Method and apparatus for separating and stacking slices of food

US9487316B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• HOCHLAND SE · DE

Inventors

• Andreas Biggel · Hergatz, DE
• Tobias Schellheimer · Schallstadt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 31, 2013
• Grant date: Nov 8, 2016
• Expiry date: Mar 30, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H29/40
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for separating and stacking slices of food, in particular slices of cheese (2). In said method, a plurality of slices of food (2) is continuously conveyed by a feeding belt conveyor (3) such that the slices of food adjoin each other in rows. A rotating transfer roll (5) picks up the slices of food (2) from the feeding belt conveyor (3) and places same on top of each other in a stacking zone (4), the transfer roll (5) jointly accommodating a row of slices of food by means of a corresponding plurality of holding units (6). During rotation of the transfer roll, the individual slices of food (2) are separated from each other as a result of a relative movement of the holding units in the axial direction, and the separated individual slices (2) detach from the holding units (6) and are stacked on top of each other in the stacking zone (4).