DE102013100298B4 - Feeding system for a heat treatment device, plant and method for heat treatment of food - Google Patents

Abstract

Charging system for a heat treatment device (12), in particular a device for heat treatment of food, with a loading carriage (30), with at least one frame receptacle (32, 32a, 32b) for receiving a feed rack (36, 36a, 36b) for a plurality of product carriers (44), wherein the loading trolley (30) can be selectively coupled to the heat treatment device (12) by means of a coupling device (90) in order to transfer or take over the at least one charging frame (36, 36a, 36b), and with a detection device (54 ) comprising at least one detector (56, 72, 74, 80, 82) for detecting occupancy information of the at least one feed rack (36, 36a, 36b) coupled to the loader carriage (30), the detecting means (54) being on the loading cart (30) is arranged and adapted to treat at least the presence and number of product carriers (44) or the presence and number of the products (46) in the at least one feed rack (36, 36a, 36b) and with a data line (60) for transmitting a detected occupancy state to the heat treatment device (12), the data line (60) having a signal port (62). which, in a coupled state, contacts a corresponding interface (64) of the heat treatment device (12).

Description

The invention relates to a feeding system for a heat treatment device, in particular a device for heat treatment of food, with a loading carriage, with at least one frame receptacle for receiving a feed rack for a plurality of product carriers. The invention further relates to a plant for heat treatment of food, comprising a heat treatment device, in particular a furnace, which has at least one heat treatment chamber, which is designed to receive a feed rack, and with a charging system. In addition, the invention also relates to a corresponding method for heat treatment of foods.

From the DE 10 2009 043 467 A1 a leaderless transport system for loading ovens with back frames is known, comprising a transport vehicle with a drive unit, a coupling device for releasably connecting the transport vehicle with a back frame and a programmable control unit, wherein the transport vehicle rail unbound and the control unit for controlling the drive units of the coupling device is formed is that the transport carriage can be moved and coupled by the control unit without a driver.

From the AT 325 540 B a baking cabinet is known which has a closable by means of a door opening for insertion and removal of a movable on the bottom baking rack and a drive device for the movement of the introduced into the baking oven rack baking frame, wherein the drive means arranged in the interior of the oven on its top driver comprises at least approximately vertical axis of rotation, which is designed as a suspension device for the back frame and can be coupled with a carrier applied to the upper side of the latter.

Devices for heat treatment of foods are well known in the art. These may be ovens, convection ovens, steamer ovens, combi ovens or similar appliances that combine various functions. Basically, a device for heat treatment of food can also be understood as meaning a device that is designed to cool food. By way of example, a so-called combi steamer may be configured to cook food products under a hot air atmosphere, to cook under a steam saturated atmosphere, and to treat in a combined mode of operation, which may be referred to as hot steaming.

There are also systems for heat treatment of food known that can be used for example in commercial kitchens, in catering, in the food trade and in the bakery industry. In particular, it may be about so-called shop ovens. Shop baking ovens can in principle also be designed as Heißumluftöfen.

In addition, so-called deck ovens are known in which about a plurality of furnace is coupled together to ensure high flexibility and to use as little space. For example, two or more hot air ovens may be stacked vertically one above the other.

Furthermore, in the prior art loading trolleys are known, which can be moved and can serve as buffers for products to be treated or for already treated products. Usually, the products to be treated or already treated are arranged on product carriers, for example on baking trays, gratings or similar receptacles. The product carriers with the products can be placed in the loading trolley in preparation for or after the actual heat treatment and temporarily stored. The loading trolley can be designed in such a way that loading of the oven can take place particularly quickly and at least partially automatically. In particular, it is advantageous if a plurality of product carriers can be moved back and forth between the loading trolley and the heat treatment device (such as the oven) in the shortest possible time. In this way, it is possible to avoid energy losses which occur, for example, when a door of a treatment chamber of the heat treatment device has to be opened excessively long in order to load or unload the heat treatment device. At the same time, the heat treatment result can be improved if a plurality of product carriers is introduced into or removed from the heat treatment device as far as possible simultaneously. It is possible to achieve more homogeneous heat treatment results.

Systems are also known in the prior art which are intended to enable detection of the loading or occupancy of a heat treatment apparatus. For this purpose, it is usually provided to install sensors in a furnace chamber in order to determine the presence of frame parts, baking trays or the like.

For example, show the US 7,183,521 B2 as well as the DE 199 54 470 B4 Apparatus for the heat treatment of foodstuffs, in which the presence of, before a cleaning process, such as a pyrolysis process Components is queried. This design is based on the finding that pyrolysis is carried out at a significantly elevated temperature. As a result, the risk of damage to installations in the furnace chamber, which are not designed for such high temperatures, is fundamentally threatened.

From the DE 10 2008 022 227 B3 a cooking appliance is known which has a cooking chamber and a cooking chamber door, wherein the cooking chamber door comprises at least one viewing window made of electrically insulating material, wherein at least one capacitive occupancy sensor is positioned on the viewing window for detecting an occupancy. Thus, the viewing window is at least partially installed by the occupancy sensor.

The invention has for its object to provide a feed system for a heat treatment device and a plant for heat treatment of food with a heat treatment device and a feed system, where in a simple manner and the least possible construction effort a detection of occupancy or loading is possible, with a due The occupancy detection generable occupancy status information should be available as a parameter for a sequence of a heat treatment program as possible. Furthermore, a corresponding method for heat treatment of food should be specified.

The object of the invention is achieved by a feeding system for a heat treatment device, in particular a device for heat treatment of food, with a loading carriage, with at least one frame receptacle for receiving a feed rack for a plurality of product carriers, wherein the loading carriage by means of a coupling device selectively with the heat treatment device coupled with a detection device having at least one detector for detecting occupancy information of the at least one feed rack which can be coupled to the loading cart, wherein the detection device is arranged on the loading cart and is designed to at least to detect the presence and number of product carriers or the presence and number of products to be treated in the at least one feed rack, and with a date in the heat treatment device, wherein the data line has a signal terminal which, in a coupled state, contacts a corresponding interface of the heat treatment device.

The object of the invention is completely solved in this way.

Namely, according to the present invention, the occupancy information of the at least one feed rack can be detected outside a treatment room of the heat treatment apparatus. In this way, the detection device is not exposed to the conditions usually prevailing in the treatment room (also: furnace chamber). In the furnace room, for example, a significantly higher temperature, an increased pressure, high humidity and contamination may be present, for example due to heat treatment residues. When detecting the occupancy information of the at least one feed rack, the detection device is not exposed to such adverse conditions of use.

The occupancy information may in principle include the presence, amount and / or location of heat treatment products and / or product carriers. However, the occupancy information may further include heat treatment information or heat treatment parameters. This may include, for example, the temperature of the products to be treated or the nature of the products to be treated. The temperature may be an actual temperature or a desired temperature. The occupancy information may include at least one or more of the mentioned items as well as possibly further information.

Since the occupancy is detected prior to introduction of the feed rack into the oven space, associated occupancy information can be communicated to the heat treatment apparatus immediately and without significant time delay. Thus, for example, heat treatment parameters can be adapted to the existing coverage.

In particular, when a batch oven is to be charged, the loading cart may have a plurality of rack receptacles corresponding to a plurality of treatment rooms or oven compartments of the heat treatment apparatus. The design of the loading trolley and the heat treatment device can also be adapted to one another with regard to a position and dimensions of the treatment rooms and the associated frame receptacles. Usually, each frame receptacle is adapted to receive a feed rack. At the same time, a plurality of product carriers can be introduced into or removed from the treatment space or furnace space with the aid of the feed rack.

The coupling device can be configured to the loading carriage in a To couple preferential position with the heat treatment device, in particular to couple mechanically, to facilitate the transition of the at least one feed rack between the heat treatment device and the loading trolley. Exemplary designs of the coupling device can not be pre-published German patent application number 10 2012 003 799.6 taken from the same assignee as the present invention.

It is understood that the detection means may be adapted to detect both the presence and number of product carriers as well as the presence and number of products to be treated. In principle, however, already the detection of the product carrier, which are included in the loading frame, be of sufficient relevance and be used to control a program flow of a heat treatment process.

If the detection device is arranged on the loading trolley itself, it requires no complex sensors at the at least one loading frame. This design has the further advantage that the detection device is not brought together with the at least one feed frame in the heat treatment chamber and is exposed to the local conditions of use.

However, it is also understood that according to alternative embodiments, the detection device or at least parts thereof may well be included in the loading frame. Preferably, these are passive sensors or other components that may be useful in detecting the product carriers and / or the products to be treated. Also in this or similar designs, there is an advantage in that the detection does not have to take place in the heat treatment room or furnace room itself. This can rather be done upstream of the heat treatment process in the loading trolley.

The products or heat-treatment products may in particular be baked goods, meat products, ready meals, confectionery, vegetables or the like. In principle, the products may be added to the product carriers in individual cases, for example as dough pieces. However, in principle, the products may also be incorporated on the product carriers as bulk goods, in fluent goods or in a similar form. The occupancy state may concern, for example, the presence, number and location of detected product carriers. However, occupancy may also relate to the presence, number and location of products to be treated (or already treated).

It is of particular advantage that the heat treatment apparatus can be informed of the recorded occupancy state of the loading trolley or of the at least one loading rack accommodated therein without significant additional expenditure. On the basis of and knowledge of the occupation state, the heat treatment process can be varied in order to achieve the best possible heat treatment result. The data line can in particular be coupled to the detection device or to a control unit assigned to it. Preferably, the signal terminal and the corresponding interface are arranged and configured such that a contacting can take place essentially automatically without operator intervention.

In a preferred development of the charging system, the detection device is arranged on the at least one frame receptacle

It is further preferred if the coupling device is designed to couple the signal connection with the interface when coupling the charging system with the heat treatment device.

It is understood that the data line and / or the signal connection can be carried out either wired or contact-bound. On the other hand, it is also conceivable to execute at least the data line or the signal connection wireless or contactless. This may include, for example, an electromagnetic or optical signal transmission. For example, means for generating a local radio network (such as a wireless local area network or WLAN) may be provided. A use of so-called RFID technology is conceivable. For this purpose, suitable transponders and readers may be provided. Optical signal transmission can take place by means of suitable means for coding information as well as suitable reading devices. For example, barcodes can be provided which can be read by cameras.

The coupling of the charging system, in particular the loading carriage, with the heat treatment device can be used as it were for coupling the signal connection with the interface. Preferably, the coupling device is designed to align the loading carriage in the coupled state in a defined relative position to the heat treatment device. Here, a high repeatability is to be guaranteed. Consequently, the loading carriage and the heat treatment device in the coupled state are sufficiently precisely aligned with each other, so that also a defined contact the signal connection with the interface is enabled.

It is understood that when decoupling the coupling device from the heat treatment device, the signal connection can also be decoupled from the interface automatically.

According to a further embodiment, the detection device is provided with a control unit for the computer-aided evaluation of the occupancy and for the generation of an occupancy status information, the occupancy status information having at least a number of product carriers or a number of detected products.

In other words, the occupancy state information may include, for example, a digital unique identifier of the current occupancy state. The occupancy status information can basically relate to the location, presence and number of detected product carriers and / or detected products. In this way, the occupancy status information can be generated by the charging system itself. A genierter record can be supplied to the heat treatment device without significant effort on the signal port and the interface. The loading system is not dependent on a control or processing unit of the heat treatment device in generating the occupancy state information.

According to a further embodiment, the detection device has at least one detector, which is designed as a non-contact detecting detector.

It is further preferred if the detection device has at least one detector which is designed as an optical or opto-electrical detector.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one detector may be provided in the detection device, which detector is designed as a proximity sensor, for example. This may be, for example, a capacitive, inductive or magnetic detector. There are also known optical or opto-electrical proximity sensors.

The optical or optoelectrical detector can be designed, for example, as a light barrier or similar detector unit which has at least one transmitter and one receiver. In particular, an optical or opto-electrical detector could be realized in the oven room itself only with great additional effort. Especially in ovens that work with active steaming, or generally in heat treatment processes in which there is a humid atmosphere, an optical or opto-electrical position detection would be inaccurate, as about light rays could not penetrate unhindered the atmosphere prevailing in the oven.

In particular, if the at least one detector is accommodated on the loading trolley and can not be inserted into the furnace chamber together with the charging frame, the detector does not have to be exposed to excessively high temperatures. Consequently, the design of the at least one detector can be simplified. Temperature-related failures and / or measurement inaccuracies can be reduced or avoided altogether.

In a preferred development, the detection device has at least one detector, which is designed as a triangulation detector, in particular as a laser triangulation detector.

Using triangulation, objects, such as product carriers or heat treatment products, can be multidimensionally scanned and recorded. Usually, the triangulation detector has at least one light source, in particular a laser, as well as a sensor, in particular a camera. By way of example, the triangulation detector can be designed to detect the product carriers and / or the products by means of fringe projection. Likewise, it is conceivable to carry out the detection by means of the laser light-section method.

Preferably, the detector designed as a triangulation detector is accommodated on the loading trolley such that the occupancy of the at least one loading rack can be detected by means of a single detector.

Irrespective of the principle of the at least one detector used, it can alternatively also be accommodated in a movable and / or pivotable manner on the loading trolley. In this way, the presence of the product carriers and / or the products can be successively detected, for example, by a relative movement of the detector relative to the feed rack to be detected.

However, it is also understood that a plurality of detectors can be used, which may be basically the same design or different design.

According to a further embodiment, the detection device has at least one detector which is designed for contact-based detection. By way of example, the at least one detector may be designed as a contact sensor and be switched or activated approximately when a product carrier is received in a corresponding receptacle on the loading frame. In a simple way, the contact-based detection trained detector have about a circuit which is closed by a recorded product carrier. In this way, about a contact switch can be realized, which allows easy detection.

The control unit may be configured to eject signals detected by the at least one detector in order to generate the occupancy status information. In particular, when the at least one detector is designed for optical detection of visual information, the control unit can be designed in a corresponding manner for image processing.

The object of the invention is further achieved by a plant for heat treatment of food, comprising a heat treatment device, in particular a furnace having at least one heat treatment chamber, which is adapted to receive a feed rack, and with a feed system according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the loading cart can be coupled by means of the coupling device to the heat treatment device in order to move the at least one feed frame back and forth between the loading carriage and the heat treatment chamber.

Also in this way the object of the invention is completely solved.

The heat treatment device can be designed, for example, as a hot air oven. It may also be about a deck oven. Accordingly, for example, the loading trolley can have floors in each of which a loading rack can be received, which is adapted to an associated heat treatment space in the oven. The heat treatment room can also be referred to as a treatment room or as a furnace room.

According to a further development of the heat treatment installation, the heat treatment device has a control, which is preferably designed for automatically operating a heat treatment program after loading the heat treatment room with a feed rack, wherein the control can be supplied with occupancy status information which is coupled through a signal terminal of the feed system Condition of the feed system with the heat treatment device is transferable to an interface of the heat treatment device.

Thus, based on the occupancy state information, the controller may appropriately influence the heat treatment program to optimize the heat treatment process. Preferably, the occupancy state information is already generated when the feed rack is received in the loading cart. In particular, it should be possible to detect the presence and number of product carriers and / or products outside the heat treatment space, preferably in the loading trolley.

In a preferred development of the system for heat treatment, at least the signal connection or the interface is designed as a spring contact or plug-in contact and designed to transfer digital information.

In this way, a coupling of the signal terminal with the interface to a certain extent "incidentally" and automatically done when the loading carriage is coupled by means of the coupling device to the heat treatment device to transfer the loading frame.

• – Anordnen von Produktträgern, auf denen zu behandelnde Produkte aufgenommen sind, auf zumindest einem Beschickungsgestell;
• – Einbringen des zumindest einen Beschickungsgestells in einen Beschickungswagen;
• – Erfassung einer Belegung des zumindest einen Beschickungsgestells im Beschickungswagen;
• – Ankoppeln des Beschickungswagens an eine Wärmebehandlungsvorrichtung mittels einer Koppeleinrichtung;
• – Übergeben des zumindest einen Beschickungsgestells an die Wärmebehandlungsvorrichtung;
• – Generierung einer Belegungszustandsinformation auf Basis zumindest einer Anzahl im Beschickungswagen erfasster Produktträger oder einer Anzahl im Beschickungswagen erfasster Produkte; und
• – automatische Übertragung, insbesondere kontaktbasierte Übertragung, der Belegungszustandsinformation vom Beschickungswagen an die Wärmebehandlungsvorrichtung nach dem Ankoppeln des Beschickungswagens.

The object of the invention is further achieved by a method for heat treatment of foods, comprising the following steps:

• Arranging product carriers holding products to be treated on at least one feed rack;
• - introducing the at least one loading rack into a loading trolley;
• - detecting an occupancy of the at least one feed rack in the loading truck;
• - coupling the loading trolley to a heat treatment device by means of a coupling device;
• - Passing the at least one feed rack to the heat treatment device;
• Generation of occupancy state information based on at least a number of product carriers detected in the loading cart or a number of products detected in the loading cart; and
• Automatic transmission, in particular contact-based transmission, of the loading state information from the loading trolley to the heat treatment device after coupling of the loading trolley.

Also in this way the object of the invention is completely solved.

In the heat treatment process, it is irrelevant whether a first unequipped loading rack is introduced into the loading trolley and then fitted with the product carriers, or whether the feed rack is (initially) loaded outside the loading trolley and is introduced into the loading trolley as an already loaded loading rack.

Preferably, the occupancy detection of the feed rack is effected by means of a detection device which has at least one detector which is designed to detect the presence of product carriers and / or products.

Overall, the detection device can be configured to detect the presence and number of products or product carriers to be treated. Since the detection takes place in the loading trolley, an occupancy state can already be determined in advance of a heat treatment, on the basis of which occupancy state information can be generated.

• – automatische Übergabe des zumindest einen Beschickungsgestells an die Wärmebehandlungsvorrichtung nach dem Ankoppeln des Beschickungswagens;
• – programmgesteuerte Wärmebehandlung der Produkte in einem Wärmebehandlungsraum der Wärmebehandlungsvorrichtung;
• – erneutes Ankoppeln des Beschickungswagens an die Wärmebehandlungsvorrichtung nach der Wärmebehandlung; und
• – automatische Übergabe des zumindest einen Beschickungsgestells mit den wärmebehandelten Produkten (46) an den Beschickungswagen.

Advantageously, the method can be developed by at least one of the following steps:

• - Automatic transfer of the at least one feed rack to the heat treatment device after coupling the feed carriage;
• Program controlled heat treatment of the products in a heat treatment room of the heat treatment apparatus;
• - re-coupling the loading trolley to the heat treatment device after the heat treatment; and
• Automatic transfer of the at least one feed rack with the heat-treated products ( 46 ) to the loading trolley.

It will be appreciated that the loading trolley may be decoupled from the heat treatment apparatus during the heat treatment process.

It is understood that the features of the invention mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the particular combination indicated, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of several preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. Show it:

1 a perspective view of a plant for heat treatment of food, comprising a heat treatment apparatus and a charging system;

2 a partial sectional side view of a loading system with a loading trolley, which is coupled to a heat treatment device;

3 a sectional frontal partial view of a loading system having a detector for detecting a loading condition of a loading rack;

4 a further sectioned frontal partial view of a loading system, which is provided in particular for reasons of illustration with a plurality of different types of detectors for detecting an occupancy state of a loading frame;

5a a partial side view of a plant for heat treatment of food in a configuration in which a loading trolley is coupled to a heat treatment device;

5b one with 5a corresponding representation of a plant for heat treatment of food, wherein the coupling device is converted into a configuration in which a feed rack from the loading trolley in a heat treatment chamber of the heat treatment apparatus is convertible;

5c a further illustration of the plant for heat treatment according to

5a in which the feed rack is placed in the heat treatment room; and

6a . 6b and 6c various highly simplified schematic representations of possible configurations of a signal terminal and a corresponding interface.

1 shows a perspective view of a plant for heat treatment of food, with a total of 10 is designated. The attachment 10 can also be commonly referred to as a heat treatment plant.

By way of example, the plant 10 a heat treatment device 12 on, which is configured in the present case as a multi-level oven. The heat treatment device 12 can be designed as a hot air oven. The attachment 10 also has a loading system 14 with the help of which the heat treatment device 12 can be loaded or loaded particularly easily and quickly with products to be treated. The products to be treated may in particular be food products.

By way of example, the heat treatment device 12 a first oven unit 16a and a second oven unit 16b on. The oven units 16a . 16b are arranged one above the other. The oven units 16a . 16b can basically be operated independently of each other. This way you can the heat treatment device 12 overall have a high flexibility. It can, for example, in the oven unit 16a a first type of product and at the same time in the oven unit 16b a second type of product to be treated.

The heat treatment device 12 also has a frame 18 for example, which may comprise a plurality of feet. The heat treatment device 12 can be designed as a stationary device.

Each of the oven units 16a . 16b can a door 20a . 20b to a furnace room or heat treatment room (see reference numerals 86 in 5a ) accessible from the outside. Further, by way of example, each of the oven units 16a . 16b an operating unit 24a . 24b assigned. It is understood that in principle also a common (central) operating unit for the oven units 16a . 16b is conceivable. At the control units 24a . 24b an operator can set a desired heat treatment program.

Furthermore, in 1 With 22 a controller for the heat treatment device 12 designated. The oven units 16a . 16b can basically have a common control 22 exhibit. It is also conceivable in each of the oven units 16a . 16b to provide a separate control. The control 22 can be designed to define heat treatment parameters and to regulate during a treatment process in order to achieve the best possible heat treatment result.

Basically, the oven units 16a . 16b manually loaded or loaded. For example, manual loading may involve manual introduction of product carriers into respective heat treatment rooms with the door open 20a . 20b include. The product carriers may be, for example, sheets, grids or the like, on which products to be treated are accommodated.

Manual loading is usually time-consuming and leads to an increased energy requirement, since the respective door 20a . 20b must be open for a relatively long period of time. Furthermore, a manual loading can be perceived as unpleasant because an operator comes very close to a possibly highly heated heat treatment room. Finally, when unloading the heat treatment rooms of the oven units 16a . 16b a risk of injury, especially a risk of burns when heated product carriers must be gripped directly by the operator.

In particular, in commercial use, it has therefore become known to provide loading racks, which may have approximately a frame structure for receiving a plurality of product carriers. Thus, the operator can bring in a plurality of product carriers simultaneously in a heat treatment room with just one assembly process. However, a loading rack equipped with a plurality of product carriers is relatively heavy and unwieldy and therefore can not be moved regularly without further aids. This applies in particular when a furnace unit to be equipped is at a certain height, for example compare the furnace unit 16b above the oven unit 16a is arranged.

For this reason, therefore, in the in 1 shown attachment 10 the loading system 14 provided that a loading truck 30 has to simplify the loading operations or assembly operations significantly. It is understood that the plant 10 basically a matching number of heat treatment devices 12 and associated loading systems 14 can be formed. However, it is also conceivable in the plant 10 a number of heat treatment devices 12 to provide, different from a number of charging systems 14 different.

The loading cart 30 can be moved, especially rollable, designed and about a chassis 38 exhibit. Furthermore, the loading cart 30 a frame 34 may include, for example, side walls and an upper end and a lower end. At the loading truck 30 can also frame recordings 32 be provided, which is about the frame 34 can be included.

At the in 1 shown embodiment are on the loading trolley 30 two frame holders 32a . 32b provided to the design of the heat treatment device 12 with the two oven units 16a . 16b are adjusted. In each of the frame shots 32a . 32b can be a loading rack 36 be recorded. In 1 is only on the frame holder 32a a loading rack 36 added. The frame holder 32b is not equipped.

The frame shots 32a . 32b For example, they may have receiving rails, angles or the like around the loading frame 36 in its position in the loading truck 30 to secure. The loading rack 36 may have a frame structure, so as about posts, webs, strips and holders include to record a plurality of product carriers defined can. This in 1 shown loading frame 36 is empty.

The heat treatment device 12 and the loading system 14 are so close to each other adapted that the loading frame 36 in a simple way from its frame holder 32a in a heat treatment room in the furnace unit 16a can be transferred and vice versa. Using the loading cart 30 For example, distances between a refrigeration system in which products to be treated are stored and the heat treatment device may be removed 12 be bridged quickly and conveniently, the products to be treated are taken up safely and defined.

2 shows a side partial sectional view through a loading cart 30 that's the loading truck 30 according to 1 can correspond. The heat treatment device 12 is in 2 merely indicated by a section shown in simplified form. The loading cart 30 can a front side 48 and a back 50 have, of which the front 48 the heat treatment device 12 facing in the coupled state. On the other hand is the back 50 the heat treatment device 12 turned away in the coupled state. At least the front 48 of the loading cart 30 can be opened over a large area to make a transition of the loading frame 30 to enable. Also the back 50 of the loading cart 30 can be opened over a large area.

At the rack reception 32 of the loading cart 30 is the loading rack 36 added. The loading rack 36 can a landing gear 40 comprise a relative movement of the loading frame 36 opposite the frame holder 32 of the loading cart 30 and a treatment room of the heat treatment apparatus 12 to simplify.

The loading rack 36 can be a plurality of product carrier shots 42 have, which may be about recording angle or similar structures. The product carrier shots 42 can also be referred to as mounting rails. At the product carrier shots 42 can product carrier 44 be recorded. Exemplary are in 2 three product carriers 44a . 44b . 44c on respective product carrier recordings 42 of the loading rack 36 added. On or in the product carriers 44a . 44b . 44c can be treated products 46 be included. For the products 46 they can generally be food products, such as baked goods. For a heat treatment process, the feed rack 36 together with all the product carriers recorded on it 44 in a heat treatment room in the heat treatment apparatus 12 be introduced. Here, it would be advantageous to the heat treatment process to an actual occupation state of the feed rack 36 to be able to adapt.

It is understood that about one complete with product carriers 44 and products 46 equipped loading rack 36 has a different energy requirement and / or media requirement (for example water vapor) during a heat treatment than a feed rack that is only partially filled 36 , The detection of the loading state or loading state of the loading rack 36 However, in the heat treatment room itself is associated with a lot of effort and with various disadvantages. Especially in the furnace chamber prevailing temperatures and pressure conditions and humidity influences can complicate a detection process. Further, the heat treatment room tends to be soiled. This can also be reflected in a required detection sensor. In the treatment room itself mounted sensors must be laboriously protected from the prevailing environmental conditions there.

According to the in 2 shown design of the feed system 14 can the occupation state of the loading frame 36 already in the loading cart 30 be recorded. For this purpose, the loading system 14 a detection device 54 on, about with at least one detector 56 can be provided. By way of example, the in 2 illustrated detection device 54 a line-shaped design, wherein a plurality of detectors 56 is provided to the occupation state of the loading frame 36 capture. At the detectors 56 it may be about optical detectors. For example, can be installed as light barriers or the like. However, other types of detectors may be used 56 be installed. For example, proximity sensors or proximity switches are conceivable that detect the presence of a product carrier 44 or a product 46 can capture.

By means of the detection device 54 can exemplify the location and number of the loading rack 36 recorded product carrier 44a . 44b . 44c be determined. The detector 56a is in 2 for example, a product carrier receptacle 42 assigned to the no product carrier 44 is included. Consequently, the detector can 56a no product carrier 44 or no product 46 to capture. The further detector 56b is a product carrier 42 assigned to the product carrier 44c is included. Consequently, the detector can 56b the presence of the product carrier 44c or the products contained therein 46 to capture. By way of example, the detection device 54 a defined number of discrete detectors 56 whose position in each case to the position of a product carrier receptacle 42 is adjusted. However, it is also conceivable, the detection device 54 with a variety of detectors 56 their location does not explicitly indicate a location of the product carrier receptacle 42 is adjusted. Thus, the detection device 54 include at least one high-resolution line scan camera. Also in this way, by means of simple image processing steps, a detection of the product carrier 44 done at the loading rack 36 are included.

The detection device 54 is preferably on the loading trolley 30 arranged. This requires the loading frame 36 even no elaborate detection sensors. The detection device 54 may further comprise a control unit 58 be assigned, who also at the loading truck 30 can be included. Via a signal line 66 can the control unit 58 from the detectors 56 be detected signals indicative of an occupancy state of the loading frame 36 allow.

The detection device 54 in 2 Can firmly with the loading cart 30 be coupled. However, it is also conceivable in the detection device 54 at least one movable detector 56 provide, for example, relative to the loading frame 36 is movable. Such a detector 56 could be approximately in a vertical direction (approximately parallel to the front 48 or back 50 ) are moved to a plurality of product carrier receptacles 42 to be able to pass through to it received product carriers 44 to be able to capture.

The loading cart 30 can also be connected to a signal port 62 Be provided by a data line 60 with the control unit 58 is coupled. Via the data line 60 and the signal connector 62 can the heat treatment device 12 Occupancy status information to be supplied. For this purpose, the signal connection 62 with an interface 64 the heat treatment device 12 be coupled. Preferably, the coupling is between the signal terminal 62 and the interface 64 automatically. It is preferred if the loading cart 30 for the transfer of the loading rack 36 with the heat treatment device 12 is mechanically connectable, with an associated connection process automated to a coupling of the signal terminal 62 with the interface 64 leads. Based on the transmitted occupancy state information, the controller may 22 (see 1 ) of the heat treatment device 12 the heat treatment process in a suitable manner to the occupation state of the loading frame 36 to adjust.

3 and 4 show highly simplified frontal partial views of loading trolleys 30 having various conceivable detectors for detecting an occupancy state. The in the 3 and 4 Orientation shown may be about looking at the front 48 (see 2 ) of the hopper 30 from the perspective of a coupled heat treatment device 12 correspond. The in the 3 and 4 Illustrated detectors are to be understood as exemplary designs only. In particular, other designs for loading car 30 conceivable, the similar or different detectors, but which may be positioned and / or oriented in a different way.

The loading cart 30 of in 3 illustrated charging system 14a has a triangulation detector 68 on, which is about at least one light source 70 and at least one receiver 72 having. At the light source 70 it can generally be a radiation source. By way of example, the light source 70 be designed as a laser. At least the light source 70 or the recipient 72 can be designed to be relocatable. The light source 70 can be configured to the feed rack 36 defined to irradiate. This can be the light source 70 the loading rack 36 with a strip of light 74 irradiate. For this purpose, the light source 70 be designed as a laser light source. Triangulation methods can enable one-dimensional or multi-dimensional detection of objects to be monitored. In this way, for example, with a suitable arrangement of the triangulation detector 68 on the loading rack 36 recorded product carrier 44 be recorded. Preferably, the triangulation detector 68 further adapted to the presence, number and position of the products 46 capture. For evaluation of the detected signals, the control unit 58 resort to methods of image processing. An acquired occupancy information may include other parameters. Thus, for example, the temperature, quantity and / or type of the products to be treated can be detected.

The in the 4 shown loading system 14b associated loading trolley 30 has primarily a plurality of different detectors for illustrative purposes. A first (upper) level of the loading frame 36 is a proximity sensor 76a assigned, the example of the side of the frame 34 of the loading cart 30 is included. The proximity sensor 76a may be the presence of a product carrier 44 capture without the need for contact or contact. The proximity sensor 76a can be designed as a capacitive proximity sensor, inductive proximity sensor or as a magnetic proximity sensor. Other designs of the proximity sensor 76a are conceivable.

At a second receiving level of the loading frame 36 , in the present case no product carrier 44 is included is a Proximity sensor 76b arranged, which is adapted to product carriers 44 from its underside (the usually in their desired position facing the ground side) to capture. Also with the detector 76b it can be a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor 76b can on the loading rack 36 be recorded yourself. Thus, the proximity sensor 76b together with the loading frame 36 in a heat treatment room in the heat treatment apparatus 12 be introduced. However, it is preferable if the detection of the occupancy state of the loading frame 36 in the loading cart 30 he follows. For this purpose, the proximity sensor 76b from the control unit 58 ( 2 ) via a suitable signal line 66 be contacted when the loading rack 36 in the loading cart 30 is included.

At a third receiving level of the loading frame 36 is a detector 80 taken, the example with a radiation source 78 is coupled. The detector 80 may be formed as a photodetector. The radiation source 78 and the detector 80 can act as a light barrier. A recorded product carrier 44 or products incorporated therein 46 may interrupt a light beam, laser beam or the like and thus allow detection of the presence. The radiation source 78 can be designed as a point light, for example, but also as a strip light. The detector 80 can be suitably connected to the radiation source 78 be adjusted. In particular, if in addition to the presence of the product carrier 44 also the presence and number of products 46 should be detected, it is recommended to use several units of radiation source 78 and detector 80 to provide about rows and columns of recorded products 46 to be able to detect.

In a fourth (lower) receiving plane of the loading frame 36 is an example of a contact detector 82 intended. The contact detector may suitably with product carrier receptacles 42a . 42b coupled to the presence of a product carrier 44 capture. Overall, it may be at the contact detector 82 to act a contact switch, by the presence of a product carrier 44 is closed. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the product carrier 44 is designed at least partially conductive. The contact detector 82 can on the loading rack 36 be included. However, it is also conceivable to use the contact detector 82 so on the loading car 30 record that only about a detection can take place when the feed rack 36 in the loading cart 30 is included. For this purpose, the contact detector 82 have suitable sliding contacts, with which the product carrier recordings 42a . 42b are contactable.

It is understood that in the loading car 30 or at the loading frame 36 other detectors can be used, which have similar or different measuring principles. An occupancy recording in the loading trolley 30 may in principle be carried out under ambient conditions which do not require any special measures with regard to temperature resistance and / or moisture resistance.

Based on 5a . 5b and 5c is exemplified a coupling process or connection process of the feed system 14 with the heat treatment device 12 explained. The oven 12 and the loading system 14 are shown only in a simplified partial side view.

The heat treatment device 12 has a heat treatment room 86 on, which can also be referred to as oven room. In the heat treatment room 86 is a frame holder 88 provided for receiving the loading rack 36 is trained. The heat treatment room 86 is over the door 20 accessible.

For coupling the loading trolley 30 with the heat treatment device 12 indicates the loading system 14 a coupling device 90 which makes a suitable connection to the loading frame 36 between the heat treatment device 12 and the loading cart 30 to be able to move back and forth. By way of example, the coupling device 90 a connecting element 92 have, which brings about the coupling and a defined relative position between the heat treatment device 12 and the loading cart 30 sets.

The coupling device 90 can also be about at least one boom 94 have, compare 5b , The boom 94 can be provided to the frame holder 32 in the loading truck 30 is provided with the frame support 88 in the heat treatment room 86 the heat treatment device 12 is intended to couple. In other words, the at least one boom 94 a "bridge" for the loading frame to be transferred 36 provide. The boom 94 can in the retracted state in the loading truck 30 Alternatively, however, be included in the heat treatment device.

The loading rack 36 can with little effort in the heat treatment room 86 be moved. In the in 5c The configuration shown is the loading frame 36 completely in the heat treatment room 86 placed and on the frame holder 88 added. In particular, when the feed rack 36 with the chassis 40 is provided, a transfer can be made without significant effort. After inserting the loading rack 36 in the heat treatment room 86 the boom can be moved into a retracted position. The heat treatment process can be done after closing the door 20 kick off. Conversely, a return transport of the loading frame 36 respectively.

The coupling device 90 besides the mechanical coupling of the loading trolley 30 with the heat treatment device 12 also a signal coupling or data coupling between the heat treatment device 12 and the loading cart 30 provide to the heat treatment device 12 To supply occupancy status information stored in the loading car 30 were recorded. For this purpose, the signal connector 62 and the interface 64 (see 2 ) are suitably connected together in the coupled state.

The 6a . 6b and 6c show different connection configurations of the signal connection 62 and the interface 64 , It is understood that the assignment of the signal terminal 62 to the loading system 14 and the interface 64 to the heat treatment device 12 should not be understood in a limiting sense. Rather, a reverse assignment is conceivable.

6a shows in a schematically greatly simplified manner a signal connection 62a , the two pins 96a . 96b which exemplifies data lines 60a . 60b with the control unit 58 (see 2 ) can be coupled. The signal connection 62a is on the side of the heat treatment device 12 an interface 64a assigned, which is designed approximately as a socket and recordings 98a . 98b that points with the pins 96a . 96b correspond. The pencils 96a . 96b may be suitably tapered to insert the pins 96a . 96b in the recording 98a . 98b to simplify. Likewise, the shots 98a . 98b Insertion aids in the form of extensions or countersinks. The pictures 98a . 98b can via data lines 104a . 104b with the controller 22 the heat treatment device 12 be coupled to this from the signal connector 62a supplied occupancy status information.

6b shows in a schematically greatly simplified manner a signal connection 62b who has a pen 96c having, by means of a spring element 102 is resiliently mounted. It is understood that also a plurality of pens 96c can be provided. On the part of the heat treatment device 12 is an interface 64b provided that a contact surface 100 has, on which no recesses or recesses must be provided. However, since the pen 96c resiliently received, can be a sufficiently secure contact between the loading cart 30 and the heat treatment device 12 be prepared to transmit the assignment state information safely.

6c shows a design that in 6b is similar to shown design. When loading system 14 is a signal connection 62c provided that a conically tapered pin 96d having, by means of a spring element 102 is absorbed resiliently. On the part of the heat treatment device 12 is an interface 64c taken a conical shot 98c for the pen 96d provides. Also in this way can be sufficient contact for data exchange between the loading car 30 and the heat treatment device 12 will be realized.

Claims (13)

Feeding system for a heat treatment device ( 12 ), in particular a device for heat treatment of food, with a loading trolley ( 30 ), with at least one frame mount ( 32 . 32a . 32b ) for receiving a loading rack ( 36 . 36a . 36b ) for a plurality of product carriers ( 44 ), the loading trolley ( 30 ) by means of a coupling device ( 90 ) selectively with the heat treatment device ( 12 ) is coupled to the at least one feed rack ( 36 . 36a . 36b ) or with a recording device ( 54 ) with at least one detector ( 56 . 72 . 74 . 80 . 82 ) for detecting an occupancy information of the at least one feed rack ( 36 . 36a . 36b ) connected to the loading trolley ( 30 ), wherein the detection device ( 54 ) on the loading trolley ( 30 ) and is adapted to at least the presence and number of product carriers ( 44 ) or the presence and number of products to be treated ( 46 ) in the at least one loading frame ( 36 . 36a . 36b ) and with a data line ( 60 ) for transmitting a detected occupancy state to the heat treatment device ( 12 ), whereby the data line ( 60 ) a signal connection ( 62 ), which in a coupled state has a corresponding interface ( 64 ) of the heat treatment device ( 12 ) contacted. A charging system according to claim 1, wherein the detection means ( 54 ) on the at least one frame mount ( 32 . 32a . 32b ) is arranged. Feeding system ( 14 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling device ( 90 ) trained when coupling the loading system ( 14 ) with the heat treatment device ( 12 ) the signal connection ( 62 ) with the interface ( 64 ) to couple. Feeding system ( 14 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device ( 54 ) with a control unit ( 58 ) is provided for the computer-aided evaluation of the occupancy information and for the generation of occupancy state information, the occupancy state information comprising at least a number of detected product carriers ( 44 ) or a number of registered products ( 46 ) having. Feeding system ( 14 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device ( 54 ) at least one detector ( 56 . 72 . 74 . 80 ), which is designed as a non-contact detecting detector. Feeding system ( 14 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device ( 54 ) at least one detector ( 56 ), which is designed as an optical or opto-electrical detector. Feeding system ( 14 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device ( 54 ) at least one detector ( 72 ), which is designed as a triangulation detector, in particular as a laser triangulation detector. Feeding system ( 14 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device ( 54 ) at least one detector ( 82 ), which is designed for contact-based detection. Plant for the heat treatment of food, with a heat treatment device ( 12 ), in particular an oven, which has at least one heat treatment space ( 86 ) adapted to receive a loading rack ( 36 . 36a . 36b ) and with a loading system ( 14 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the loading trolley ( 30 ) by means of the coupling device ( 90 ) to the heat treatment device ( 12 ) is coupled to the at least one feed rack ( 36 . 36a . 36b ) between the loading trolley ( 30 ) and the heat treatment room ( 86 ) to move back and forth. Investment ( 10 ) according to claim 9, wherein the heat treatment device ( 12 ) a controller ( 22 ), preferably for automatic operation of a heat treatment program after loading the heat treatment space ( 86 ) with a loading frame ( 36 . 36a . 36b ), and wherein the controller ( 22 ), an occupancy state information can be fed through a signal connection ( 62 ) of the charging system ( 14 ) in a coupled state of the charging system ( 14 ) with the heat treatment device ( 12 ) to an interface ( 64 ) of the heat treatment device ( 12 ) is transferable. Investment ( 10 ) according to claim 10, wherein at least the signal terminal ( 62 ) or the interface ( 64 ) are designed as spring contact or plug contact and are designed to transfer digital information. Process for the heat treatment of food, comprising the following steps: - arranging product carriers ( 44 ) on which products to be treated ( 46 ) are accommodated on at least one loading frame ( 36 . 36a . 36b ); - introducing the at least one feed rack ( 36 . 36a . 36b ) in a loading trolley ( 30 ); Detecting occupancy information of the at least one loading rack ( 36 . 36a . 36b ) in the loading trolley ( 30 ); - coupling the loading trolley ( 30 ) to a heat treatment device ( 12 ) by means of a coupling device ( 90 ); Passing the at least one feed rack ( 36 . 36a . 36b ) to the heat treatment device ( 12 ); Generation of occupancy status information based on at least a number in the loading vehicle ( 30 ) ( 44 ) or a number in the loading trolley ( 30 ) of detected products ( 46 ); and - automatic transmission, in particular contact-based transmission, of the loading state information from the loading trolley ( 30 ) to the heat treatment device ( 12 ) after coupling the loading trolley ( 30 ). The method of claim 12, further comprising at least one of the following steps: automatic transfer of the at least one feed rack (FIG. 36 . 36a . 36b ) to the heat treatment device ( 12 ) after coupling the loading trolley ( 30 ); - program-controlled heat treatment of the products ( 46 ) in a heat treatment room ( 86 ) of the heat treatment device ( 12 ); - renewed coupling of the loading trolley ( 30 ) to the heat treatment device ( 12 after the heat treatment; and - automatic transfer of the at least one feed rack ( 36 . 36a . 36b ) with the heat treated products ( 46 ) to the loading trolley ( 30 ).

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