Description

The present invention relates to a device for packaging a single sliced loaf.

The present invention furthermore relates to a method for providing a single packaged sliced loaf according to the invention.

The present invention furthermore relates to a bread-packaging assembly which comprises the device according to the present invention.

The term bread used in the present patent application comprises an edible flour product which is produced by baking, boiling or steaming bread dough to form a loaf of bread. The loaf made from the bread dough is often too large and inconvenient to be eaten directly and is therefore often cut into slices before consumption by the consumer.

Often, the bread is sliced by a shop assistant prior to being sold in a shop, such as for example in a bakery. To this end, conventional bread-slicing devices which are known per se, such as, for example, a slicing machine with progressive lever, are used.

The standard bread-slicing device comprises bread-slicing means with serrations or slicing wire for slicing the unsliced loaf. The shop assistant places the unsliced loaf in the bread-slicing device. The assistant then activates the bread- slicing device, following which the loaf is moved in the direction of the bread-slicing means which cut the loaf into slices, resulting in a sliced loaf, after which the sliced loaf is moved to a discharge position. The loaf is then taken from the bread-slicing device by the assistant and placed on a packaging plateau intended for the purpose. The assistant pulls a bag over the loaf and the plateau, subsequently slides the loaf with the surrounding bag from the plateau, and then closes the bag. Thus, a single packaged sliced loaf is provided, which can then be sold to the customer.

It is a drawback of the known bread-slicing device that it is laborious and, in addition, relatively unsafe. The assistant may injure himself on the bread- slicing means. Because of these limitations and due to safety concerns, this known bread-slicing device is therefore usually operated by specially trained personnel, in particular bakery personnel. An additional problem of the present state of the art is the fact that packaging the sliced loaf is relatively inconvenient. The loaf may fall off the packaging plateau or the bag may not be pulled sufficiently well or not completely over the sliced loaf, as a result of which packaging does not go entirely as desired. Thus, for example, the loaf may fall to the ground just after it has been placed in the bag when it is being removed from the plateau.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution for the abovementioned prior-art problem.

This object is achieved by means of a bread-packaging device for packaging a single sliced loaf, according to Claim 1 . The bread-packaging device according to the present invention comprises a conveying unit which can be placed near a bread-slicing device or can be connected or attached thereto and which is configured to receive a single sliced loaf from the bread-slicing device. By configuring the bread-packaging device such that it can be directly connected to the bread-slicing device, it is possible to screen the bread-slicing means from the bread-slicing device. The user does not have to remove the loaf himself, but this loaf can be conveyed directly to the bread-packaging device.

The bread-packaging device according to the present invention furthermore comprises a packaging unit which is connected to the conveying unit in such a way that a passage for the single sliced loaf is formed between the conveying unit and the packaging unit. The packaging unit directly adjoins the conveying unit. As a result thereof, it is no longer necessary to move the loaf to a packaging plateau.

The conveying unit is configured for conveying the received single sliced loaf of bread to the packaging unit via the passage. The packaging unit is configured for packaging the single sliced loaf received from the conveying unit in a bag. The packaging unit comprises bag-opening means which can be brought into a first state for receiving a bag. The bag-opening means can be brought into a second state by a user in order to open the bag, with an opening of the bag being situated in front of the passage. The bag-opening means are thus configured for opening the bag in such a way that it is situated with an opening of the bag in front of the passage, and the single sliced loaf can be moved into the bag by means of the conveying unit.

In this case, the bread-packaging device is configured in such a way that, for each loaf to be packaged, the bag-opening means have to be brought to the second state by a user in each case. Thus, the packaging process for each loaf to be packaged is in each case initiated by the user. This ensures that a loaf is only packaged when a user actually requires one. In particular, the bread-packaging device may in this case be configured in such a way that the bag-opening means in each case have to be returned to the first state by a user.

In contrast to the prior art, the bag is taken onto or near the bag- opening means and the bag is then opened in order to place the loaf in the bag. According to the prior art it is the loaf that is put in position, so that afterwards the bag can slide over the plateau and the loaf.

It was the inventor's insight which made him realize that the prior art provides a relatively clumsy way of packaging a loaf. After the loaf has been sliced, the prior art requires the user to manually move the sliced loaf to a packaging position in order to bag the sliced loaf. After the loaf has been brought into position, the user has to take a bag and pull it over the loaf, following which the bag has to be moved by hand to a bag-sealing means. The present invention provides a device in which fewer operations are required from the user in order to package a loaf. An additional advantage thereof is that the present invention provides a relatively quick and simple way of packaging bread. In this case, the user does not have to touch the single sliced loaf in order to bag it, which is advantageous from the point of view of hygiene.

The inventor also had the insight that the present invention makes the packaging process simpler and also safer, because the user only has to bring the bag- opening means to the second state in order to package the sliced loaf. This may be effected by hand, or automatically by, for example, pressing an operating button. However, with the bread-packaging device according to the present invention, moving the bag-opening means is initiated in particular by the user. It is conceivable that the user places the bag on or near the bag-opening means himself, but in an alternative embodiment this may also be effected automatically. This makes operation of the packaging device more accessible for a larger group of users, including users which are not trained to operate a packaging device. Thus, it is for example conceivable to make customers in a bakery or in a supermarket slice their bread themselves and to bag it immediately thereafter using the bread-packaging device according to the present invention.

A further insight of the inventor is based on the fact that the inside of a loaf is less susceptible to ambient air when the loaf is unsliced than when the loaf has been cut into slices. The inside of an unsliced loaf is subjected to contact with the environment, that is to say the ambient air, to a lesser degree. When a loaf has been cut into slices, relatively large openings are created between the slices, thus increasing the contact area with the air. By providing a device which makes it possible to immediately provide a single packaged sliced loaf, it is possible to shorten the period of time during which a sliced loaf is exposed to the ambient air until a user receives the loaf, so that the device can essentially provide the user with a fresher sliced loaf. The present invention further enhances this effect by providing a bread-packaging assembly, comprising a bread-slicing device and a bread-packaging device according to the present invention, since this ensures that a loaf to be sliced is only sliced and packaged when a user actually requires it.

In the context of the present invention, a (pre-)sliced loaf typically has two end sides comprising a length between them. In the context of the present invention, the term transverse direction is understood to mean a direction substantially perpendicular to the length of the loaf.

A bag, as referred to in the context of the present invention, is a bread bag which is known per se to those skilled in the art and is a pliable body comprising flexible material, such as cloth, cardboard, paper or plastic. The bag comprises an opening, an inner and outer side and has an edge along the opening of the bag. The bag encloses a volume, with the bag being suitable to accommodate a sliced loaf.

In an embodiment, the bag-opening means are in a first position in the first state. The bag-opening means are in a second position in the second state. In this embodiment, the bag-opening means are mechanical bag-opening means, which may physically touch the bag in order to open the bag.

In an embodiment, the bag-opening means comprise an air-blowing unit which is configured for opening the bag by means of an air stream. In one embodiment, this air-blowing unit may be active in addition to mechanical bag-opening means. By means of the air-blowing unit, a bag can be opened in a simple, quick and hygienic manner. The air-blowing unit may, for example, comprise an electric fan, such as a centrifugal fan, which may in particular be provided with a flow tube with outlet opening which is turned towards the bag or can be turned towards the bag.

In an embodiment, in the second state of the bag-opening means, the air-blowing unit is configured for producing an air stream which is directed towards the bag. This makes it possible to open the bag in order to receive a single sliced loaf. In the first state of the bag-opening means, the bag-opening means may be configured to prevent the air-blowing unit from producing an air stream towards the bag. This makes it possible to place a bag on or near the bag-opening means without it being blown away, in order to then bring the bag-opening means into the second state in order to fill the bag with air. As has already been mentioned, the bag- opening means may comprise additional mechanical bag-opening means, such as for example retaining members which keep the bag in its position while it is being filled with air.

In an embodiment, the conveying unit comprises conveying means for conveying the single sliced loaf of bread to the packaging unit. In an advantageous embodiment, the conveying means comprise a push element for pushing the sliced loaf. In this way, it is possible to design the device relatively simply in terms of construction. In addition, such an embodiment is particularly efficient.

In an embodiment, the conveying unit is provided with a loaf- supporting face for supporting the single sliced loaf.

In a specific embodiment, the loaf-supporting face is pivotable between a substantially horizontal receiving position for receiving the sliced loaf, and a substantially slanted dispensing position in which the sliced loaf can be conveyed to the packaging unit. In this case, the loaf-supporting face is positioned, for example, higher than the packaging unit and the sliced loaf will, in operation, slide through the passage in the direction of the packaging unit on account of the force of gravity. An advantage of this embodiment is that this embodiment can provide a packaged sliced loaf in a simple manner, using relatively few technical means or machine parts.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the loaf-supporting surface is pivotable between 0 and 60 degrees, more particularly between 15 and 45 degrees. An advantage of this embodiment is the fact that the sliced loaf can slide through the passage and the opened bag at a predetermined desired speed, in which case the risk of the sliced loaf coming apart is relatively low.

In an embodiment, the conveying means comprise a slot provided in the loaf-supporting face. In this slot, the conveying means, and in particular the push element, may be provided so as to be movable. More specifically, the supporting face may comprise an elongate slot, in which the conveying means, in the form of a push element, act on a sliced loaf from an underside of the supporting face through the slot in order to advance the sliced loaf over the supporting surface in the direction of the packaging unit. In this case, the conveying means are driven by driving means. Examples of driving means which are suitable for this application are pneumatic, hydraulic or electromagnetic actuators.

In an alternative embodiment, the conveying means comprise, for example, pneumatic, hydraulic or electromagnetic actuators which can act on the sliced loaf. Another option for the conveying means is for example a conveyor belt.

In an embodiment, the conveying unit is configured for receiving a sliced loaf from a bread-slicing device from a first direction, and for conveying the single sliced loaf to the packaging unit in a second direction, substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A sliced loaf is often sliced in the transverse direction by a bread-slicing device and then transported away in the transverse direction. An advantage of this embodiment of the bread-packaging device according to the present invention is that the sliced loaf, upon arrival from the first direction, is immediately oriented in a suitable manner, so that the sliced loaf can be moved by the conveying unit with the end side in the second direction through the opening of the opened bag, without a relatively complicated rotation of the sliced loaf being necessary. An optional rotation increases the risk of the slices of the sliced loaf ending up in an undesired orientation. This insight also ensures a relatively compact device, as a result of which the present invention can be used even more widely.

In an advantageous embodiment, the device comprises at least one sensor for detecting the bag-opening means, and blocking means, in communication with the sensor, for controlling the conveying unit on the basis of the information detected by the sensor. The blocking means may block or, on the contrary, unblock, for example, the supply of a sliced loaf to the conveying unit on the basis of information detected by the sensor. The sensor may be configured for detecting a position of the bag-opening means. The sensor may additionally or alternatively be configured for detecting the presence of an opened bag in the packaging unit. The sensor may additionally or alternatively be configured for detecting a bag with sliced loaf in the packaging unit.

In an embodiment, the packaging unit comprises a casing, in particular a protective cover. The cover may be designed to be partly or completely transparent. The casing may comprise transparent materials, such as for example glass, plexiglass or other transparent plastics. Preferably the casing comprises hinges, with the hinges enabling, for example, the user to fold open the protective cover. It is also conceivable that the packaging unit for opening and closing the protective cover comprises an actuator. In particular, the user may activate the actuator by hand. The casing of the packaging unit screens the user from the packaging unit, for example, during the period in which the device is active or, for example, when the bag-opening means are in the second position.

In an embodiment, the bread-packaging device according to the present invention comprises passage means provided near the passage, in which the passage means are movable between a first position, in which the passage is cleared in such a way that the single sliced loaf can be conveyed through the passage, and a closed position in which the passage is substantially closed in such a way that the conveying unit is substantially screened off from the packaging unit. The passage means are movable between an open and a closed position. In the closed position, the passage means substantially close off the passage, with the packaging unit and the conveying unit being substantially screened off from each other. The bread- packaging device may be configured in such a way that the packaged loaf can only be taken out of the bread-packaging device in the closed position of the passage means. For example, the bread-packaging device may be configured in such a way that when the casing is present, the former can only be opened if the passage means are in the closed position. In the open position of the passage means, the passage is substantially open. If the passage is substantially open, the bread-packaging device may be configured in such a way that the packaging unit is substantially screened off from the surroundings and not accessible to a user. While the passage means are in the closed position, it is relatively safe for a user to reach into the packaging unit, because the conveying unit is substantially closed off from the packaging unit and the user can therefore also not reach the bread-slicing means of the bread-slicing device.

In an embodiment, the bread-packaging device comprises at least one sensor for detecting a position of the sliced loaf and control means, in communication with the sensor, for controlling the passage means on the basis of the determined position of the sliced loaf.

The passage means comprise, for example, movable elements connected to hinge elements. In this case, the movable elements form an obstruction in front of the passage in a closed position of the passage means. In particular, bag- opening means may comprise the movable elements of the passage means. The movable elements may also form additional bag-opening means. The movable elements are then configured to reach into the opening of a positioned bag and open this bag further, in an open position of the passage means. In this case, the movable elements come into contact with the inner side of the opened bag.

When using hinge elements, it is relatively simple to regulate the range of the movable elements and thus the degree of opening of the passage by, for example, limiting the hinged elements to a desired range or to limit them in such a way that the movable elements can substantially only be moved in the packaging unit between the open and closed position. A further advantage of this embodiment is the fact that, in the open position, the movable elements can support the inside of the opened bag, preferably at the opening of the opened bag.

In an embodiment, pressing means may be provided, such as for example a spring and/or a damper, for forcing the passage means in the direction of the closed position. For example, one spring per movable element may be provided, which is arranged in such a way that the movable element is forced to the closed position. It is an advantage of this embodiment that once the hinged elements have reached the open position, the hinged elements can spring back into the closed position.

Typically, a sliced loaf has a length of, for example, 20 to 35 centimetres, more particularly a length of 20 to 32 centimetres.

Typically, a sliced loaf has a weight of, for example, 450 to 800 grams.

The passage means also comprise, for example, a relatively soft material. In particular also, for example, having a relatively high coefficient of friction, such as rubber. It is an advantage of the relatively soft material that the risk of damage to the bag is reduced. It is an advantage of a material with a relatively high coefficient of friction that it is easier to keep the bag open when it has been gripped.

In a specific embodiment, the movable elements have such a length that they, in the open position of the passage means, extend at least ¼ part, preferably at least ½ part, of the length of the sliced loaf into the bag. The length may be chosen such that the elements extend into the bag substantially along the entire length of the bag.

In an embodiment, the conveying unit is provided with a casing, such as a protective cover. The casing screens the conveying unit off from the user.

In an embodiment, the bread-packaging device comprises feed means provided at the conveying unit for supplying the loaf sliced by the bread-slicing device to the conveying unit. It is an advantage of this embodiment that the feed means facilitate the supply of the sliced loaf by feeding the sliced loaf to the conveying unit in a uniform manner. This increases the chances of a sliced loaf being fed correctly to the conveying unit and reduces the risk of failure of the packaging process. The feed means may comprise a conveyor belt which can be connected to a conventional bread- slicing device. This conveyor belt is configured to receive the sliced loaf from the conventional bread-slicing device and feed it to the conveying unit. Alternatively, the feed means may comprise pneumatic, hydraulic or electromagnetic actuators which can act on the sliced loaf.

In an embodiment, the feed means comprise a gripper comprising at least two engagement elements for gripping the sliced loaf at the end sides of the sliced loaf. By cutting the loaf, the loaf loses strength because the individual slices are no longer connected to each other. As a result thereof, the loaf is weaker and more difficult to move as a whole. The sliced loaf has a length which extends between the end sides of the sliced loaf. The individual slices are particularly affected by loads from a direction substantially perpendicular to the length of the sliced loaf. It is an advantage of this embodiment that gripping the sliced loaf by the end sides prevents the sliced loaf from falling apart while being moved. This is understood to mean that one or more slices may drop out of a plurality of slices. In addition, when the gripping force on the end sides of the sliced loaf is too low, it is possible that a plurality of slices drops from between the end sides of the sliced loaf. Gripping the sliced loaf at the end sides also has the advantage that the risk of the slices bending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length of the sliced loaf is reduced. Gripping the sliced loaf by the end sides prevents an excessive load on the slices in the transverse direction while the sliced loaf is being moved.

In an embodiment, at least one of the engagement elements comprises a protective cover member. The cover member or cover is preferably made from a relatively soft material, such as, for example, plastic or rubber. More particularly, the cover comprises a relatively flexible engagement surface, such as, for example, a hollow cone, in which, in use, the underside of the cone can engage the end side of the sliced loaf. It is an advantage of this embodiment that the cover reduces the risk of damage to the sliced loaf, due to the fact that, in use, the cover can flexibly move concomitantly with the loaf. In an embodiment, the bag-opening means comprise at least two engagement elements for gripping a single bag at the opening. The bag-opening means are configured to keep the opening of the bag open to allow passage of a loaf. In particular, the bag-opening means are configured to grip a single bag at the opening of the bag, on at least two spaced-apart points along the edge thereof. Preferably, the at least two bag-opening means engage on the edge of the opening, with a first bag- opening means engaging on a first part of the edge and a second bag-opening means engaging on a substantially opposite edge part of the opening.

In an embodiment, the user initiates fitting the bag to be opened onto the bag-opening means. The user initiates fitting by, for example, manually taking the bag to be opened and manually fitting the inner or outer side of the bag onto the bag- opening means. It is also possible for the user to activate a means, such as for example an actuator or a gripper arm, which fits the bag to be opened onto the bag- opening means.

When the user has fitted the bag to be opened, the bag-opening means can be taken to the second position, in which the opening of the bag is held in front of the passage. After a sliced loaf has been conveyed from the conveying unit through the passage and the opened bag, the bag may be removed by the user, together with the sliced loaf.

According to an embodiment, a packaging cycle of the device according to the present invention comprises fitting a bag onto the bag-opening means, providing a sliced loaf to the conveying unit, conveying the sliced loaf from the conveying unit to the packaging unit via the passage and the opening of the opened bag, and thereby bag the single sliced loaf.

Preferably, the bag containing the sliced loaf is removed by the user.

In particular, blocking means may be provided which are capable of blocking a next cycle, until the bag containing the sliced loaf has been removed or at least until a subsequent packaging cycle can be initiated. Alternatively, the packaged sliced loaf may be automatically delivered, for example to an output tray, from where the user can take the packaged loaf.

According to the present invention, it is in particular the user, such as an assistant, but in particular the customer, who in each case initiates a single packaging cycle for packaging a single sliced loaf. The device is capable of performing a packaging cycle, in which a single sliced loaf is packaged. The user may fit, for example, a single bag onto the bag-opening means, following which a packaging cycle for a single sliced loaf can start. In an embodiment, a second packaging cycle for packaging a successive single sliced loaf can only be performed if the packaged loaf from the preceding cycle has been removed and a new bag has been opened.

Initiating the packaging cycle may be effected by means of a button, a lever, the closing of a lid or in other ways.

Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described below.

In an embodiment, the packaging unit comprises a loaf-supporting surface for receiving the sliced loaf of bread. It is an advantage of this embodiment that the loaf-supporting surface supports a portion of the opened bag. Supporting the opened bag containing the loaf by means of the loaf-supporting surface prevents the weight of the sliced loaf from allowing the sliced loaf to hang in an uncontrolled manner in the opened bag and thereby subject the bag-opening means to an excessive load.

In an embodiment, the loaf-supporting face of the conveying unit forms an integral or at least a connected whole with the loaf-supporting surface of the packaging unit. It is an advantage of this embodiment that the sliced loaf can readily be moved from the conveying unit to the packaging unit, in which case there is a relatively small height difference between the conveying unit and the packaging unit.

In an embodiment, the bread-packaging device comprises a processing unit, in which case the processing unit is in communication with one or more of the installed sensors.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the bag-opening means comprise bag-sealing means. It is an advantage of this embodiment that the bag is sealed immediately after packaging of the loaf and before removal of the packaged sliced loaf from the packaging unit.

In a further particularly advantageous embodiment, the passage comprises cleaning means, such as, for example, a brush with a plurality of hairs, in which case the hairs of the brush are arranged in such a way that they, in use, sweep along the sliced loaf. It is an advantage of this embodiment that the cleaning means reduce the risk of relatively loose loaf particles on the outer side of the sliced loaf reaching the packaging unit. As a result thereof, the packaging unit remains relatively clean. In a further particular aspect of the invention, a bread-packaging assembly is formed comprising the bread-packaging device according to the invention and a bread-slicing device, in which the bread-slicing device is configured for slicing a loaf and for feeding the sliced loaf to the conveying unit. It is an advantage of this aspect that a complete solution is provided for slicing a loaf and packaging a sliced loaf.

In an embodiment, the bread-packaging assembly comprises at least one sensor for detecting a position of the loaf to be sliced and control means, in communication with the sensor, for controlling the assembly on the basis of the determined position of the loaf to be sliced.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for providing a packaged sliced loaf is provided, in particular using a packaging device according to the present invention, the method comprising the following steps:

a. providing a single sliced loaf;

b. providing a single bag;

c. placing the single bag on or near bag-opening means;

d. opening the single bag which has already been placed on or near the bag- opening means by a user using the bag-opening means;

e. placing the single sliced loaf in the bag for packaging the single sliced loaf.

An advantage of this method is the fact that it offers a simple way of providing a user with a packaged sliced loaf, with the user being able to initiate the packaging process autonomously and to remove a packaged sliced loaf, with the risk of the packaging process failing or the user being in danger being relatively low.

The invention will be described below by means of some exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the following figures, in which:

Figs. 1 a-e - show a diagrammatic top view of the packaging process according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1 f - shows a diagrammatic top view of a possible embodiment of a bread-packaging assembly according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 - shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 - shows a diagrammatic perspective view of a possible embodiment of a bread-packaging assembly according to the present invention. Figs. 1 a-e show a diagrammatic top view of a first possible embodiment of the present invention including a bread-slicing device, in which the process of slicing and packaging a sliced loaf according to the invention is shown diagrammatically.

Figs. 1 a-e show a diagrammatic top view of a bread-packaging assembly 101 , comprising a bread-packaging device 100 which adjoins a bread-slicing device 200. The bread-packaging device 100 is configured for packaging a single sliced loaf (VB). The device 100 comprises a conveying unit 1 which adjoins a bread- slicing device 200 and which is configured to receive a single sliced loaf (VB) from the bread-slicing device 200. The bread-packaging device 100 furthermore comprises a downstream packaging unit 3 which is connected to the conveying unit in such a way that a passage 2 for the single sliced loaf (VB) is formed between the conveying unit 1 and the packaging unit 3.

The conveying unit 1 is configured for conveying the received single sliced loaf (VB) to the packaging unit 3 via the passage 2. The packaging unit 3 is configured for packaging the single sliced loaf (VB) received from the conveying unit in a bag which, however, is not shown in Figs. 1a-1 e. As will be explained later in more detail in Fig. 2, the packaging unit 3 comprises bag-opening means 21 which can be brought into a first state or position for receiving a bag, and which can be brought into a second state or position by a user in order to open the bag, with an opening of the bag being situated in front of the passage 2. This makes it possible to convey a loaf sliced by the bread-slicing device 200 to the packaging unit 3 via the conveying unit 1 and to package the loaf there.

Now referring to Fig. 1 b, it can be seen that the conveying unit 1 in the embodiment from Fig. 1 b comprises conveying means 10 for conveying the single sliced loaf to the packaging unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the conveying means 10 comprise a push element 1 1 for pushing the sliced loaf (VB). The push element may be, for example, a plate-like element, the shape and size of which are matched to the dimensions of the loaf to be packaged. The plate-like element may be made, for example, from metal, although other materials are also conceivable. In the illustrated embodiment, the push element 1 1 is movably displaceable in a slot 12 which is provided in a loaf-supporting face 13 of the conveying unit 1 . The push element 1 1 is drivably movable, for example by driving means (not shown), which may be, for example, of a pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical or electromagnetic design. However, other embodiments are also conceivable and the implementation of such driving means is known per se to those skilled in the art. The driving means may be arranged in a particularly efficient manner, for example, underneath the loaf-supporting face, although another, for example lateral, position is also conceivable.

As has already been mentioned, the conveying unit comprises a loaf- supporting face. This loaf-supporting face 13 is configured for supporting the single sliced loaf (VB). This makes it possible to provide stable support for the sliced loaf (VB), also while it is being conveyed.

In an embodiment which is not illustrated, the loaf-supporting face is pivotable between a substantially horizontal receiving position for receiving the sliced loaf, and a substantially slanted dispensing position in which the sliced loaf can be conveyed to the packaging unit. On account of the force of gravity, it will then be possible to convey the sliced loaf (VB) in the direction R2 of the packaging unit 3.

The bread-packaging device 100 according to the present invention is particularly compact. This is partly due to the fact that the conveying unit 3 is configured for receiving a sliced loaf (VB) from the bread-slicing device 200 from a first direction R1 , and for conveying the single sliced loaf (VB) in a second direction R2. In this case, the second direction R2 differs from the first direction R1 . The second direction R2 comprises a component which is at right angles to the first direction R1 . As can be seen in the embodiment from Fig. 1 a, the direction R2 is substantially perpendicular to the first direction R1 .

It can furthermore be seen in Fig. 1 d that the bread-packaging device 100 comprises feed means 14 provided near the conveying unit 3 for supplying the sliced loaf to the conveying unit. In the illustrated embodiment, these are designed in the form of a gripper comprising at least two engagement elements 14 for gripping the sliced loaf at its end sides. Alternatively, the feed means may be designed as a conveyor, for example in the form of rotatable rollers or a driven conveyor belt.

The operation of the above-described bread-packaging assembly with bread-packaging device will be explained in more detail with reference to Figs. 1 a - 1 e.

Fig. 1 a diagrammatically shows how a loaf (B) is moved in a first direction (R1 ) towards the bread-slicing unit 210 with cutting means 21 1 of a bread- slicing device 200. After the bread-slicing unit 210 has sliced the loaf (B), a sliced loaf (VB) has been produced, as is illustrated in Fig. 1 c. Displacement means 14, here in the form of the gripper elements 14, are configured to grip the sliced loaf from the bread-slicing unit 210 and move it to the conveying unit 1 . In this case, the displacement means 14 are preferably configured to grip the sliced loaf (VB) at its end sides, with the feed means 14 being able to move in a direction (X), as is illustrated in Fig. 1 d. The feed means 14 are also configured for displacing the sliced loaf (VB) to the conveying unit 1 after they have gripped the sliced loaf (VB), with the feed means 14 being movable in a direction (Y), see Fig. 1 e. In this case, direction Y is perpendicular to direction X. In particular Fig. 1 d shows that the displacement means 14 can grip the end sides of the sliced loaf by being movable in the direction X. Feed means 14 are configured to be able to return to the starting position after a sliced loaf (VB) has been moved.

In the illustrated embodiment, the conveying unit 1 comprises a loaf- supporting face 13, with a slot 12 being provided in the loaf-supporting face 13 and extending in a second direction (R2). Slot 12 is suitable for receiving a push element 1 1 of the conveying means 10. Push element 1 1 is substantially movable along the extent of slot 12 and is configured to convey, in use, the sliced loaf (VB) in the direction of the packaging unit 3 and through the passage 2, after a bag has been opened in bag-opening means 21. In this embodiment, the bag-opening means are positioned downstream with respect to the passage means 4. In other embodiments, it is possible for the bag-opening means 21 to be positioned upstream of the passage means 4. In this embodiment, packaging unit 3 comprises a loaf-supporting surface 31. This surface is capable of supporting the sliced loaf which has been conveyed through the opened bag.

In embodiments where there is a difference in height between the conveying unit 1 and the packaging unit 3, with the conveying unit 1 being higher than the packaging unit 3, it is possible for the loaf-supporting face 13 to be pivotable with respect to the loaf-supporting surface 31 . For example, by pivotably connecting the loaf-supporting face 13 to, for example, the bread-slicing device, upstream of the packaging unit. In this case, slot 12 and push element 1 1 are obsolete.

If the conveying unit 1 and the packaging unit 3 comprising the passage 2 of the bread-packaging device between them extend only along a first direction (R1), it is possible to connect the supporting face 13 so as to be pivotable, for example hinged, to the bread-slicing device 200. In that case, slot 12 and push element 1 1 are obsolete.

If a pivotable loaf-supporting face 13 is present, the sliced loaf (VB) will slide through the passage 2 in the direction of the packaging unit 3 on account of the force of gravity. When the sliced loaf (VB) pushes against the end of the opened bag with its weight, a tractive force results at the bag-opening means 21 . If the weight of the sliced loaf (VB) is known, it is possible to determine the minimum force which is required to release the opened bag containing the sliced loaf on the basis of the friction between the opened bag and the bag-opening means 21 .

The diagrammatic representation of Figs. 1 a-e shows passage means

4. The passage means are configured to substantially screen off the passage 2 between the conveying unit 1 of the packaging unit 3 in the closed position. In the open position, a sliced loaf (VB) may pass through. The passage means 4 may be resiliently connected at the passage, in such a way that the passage means 4 have a resilient action in the direction of the closed position. In the closed position, the springs are then substantially relaxed.

Fig. 1f shows a second possible embodiment of the bread-packaging assembly 101 according to the present invention, in which especially the bread- packaging device 100, in particular the packaging unit 3, is configured differently compared to the embodiment described with reference to Figs. 1 a-1 e. For the sake of brevity, only the most important differences will be explained here. Identical or very similar components are in each case denoted by the same reference numeral.

This embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 f differs especially in the way in which the packaging unit 3 is designed. Here, the packaging unit 3 is provided with bag-opening means 21 a, 21 b which comprise an air-blowing unit 21 a which is configured for opening the bag by means of an air stream. The packaging unit 3 thus comprises bag-opening means 21 which can be brought into a first state for receiving a bag and which can be brought into a second state by a user in order to open the bag, with an opening of the bag being situated in front of the passage 2. The air- blowing unit may be configured, for example in the second state of the bag-opening means, to produce an air stream which is directed towards the bag, for example by switching on the air-blowing unit. In the first state of the bag-opening means, these may be configured to prevent the air-blowing unit from producing an air stream towards the bag. The air-blowing means may, for example, be switched off or moved away into another position, so that no air stream is directed towards the bag.

In the embodiment illustrated here, the bag-opening means 21 a, 21 b thus comprise an air-blowing unit 21 a, as well as mechanical opening elements 21 b which can reach into an opening of the bag to be opened in order to create an initial opening in the bag, so that the bag can then easily be opened by means of an air stream coming from the air-blowing unit 21 a.

Furthermore, it is conceivable for the bag-opening means 21 in this embodiment to comprise the push element 1 1 which may be configured in such a way that it can be moved as far as into the packaging unit 3, in particular as far as or beyond the mechanical opening elements 21 b. When the push element 1 1 is in this last position, it has been moved very close over the bag to be opened Z. As a result thereof, the bag cannot be opened, even if there is an air stream coming from the air- blowing unit 21 a. Only when the push element 1 1 is moved away, will the bag have sufficient space to be opened by the air-blowing means. Thus, the bag-opening means 21 can also be brought into a first state or position for receiving a bag Z, and can also be brought to a second state or position by a user in order to open the bag Z with an opening of the bag Z in front of the passage 2. In this case, it is also conceivable for the mechanical opening elements 21 b to slightly help with the opening of the bag, for example by keeping the bag in its position and/or by making a relatively slight outward turn. Furthermore, loaf-guiding elements 21 c are provided which guide the loaf while it is being moved into the bag.

According to the present invention, the bag-opening means 21 , as described above with reference to Figs. 1 a-1 f, can be brought to a second state or position by a user in order to open the bag with an opening of the bag being situated in front of the passage. In this case, the bread-packaging assembly 101 is configured in such a way that the user has to bring the bag-opening means 21 into the second state for every loaf to be packaged. Thus, the packaging process for each loaf to be packaged is in each case initiated by the user. As a result, a loaf is packaged only when a user actually requires one. Bringing the bag-opening means to the second state, such as a second position, by the user may be effected by hand or automatically, for example, by pressing an operating button. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 f, the packaging unit 3 is provided with a lid 32. The bread-slicing device 200 is also provided with a lid 232. The lids 32, 232 may be, for example, hingable or may be configured in another way. The lids may be coupled to each other. This means that closing and/or opening one of the lids 32, 232 results in the closing and/or opening of the other of the lids 32, 232. In this embodiment, it is conceivable that closing of the lid 32 of the packaging unit results in initiating bringing the bag-opening means into the second state.

This generally works as follows: the user places a loaf to be sliced and to be packaged in the bread-slicing device 200. The user then closes the lid 32 of the packaging unit 3. The lid 232 of the bread-slicing device is also closed immediately. The bread-packaging assembly now checks if it can perform a slicing and packaging operation. In particular, it checks if a loaf is present and if a bag is present. If all requirements have been met, the bag-opening means 21 a, 21 b are brought to the second state (such as, if applicable, to the second position) and the slicing and packaging process can proceed. Thus, the displacement of the bag-opening means to the second state and/or position in particular is initiated by the user.

It is conceivable for the user himself to place the bag Z on or near the bag-opening means, but in an alternative embodiment, a supply of bags is already provided at the packaging unit 3 and therefore this can also take place automatically.

Using the bread-packaging assembly 101 , comprising a bread-slicing device 200, and a bread-packaging device 100 according to the present invention, a loaf to be sliced is thus in each case sliced and packaged because the user initiates the process by bringing the bag-opening means to the second state.

Fig. 2 shows a possible embodiment of the present invention in perspective. The passage 2 shows the opening between the conveying unit 1 and packaging unit 3. Two bag-opening means 21 are provided along the passage 2. The bag-opening means comprise engagement means 26 to which a user can fit a bag to be opened. Bag-opening means 21 are connected to positioning means 22, in this case designed as a manually operable lever. By moving the positioning means 22 between the open and closed position of the bag-opening means 21 , the position of the bag-opening means 21 is changed. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the bag-opening means 21 are movable between an up and a down position or the open and closed position, respectively. Bag-opening means 21 may keep a bag open in cooperation with bag-opening means 21 b. When bag-opening means 21 are in a closed position or down position, the user may fit a bag (Z) by its one side to engagement means 26. The user may substantially simultaneously fit another side of the bag (Z) underneath bag-opening means 21 b. By placing a bag (Z) over the bag-opening means 21 , 21 b, in the closed position of the bag-opening means, and subsequently bringing the bag- opening means to the open position by means of positioning means 22, the bag (Z) is opened and the opening of the bag (Z) is situated in front of the passage 20 of the passage unit 2.

In the embodiment from Fig. 2, two types of bag-opening means 21 , 21 b are located at passage 2. By arranging the edge of the bag to be opened (Z) around the bag-opening means, the bag-opening means 21 , 21 b can keep the opening of the bag (Z) open. In the embodiment which can be seen in Fig. 2, bag-opening means 21 b comprises an elongate element which extends at right angles to the direction (R2). In the specific embodiment, bag-opening means 21 b is capable of engaging loaf-supporting surface 31 and in this case bringing about a clamping effect. When one side of the bag to be opened (Z) is placed between bag-opening means 21 b and loaf-supporting surface 31 and bag-opening means 21 b engages with the loaf- supporting surface 31 , the bag is clamped and thus temporarily held. Preferably, the bag-opening means 21 b are connected to positioning means 22, in which case not only the open position of the passage means 4 is achieved, but also the clamping effect of bag-opening means 21 b.

In a further embodiment, bag-opening means 21 b has little teeth or studs on the engagement surface to make the engagement surface rougher, which is the surface on which friction increases when the bag-opening means 21 b and loaf- supporting surface 31 engage. Also, the teeth may partly or substantially extend through the material of bag (Z). In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the bag-opening means 21 comprise a relatively soft material, such as for example a rubber or a plastic. In this specific embodiment, the packaging unit 3 comprises a protective casing 34 which screens off the user from the packaging unit 3 once casing cover 32 has been substantially closed. In particular during the period when the conveying means 10 are moving and/or the bag-opening means 21 are in an open position. Casing cover 32 is pivotable with respect to casing 34 due to pivot elements 33 being fitted between the casing 34 and the casing cover 32.

Fig. 3 shows a further possible embodiment of the bread-packaging assembly 101 according to the present invention, which is similar to the embodiment from Fig. 1 f. As has already been indicated for Fig. 1 f, the packaging unit 3 from Fig. 3 comprises bag-opening means 21 a, 21 b, 21 b' with an air-blowing unit 21 a and mechanical opening elements 21 b which can reach into an opening of the bag Z in order to open the latter. The packaging unit 3 thus comprises bag-opening means 21 which can be brought to a first state for receiving a bag Z and which can be brought to a second state by a user in order to open the bag, with an opening of the bag being situated in front of the passage 2. This could also be effected by means of the lever 22 shown in Fig. 2, but in this illustrated embodiment, the bread-packaging assembly is configured to bring the bag-opening means 21 a, 21 b' to the second state due to the user closing the lid 32. After a check has been performed, for example by an operating and control system comprising sensors, packaging of the loaf, and optionally prior slicing of the loaf, may be initiated. In this second state, the air-blowing unit 21 a will produce an air stream which is directed towards the opening of the bag Z. The mechanical gripper 21 b (see Fig. 2 for a detailed view) can engage the underside of the bag, so that the bag Z is opened by the air stream being blown in and the bag Z is held in place. In the present embodiment, the top gripper 21 b' is additionally used for opening the bag Z, in particular lifting up the inside of the bag, when the loaf is being taken to the bag. To this end, the loaf will move the top gripper 21 b' upwards, after which the bag Z is pushed open further. The bottom two guide elements 21 c are used in particular for guiding the sliced loaf VB as far as into the bag.

In practice, the push element (1 1 , see Fig. 1 f) is moved to the left beyond the mechanical opening means 21 b, 21 b' and the guide elements 21 c, in a first state of the bag-opening means 21 a, 21 b. This push element keeps the bag Z in place. When the air stream from the air-blowing unit 21 a is activated, the bag will puff up. The gripper 21 b still keeps the bag Z in place. Subsequently, the push element 1 1 is moved away into the position illustrated in Fig. 1 f, as a result of which the entire bag Z can be inflated. Now, the loaf B can be sliced and the sliced loaf VB can be conveyed into the bag Z which is held open. When the sliced loaf is being moved, it comes into contact with the mechanical opening means 21 b', as a result of which the bag is opened further. Thereafter, the loaf is inside the bag and the bag may be closed, optionally automatically or by hand.

In the embodiment from Fig. 3, the bag-opening means 21 have to be brought to the second state by a user for each loaf to be packaged, in this case by closing the lid 32. Obviously, other ways of initiating are conceivable.

The invention is described above with reference to some possible embodiments. The requested protection is determined by the attached claims.