BRPI0611743A2 - device and process for producing leaking lollipops - Google Patents

Abstract

DEVICE AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING LAPTOP LEAVES. The present invention relates to a process for producing pouring lollipops, wherein the lollipop sticks to be produced are taken separately from a stock of toothpicks and are inserted by means of toothpick retainers into a lollipop mass filled matrix. wherein the toothpicks are held in position in the matrix by toothpick retainers during lollipop mass hardening, wherein the toothpicks are grasped by toothpick retainers after lollipop mass hardening to be removed from the matrix for further processing .

Description

Descriptive Report of the Invention Patent for "DEVICE AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING LAPTOP LEAVES".

The present invention relates to the production of lollipops by casting. The invention further relates to a device for producing lollipops by casting. Further, the invention relates to the leaked lollipops themselves.

Lollipops can be produced by separating pieces of a confectionery cord or other material into a rotating drum provided with molds during closure of the drum, whose parts are pressed into the desired shape in a closed mold while inserting a lollipop stick that comes from a stock provided. on the drum Subsequently, the lollipops are released from the molds and collected in a tray and cooled or transferred to a conveyor belt of a packaging machine.

Another way to make lollipops is by leakage. In this case, a low viscosity mass is introduced into a matrix with a number of molds in order to shape the lollipop itself, followed by the sticks being inserted into the molds from a stock via conveyor tubes using compressed air. Once the dough has been sufficiently placed in the molds, the lollipops are released from the molds. In this case, heads that have been produced can be damaged as the material used in the pouring or spilling process is relatively easily damaged. This is especially cumbersome since it is in principle possible to achieve perfect and attractive shapes which correspond precisely to the desired shape.

It is an object of the invention to provide a process and apparatus for producing pouring lollipops with which the desired format lollipops can be produced in a reproducible manner.

It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus for producing pouring lollipops with which a large number of lollipops can be produced per unit time in an accurate manner and can be further processed.

According to one aspect, the invention provides a process for producing lollipops by casting, wherein the lollipop sticks to be produced are taken separately from a stock of toothpicks and are inserted by means of toothpick retainers in a matrix filled with lollipop mass. wherein the sticks are held in position in the matrix by toothpick retainers during hardening of the lollipop mass, wherein the sticks are grasped by toothpick retainers after hardening of the lollipop mass so that the lollipops are removed from the matrix for further processing.

Thus, the position of the toothpicks per se and relative to the lollipop head is always known and so is the position of the lollipop heads. As the position of the toothpicks is known optimally and the engagement with the lollipop sticks can always occur in the same position. and the lollipop head position itself also being established, the packing process is perfected. The fragile lollipop heads are protected from damaging forces. In this way, even the complex shapes of emptying lollipops remain intact.

In another embodiment, the toothpicks are taken from touch by first toothpick retainers and inserted into the die and retained deposition by the second toothpick retainers positioned near the die during the solidification of the lollipop masses around the toothpick. The first stick retainers can then be used repeatedly for successive matrices.

In a simple embodiment thereof, the second detent retainers are attached to the die.

In another embodiment of the process according to the invention, the sticks to remove the lollipops by casting the matrix are retained by the third stick retainers. Preferably, the third tooth pickers are moved in a direction away from the die after the sticks have been grasped and the die has been opened, so that the path of movement of the die is kept clean.

In a simple embodiment thereof, the third detent retainers form part of a conveyor belt, in particular a conveyor belt leading to a packaging machine.

In an alternate embodiment thereof, the toothpicks are transferred to fourth toothpick retainers, from the position in which they are retained by the third toothpick retainers, said fourth toothpick retainers forming part of a conveyor belt, in particular a conveyor belt. leading to a packing machine. The movement of the conveyor belt for the packaging machine is in this case coupled with the movement of the toothpick retainers that removes the lollipops from the die, as a result of which the conveyor belt may be of a simple design, for example in the form of a toothpick belt.

In this case, it is preferable that the fourth toothpick retainers grip the toothpicks at a location on the toothpick that is beyond the lollipop of the third toothpick retainers so that the movement bands of the third and fourth retainers do not interfere with each other.

In another aspect, the invention provides as the sticks are pulled back along a short distance at the end of the insertion movement into the lollipop mass, but still remains in the lollipop mass, the lollipop mass being viscous. while insertion occurs. As the sticks are pulled back, some lollipop material is ingrained, as a result of which a bulge is formed on the lollipop head. The bulge prevents a flat side of the head on the head side of the toothpick, which would otherwise be formed as a result of the lollipop material being liquid.

In another development, the die is provided with inlet openings for the lollipop mass, which are situated on top of the die and also form insert openings for the toothpicks. In this case, the toothpicks are preferably inserted into the lollipop mass along a vertical path, coinciding with the central axis of the toothpicks.

Toothpicks can pick up the toothpicks from the stock in the stock in one orientation and then turn the toothpicks into a vertical insertion position. When sticks are picked in a horizontal orientation, they are then immediately supported.

Preferably, the toothpick retainers with the toothpicks are subsequently sequentially moved downwardly to be inserted into the lollipop mass. The vertical translational movement of the sticks can be known: the sticks can be inserted into the matrix exactly modovertical and in a controlled manner. In another embodiment, the die is tilted after hardening to a position where the sticks extend horizontally and, in this orientation, are grasped by the stick retainers in order to remove the lollipops from the die for further processing. In this case, the horizontal orientation simplifies the transfer of the sticks to other (particularly third party) stick retainers.

The arrangement according to the invention is extremely suitable for manipulating the toothpicks in series, in each case a series of toothpicks being simultaneously taken from stock and inserted into the die.

In a further development of the process according to the invention, the toothpicks are distributed to the toothpick retainers from the stock by means of a feeder device which is movable along a stock dispensing opening between a pickup position to pick up the individual toothpicks and a transfer position to transfer the toothpicks to the toothpick retainer. In this way, toothpicks can be distributed from stock in a reliable manner.

In another aspect, the invention provides a pourable lollipop comprising a toothpick and a head which is initially pourable and then solidified lollipop material, the lollipop material forming a projection at the position where the toothpick projects from the head, whose projection extends along the toothpick.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a die for producing lollipops by casting, comprising a corpot having a series of mold cavities and toothpick retainers attached to the matrix to securely retain the lollipop sticks inserted into the cavities in the matrix.

Preferably, the toothpick retainers comprise a first staple series and a series of second staples, the first and second staples being arranged to be displaceable relative to each other in the die body between a receiving position and a holding position, with the that a simple and reliable arrest action can be achieved. In the aforementioned case of the horizontal toothpick holder below the bottom of the stock, the toothpicks can easily slide over the duration of the clamp closure.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a storage for lollipop sticks comprising a stowage container having a series of dispensing openings arranged to regulate them at the bottom, comprising a feeder device that can be moved along the bottom and is movable along the distributor openings between a pick position to pick up the individual sticks and a transfer position to transfer the sticks to a series of pick holders.

Preferably, the feeder device is provided with a series of retention spaces for each toothpick, the retention spaces of which preferably are at regular intervals from one another that correspond to those of the mold cavities in the die, such that that the sticks are immediately in the correct relative position for insertion into the matrix.

Preferably, the feeder device is movable along a support panel having passages to a toothpick retainer, whereby the toothpick can be transferred as closely as possible to the feeder device.

In order to prevent bridging in the storage container, it is preferable that the width of the distributing openings should be several sticks after each other.

In another aspect, the invention provides a transfer unit for the transfer of a series of pi-straight toothpicks from a stock to a series of stock retainers located at a distance from the stock such as toothpick retainers in a die or retainer. toothpicks on a conveyor belt comprising a detent body which is releasably disposed in a displacement frame between a pickup position of the stock picks and a dispensing position for distributing the picks to the toothpick retainers; retainer body being provided with first and second toothpick clips to secure the toothpicks, whose toothpick clips are displaceable relative to one another along the retainer body.

Preferably, the first toothpick clamps comprise two sets of first clamping parts spaced in a direction transverse to the sliding direction, the second toothpick clamps being situated between the first clamping tooth series, so that a reliable three-point clamping It is achieved.

In a simple embodiment, the second toothpick clips are arranged on a slider that is displaceable relative to the retainer body.

Preferably, the transfer unit further comprises a drive mechanism for displacing the retainer body as well as an adjustable / programmable control means for the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is preferably servo controlled. Preferably, the control means is adjustable so that the speed and / or acceleration / deceleration of movement can be adjusted. The above-mentioned particularly pulling back movement of the long toothpick a short distance subsequent to insertion into the die may be adjusted in a manner optimally adapted, for example, to the shape and dimensions of the lollipop head and consistency of lollipop material.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a transfer device for transferring a series of lollipops from a first conveyor belt to a second conveyor belt comprising a retainer with a series of toothpick grips and means for displacing the retainer. a position close to the first conveyor belt, in which the lollipop sticks are grasped by the toothpick gripping devices, to a position close to the second conveyor belt, in which the lollipop sticks are distributed and returned again. Thus, the lollipops, for example the aforementioned spill-produced lollipops, can be transferred in groups. The second conveyor belt can be positioned to carry items to and through the packaging machine where the lollipop heads are individually wrapped and, for example, a film / foil sheet.

In one embodiment, the first conveyor belt is provided with retainers for retaining the lollipops in groups in transverse series to the conveyor direction of the first conveyor belt such as the above-mentioned conveyor belt having molds for producing lollipops transverse to the conveyor belt.

Transfer of such cross-lollipop series may be simplified if the second conveyor belt is provided with retainers to retain the lollipops in a series parallel to the conveyor direction of the second conveyor belt, the conveyor directions of the first and second conveyor belts being at right angles to each other.

The retainers on the second conveyor belt may be designed to retain in each case a lollipop.

In one embodiment, the movable retainer having the tooth gripper devices may be positioned such that it engages the toothpicks at a location at a distance from the lollipop head to provide a latching point. to the second conveyor chain retainers between the lollipop head and the engagement point of the toothpick gripping devices. As a result, the second conveyor chain retainers may securely engage the possible lollipops. The movement of the retainer with the toothpick grips can be guided on a curved track.

In one embodiment, the transfer device further comprises a drive mechanism for displacing the retainer with toothpick grips, as well as the adjustable / programmable control means for the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is preferably servo controlled. Preferably, the control means is adjustable so that the speed and / or acceleration / deceleration of movement can be adjusted.

Control means may be indexed, in particular if lollipop series are formed at scales during the molding process in accordance with this step flow.

In general, the invention provides a device provided with one or more matrices according to the invention, a storage container according to the invention and / or a transfer unit and / or a transfer device. according to the invention.

The invention will be explained with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a part of a device according to the invention for making lollipops by casting.

Figure 2 shows an array for use with the device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section through a toothpick storage container positioned above a die according to Figure 2;

Figures 3A-D show, respectively, a diagrammatic cross-section of the storage container of Figure 3 and views of the three consecutive stages of a toothpick being dispensed from the storage container of Figure 3;

Figures 4A-D show diagrammatic illustrations of consecutive stages of a toothpick being disposed of the storage container of Figure 3;

Figures 5A-D show diagrammatic illustrations of consecutive stages of a toothpick being transferred from the storage container of Figure 3 to the matrix of Figure 2;

Figures 6A-C diagrammatically show the successive stages of a toothpick being inserted into the matrix of Figure 2;

Figures 7A and 7B show a diagrammatic illustration of removing and transferring a molded lollipop into the matrix of Figure 2. Figure 8 shows a lollipop made using the device of Figure 1.

The device 1 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises a frame 2 which is supported by legs 3 on a floor. A double-sided conveyor belt 4 which rotates in direction A in the part illustrated in Figure I which rotates on all wheels 6a, 6b, one of which can be driven, is arranged on the device 1. A series of dies 5 are provided on the belts 4, which co-rotate with the last one in direction A. Above the upper section of belt 4, a filling device 20 is diagrammatically illustrated, from which a mass for forming lollipops, in particular a mass of contents, is displaced. assigned to molds 5 in direction E.

Downstream of the filling device 20 is a section where the toothpicks S for the lollipops to be molded are inserted into the dies 5. Its downstream is a zone where the mass of lollipop material 5 is allowed to solidify, optionally by cooling, until sufficiently hardened to be removed from matrix 5 using the Spara toothpick for further treatment. In an alternate arrangement, the belt may rotate to the right, the filler being positioned to the left of the toothpick station and the bottom zone of the belt path being used for cooling (see for example Figures 7A, B).

In the downstream area of belt 4, there is a transfer station (details of Figure 7) in which the dies 5 are opened and the lollipops are removed to be moved to one facility for another treatment such as, for example, the illustrated conveyor belt 40 leading to a packaging machine (not shown).

The dies 5 as illustrated in Figure 2 comprise a substantially beam-shaped body 12 which is provided with mold cavities 11 (not shown) having openings 13 for the passage of liquid lollipop material to the filling station 20 and The mold cavities 11 may be opened using means which are not shown in greater detail in a manner not shown in any detail for the removal of solidified lollipops. On the longitudinal sides of the body 12, cursors 14, 15 are arranged, connected to a movement mechanism by means of pins 16, 17 for respective sliding movements in the G and H directions. The cursors 14, 15 are provided with resilient fastening arms 18, 19 extending over the upper sides of the body 12 and provided with notches 20, 21 for holding a toothpick S in a more or less adjusted manner. By means of the swing-out mechanism (not shown) and connection to pins 16, 17, the cursors 14,15 can be moved in the G and H directions in such a way that the clamping arms 18, 19 can be moved between an open position, that a toothpick S can easily be inserted into aperture 13 and a gripping position, wherein a toothpick is held in a retaining manner by the fingers 20, 21 in the die 5.

The toothpick stock 7 shown in Figure 1 comprises two vertical main walls 7a, b, the distance between which it can be adjusted and is adapted to the extent of the toothpicks S to be used and a bottom 9 (end walls 25 shown in Figure 3), a toothpick transfer device 10 being movable below the bottom region 9 and being rotatable in direction B by 90 ° in order to insert the toothpicks into the dies 5 in the vertical direction. Figure 3A shows the bottom 9 in greater detail and shows graphically that two panels 31, 32 are present, each giving a free opening 9a. The sliding panel 32 is provided with slots 33 having a width that is slightly larger than the diameter of a toothpick. The slots 33 are delimited by conical locating edges 33a. Fixed panel 31 is provided with recesses 34. Panel 32 is a sliding panel that can be moved to and from direction I with the aid of a means (not shown in greater detail) disposed at the ends 25 of storage container 7 (see Figure 3). At one end, a panel 22 is arranged in a similar manner to the storage container 7 fixed to the frame 2, to which a servo motor 21 is fixedly provided. The servo drive is driven by a programmable / adjustable control unit 200 via panel 20I and drives an axis 24 extending above storage space 8 through storage container 7 and through both end walls 25. In At both ends of the axis 24, an arm 27 is provided, to which an axial projection is provided, at which end an oscillating bar 28 is provided, close to the reference numeral 26. As is also illustrated in Figures 5A-D , the end of the swinging bottom 28 is pivotally connected to the transfer device 10 to be discussed below.

As can be seen in Figure 3, the bottom 9 forming the lower side of the toothpick stock 8 is provided with a number of distributing openings 23 which form the bottom end of a slightly coniferous feeding space 22, delimited by the bottom parts 21 which are triangular in cross section. These bottom parts 21 are fixedly provided with their ends on the walls 7a, b of the storage container 7.

In this example, the width of the openings 23 is approximately four times the diameter of the toothpicks. By selecting the width of the dispensing opening 23 to be a multiple of the diameter of the palettes and / or by coding a feeder bounding wall22, bridging is prevented.

The distance between the openings 23, the slots 33 and the recesses 34 is equal to the distance between the openings 13 in the die 5.

The distribution of a toothpick or series of toothpicks of the dispensing openings 23 is performed in the manner illustrated in Figures 3B-D and 4A-C.

In Figure 3B, the sliding panel 32 is positioned such that it closes the dispensing openings 23 on either side of the passageway 9a. The toothpicks S in this case rest on the sliding panel 32.

When sliding panel 32 is moved in direction I, during this process this panel slides over fixed panel 31 (which also gives free opening 9a) along a distance t (Figure 3B), the situation illustrated in Figure 3C is reached. There, the slot 33 is exactly under the dispensing opening 23 and one of the toothpicks S accommodated in the feeder 22 may fall into the slot 33 and is then retained by the fixed panel 31.

Subsequently, the sliding panel 32 is slid back to the position illustrated in Figure 3D, which corresponds to that of Figure 3B, except that a toothpick s has now been moved above recess 34 in fixed panel 31.

All of this is also illustrated in Figures 4A-C, the situation in Figures 4A and 4B corresponding to that of Figure 3C and that of Figure 4C corresponding to that of Figure 3D.

Figures 4A-C further illustrate that retainer 10 is moved upward in direction K to move the clips 35, 36 therein and to be discussed below in more detail in passage 9a, but still below the sliding panel profile. 32. When the toothpick S that has been captured in Figure 4B has been moved above recess 34, the toothpick 5 may fall downward in direction J and rest on retainer 10 to then be secured (see Figure 4D) between clips 35, 36 and moved down with retainer 10 in direction L1 as will be discussed below.

In order to transfer the transfer device 10 from a position close to the stock 7 to a position to distribute the sticks on the dies 5, the mechanism illustrated in Figures 5A-D is provided. As already indicated in the explanation in Figure 3, the use is made of a servo motor driven drive mechanism 21 which is set with control unit 200 and associated operator panel 201, both set in frame 2, and which has an axis 24 and swing bars 28. The dotope pivot point 26 of each swing bar 28 moves along the circular path of disc 27 in direction M (Figure 5a) by rotation of axis 24.

The bottom pivot point 29 of the swing bar 28 is rotatably attached to the ends of the transfer device 10. The transfer device 10 itself is provided on both sides with panels 50 which are connected to the latter in a rotatably stable manner and each is rotatable around. of a pivot 63, which forms a block bearing 60, which is arranged on the frame 2 so as to be able to move up and down to some degree. On either side of the frame 2, a groove 61 is provided having a curved section 61a and a vertical section 6lb. The cams 51 forming an integral part of the panels 50 extend to the grooves 61. Comparing Figures 5A-D, it can be seen that from the position of the transfer device 10 shown in Figure 5A, where a Spode toothpick is being transferred from the passage 9a , the meat 51 is situated near the end of the curved section 61a of the groove 61. The pivot 63 is in this case situated in the highest position. Pivot point 26 is also situated near the highest deposition. When axis 24 is driven and discs 27 are rotated in direction M, the rocker bars 28 will move in direction M1 as a result of which bottom pivot point 29 will be forced downward. As a result of the meat 51 being retained in the groove 61, in particular the cut section 61a, the transfer device 10 performs an elongated movement in direction B, as indicated in Figure 5B, which rotates around the pivot 63.

When the top pivot point 26 has reached the position illustrated in Figure 5C, the meat 51 will also have reached the top end of the vertical slot section 61b. The orientation of the transfer device 10 has then been rotated by 909 and thus the toothpick S has been transferred from a horizontal direction to a vertical direction.

When axis 24 rotates further, the top pivot point 26 will be moved to a lower position of its circular path, in which case 51 will move vertically in vertical groove section 61b and pivot 63 will also be moved together in downward direction against the action of a compression spring (not shown in more detail). The transfer device 10 is in this case moved vertically downwards (L-direction). The situation illustrated in Figure 5D is then achieved where the toothpick S extends through the through opening 13 in the die 5. However, the servomotor 21 is adjusted / programmed such that the axis 24 has been rotated. slightly backwards so that the swinging bar 28 has been moved slightly backward to move the toothpick S back along a distance d in the direction L1.

Using the operator panel 20!, The desired distance in δ may be adjusted, as well as the speed and acceleration / deceleration of the transfer device 10, in particular in the downward zone and upward zone during retraction over distanceδ. Adjustment may be effected as a function of aspects of the lollipop head such as the diameter, extent and composition of the lollipop mass (viscosity).

It should be noted that other servo controls are possible such as for example a servo-pneumatic cylinder driver.

The transfer device 10 is then activated to release the clip and subsequently the transfer device 10 is moved to the position illustrated in Figure 5A again by the operation of the servomotor 21 and the rocker bar 25 to capture a subsequent series of deposits.

The transfer device 10 itself is substantially deformed beam and, as can be seen from Figure 6A, is provided with clips 35, 36, clips 35 being disposed on strip 37 which can move to and from one direction B and clips 36 being disposed on the fixed strips 38a, on its other side.

Figures 6A-C show again the transfer of the toothpick S from the transfer device 10 to die 5. In Figure 6A, the transfer device 10 is still moving downward in the L direction in the zoned Figures 5C-D. After the toothpick S has been inserted into the through-opening 13 and into the die to a certain depth, the toothpick S is pulled back at direction L1 over a distance d. This backward pull may already occur when the locking arms 18, 19 have been moved to each other if the locking arms 18, 19 are slightly resilient. Closing movement of the arms 18, 19 may also occur at the same time as the last part of the toothpick is being inserted in the Lea direction and subsequent pull back in the L1 direction.

This results in the situation illustrated in Figure 6C, where the toothpick Sé is held between the arms 18, 19 in the matrix 5. As a result of the controlled manner in which the toothpicks S are grasped, transferred and placed, the palettes remain erect and are placed vertically in the lollipop mass that is still liquid or viscous. They are subsequently retained at last. The subsequent packing process is thus improved as there will no longer be any crooked or lost toothpicks.

The mass-loaded dies 5 of lollipop material are carried together with the toothpicks S inserted therein for a removal station, where the lollipop toothpicks S, as illustrated in an alternative embodiment in Figures 7A, B are engaged by tooth gripping devices. 60. Subsequently, the dies 5 are opened and the locking arms 18, 19 are pushed apart, followed by the clips 60 are moved back in direction C to remove the lollipops from the dies 5 to enable the dies 5 to move later on with the straps4.

Figure 7A shows a side view of the transfer station where lollipops retained in dies 5 may be removed from dies 5 and transferred to the conveyor belt 40 carrying the lollipops, with the sticks S retained in the stick clips. 42 which are provided with a rotating belt 41 for a next processing station, for example a packing station.

The conveyor belt 4 in this case runs in the opposite direction A 'around a driven belt wheel 6c as an alternative to the air groove of Figure 1 which has already been described above. However, the transfer station of Figure 1 may also be identical to the transfer station of Figures 7A, B.

The transfer station comprises a fixed frame 62. A master spindle 63a is disposed on the frame which is driven by a servomotor 72 via transmission 73, whose servo motor is driven by control 202, which is adjustable via the operation panel 203.

A transverse portion 64 is provided at the end of the master spindle 63a which is expandable in the C direction. On the other side of the master spindle 63a, guide rods 63b are fixed to the frame 62. In each case a ring 65 is slidably mounted thereon. rods 63b, on which a console66 is provided. At pivot 67 on console 66, an arm 68 provided with a cam69 is pivotally provided and a transverse beam 75 is provided at its end (Figure 7B), in which toothpick clips 60 are provided. On both sides of the frame 62, curved panels 70 are fixedly provided, whose panels 70 are provided with a curve 71 in which the meat 69 may be displaced. Curve 71 has a section 71a which is bent up and down and an upright section 71. The beam 75 is connected, in a manner not shown in greater detail, to the above mentioned end portion 64, which is fixed to the expandable part. from the master spindle 63a. The tube in which the master spindle 63a moves is held stationary in frame 62 at reference numeral near end 66.

When a matrix 5 with the lollipops has reached the correct location on the transfer device, the belt 4 is interrupted. At that time, a fill can be effected at the filling station 20 and the sticks can be placed in a die 5 by means of the transfer device 10. During this stationary period, the lollipops are removed from the dies 5 by means of an indexed coupling of the associated control devices.

Figure 7A illustrates the point in time when the toothpicks are triggered by the staples 60. Subsequently, the staples are pulled back into the horizontal zone 71b by retracting the master spindle 63a so that the lollipop heads end off the path of the arrays 5 Belt 4 can then be re-driven for a subsequent cycle.

If the master spindle 63a is pulled further back, the meat 69 will end up in the bent zone 71a of the bend 71, where the staples 60 are raised over the track of the toothpick clamps 42 of the conveyor belt 40 and lowered again to a position. also shown in Figure 7A, wherein the toothpick clamps 42 are located between the clips 60 and the lollipop head R and have a sufficient length of the toothpick that can engage with the toothpicks S.

The conveyor belt 40 is stopped during this transfer phase, as in an indexed manner. Toothpicks 42, which are known to themselves are in principle in the closed position, but when the claws 60 are moved downwards, the toothpicks S are pushed against their two retaining claws as a result of their being pushed slightly to the side, against the spring tension on the staple clips 42 to allow the toothpicks S to pass. Then the toothpick S is then fixed to the toothpick clamps 42. Subsequently, the clamps60 are opened and the master spindle 63a is expanded again to move the clamps 60 out of the conveyor belt path 40 which are at right angles to the paper. and at right angles to the belt movement plane 4. The conveyor belt 40 is then displaced along a distance equal to the length of the transferred rows of the lollipops.

It should be noted that this transfer device may also be used for lollipops that are molded in another way.

Throughout the process, from the lollipop sticks being distributed from stock to the final conveyor belt, the lollipops are retained in a known and safe manner, whereby the lollipop material itself may remain untouched and the lollipop packaging in, for example. , a beam wrapper, can be performed in a reliable manner.

By pulling backward in direction L1 over a distance d, a molded lollipop such as that in Figure 8 is obtained, eventually R being provided with a spherical projection dR having an extension greater than a flat side 101.

Claims (44)

1. A process for producing lollipops by casting, wherein the lollipops for the lollipops to be produced are taken separately from a stock of toothpicks and are inserted by means of toothpick retainers in a lollipop mass filled matrix for the lollipops, wherein the lollipops The sticks are held in position in the die by the stick retainers during the lollipop mass hardening, where the sticks are grasped by the stick lollipops after the lollipop mass hardening in order to be removed from the matrix for further processing, wherein the sticks are taken from the lollipop mass. stock by the first toothpick retainers and inserted into the matrix and held in position by the second toothpick retainers positioned close to the matrix during the solidification of the lollipop mass around the toothpick. A process according to claim 1, wherein the second stick retainers are attached to the die. A process as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the lollipops for removing the matrix lollipops are retained by the third toothpick retainers. The method of claim 3, wherein the third toothpick retainers are moved in a direction away from the die after the toothpicks have been grasped and the die has been opened, followed by which the die is still carried. A process according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the third toothpick retainers form the part of a conveyor belt, in particular a conveyor belt leading to a packaging machine. A method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the toothpicks are transferred to toothpick retainers from the position in which they are held by the third toothpick retainers, said fourth toothpick retainers forming part of a conveyor belt, in particularly a conveyor belt leading to a packaging machine. The method of claim 6, wherein the fourth toothpick grips the toothpicks at a location on the toothpicks that is situated beyond the lollipop than the gripping point of the third toothpick retainers. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sticks are pulled back a short distance at the end of the insertion movement into the lollipop mass, but still remain in the lollipop mass, the lollipop mass being viscous while insertion occurs. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the die is provided with inlet openings for the lollipop mass which are situated at the top of the die and also form insertion openings for the toothpicks, the toothpicks being preferably inserted. in the lollipop masses along a vertical path, coinciding with the central axis of the toothpicks. The method of claim 9, wherein the toothpick retainers pick up the source toothpicks at the bottom of the stock in a horizontal orientation and then turn the toothpicks to a vertical insertion position. The process of claim 10, wherein the toothpick retainers with the toothpicks are subsequently vertically moved downwardly to be inserted into the lollipop mass. A method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the die is tilted after hardening to a position where the sticks extend horizontally and, in this orientation, are grasped by the stick retainers to remove the lollipops. from the matrix to other processing. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in each case a series of toothpicks is simultaneously taken into stock and inserted into the die. A process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the toothpicks are distributed to the toothpick retainers from the stock by means of a feeder device that is movable along a stock dispensing opening between a pickup position to pick up the toothpicks. and a transfer position to transfer the toothpicks to the toothpick retainer. Leak-produced lollipop, comprising a toothpick and a head of initially spillable and then solidifiable lollipop material, the lollipop material forming a projection at the position where the opalite projects from the head, the projection of which extends along the toothpick . 16. Die casting lollipops comprised a body having a series of mold cavities and toothpick retainers attached to the matrix to securely retain the newly inserted lollipop sticks in the matrix. The die according to claim 16, wherein the toothpick retainers comprise a series of first clips and a series of second clips, the first and second clips being arranged to be displaceable relative to each other in the body. between a receiving position and a holding position. 18. Lollipop stick storage container, comprising a storage container having a series of dispenser openings arranged at regular intervals at the bottom comprising a feeder device that can be moved along the bottom and is movable along the dispenser openings between a transfer position to transfer the sticks to a series of toothpick retainers. Storage container according to claim 18, wherein the feeder device is provided with a series of retention spaces for each toothpick, which retention spaces are preferably at regular intervals from one another corresponding to those of the mold cavities. in the matrix. Storage container according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the feeder device is movable along a holding panel having passages to a toothpick retainer. Storage container according to claim 18, 19 or 20, wherein the width of the dispensing openings is that of several toothpicks one after the other. A transfer unit for transferring a series of lollipop sticks from a stock to a series of toothpick retainers located at a distance from the stock, such as toothpick retainers in a matrix or toothpick retainers on a conveyor belt comprising a retainer body. which is releasably disposed in a displacement frame between a pickup position for grasping the stock picks and a dispensing position for distributing the picks to the detent retainers, the retainer body being provided with first and second pick clips to secure the picks. toothpicks, whose toothpick clips are displaceable relative to each other along the retainer body. A transfer unit according to claim 22, wherein the first toothpick clamps comprise two series of first fastener parts spaced in a direction transverse to the sliding direction, the second toothpick clamps being situated between the first part clamping series. to arrest. A transfer unit according to claim 23, wherein the second toothpick clamps are arranged on a slider that is displaceable relative to the retainer body. Transfer unit according to claim 22, 23 or 24, further comprising a drive mechanism for displacing the retainer body as well as adjustable / programmable control means for the drive mechanism. Transfer unit according to claim 25, wherein the drive mechanism is servo controlled. A transfer unit according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the control means is adjustable so that the speed and / or acceleration / deceleration of movement can be adjusted. A transfer device for transferring a series of lollipops from a first conveyor belt to a second conveyor belt comprising a retainer with a series of tooth gripper devices and means for displacing the retainer from a position near the first conveyor belt, wherein the toothpicks The lollipop is grasped by the toothpick grips to a position close to the second conveyor belt where the lollipop sticks are distributed and returned again. A transfer device according to claim 28, wherein the first conveyor belt is provided with retainers for retaining the lollipops in groups in series transverse to the transport direction of the first conveyor belt. The transfer device of claim 28 or 29, wherein the second conveyor belt is provided with retainers for retaining the lollipops in a series parallel to the conveyor direction of the second conveyor belt, the transport directions of the first and second conveyors. conveyor belts at right angles to one another. The transfer device of claim 30, wherein the retainers on the second conveyor belt are indicated to retain in each case a lollipop. The transfer device of claim 31, wherein the movable retainer to and from the toothpick gripping devices may be positioned such that it engages with the toothpicks at a location at a distance from the lollipop head. to provide a coupling point for the second conveyor belt retainers between the lollipop head and the coupling point of the opalite grippers. The transfer device of claim 32, wherein the movement of the retainer with the toothpick grips is guided on a curved track. A transfer device according to any one of claims 28 to 33, further comprising a drive mechanism for displacing the retainer with toothpick grips, as well as adjustable / programmable control means for the drive mechanism. ment. The transfer device of claim 34, wherein the drive mechanism is servo controlled. A transfer device according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the control means is adjustable so that the speed and / or acceleration / deceleration of movement can be adjusted. The transfer device of claim 34, 35 or 36, wherein the control means may be indexed, in articulation if series of lollipops are formed in stages during the demolding process according to this stepped flow. A device provided with one or more matrices as defined in claim 16 or 17, with a storage container as defined in one of claims 18 to 21 and / or with a transfer device as defined in one of claims 22 to 27 and / or with a transfer device as defined in one of claims 28 to 37. 39. Transfer unit provided with one or more of the characteristic features described in the attached report and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 40. Matrix provided with one or more characteristic features described in the attached report and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 41.Storage container provided with one or more characteristic features described in the attached report and / or illustrated in the drawings. 42. A transfer device provided with one or more characteristic features described in the attached report and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 43.Lollipop provided with one or more of the characteristic features described in the attached report and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 44.The process comprising one or more characteristic steps described in the attached report and / or illustrated in the attached drawing.