of food portions 9, 10. The position of vertical axis of rotation 15 there remains unchanged, but the height level of second conveying device 17 can be changed using height adjustment device 29 so as not to contact the belt edges of conveying device 17, 25 arranged downstream or upstream during rotation.

(47) During rotation, rotation device 26 can either slightly raise or lower second conveying device 16 by way of height adjustment device 29 and move it back to the previous position after the turning motion.

(48) FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment in which rotation device 30 is configured substantially like in the first embodiment, i.e., rotation device 30 has a linear guide 31 in conveying direction 100 of the production line. A carriage 24 can again be moved thereon on which second conveying device 16 is provided in a manner that can be turned about vertical axis 15. Provided as first conveying device 25 is a retraction belt with which food portions 9, 10 can be deposited onto second conveying device 16 in a format arrangement. Furthermore, third conveying device 17 can be arranged in the third embodiment according to FIG. 9 at the same height as second conveying device 16, and contact among the conveying devices or with food portions 9, 10 can be prevented by length adjustment of second conveying device 16. The height level of depositing surface 14 can therefore be maintained and only the vertical axis of rotation 15 is displaced in conveying direction 100 of the production line. Due to the movement of second conveying device 16 in conveying direction 100, a proper belt transition between second conveying device 16 and third conveying device 17 can be ensured.

(49) Like in the second and the third embodiments, first conveying device 25 in the fourth embodiment of the disclosure according to FIG. 10 is also formed as a retraction belt. However, second conveying device 33 of rotation device 32 is now also configured as a retraction belt. Retraction roller 34 can there be positioned in the retracted position shown in FIG. 10, while rotation device 32 rotates second conveying device 33. Thereafter, retraction roller 34 can be extended so that it enables a flush belt transition between second conveying device 33 and third conveying device 17.

(50) In a fifth embodiment according to FIGS. 11 and 12, a rotation device 35 is provided which is characterized by an eccentric vertical axis of rotation 36 on second conveying device 16. By way of a first conveying device 25 formed as a retraction belt, food portions 9, 10 are again applied on depositing surface 14 of second conveying device 16, while the latter is disposed in an initial position in which its conveying direction 101 is at an angle to conveying direction 100 of the production line. The angle is advantageously 90°. Once a format set of food portions 9, 10 has been arranged on depositing surface 14 as shown in FIG. 11, second conveying device 16 is rotated about vertical axis of rotation 36 until second conveying device 16 adjoins third conveying device 17 and conveying direction 101 of second conveying device 16 is aligned with conveying direction 100 of third conveying device 17. Food portions 9, 10 can then be conveyed from second conveying device 16 onto third conveying device 17. In the present embodiment, the axis of rotation 36 is spatially fixed. But it can also be provided that axis of rotation 36 is movable in conveying direction 100 of the production line linearly or according to a predetermined path, such as a lane contour. This enables, for example, that depositing surface 14 can be moved below first conveying device 12, which is then not formed as a retraction belt, but as a normal conveyor belt.

(51) A sixth embodiment of the disclosure is shown in FIGS. 13 to 15. The sixth embodiment is characterized in that rotation device 37 is realized by a movement device disposed below depositing surface 14. The present embodiment is, for example, a slotted guide 38 with which second conveying device 16 can be moved from the initial position shown in FIG. 13 to the turned position shown in FIG. 15. In the initial position, second conveying device 16 is oriented such that its conveying direction 101 corresponds to conveying direction 100 of the production line. Food portions 9, 10 can therefore be conveyed directly from first conveying device 12 onto second conveying device 33 in a simple manner.

(52) Second conveying device 33 is configured, in particular, as a retraction belt, as shown in FIG. 14. When a complete format set is arranged on second conveying device 33, then second conveying device 33 is moved along slotted guide 38, so that it is arranged in the turned position adjacent to third conveying device 17.

(53) In the embodiment illustrated, this results in the second conveying device 33 turning by approx. 90°. Retraction roller 39 of second conveying device 33 is then taken to the extended position above third conveying device 17 and slowly retracted while conveying individual food portions 9, 10 from second conveying device 33 onto the third conveying device. Food portions 9, 10 are there conveyed in the format set onto third conveying device 17. The entire format set is therefore rotated by 90° by way of rotation device 37. In particular, first conveying device 12 can be at the same height level as second conveying device 33, which enables an advantageous belt transition of food portions 9, 10 from first conveying device 12 to second conveying device 33.

(54) As an alternative to slotted guide 38 illustrated, an integrated robot, a hinged articulation, or a pneumatically or hydraulically controlled cantilever arm can be provided under second conveying device 33.

(55) The movement device is configured, in particular, to swing out depositing surface 14 and to move it in regions over third conveying device 17. In one embodiment, an additional height adjustment can be provided at the center of rotation of rotation device 37, for example, using a cylinder, a worm, or a spindle. Furthermore, it can be provided to arrange the movement device including the axis of rotation in an inclined manner to compensate for differences in height. An optional pivot mechanism can be provided to slightly incline depositing surface 14.

(56) After rotating food portions 9, 10 of a format arrangement by 90°, second conveying device 33 is actuated to deliver food portions 9, 10 from depositing surface 14 to third conveying device 17 which is configured to buffer at least one format arrangement of food portions 9, 10. Alternatively, however, the second conveying device can also be an ordinary conveyor belt and no retraction belt. The movement device of the rotation device is then configured such that the second conveying device can be moved above the third conveying device, while the food portions are delivered from the second conveying device to the third conveying device.

(57) In a further embodiment, it is possible to provide two rotation devices and a separable second conveying device, so that half a format arrangement of food portions can then be turned separately before they are again deposited together on the third conveying device. This allows for weight balance and less lateral deflection. In particular, one rotation device is respectively arranged on each side of the production line.

(58) As shown in FIG. 14, rotation device 37 can be integrated in a modular cassette 56. Cassette 56 comprises rotation device 37 including second conveying device 33 as well as slotted guide 38 and their drives. Cassette 56 therefore forms a self-contained module that can be integrated into the production line as needed. Cassette 55 can therefore in particular be exchanged for a simple cassette with a continuous conveyor belt if no rotational function is needed.

(59) In a seventh embodiment according to FIG. 16, a rotation device 40 comprises a gantry robot 41 in which a carriage 42 can be moved at least along a linear guide 43.

(60) Linear guide 43 extends in conveying direction 100 of the production line. Second conveying device 16 is suspended rotatable about a vertical axis 44 on carriage 42. Second conveying device 16 can now be aligned, as shown in FIG. 14, such that its conveying direction 101 is transverse to conveying direction 100 of the production line. Second conveying device 16 is then moved by way of gantry robot 41 under first conveying device 12. Food portions 9, 10 are then arranged on second conveying device 16 in that the belt of first conveying device 12 and carriage 42 are moved in conveying direction 100 at the same time and at the same speed.

(61) Once the format arrangement of food portions 9, 10 has been arranged on second conveying device 16, the latter is conveyed onwards in conveying direction 100 and at the same time rotated until its conveying direction 101 is aligned with conveying direction 100 of the production line, which corresponds to the conveying direction of third conveying device 17. Once second conveying device 16 has been driven up to third conveying device 17 in a flush manner, the entire turned format arrangement can be driven onward onto third conveying device 17. A different robot can be provided Instead of gantry robot 41 and be arranged above the production line and relocate an entire format including the depositing belt. The robot is then respectively configured such that it can engage with and move depositing surface 14 of second conveying device 16. According to the disclosure, however, the robot is attached to a frame 45 above second conveying device 16. For example, the robot with its supporting structure is directly attached to the frame. The robot can be modular and removable when no rotation station is needed in the line pass. Furthermore, the robot and its supporting structure can have approximately the dimensions of the rotation station.

(62) FIG. 17 shows an eighth embodiment of the disclosure in which rotation device 46 comprises a rotary wheel 48 rotating about a horizontal axis 47. Attached to rotary wheel 48 are several second conveying devices 16 distributed around the circumference in such a manner that they can each be turned about a vertical axis 15. By way of rotary wheel 48, a second conveying device 16 can now be arranged in the initial position at first conveying device 25 which is configured as a retraction belt.

(63) Food portions 9, 10 are then arranged in a format arrangement on second conveying device 16. Rotary wheel 48 rotates until a subsequent second conveying device 16 without food portions 9, 10 is arranged at first conveying device 25. Food portions 9, 10 are now conveyed by conveying device 25 onto second conveying device 16. At the same time, already loaded second conveying device 16 is turned about vertical axis 15 and in the further progress arranged flush with third conveying device 17 by rotation of the rotary wheel. The turned format arrangement of food portions 9, 10 can then be conveyed onto third conveying device 17.

(64) Rotary wheel 48 is preferably arranged only on one side of the production line and second conveying devices 16 are arranged on cantilevers arms. This allows second conveying device 16 to be easily removed to one side. Alternatively possible, however, is also a two-sided arrangement of rotary wheels which are connected to crossbars on which second conveying device 16 are arranged.

(65) The features of the various embodiments described above can be combined as desired.

(66) In the preceding embodiments, the rotation device advantageously comprises at least one driven conveyor belt for dispensing and/or receiving food portions 9, 10 in a format arrangement. In particular, a continuous broad conveyor belt or individually driven lanes are provided on the rotation device.

(67) In all embodiments, the rotation device can be configured as a modular rotary cassette which comprises all the necessary drives and therefore forms a self-contained module that can be integrated into the production line as needed. The rotary cassette can therefore be exchanged for a simple cassette with a continuous conveyor belt if no rotational function is needed.

(68) A further embodiment of a rotation device 49 is shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. This rotation device comprises several parallel lanes 50, 51, 52, 53, each having a first and a second conveyor belt 54, 55. Conveyor belts 54, 55 are each provided with separately controllable drives, so that they can be operated at different speeds. This makes it possible to turn food portions 9, 10 which are arranged in the respective lanes. Food portions 9, 10 are preferably turned with some longitudinal offset, so that their corners do not touch during the rotation.

(69) In a further embodiment, all food portions of a format arrangement can be rotated simultaneously at individual points on a rotation device 49. For example, each food portion is raised slightly with its respective associated turntable from the depositing surface of the second conveying device, then rotated and thereafter again placed on the depositing surface. The depositing surface can be composed of two parallel conveyor belts. The turntables are preferably coupled to each other, and in particular are guided in an associated slotted link, so that the same motion is performed by several turntables, and several food portions can be turned the same way. Coupling can be effected in particular by way of a belt drive, via a lever arrangement or via coupling rods. In this embodiment, no belt gap arises because no displacement of the rotation device in the conveying direction is necessary. The offset shown during rotation on adjacent lanes arises for the reason that the respective slotted guide for adjacent turntables is installed with some longitudinal offset.

(70) The disclosure provides, in particular, an efficient method and an advantageous apparatus for producing combinations of two food portions which can subsequently be packaged together in a tubular bag in a tubular bag packaging machine.

(71) The format arrangement of food portions 9, 10 can be completely rotated in the production line, where the rotation function is integrated into the production line.

(72) The format formation and exact alignment of food portions relative to each other can be done already upstream of the rotation device, since the rotation device allows maintaining the format arrangement. Only buffering and, if necessary, a separation is therefore connected downstream of the rotation device, where any alignment or grouping does not need to take place any more.

(73) Compared to the rotation of individual portions, it is provided according to the disclosure that always an entire format set of food portions can be rotated with a single motion, so that the rotation has no effect on the conveying cycle, where several food portions are always available on the output side in a buffered manner. Compared to the rotation of single portions, the rotation of entire format arrangements can be implemented with a lower cycle at the same throughput.