CN114650734A - Baking mould, baking machine, production line and method for forming baking container - Google Patents

Abstract

A method, a manufacturing apparatus, a toaster and a toasting die (1) for forming a blank (2) for manufacturing a container (3), in particular a container having the shape of a mug, cup or plate, by toasting a solid dough mass (4) in a cavity (5) formed by the toasting die (1), wherein a separating member (6) is provided which protrudes into the cavity (5) and acts as a flow restrictor, which during toasting divides the cavity (5) into a high pressure part (7) and a low pressure part (8).

Description

Baking mould, baking machine, production line and method for forming baking container

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a baking mould, a baking machine, a production line and a method according to the preambles of the independent claims.

Background

It is known to produce dimensionally stable containers, such as mug, cup or plate, by baking firm dough.

To this end, according to the prior art, a baking mould is provided with a cavity in which the dough is baked to form a firm body. For baking, a predetermined portion of the dough is typically placed in a die. In a further step, the core is placed in a die in such a way as to reduce the volume available for the dough in such a way that the dough spreads along the cavity formed. However, the desired shape of the product to be produced is only formed when the dough expands inside the cavity when heated. This expansion occurs by evaporation of the substances contained in the dough, such as water.

It is particularly advantageous if the expansion of the dough takes place under increased pressure, since under increased pressure a more dense compaction of the baked product, i.e. the container, can be achieved.

Generally, the moulds for producing baking containers are designed so that the dough is initially arranged in the bottom area of the cavity of the cup to be formed and spreads towards the edge of the cup as the baking process progresses. In the rim area of the cup, an opening is provided through which steam and possibly dough can escape.

In practice, however, the problem here arises that the consistency of the final baked product is not uniform in the edge regions. Such unevenness is particularly undesirable in the edge region, since it is subjected to specific stresses during use and is also clearly visible to the user.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, to provide a possibility to produce high quality baking containers.

A container is considered to be of high quality, in particular if it has a uniform, dense structure which extends in particular to the edge region.

The object of the invention is solved in particular by the features of the independent claims.

The invention relates to a baking mould for forming a preform for producing a container, in particular a mug, cup or disk container, by baking a firm dough in a cavity formed by the baking mould.

According to the invention, a separating element can be provided which projects into the cavity and acts as a throttle valve, which separating element divides the cavity into a high-pressure section and a low-pressure section during the baking process.

Optionally, it is provided that the separating element forms a constriction of the cavity, which constriction is arranged between the high-pressure section and the low-pressure section.

Optionally, it is provided that the separating element is releasably connected to the base body. Alternatively, it is provided that a plurality of different separating elements are provided or can be used, which can be selectively connected to the base body in order to be able to vary the geometry of the throttle gap and thus the throttle effect. This allows for example an optimization according to the dough used.

Optionally, it is provided that the separating element is connected with the base body in a non-releasable manner. Alternatively, it is provided that the separating element can be connected to the base body.

Optionally, the base body comprises a groove in the region of the recess for holding the separating element. Optionally, the base body comprises a plurality of grooves extending parallel to one another in the region of the recess, into one of which the separating element can optionally be inserted in order to be able to change the position of the separating element and thus also the dimensions of the high-pressure section and the low-pressure section.

Optionally, it is provided that a firm dough is provided in the cavity during the manufacture of the preform, the firm dough extending from the high pressure section into the low pressure section as the baking process progresses.

Optionally, it is provided that the cavity is formed such that during the baking process, at least temporarily, a higher pressure prevails in the high-pressure section than in the low-pressure section.

Optionally, it is provided that the separator is formed by a strip of optionally multipart design, wherein the strip extends along a circumferential contour which conforms to the shape of the cavity and is substantially closed. Optionally, it is provided that the separating element is formed as a multipart perforated disc and/or an annular band.

Optionally, it is provided that the baking mould is of multipart and openable and closable design and comprises the following members which, in the closed state, define the cavity: a base body with a recess, which serves in particular as a stamp, and an extension, which can be introduced or is introduced into the recess of the base body and serves in particular as a core.

It is optionally provided that the base body is of multipart design and is divided into at least two base body parts by a separating surface.

Optionally, it is provided that the separating surface intersects a recess of the base body.

Optionally, it is provided that the separating surface intersects the multipart separating element.

It is optionally provided that the separating element is held in the base body, the separating element projecting into the recess and into the cavity, in the closed position of the baking mould the extension is inserted into the recess, in the closed position of the baking mould a gap is maintained between the extension and the recess for forming the cavity, which gap defines the wall thickness of the preform to be formed, and/or in the closed position of the baking mould a throttle gap is maintained between the separating element and the extension.

Optionally, it is provided that the separating element is part of the base body.

Optionally, it is provided that the throttle gap has a gap width of less than 85% of the thickness of the gap between the extension and the recess in the high-pressure section. Preferably, it is provided that the throttle gap has a gap width of more than 15% of the thickness of the gap between the extension and the recess in the high-pressure section.

Optionally, it is provided that a moving device is provided, via which the base body and the extension are movably connected, and wherein the moving device comprises in particular a hinge for forming the baking tongs.

Optionally, it is provided that a moving device is provided and in particular comprises a hydraulic cylinder for forming the baking tongs.

Optionally, it is provided that a moving device is provided and configured to open the roasting tongs vertically.

The moving means may be configured to open the baking mould, i.e. in particular to rotate the base body with respect to the extension.

The moving device may be configured to vertically open the baking mold. In particular, the matrix may be separated along the separation plane, which simplifies the removal of the preform.

Optionally, it is provided that a circumferential groove is provided in the high-pressure section of the cavity for forming an edge bead on the container to be produced.

Optionally, it is provided that the groove extends at a distance from the separating member to form an annular portion of the cavity.

Optionally, it is provided that the distance, in particular the height, of the ring segments is greater than 1mm, preferably greater than 2mm, particularly preferably approximately 3 mm. Optionally, it is provided that the spacing, in particular the height, of the ring segments is greater than 10 mm.

Optionally, it is provided that the groove extends at a distance from the separator piece, and that the distance, in particular the height of the ring section, is between 0.1mm and at most and including 10 mm.

The groove may be arranged directly below the separating member.

The groove may be spaced from the separator by 0.1mm and up to and including a distance of 10 mm.

Optionally, it is provided that a plurality of steam channels are provided, which extend in a trough-like manner in the cavity from the high-pressure section into the low-pressure section and open the cavity outward, in particular in the closed position of the baking mold.

Optionally, it is provided that the cavity comprises a bottom area for forming a bottom of the container.

Optionally, provision is made for a plurality of steam channels to be provided, which extend in a trough-like manner in and/or along the cavity and open the cavity outwards in the closed position of the baking mold.

Optionally, it is provided that the steam channel extends in particular in a star shape towards the center of the bottom region of the cavity.

Optionally, it is provided that at least one of the steam channels terminates before or outside the center in the bottom region or opens into another steam channel in the bottom region or outside the center before the center.

Optionally, it is provided that the steam channel extends in the bottom region towards the center to a different extent.

Optionally, it is provided that at least one steam channel extends to the center or central region of the bottom region, and a plurality of further steam channels extend in a star shape towards the center, but end before the center or open into a further steam channel.

Optionally, it is provided that the further steam channel extends in a star shape in the bottom area towards the center, but ends outside the center before intersecting one of the adjacent steam channels, thereby maintaining a distance to the adjacent steam channel.

Optionally, it is provided that the baking mould is of multipart and openable and closable design and comprises the following components which, in the closed state, define the cavity:

a substrate having a recess, in particular for use as a stamper,

and an extension which can be inserted or plugged into a recess of the base body and which in particular serves as a core.

Optionally, it is provided that the steam channel is arranged in a groove-like manner in a surface of the extension delimiting the cavity.

Optionally, it is provided that the extension has a bottom surface for forming a bottom of the container.

Optionally, it is provided that the steam channel extends in a star shape towards the center of the bottom surface.

Optionally, it is provided that the at least one steam channel extends to a center or central region of the bottom surface.

Alternatively, it is provided that the plurality of steam channels extend in a star shape towards the center at the bottom surface, but terminate before intersecting one of the adjacent steam channels and in particular open into one of the adjacent steam channels, so that a distance to the adjacent steam channel is maintained.

Optionally, it is provided that the steam channel extends in the direction of movement of the steam during the toasting process.

Optionally, it is provided that at least one steam channel extends through the center. Optionally, it is provided that the at least one steam channel extends through the center of the bottom surface.

Optionally, it is provided that at least one steam channel, in particular a steam channel extending through the center, has an intersection with another steam channel.

Optionally, it is provided that the steam channel has a width of 0.1mm to 10mm, preferably 0.5mm to 5 mm.

Optionally, it is provided that the steam channel has a depth of 0.1mm to 5mm, in particular 0.1mm to 2.5 mm.

Optionally, it is provided that the steam channel is arranged in a groove-like manner in a surface of the extension delimiting the cavity.

Optionally, it is provided that the extension has a bottom surface for forming a bottom of the container.

Optionally, it is provided that the steam channels extend in a star shape towards the central area, respectively towards the center of the bottom surface.

Optionally, it is provided that the at least one steam channel extends to a central region or center of the bottom surface.

Optionally, it is provided that the plurality of steam channels extend in a star shape towards the center at the bottom surface, but terminate before intersecting with and in particular merge into one of the adjacent steam channels, so as to maintain a distance to the adjacent steam channel.

In particular, the present invention relates to a toaster comprising: one or more baking moulds which can be opened and closed, a loading station for introducing dough, in particular firm dough, into the opened baking mould, a heated baking chamber for heating the baking mould and for baking the dough inside the closed baking mould, a removal station for removing preforms formed by baking the dough, wherein the baking mould is designed according to the invention.

In particular, the invention relates to a production line comprising a toaster according to the invention and a separating station downstream of the toaster, the separating station being configured to form a container by detaching an edge of a preform.

In particular, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing preforms and optionally mug, cup or disc containers, comprising the steps of:

-introducing dough, in particular dough that is firm, into the cavity of a baking mould, which is designed in particular according to the invention,

-conditioning the dough to the cavity, optionally at least partially, in particular mechanically, by closing the baking mould,

-expanding the dough in the cavity of the baking mould by heating the baking mould,

-passing the expanding dough through a throttling gap provided in the cavity of the baking mould, upstream of which there is a higher pressure than downstream of the throttling gap, as seen along the flow path of the dough, whereby a high pressure section and a low pressure section may be defined or formed within the cavity.

Optionally, it is provided that the throttle gap is formed at least on one side by a separating piece, wherein the separating piece projects into the cavity, wherein the separating piece forms a constriction of the cavity, and wherein the separating piece separates the cavity into a high-pressure section and a low-pressure section.

Optionally, it is provided that the dough enters a circumferential groove arranged in the high-pressure section of the cavity to form an edge bead of the preform or container to be manufactured.

Optionally, it is provided that the groove extends at a distance from the separator to form an annular separation section of the preform.

Optionally, it is provided that the preform is divided in a separation section to form the container.

Preferably, it is provided that the cavity has a mug, cup or disc shaped portion such that a preform is formed having a mug, cup or disc shaped portion. In particular, both the recess and the extension are of frustoconical, conical or bowl-shaped design, wherein the recess is slightly oversized relative to the extension such that a cavity is formed between the recess and the extension when the bake mould is closed.

Preferably, the cavity has a rotationally symmetrical shape. However, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention for the cavity to have other shapes, for example in particular a box shape, a box shape with rounded edges or the like.

Several steam channels may be provided to improve the evacuation of steam and the distribution of the dough in the cavity, respectively. The steam channel preferably extends in the direction of movement of the steam. In particular, the steam channel is formed as a groove provided in the outer surface of the extension. These grooves preferably extend into the area of the cavity in which the dough is initially disposed. In particular, this region is the bottom region of a disk-shaped, cup-shaped or mug-shaped cavity.

According to a preferred embodiment, the grooves and the steam channels extend to the centre in a substantially star-shaped manner, wherein some of the steam channels terminate before intersecting and, in particular, merge into other steam channels. Some of the steam channels may extend through the center and have an intersection with another steam channel. Alternatively, however, it may be provided that only one steam channel extends through the center without intersecting any other steam channel. Furthermore, it is preferred to provide further steam channels which extend towards the centre, but only to such an extent that the distance to adjacent steam channels is always maintained and no crossing of further steam channels occurs. The further steam channels may also extend in a star shape to the centre, but terminate before entering the adjacent channel. This design also facilitates the venting of steam from the base region. However, with this design, a reduction in quality can be prevented.

The method for forming a preform may particularly comprise the steps described below.

In a first step, dough, preferably firm dough, may be introduced into a baking mold. This is preferably done in the loading station.

The mass and volume of the part introduced into the baking mould can be predetermined but can also be adjusted as required.

In a subsequent step, the baking mould is closed, forming a cavity of the baking mould. The cavity has a volume. Preferably, the volume is greater than the volume of dough in the baking mold. However, closing the baking mold spreads the dough over a portion of the cavity.

The bake form is heated or will be heated. In particular, the baking mould is warm and can be further heated during the baking process. Preferably, this heating of the baking mould is performed in a baking chamber. By heating the dough in the cavity, the dough ingredients evaporate, causing the dough to expand, with a corresponding increase in volume. This further and in particular distributes the dough throughout the cavity. The generated steam can be distributed in the cavity, for example, via steam channels, and preferably discharged to the outside.

The cavity is formed in particular by a recess and an extension in the base body. For example, a groove in the substrate serves as a stamper. For example, the extension acts as a core. By inserting the extension into the base body, a mug, cup or disc shaped mould for the container can be formed.

Preferably, it is provided that the elevated pressure due to the expansion of the dough and volatile components of the dough does not escape unhindered. Instead, a separate piece is provided which acts as a fluid throttle. The throttling valve is especially an element arranged along the flow path of the dough and the volatile gas, the pressure existing along the flow path upstream of the throttling valve being higher than the pressure downstream of the throttling valve. The separating element can for example form a throttle gap. For example, the throttling gap may be annular between the cavity and the separating member. In this manner, the divider divides the cavity into a high pressure section and a low pressure section during the baking process.

In the high-pressure section, a higher pressure is at least temporarily present during the baking of the preforms than in the low-pressure section. The low pressure section is preferably open to the environment, whereby essentially ambient pressure can be present in this part. The separating element forms a constriction of the cavity, whereby during the baking process the pressure in the high-pressure section is increased compared to the pressure in the low-pressure section. For example, during baking, the pressure in the high-pressure section is between 1.5 bar and 5 bar, preferably between 2 bar and 4 bar, particularly preferably about 3 bar.

The bake form is then moved through a heated bake chamber in which the bake form is heated. The oven chamber can be designed as a conventional oven chamber. The bake form is then transported to a removal station.

At this removal station, the baking mould can be opened. Subsequently, the preform baked in the baking mold may be removed.

For removing the preform, the base body can be designed in several parts. In particular, the base body is divided into two base body parts by a separating surface. The two base parts can be separated from each other so that the preform can be removed more easily. This is particularly necessary if the recess or separator forms a shoulder or undercut that would prevent removal of the preform.

Subsequently, the preform may be further processed. For example, the preforms are fed to a separating station where the edges of the containers are formed. For this purpose, the preforms are divided in a separating process, for example by sawing. The separating surface is preferably arranged in a section of the preform which is formed in the high-pressure section of the cavity.

Preferably, an edge bead is provided on the preform, which edge bead is formed in the high-pressure section of the cavity and is arranged at a distance from the edge of the preform. Preferably, the edge bead is also arranged spaced apart from a section of the preform in which the separator is arranged during production. Thus, a separate section of the preform is formed between the separator and the edge bead. Preferably, the separation section is formed in a high-pressure section of the baking mold.

Preferably, position centering means are provided for centering the position of the extension relative to the base. For example, the base, in particular the recess, has a surface adapted to abut the surface of the extension. When the extensions are inserted into the grooves of the base, respectively, the two surfaces contact each other, thereby fixing the position of the extensions with respect to the base. The seat formed by the two surfaces may optionally be crossed by a steam channel to allow steam and optionally dough to escape from the cavity.

Preferably, the cavity is formed closed except for the steam channel, so that no dough or only a small amount of dough escapes from the cavity during baking.

The final baked preform includes a first portion formed in the high pressure section of the cavity and a second portion formed in the low pressure section of the cavity. The second portion preferably forms an edge of the preform. On the other hand, the rim of the container to be formed is preferably formed by the first portion of the preform. For this purpose, the preform is treated in the separating region in such a way that a container is formed which is formed exclusively by a first part of the preform, which is formed completely in the high-pressure section of the cavity.

In particular, the separation is performed within the first portion of the preform and at a distance from the second portion such that the entire second portion and at least a fraction of the first portion are separated. The separation may be, for example, shaving or sawing off excess portions of the preform.

Preferably, the dough used is a firm dough. By way of example, the following dough compositions may be listed:

27% of water, 10% of plant fiber, 50.8% of flour, 8% of sugar, 4% of plant fat and 0.2% of salt.

Generally, for a suitable dough, the solids content may be about 70% and the liquids content about 30%. The percentage of the dough ingredients is understood to be mass percent.

Drawings

The invention is described below with reference to the following drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a possible embodiment of a toaster according to the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a possible embodiment of the baking mould.

Fig. 3 shows a view of the extension from the bottom.

Fig. 4a to 4e show schematic diagrams by means of which embodiments of the method according to the invention can be described.

Unless otherwise indicated, the reference numerals correspond to the following parts: baking mould 1, preform 2, container 3, dough 4, cavity 5, separating element 6, high-pressure section 7, low-pressure section 8, base body 9, extension 10, separating surface 11, gap 12 (for forming the cavity), wall thickness 13 (of the preform), throttling gap 14, moving means 15, groove 16 (for forming the edge bead), edge bead 17, distance 18 (between groove and separating element), annular section 19, steam channel 20, bottom surface 21, loading station 22, baking chamber 23, removal station 24, separating section 25 (of the preform), recess 26, bottom area 27.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a possible embodiment of a toaster according to the invention. The toaster comprises a number of toasting dies 1, each of which passes through a number of stations. At the loading station 22, the baking mould 1 is opened so that dough 4, in particular firm dough, can be placed or introduced into the baking mould 1. The baking mould 1 is then closed and conveyed through the baking chamber 23. In the baking chamber 23, the baking mold 1 is heated. The heating raises the temperature of the dough 4, baking the dough 4 into the preform 2. After baking in the baking chamber 23, the baking mould 1 can be opened in the removal station 24. In the removal station 24, the preforms 2 can be removed from the baking moulds 1.

Preferably, the toaster is designed such that several toasting dies 1 are conveyed successively in a row through the toaster. In particular, there is an endless conveyor belt, such as a chain, to which the baking moulds 1 are attached and on which the baking moulds 1 are continuously conveyed through the baking machine.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a possible embodiment of the baking mould 1. The baking mould 1 is configured and/or adapted to form a preform 2, which preform 2 can be formed into a container 3 using further processing steps. For this purpose, the dough 4, in particular the firm dough, is baked in the cavity 5 of the baking mould 1. Preferably, the cavity 5 comprises a high pressure section 7 and a low pressure section 8, the separator 6 being arranged between these two sections 7, 8. The separating element 6 forms a constriction of the cavity 5. Due to the expansion of the dough 4 and the volatile components contained therein, the separating member 6 acts as a fluid throttle, and during baking, along the flow path, a greater pressure exists upstream of the separating member 6 than downstream of the separating member 6.

The cavity 5 is formed by at least two parts which are movable relative to each other by means of a moving device 15. Thus, for forming the cavity 5, the baking mould 1 comprises a base body 9 with a recess 26, which serves in particular as a stamp, and an extension 10, which can be inserted into the recess 26 and serves in particular as a core. Even when the extension 10 is fully inserted, a gap 12 is maintained between the extension 10 and the base 9 to form the cavity 5. This gap 12, in particular its dimensions, defines a wall thickness 13 of the preform 2. The wall thickness 13 of the preform 2 may be constant along its course or vary in section as it progresses.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the separating element 6 is inserted into the base body 9 and is preferably of multipart design. For example, the separating member 6 may comprise two C-shaped ring portions which form a composite ring when the substrates 9 are joined together. In any case, the separating member 6 forms a constriction of the cavity 5, so that only the throttling gap 14 remains free, the size of the throttling gap 14 being smaller than the thickness of the gap 12. Thereby, the throttle gap 14 and in particular the separating member 6 act as a fluid throttle.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the baking mold 1 includes a groove 16 for forming an edge curl 17. This recess 16 is preferably arranged at a distance from the separating piece 6, so that there is a distance 18 between the separating piece 6 and the edge bead 17, which defines an annular section 19 of the baking mould 1. The annular section 19 also defines a separation section 25 of the preform 2. In this separation section 25, a portion of the preform 2 can be separated so that the container 3 is formed. The separation occurs, for example, at the line drawn in the separation section 25. The separation may be achieved, for example, by cutting along a line or by slicing the area above the line.

The baking mould 1 comprises a plurality of steam channels 20 in the area of the cavity 5. These steam channels 20 are configured to distribute the steam escaping from the dough, respectively. In the present embodiment, the steam channel 20 extends in a trough-like manner along the course of the extension 10. The extension 10 includes a bottom surface 21. Preferably, the steam channel 20 extends from the side of the extension 10 into the bottom surface 21 thereof.

In the present embodiment, the base body 9 of the baking mold 1 is formed in two parts, and includes a dividing surface 11 that divides the base body 9 into two parts. The parting plane 11 preferably extends through the cavity 5, preferably at the widest point of the cavity 5. By separating the matrix 9 along the separation plane 11, the finished baked preform 2 can be easily removed. In all embodiments, the separating surface 11 may also divide the separating element 6 into two parts, so that when the basic body 9 is opened, the separating element 6 is also opened.

In the region before or after the throttle gap 14, the throttle gap 14 has a smaller gap thickness than the gap 12. During the expansion of the dough 4 or volatile components contained therein, increased pressure builds up in the high pressure section 7 as compared to the low pressure section 8.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment as baking tongs, wherein the moving means 15 comprise a hinge. Alternatively, the moving means 15 may comprise a straight guide or other conventional structure allowing automatic extraction of the extension 10 from the cavity 5.

Fig. 3 shows a view of the extension 10 from the bottom surface 21. As shown in fig. 2, the baking mold 1 includes a plurality of steam channels 20. Said steam channel 20 preferably extends in a groove-like manner along the path of the cavity 5, in particular along the path of the extension 10. Preferably, the steam channel 20 extends in a preferred steam flow direction during the toasting process. In particular, the steam channel 20 thus extends along the shortest connection from the high-pressure section 7 to the low-pressure section 8 and in particular to the environment adjacent to the low-pressure section 8.

In the region of the bottom surface 21, the steam channels 20 are grouped together in a star shape. The steam channel 20 has a certain width. The steam channel 20 is specially designed in order to prevent the groove-shaped steam channel 20 from forming a flat recess in the center of the bottom surface 21. If all the steam channels 20 open in a star shape towards the centre, the width of the steam channels 20 will result in a flat recess, which will also increase the wall thickness 13 of the preform 2 in this area. The increased wall thickness 13 will in practice have some disadvantages. For example, the increased wall thickness 13 may result in a lower degree of baking during the baking process. This leads to a reduction in the quality of the product to be manufactured and/or to the preform 2 adhering to the extension 10.

It has surprisingly been found that the disadvantages of the prior art can be overcome by a special design of the steam channels 20 in the area where they are collected. In particular, the steam channel 20 may be arranged as shown in fig. 3. Although the steam channels 20 converge to the center in a substantially star-shaped manner, some steam channels terminate before they intersect, and in particular, merge into other steam channels 20. For example, in the present embodiment, the steam channel 20 'passes through the center and has an intersection with another steam channel 20'. Alternatively, however, it may be provided that only one steam channel 20' passes through the center without intersecting any other steam channel 20. Alternatively, it can be provided that no steam channel 20 'passes through the center, but that the steam channel 20' is interrupted at the center or ends just before the center. Furthermore, further steam channels 20 "are provided which extend towards the centre, but only to such an extent that the distance to adjacent steam channels 20 or channels 20 always remains free and no intersection of further steam channels 20 takes place. The further steam channel 20 "' may also extend in a star shape to the centre, but terminate before entering the adjacent steam channel 20. This design also facilitates the venting of steam from the bottom region 27. However, with this design, a reduction in quality can be prevented.

Furthermore, the groove-shaped steam channel 20 may be filled with dough 4 during baking. The steam channel 20 forms a reinforcing rib on the finished container and the preform 2, respectively.

In the embodiment of fig. 2, the steam channel 20 is provided in the outer surface of the extension 10 and is formed as a groove, for example milled with a ball nose end mill. Alternatively, however, the steam channels 20 can also be arranged in recesses in the base body 9 for forming the cavities 5. Alternatively, the steam channel 20 may be arranged on the extension 10 and the recess of the base body 9. Preferably, in all embodiments, the steam channel 20 extends in the cavity 5. Preferably, the steam channel 20 also extends out of the cavity 5, so that the cavity 5 is open outwards and steam can escape. Preferably, the steam channel 20 extends in the wall of the cavity 5, in particular in an outer surface of the extension 10 and/or a recess of the base body 9.

According to an embodiment not shown, the steam channels 20 may extend in a star shape towards the center of the bottom area 27, wherein at least one steam channel 20, preferably several steam channels 20, are configured such that they open into an adjacent steam channel 20 before the center of the bottom area 27, in particular in an area outside the center of the bottom area 27. Alternatively, an annular steam channel 20 may be provided around the center, and at least one steam channel 20, preferably several or all steam channels 20 open into this annular steam channel 20.

In this embodiment, one or more steam channels 20 may also extend through the center. Alternatively, however, all steam channels 20 may terminate outside the center or open into adjacent steam channels 20.

Fig. 4a to 4e show schematic diagrams by means of which embodiments of the method according to the invention can be described.

In a first step, see fig. 4a, dough 4, in particular firm dough, is placed in the recess 26 of the base body 9 of the open baking mould 1. The extension 10 is pulled out of the base body 9 at least far enough to allow the dough to be inserted. Subsequently, the extension 10 is inserted into the base 9, whereby the extension 10 functions as a core and the base 9 functions as a die.

In fig. 4b, the extension 10 is almost completely inserted into the base body 9. By inserting the extension 10, the dough 4 is deformed and distributed along the cavity 5, the cavity 5 being formed by bringing the extension 10 together with the base body 9. Preferably, however, the inserted dough 4 has a smaller volume than the formed cavity 5. The dough 4 expands to substantially, optionally completely, fill the volume of the cavity 5 only by heating.

The baking mould 1 is preferably designed to be heated. The gas flowing out of the dough 4 and the dough 4 itself follows the path of the cavity 5 along the flow path. During this flow path, a separating element 6 is arranged in the cavity 5. In particular, the separating element 6 projects into the cavity 5 and forms a constriction there. The separating element 6 forms a throttle gap 14, through which a fluid throttle is formed, so that during the toasting process the pressure along the flow path is higher upstream of the separating element 6 and thus also upstream of the throttle gap 14 than downstream of the separating element 6.

Thus, a high-pressure section 7 and a low-pressure section 8 are formed by the separating member 6.

Fig. 4c shows a further step in the process of the method, in which the extension 10 is fully inserted into the base body 9. Preferably, extension 10 and base 9 have a seat that centers the position of extension 10 with respect to base 9.

In this position, the dough 4 is distributed over the cavity 5 and extends from the high pressure section 7 to the low pressure section 8. As the process proceeds, the pressure within the cavity 5, in particular within the high pressure section 7, may be equalized such that the same pressure exists throughout the cavity 5.

In a further step, see fig. 4d, the baking mould 1 can be opened to enable removal of the preform 2. In particular, the matrix 9 can be separated along the separation plane 11, which simplifies the removal of the preform 2. Preferably, this also opens the separating member 6.

The preforms 2 can then be further processed in the production line. In particular, a portion of the preform 2 may be separated to form the container 3. In the present embodiment, a separating section 25 is provided on the preform 2. In this separation section 25, the free edge of the preform 2 is separated. In particular, the separation section 25 is formed in the high pressure section 7 of the cavity 5.

Preferably, the cavity 5 comprises a recess 16 for forming an edge bead 17. A distance 18 is provided between the groove 16 and the separating element 6, forming an annular section 19 of the cavity 5. The annular section 19 forms a separating section 25 of the preform 2. In all embodiments, the height of the separation section 25, in particular the height measured along the flow path, is preferably greater than 1mm, in particular greater than 2 mm.

The separation of the forming containers 3 can be carried out in a conventional factory for processing similar baked products.

Claims (15)

1. Baking mould (1) for forming a preform (2) for making a container (3), in particular a mug, cup or disc shaped container, by baking a firm dough (4) in a cavity (5) formed by the baking mould (1),

wherein the baking mould (1) is of multipart, openable and closable design and comprises the following components which, in the closed state, delimit the cavity (5):

a base body (9) having a recess (26) which is used in particular as a stamp,

-and an extension (10) insertable into a recess (26) of the base body (9) and acting in particular as a core,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

providing a separating member (6) protruding into the cavity (5) and acting as a throttle valve, the separating member (6) separating the cavity (5) into a high pressure section (7) and a low pressure section (8) during baking, and

the separating element (6) is connected or connectable to the base body (9).

2. Baking mould (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that

-the extension (10) comprises a bottom surface (21) for forming the bottom of the container (3),

-optionally, the steam channel (20) extends in a star shape towards the center of the bottom surface (21),

-optionally, at least one steam channel (20) extends up to a center or central area of the bottom surface (21),

-optionally, at least one steam channel (20) extends through the centre of the bottom surface (21).

3. Baking mould (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the separating piece (6) forms a constriction of the cavity (5), which constriction is arranged between a high-pressure section (7) and a low-pressure section (8).

4. Baking mould (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

-the separating member (6) is formed by an optional multipart strip,

-said strip extends along a substantially closed circumferential profile conforming to the shape of said cavity (5).

5. Baking mould (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

The base body (9) is of multipart design and is divided into at least two base body parts by a separating surface (11),

-the parting plane (11) intersects the recess (26) of the base body (9),

-and optionally, the parting plane (11) intersects the multipart part parting piece (6).

6. Baking mould (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that

-the separate piece (6) is held in the base body (9) and the separate piece (6) protrudes into the recess and the cavity (5),

-or the separate piece (6) is part of the basic body,

-wherein, in the closed position of the baking mould (1), the extension (10) is inserted into the recess (26),

-wherein, in a closed position of the baking mould (1), a gap (12) remains between the extension (10) and the recess (26) for forming the cavity (5), the gap (12) defining a wall thickness (13) of a preform (2) to be formed,

-and wherein, in the closed position of the baking mould (1), a throttling gap (14) is maintained between the separating piece (6) and the extension (10).

7. Baking mould (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that

-wherein a moving means (15) is provided via which the base body (9) and the extension (10) are movably connected, and wherein the moving means (15) in particular comprise a hinge for forming baking tongs,

and/or provided with moving means, and wherein said moving means comprise in particular hydraulic cylinders for forming baking tongs,

and/or provided with moving means, and wherein said moving means are configured for vertically opening said baking tongs.

8. Baking mould (1) according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that

-a circumferential groove (16) is provided in the high-pressure section (7) of the cavity (5) for forming an edge bead (17) on the container (3) to be manufactured,

-wherein optionally the groove (16) extends at a distance (18) from the separate piece (6) such that an annular section (19) of the cavity (5) is formed,

-and wherein optionally the distance (18) and in particular the height of the annular section (19) is greater than 1mm, in particular greater than 2mm, in particular 3mm, in particular greater than 10mm, particularly preferably 3mm, up to and including 10 mm.

9. Baking mould (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a plurality of steam channels (20) are provided which extend in a trough-like manner in the cavity (5) from the high-pressure section (7) into the low-pressure section (8) and which open the cavity (5) outwards, in particular in the closed position of the baking mould (1).

10. Baking mould (1) according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that

-the cavity (5) comprises a bottom area (27) for forming a bottom of the container (3),

-a plurality of steam channels (20) are provided which extend in a trough-like manner in the cavity (5) and open the cavity (5) outwards in the closed position of the baking mould (1),

-the steam channel (20) extends in particular in a star shape towards the centre of a bottom area (27) of the cavity (5),

-and at least one of the steam channels (20) terminates before the center in the bottom area (27) or opens before the center into another steam channel (20) in the bottom area (27).

11. A toaster comprising:

-one or more baking moulds (1) that can be opened and closed,

a loading station (22) for introducing dough (4), in particular firm dough, into the open baking mould (1),

a heated baking chamber (23) for heating the baking mould (1) and for baking the dough (4) inside the closed baking mould (1),

a removal station (24) for removing the preforms (2) formed by baking the dough (4),

characterized in that the baking mould or moulds (1) are designed according to one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A production line comprising a baking machine and a separating station located downstream of the baking machine, wherein the separating station is configured to form a container (3) by separating edges of preforms (2),

characterized in that the toaster is designed according to claim 11.

13. A method for manufacturing a preform (2) and an optional mug, cup or disc shaped container (3), comprising the steps of:

-introducing dough (4), in particular firm dough, into a cavity (5) of a baking mould (1), wherein the baking mould (1) is in particular designed according to one of claims 1 to 10,

-conditioning dough to said cavity (5), optionally at least partially, in particular mechanically, by closing said baking mould (1),

-expanding the dough (4) in the cavity (5) of the baking mould (1) by heating the baking mould (1),

-passing the expanded dough (4) through a throttling gap (14) provided in the cavity (5) of the baking mould (1), a higher pressure being present upstream of the throttling gap (14) than downstream of the throttling gap (14) as seen along the flow path of the dough (4), as a result of which a high pressure section (7) and a low pressure section (8) are defined or formed within the cavity (5).

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of removing the substrate comprises removing the substrate from the substrate

-the throttle gap (14) is formed at least on one side by a separate piece (6),

-wherein the separating piece (6) protrudes into the cavity (5),

-wherein the separate piece (6) forms a constriction of the cavity (5),

-and wherein the separator (6) divides the cavity (5) into a high pressure section (7) and a low pressure section (8).

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of determining the target position is performed by a computer

-the dough (4) enters a circumferential groove (16) arranged in the high pressure section (7) of the cavity (5) to form an edge bead (17) of a preform (2) or container (3) to be manufactured,

-the groove (16) extends at a distance (18) from the separator (6) such that an annular separation section (25) of the preform (2) is formed,

-and the height of the separation section (25) is greater than 1mm, preferably greater than 2 mm.

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