EP0804364B1 - Process and device for shaping and portioning a viscous compound - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/EP96/00036 Sec. 371 Date Sep. 30, 1996 Sec. 102(e) Date Sep. 30, 1996 PCT Filed Jan. 6, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO96/22224 PCT Pub. Date Jul. 25, 1996The invention relates to a process and a device for shaping and portioning a viscous compounds inside a flexible coating during a feed movement in which the compound inside the coating is deformed by forces acting from outside, the direction of which periodically changes. Here, the forces acting from outside act against the feed movement of the compound and its coating at least partially and for a certain time. In the device, the mass runs inside the coating between two shaping components (1, 2), preferably in the form of a toothed belt.

Description

The invention relates to a method and Device for shaping a viscous mass within a flexible wrapping.

Similar devices are for example in the field of Food technology for portioning cheese in disk-like, plate-like shape known. It is but of course also possible, the present invention not only on cheese, but others Materials that are not necessarily from the food sector must originate with similar material properties as To apply cheese.

Here, the mass to be molded is first divided into one flexible wrapping introduced. The mass should then in brought essentially disc-like, plate-like shape be, this is done by a displacement of the Mass occurs at certain points in the envelope, so that the top and bottom of the wrapper directly together Have contact. Then at these portioning points usually made a fixation of the envelope, so that the crowd is no longer in its original, can reshape the continuous shape.

There are essentially two known ones How To:

The mass can either still be relatively warm be deformed due to the elevated temperature a relatively good fluidity and correspondingly low Has toughness. The deformation can thus be relative can be done easily. This is problematic however, that the fixation must take place relatively quickly, since the mass is caused by external influences, e.g. the influence of gravity, again at the portioning points flows back. Another problem is that the Overall mass is not yet cured and therefore usually changes in shape when cooling. This leads to optically unsightly shapes, as a rule no continuous material thickness is achieved, which is too Problems with transport and packaging leads.

A second possibility is to deform the mass in relatively cold condition, e.g. in DE 42 04 396 is described. Here is the toughness of the material correspondingly larger, so that larger forces for deformation must be applied. In addition, due to the high toughness, relatively high restoring forces in the material. As a result, the mass, if not immediately after the displacement the fixation the wrapping is made again in the Portioning points flows back.

This backflow then leads to relative on the one hand big problems with the fixation, because the mass again can be displaced from these portioning points on the other hand, if the fixation is imperfect is or is not stable enough, also to loosen it Fixation and thus to a spread of mass from the out the intended shape.

As a rule, both systems use a feed system applied, in which the mass together with its wrapping in a feed direction by a corresponding portioning and fixation device is promoted.

The object of the present invention is a reliable To achieve deformation in a cold forming process. This can make both better and more reliable Shaping as well as a higher portioning speed can be achieved.

As a cold forming process in the sense of the invention is a To understand deformation process, in which the to be molded Mass a relatively high due to its low temperature Has toughness. This temperature for cheese is approx. 10 - 14 ° C.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the technical Teaching of claims 1 and 4 solved.

It is essential here that no longer, as in the booth technology, a relatively primitive displacement process is applied, in which the wrapping simply on the intended Portioning points is pressed together. It is rather provided according to the invention, from the outside Forces to act on the wrapping, its direction and if necessary, the amount of which changes periodically. The Change depends on the distance between the portioning points, the material properties and the thickness of the mass to be deformed and their wrapping. The forces act in such a way that the mass within its envelope is specifically displaced away from the portioning point. This is preferably done in the opposite direction to the general one Feed direction.

This force is the main advantage achieved that the mass not only from the intended Portioning points, but also from immediate edge of the portioning point removed becomes. Now it also comes with the invention Procedure for restoring forces within the deformed Mass, however, further away from the Portioning point occur. A backflow of the mass for this reason it is fed into the portioning point Not. Likewise, the forces from the restoring forces the mass on the fixation of the wrapping on the Portioning are exercised, less because of Force application point relatively far from the portioning point is removed.

The movement against the feed direction of the mass will considered as cheap as the mass to be molded through the feed forward in the direction of Portioning point is pressed. If now the repression take place in the same direction as the feed there would be an overlay of these two Movements so that overall too much material on the Portioning point would be collected.

It is of course possible to do this from the outside forces not only once, but several times several places in a row, on the mass and its Allow wrapping to take effect.

By distributing it to several force application points as well as the targeted displacement of the mass in the opposite direction to the feed direction can the production speed be increased overall.

The covering is usually fixed by a sealing process using a relatively high Temperature is reached. At appropriate production speeds can, however, in a first sealing process the intended sealing rollers no longer remain at the portioning points. A relatively high temperature cannot be applied be otherwise the wrapping on their melt each outer surface or would burn while the inside surface was still is relatively cold. For this reason can also be provided be the direct force on the wrapping to heat exercising elements. That way both simultaneously the mass from the range of Portioning points displaced as well as the wrapping these places warmed.

The device according to the invention has two shaping elements on between which the crowd with its flexible Wrapping is performed. The shaping elements are with periodically changing forces.

There are two profiled, circumferential belts used.

It is now intended to refer to these shaping elements to allow periodically changing forces to act. The straps be in a suitable range, preferably in the middle between the guide rollers of the belts, acted upon. The application can either by rollers, rollers, plungers, hydraulic elements or the like.

It is important that the straps are loaded so that the mass not just from the portioning point is displaced, but at the same time contrary to Feed direction is pushed back. When using of rollers or rollers as the forces applying This is done either by an eccentric element Storage of these rolls or rollers is reached, whereby of course, alternatively or additionally, a non-circular Roller or roller can be used hydraulic control elements is a corresponding one Control provided.

The force is applied so that the shaping elements initially a relatively small and at least force acting partially against the feed direction experienced, which is directed to the mass to be molded. Thus, at the very beginning of the displacement process Mass to be molded away from the portioning point repressed. As the Displacement process becomes an increasing proportion of the acting forces perpendicular to the feed direction initiated. So find one at the same time Squeezing the mass out of the range Portioning points and a displacement against the Feed direction instead.

The absolute amount of the acting forces can be stay the same or change, especially increase.

In this case, it can be provided the first time it is pressed together the shaping elements still relatively low forces to be provided so that not yet the entire mass from the Area of the portioning is displaced. this will then in a second and possibly third or fourth step made up. But of course it is also possible with a suitable mass with suitable material properties the total required deformation in just one step.

As already explained above, there are the shaping elements from circumferential straps.

These are on their sides facing the mass provided with bars at certain intervals. The distances between these webs and their height correspond to the Dimensions of the product to be delivered. The bridges themselves are preferably not without transition perpendicular from the Belt surface attached protruding, but point Side slopes. So there is no abrupt displacement of the mass from the Portioning points, but rather the mass can tapering towards the portioning points remain. Also through this special shape the total restoring forces that occur are reduced.

The straps have nubs or a on the inside similarly suitable guide device for driving and Funding on.

It can also be provided that the webs are designed to be heatable. For this purpose, the webs themselves are either made of metal, optionally with a suitable coating, or metal bars are embedded in the belt material. When the belts circulate continuously, the webs now pass through a suitable one for the metal elements attached Heating device, e.g. an induction element. To this Way, the webs are heated so that in the portioning area not only the crowd is displaced, but at the same time the wrapping experiences a certain warming. In the one following the portioning unit Fixation unit is no longer necessary the envelope completely from a relatively low Bring temperature to fixation temperature, but the Envelope already has an elevated temperature. This can ensure a reliable fixation at relative can be achieved with little effort.

Of course, another fixation of the Wrapping possible, so that this heater is not is an integral part of the invention.

The invention is illustrated by the following figures shown, with a portioning for Cheese has been chosen. The idea of the invention is however not limited to this material, but the Invention can be made with any other suitable material are also used.

In the following the invention is based on only one Execution path illustrating drawings explained in more detail. Here go from the drawings and their description the features and advantages of the invention.

Figur 1:

eine Draufsicht auf eine schematische Darstellung einer Verdrängungsvorrichtung gemäß der Erfindung,

Figur 2,3:

eine Seitenansicht der zum Verdrängen verwendeten Walzen,

Figur 4:

eine vergrößerte Darstellung des verwendeten Verdrängungselements.

It shows:

Figure 1:

a plan view of a schematic representation of a displacement device according to the invention,

Figure 2,3:

a side view of the rollers used for displacement,

Figure 4:

an enlarged view of the displacement element used.

According to FIG. 1, two belts 1, 2 are used as displacement elements provided, each in the arrow directions 12, 13 circulate and are guided by rollers 3,4. This happens by means of teeth 5 on the inside of the Belts 1,2 are attached. The roles 3, 4 are accordingly for receiving the teeth 5 and for driving the Belt 1, 2 formed. The straps are on the outside 1,2 provided with a plurality of webs 6, 6 in each web one or more rods 16 are attached.

The straps 1, 2 are synchronized so that the webs 6 of the two belts are opposite, as shown in Fig. 1.

The entire system is preferably designed so that the shaping mass in the feed direction 7 vertically downwards is transported. Of course, there is also a different directional installation possible, e.g. horizontal or diagonally, with an upward promotion against the Gravity can be provided.

In the area between the rollers 3, 4 are shown in FIG Embodiment three roller pairs 8.8a, 9.9a, 10.10a provided that also on its circumference with teeth 17th are provided (Figure 2,3).

The material to be molded and portioned is now together with its wrapping from above in the direction of the arrow 7 inserted into the funnel between the straps 1,2. It is transported by the belts in the direction of the arrow 7 until it is approximately in the area of the first pair of rollers 8,8a reached.

All pairs of rollers 8,8a, 9,9a, 10,10a are by means of their Teeth 17 (Figure 2.3) rotationally synchronized with the belt 1.2 coupled. Thus, the effect of the force, which the Roller pairs are exerted on the belt, so metered that a certain force is always exerted when the webs 6 at a certain predetermined location are located.

Through the roller pairs 8,8a, 9,9a, 10,10a there is now one Force action in the direction of arrows 14, 15 and in the opposite direction to the conveying direction 7. This is done in that the rollers of the roller pairs 8,8a, 9,9a, 10,10a according to figures 2,3 are provided with inserts 18 between the associated teeth 17 are attached. These missions can be pinched, welded or in another be appropriately attached.

The height of the inserts 18 is now chosen so that either already a complete compression of the webs 6 in Area of the roller pairs, or as in the first Roller pair 8.8a (Figure 2) still some leeway between the Webs 6 of the belt 1, 2 remain. The force effect in the The directions of arrows 14, 15 in FIG. 1 are clearer Way from that through the inserts 18 the distance between the rollers of a pair of rollers 8.8a, 9.9a, 10.10a is reduced and thus those in between Belt including the cheese mass and packaging be squeezed together. The walking back effect counter to the direction of arrow 7 results from the fact that once the inserts 18 engage the belts 1, 2 arrive, this intervention still in Figure 1 above the The center of the rollers 8.8a. Now if the straps 1,2 continue to move in the direction of the arrows 12, 13 and thereby also the rollers 8,8a are moved these inserts 18 in ever greater engagement with the Belt 1,2 and press them together accordingly. The point of contact between the rollers 8, 8a and the belt 1,2 migrates together with the cheese mass and the casing downward; when the twisting progresses further however, the distance between the inserts 18 of the opposite rollers 8,8a always further reduced. There the inserts 18 still oblique in their first contact position inclined outwards with respect to the center of the device stand and slowly in the further course of the conveying movement swivel parallel, there is an overall walking back the cheese mass through the inserts 18 on the rollers 8,8a.

The same process also occurs with the roller pairs 9, 9a, 10, 10a, more inserts 18 being provided here than with the first pair of rollers 8.8a. For example, with the first roller pair 8,8a only a pre-deformation can be brought about, the opposite webs 6 the belt 1 does not yet collide with one another, but one more at these portioning points certain residual cheese mass can remain. The final Displacement then takes place by means of the roller pairs 9, 9a, 10.10a.

It is of course also possible instead of Inserts 18 on the roller pairs 8,8a, 9,9a, 10,10a these To store roller pairs eccentrically and therefore also periodically changing pressing forces on the belts 1,2 to reach.

It is not shown in detail that the roller pairs 8, 8a, 9.9a, 10.10a in the direction of the arrow 14.15 and in the direction of the arrow 7 and adjustable in the opposite direction are. It is also easy to replace Roll pairs provided.

Overall, an optimal adaptation to different Boundary conditions reached. In addition, can easy replacement of the straps 1,2 with the rollers 3,4 be provided to make the facility even more adaptable overall to interpret.

Figure 4 shows an enlarged view through the Cross section of a belt 1 or 2. The rods are clear 16 can be seen, which are arranged in the region of the web 6 and extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the belt 1,2.

Of course, it is alternatively also possible just insert a large stick or the whole Web 6 in the form of a metal part attached to the belt to train.

With the help of these rods 16, the web 6 is now a total heated. There is an induction station for each belt 1, 2 11 (Figure 1) provided, in which it is known per se Way by means of induction the rods 16, which are used for this purpose preferably made of an electrically conductive material are trained, thermal energy is supplied. Hereby the entire web area is heated on the belt 1,2. Overall, this results in a preheating of the Wrapping as soon as this with the webs 6 of the straps 1.2 in Contact comes. This heating takes place more advantageously Way only in the area of the intended Portioning points.

As also shown in Figure 4, each strap is made 1, 2 from an upper material 19 and a lower material 20, provided with teeth 5 and corresponding recesses is. However, it is of course also possible that Belt 1,2 in one piece from a continuous to produce homogeneous material.

The web 6 is also different here the state of the art not perpendicular from the surface 23 of the belt 1,2 outstanding, but points first a paragraph 21 on which there is an inclined surface 22 connects, which in turn in the area 23, which in the runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the belt, transforms.

The displacement process in the Slightly softened and portioning area is no longer as abrupt as it was at the stand the technology was the case.

The present invention thus becomes a reliable one Deformation reached during a cold forming process.

Claims (10)

1. A method for fashioning and portioning a viscous material inside a flexible casing during a feed movement by forces acting on the casing from the exterior, characterised in that a multiple, successive action of force on one or both sides and changing direction periodically takes place by fashioning members which are constructed as bands (1, 2) provided with cross-pieces (6) and are acted upon by force-applying members (8, 8a, 9a, 10, 10a) with these forces.
2. The method according to Claim 1, characterised in that the total of the acting forces remains unchanged or changes periodically.
3. The method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the forces acting from the exterior act in the opposite direction to the feed movement of the material and its casing at least partially and during a certain period of time.
4. A device for fashioning and portioning a viscous material inside a flexible casing during a feed movement, characterised in that the material inside the casing runs between two fashioning members which are constructed as bands (1, 2) provided with cross-pieces (6) and are acted upon by force-applying members (8, 8a, 9, 9a, 10, 10a) by said forces on one or both sides.
5. The device according to Claim 4, characterised in that the cross-pieces (6) are provided on one or both sides with an inclined surface (22).
6. The device according to Claim 4 or 5, characterised in that several members (8, 8a, 9, 9a, 10, 10a) applying the forces are arranged one behind the other.
7. The device according to any of Claims 4 to 6, characterised in that the members (8, 8a, 9, 9a, 10, 10a) applying the stress are constructed as rolls, rollers, rams or in a similar suitable form.
8. The device according to any of Claims 4 to 7, characterised in that the members (8, 8a, 9, 9a, 10, 10a) applying the stress are arranged so as to be adjustable and interchangeable.
9. The device according to any of Claims 4 to 8, characterised in that with the construction of the members (8, 8a, 9, 9a, 10, 10a) applying the forces as rollers, these have a non-circular external circumference or are mounted eccentrically.
10. The device according to any of Claims 4 to 9, characterised in that the device has an arrangement for heating the profiling members (6) on the fashioning members (1, 2).

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