EP1151836B1 - Centrifugal cutting machine with cooling system, and method for cooling cut products - Google Patents

Centrifugal cutting machine with cooling system, and method for cooling cut products Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1151836B1
EP1151836B1 EP01401003A EP01401003A EP1151836B1 EP 1151836 B1 EP1151836 B1 EP 1151836B1 EP 01401003 A EP01401003 A EP 01401003A EP 01401003 A EP01401003 A EP 01401003A EP 1151836 B1 EP1151836 B1 EP 1151836B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
casing
injection
cutter according
cutter
products
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP01401003A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1151836A1 (en
Inventor
Olivier Pouchain
Séverine Servel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Original Assignee
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Air Liquide SA, LAir Liquide SA a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude filed Critical Air Liquide SA
Publication of EP1151836A1 publication Critical patent/EP1151836A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1151836B1 publication Critical patent/EP1151836B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
    • B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D7/06—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form
    • B26D7/0691—Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form by centrifugal force
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
    • B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
    • B26D1/01—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work
    • B26D1/02—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a stationary cutting member
    • B26D1/03—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a stationary cutting member with a plurality of cutting members
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
    • B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D7/08—Means for treating work or cutting member to facilitate cutting
    • B26D7/10—Means for treating work or cutting member to facilitate cutting by heating

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a centrifugal cutter, in particular for food products, of the type comprising a product drive turbine driven in rotation about a substantially vertical axis, a fixed cutting head substantially cylindrical arranged coaxially around the turbine, and a casing surrounding the turbine and the cutting head, the housing having a feed opening in uncut products on its upper part, and an outlet opening for cut products on its lower part, the cutting head dividing the space defined by the casing in a space of uncut products and in a space of cut products.
  • Such a cutter generally comprises a turbine which is constituted a disc with vertical axis, disc on which protrude up the walls coaches which extend radially inward from the circumference of the disk.
  • the turbine is rotated by a gear motor.
  • a centrifugal cutter further includes a cylindrical cutting head arranged coaxially around the turbine.
  • the cutting head has slots radial which extend over the entire height of the turbine. Blades are mounted tangentially to the slots and protrude slightly inward.
  • the turbine and the cutting head are surrounded by a housing comprising a feed opening at its upper end, and an outlet opening at its lower end.
  • the cutter is supplied with food product.
  • This food product falls on the disc, is driven radially outward by centrifugal force, is pressed against the blades by the driving walls, and the blade cuts the product into pieces.
  • the pieces then fall through the outlet opening, for example on a conveyor.
  • Centrifugal cutters have the disadvantage of heating strongly locally the periphery of the product when cutting. This effect generates disadvantages such as bacteria growth or lumps cut.
  • the invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose a centrifugal cutter which effectively reduces the heating effect device.
  • the invention relates to a centrifugal cutter of the type above, characterized in that the centrifugal cutter further comprises at least a device for injecting a cryogenic liquid into the space of the cut products and in that the direction of injection of the injection device is directed substantially horizontally and against the current with respect to the direction of rotation of the turbine.
  • the invention also relates to a method of cooling products cut by a centrifugal cutter as defined above, characterized
  • the gas is evacuated cryogenic, formed during injection, towards the top of the casing.
  • FIG. 1 a centrifugal cutter 2 is shown according to the invention.
  • the centrifugal cutter 2 comprises a casing 4 containing a mechanism cutting 6. It further comprises a housing 8 comprising a gear motor 10 to which is connected a control and current supply device 12.
  • the casing 4 comprises a lower part 14 of frustoconical shape with an axis vertical X-X, tapering down and which is removably attached to the housing 8 of the gear motor 10.
  • the lower part 14 of the casing is open downwards at 15 to allow the cut product to exit.
  • the cutter 2 can have an outlet hopper 16 fixed below the outlet opening 15, and narrowing towards a conveying station 18 arranged below.
  • a part upper case 20 is separably arranged on the lower part 14 and associated with a known safety device 21.
  • the upper part 20 of the housing comprises a supply tube 22 for uncut product provided with a protective grid 24 of classic hand.
  • the wall 26 of the housing 4 is constituted a double envelope formed by two walls 28 made of stainless steel sheet between which a thermally insulating layer 30 is incorporated plastic foam.
  • the cutting mechanism 6 comprises a turbine 32 comprising a disc 34 with vertical axis coinciding with the axis X-X of the casing 4.
  • Walls coaches 36 protrude upward on the upper surface of the disc 34. They are arranged on the circumference of the disc 34 and extend radially inward. The upper ends of the walls coaches 36 are connected to an annular disc 38 and are thus fixed the to each other.
  • the underside of the disc 34 is integral with a toothed wheel bevel 40 which cooperates with a bevel pinion 42 output from the gear motor.
  • the bevel gear 42 is connected to the gear motor 10 by a shaft 44 which is surrounded by a protective tube 46 secured to the housing 8.
  • the assembly turbine 32 and bevel gear 40 is mounted in vertical rotation on a level 48.
  • a cylindrical cutting head 50 is arranged coaxially around of the turbine 32, separating the enclosure of the casing 4 into a product space uncut 52 and a cut product space 54.
  • the cutting head 50 has radial slots extending substantially over the entire length of the turbine.
  • Cutting blades 56 are mounted on the cutting head in the slits, conventionally.
  • the cutting head 50 is held by a support (not shown) fixed on the lower casing 14.
  • the centrifugal cutter 2 further comprises two devices 58, 59 for injecting a cryogenic liquid into the lower casing 14 (see FIG. 3).
  • the two injection devices 58, 59 of cryogenic liquid are known for example from European patent application EP-A-744 578. They each essentially comprise a ball valve 60 connected by a quick release connector 62 to a nozzle Injection valve 64.
  • the ball valve 60 is connected in this example to a source 66 of liquid CO 2 under pressure by a line 68 and controlled by an electro-pneumatic actuator 70 connected to the control device by a control line 72 , 73 respectively.
  • the injection nozzle 64 is surrounded by a thermally insulating sleeve 74.
  • injection devices 58, 59 are arranged such that their injection directions D1, D2 are directed substantially tangentially to the circular circumference of the lower case 14.
  • the directions of injection D1, D2 of the two injection devices 58, 59 are directed in the opposite direction to the drive shaft 44 of the gear motor 10, in order to avoid agglomeration of the dry ice and the product cut on the protective tube 46 of the drive shaft.
  • the injection direction of the injection device 59 is directed against the direction of rotation R of the turbine 32, while that of the injection device 58 is directed in this direction of rotation.
  • a gas evacuation device 80 is connected to the supply tube 22 of the upper casing.
  • a temperature sensor 82 is arranged on the side inside the lower additional hopper 16 in order to detect the outlet temperature. This sensor 82 is connected to the control device 12 by a sensor line 84.
  • the temperature sensor can be placed at other locations, for example above the turbine 32.
  • the centrifugal cutter according to the invention works in the same way next.
  • the control device 12 monitors, via the sensor 82, the temperature prevailing in the hopper or in the casing 4 of the cutter.
  • the temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature, for example higher than -15 ° C
  • the injection of liquid CO 2 is started by the control device 12.
  • the injection of CO 2 is carried out by short injection cycles / break.
  • the CO 2 is relaxed, and it turns into carbon dioxide snow which is projected onto the wall 26 of the casing 4. Thanks to the tangential injection, a “mist” of snow and carbon dioxide is formed inside the casing.
  • the centrifugal cutter 2 the product is cut by the cutting head 50, and falls through the mist. The latter immediately and uniformly sells its frigories to the finely dispersed cut product in the space of the cut products 54 of the casing.
  • the peripheral warming effect is thus greatly reduced as well as the formation of residual lumps of dry ice.
  • the fact that the injection is done against the current by at least one injection device 59 helps in the distribution of dry ice inside casing 4 and further improves the efficiency of the cooling process.
  • the cut and cooled food product then falls on the conveying 18 and can be conditioned with a reduced risk of caking.
  • cryogenic gas inert the enclosure of the casing 4 and avoids suction through the lower opening 15 of the air housing driven by the rotation of the turbine 32 and by the evacuation device 80. This avoids the heating of the product by the aspirated air. Additionally, the repression of cryogenic gas to the supply tube 22 increases the exchanges and cools the product before cutting at this location.
  • the carbon dioxide is sucked in by the suction device 80 and driven back outside the manufacturing building to avoid any danger staff suffocation.
  • the centrifugal cutter can also be equipped with a single cryogenic liquid injection device 59.
  • the device injection 59 is arranged so as to inject against the rotation of the turbine 32 and on the opposite side of the drive shaft 44.
  • liquid nitrogen can also be used for cooling.
  • injection devices can also be retrofitted on existing and already existing centrifugal cutters installed in a production line.
  • the injection devices are inexpensive, inexpensive bulky and do not lengthen the production line.
  • the operation of the devices is safe and reliable.
  • the cutter according to the invention can be used to produce the following food products: flat or wavy cut apples, walnuts, chopped cabbage, grated carrots, potatoes, hard and soft grated cheeses and meat matches. This list is not of course not exhaustive.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Forests & Forestry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Crushing And Pulverization Processes (AREA)
  • Mechanical Treatment Of Semiconductor (AREA)
  • Processing Of Stones Or Stones Resemblance Materials (AREA)

Abstract

The centrifugal cutter consists of a turbine (32), driven in rotation around a vertical axis, with a cylindrical cutting head (50) arranged co-axially around the turbine. An outer case (4) encloses both the turbine and cutting head and has an opening for the supply of non-cut products and an outlet (15) for the cut products. The cutter also has fitted injectors (58, 59) to introduce cryogenic materials into the space occupied by the cut material.

Description

L'invention concerne une coupeuse centrifuge, notamment pour des produits alimentaires, du type comprenant une turbine d'entraínement de produits entraínée en rotation autour d'un axe sensiblement vertical, une tête de coupe fixe sensiblement cylindrique disposée coaxialement autour de la turbine, et un carter entourant la turbine et la tête de coupe, le carter ayant une ouverture d'alimentation en produits non coupés sur sa partie supérieure, et une ouverture de sortie de produits coupés sur sa partie inférieure, la tête de coupe divisant l'espace défini par le carter en un espace des produits non coupés et en un espace des produits coupés.The invention relates to a centrifugal cutter, in particular for food products, of the type comprising a product drive turbine driven in rotation about a substantially vertical axis, a fixed cutting head substantially cylindrical arranged coaxially around the turbine, and a casing surrounding the turbine and the cutting head, the housing having a feed opening in uncut products on its upper part, and an outlet opening for cut products on its lower part, the cutting head dividing the space defined by the casing in a space of uncut products and in a space of cut products.

On connaít dans l'état de la technique des coupeuses centrifuges pour produits alimentaires. Le document FR-2 541 869 illustre une telle coupeuse utilisée dans une application de râpe de fromage.We know in the prior art centrifugal cutters for foodstuffs. Document FR-2,541,869 illustrates such a cutter used in a cheese grater application.

Une telle coupeuse comprend généralement une turbine qui est constituée d'un disque à axe vertical, disque sur lequel font saillie vers le haut des parois entraíneuses qui s'étendent radialement vers l'intérieur à partir de la circonférence du disque. La turbine est entraínée en rotation par un moto-réducteur.Such a cutter generally comprises a turbine which is constituted a disc with vertical axis, disc on which protrude up the walls coaches which extend radially inward from the circumference of the disk. The turbine is rotated by a gear motor.

Une coupeuse centrifuge comprend en outre une tête de coupe cylindrique disposée coaxialement autour de la turbine. La tête de coupe comporte des fentes radiales qui s'étendent sur toute la hauteur de la turbine. Des lames sont montées tangentiellement sur les fentes et font légèrement saillie vers l'intérieur.A centrifugal cutter further includes a cylindrical cutting head arranged coaxially around the turbine. The cutting head has slots radial which extend over the entire height of the turbine. Blades are mounted tangentially to the slots and protrude slightly inward.

La turbine et la tête de coupe sont entourées par un carter comportant une ouverture d'alimentation à son extrémité supérieure, et une ouverture de sortie à son extrémité inférieure.The turbine and the cutting head are surrounded by a housing comprising a feed opening at its upper end, and an outlet opening at its lower end.

Lors du fonctionnement, on alimente la coupeuse en produit alimentaire. Ce produit alimentaire tombe sur le disque, est entraíné radialement vers l'extérieur par la force centrifuge, est pressé contre les lames par les parois entraíneuses, et la lame coupe le produit en morceaux.During operation, the cutter is supplied with food product. This food product falls on the disc, is driven radially outward by centrifugal force, is pressed against the blades by the driving walls, and the blade cuts the product into pieces.

Les morceaux tombent alors à travers l'ouverture de sortie, par exemple sur un convoyeur. The pieces then fall through the outlet opening, for example on a conveyor.

Les coupeuses centrifuges présentent l'inconvénient de chauffer fortement localement la périphérie du produit lors de la coupe. Cet effet engendre les inconvénients tels que le développement de bactéries ou le mottage des morceaux coupés.Centrifugal cutters have the disadvantage of heating strongly locally the periphery of the product when cutting. This effect generates disadvantages such as bacteria growth or lumps cut.

Afin de minimiser cet effet, on a déjà proposé dans l'état de la technique de déposer par exemple de la neige carbonique sur les produits/les morceaux avant/après la coupeuse, ou d'injecter du fluide cryogénique dans le haut de la turbine. Cependant, ces mesures n'ont pas donné de résultats satisfaisants et présentent toujours les inconvénients suivants :

  • il peut y avoir des hétérogénéités de refroidissement, et en conséquence, des problèmes de coupe ;
  • lorsque le fluide cryogénique utilisé est du CO2, des grumeaux résiduels de CO2 peuvent endommager la coupeuse ou faire gonfler les sachets dans lesquels le produit est emballé ;
  • l'absence de régulation peut être à la source d'ennuis techniques.
In order to minimize this effect, it has already been proposed in the prior art to deposit, for example, carbon dioxide snow on the products / pieces before / after the cutter, or to inject cryogenic fluid into the top of the turbine. . However, these measures have not given satisfactory results and still have the following drawbacks:
  • there may be heterogeneities in cooling, and as a result, cutting problems;
  • when the cryogenic fluid used is CO 2 , residual lumps of CO 2 can damage the cutter or cause the sachets in which the product is packed to swell;
  • the lack of regulation can be the source of technical problems.

De plus, les refroidissements mentionnés ci-dessus ne permettent pas de traiter l'échauffement périphérique au niveau de la coupeuse. Ce phénomène assez mal maítrisé peut être un élément déterminant pour la qualité finale du produit et le mottage.In addition, the cooling mentioned above does not allow process peripheral heating at the cutter. This phenomenon is quite poorly controlled can be a determining factor for the final quality of the product and the caking.

L'invention a pour but de pallier les inconvénients précités et de proposer une coupeuse centrifuge qui permette de réduire efficacement l'effet d'échauffement périphérique du produit.The invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose a centrifugal cutter which effectively reduces the heating effect device.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet une coupeuse centrifuge du type précité, caractérisée en ce que la coupeuse centrifuge comporte en outre au moins un dispositif d'injection d'un liquide cryogénique dans l'espace des produits coupés et en ce que le sens d'injection du dispositif d'injection est dirigé sensiblement horizontalement et à contre-courant par rapport au sens de rotation de la turbine.To this end, the invention relates to a centrifugal cutter of the type above, characterized in that the centrifugal cutter further comprises at least a device for injecting a cryogenic liquid into the space of the cut products and in that the direction of injection of the injection device is directed substantially horizontally and against the current with respect to the direction of rotation of the turbine.

Suivant des modes particuliers de réalisation, l'invention peut comporter une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes :

  • le carter a une section transversale sensiblement circulaire, et la direction d'injection du dispositif d'injection est orientée sensiblement tangentiellement par rapport à cette section circulaire ;
  • la coupeuse comporte un deuxième dispositif d'injection agencé sur le côté du carter opposé au premier dispositif d'injection, et le sens d'injection du deuxième dispositif d'injection est à co-courant par rapport au sens de rotation de la turbine ;
  • le point d'injection du dispositif d'injection se trouve au-dessous du plan défini par la surface d'extrémité inférieure de la tête de coupe ;
  • le carter comporte sensiblement sur toute sa surface une isolation thermique ;
  • l'isolation thermique comprend une double enveloppe constituée de deux parois en acier inoxydable et une couche en mousse de matière plastique disposée entre les deux parois de la double enveloppe ;
  • la coupeuse comprend en outre un dispositif d'évacuation du gaz cryogénique formé lors de l'injection, relié au carter ;
  • le dispositif d'évacuation est disposé sur l'extrémité supérieure du carter ;
  • la coupeuse comporte en outre un capteur de température qui mesure une température représentant la température à l'intérieur du carter, et il comporte en outre un dispositif de commande relié au capteur de température et au dispositif d'injection, le dispositif de commande pilotant le dispositif d'injection en fonction de la température captée par le capteur de température ;
  • le liquide cryogénique est du CO2 liquide ou de l'azote liquide ; et
  • le dispositif d'injection comprend une vanne d'arrêt débouchant dans une buse d'injection qui est reliée au carter, la vanne étant reliée en outre à une source de liquide cryogénique sous pression et étant actionnée par un actionneur, notamment électro-pneumatique.
According to particular embodiments, the invention may include one or more of the following characteristics:
  • the casing has a substantially circular cross section, and the direction of injection of the injection device is oriented substantially tangentially with respect to this circular section;
  • the cutter comprises a second injection device arranged on the side of the casing opposite to the first injection device, and the direction of injection of the second injection device is cocurrent with respect to the direction of rotation of the turbine;
  • the injection point of the injection device is located below the plane defined by the lower end surface of the cutting head;
  • the casing comprises substantially over its entire surface thermal insulation;
  • the thermal insulation comprises a double envelope consisting of two stainless steel walls and a layer of plastic foam placed between the two walls of the double envelope;
  • the cutter further comprises a device for evacuating the cryogenic gas formed during the injection, connected to the casing;
  • the discharge device is arranged on the upper end of the casing;
  • the cutter further comprises a temperature sensor which measures a temperature representing the temperature inside the casing, and it further comprises a control device connected to the temperature sensor and to the injection device, the control device controlling the injection device as a function of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor;
  • the cryogenic liquid is liquid CO 2 or liquid nitrogen; and
  • the injection device comprises a stop valve opening into an injection nozzle which is connected to the casing, the valve being further connected to a source of pressurized cryogenic liquid and being actuated by an actuator, in particular electro-pneumatic.

L'invention a également pour objet un procédé de refroidissement de produits coupés par une coupeuse centrifuge telle que définie ci-dessus, caractériséThe invention also relates to a method of cooling products cut by a centrifugal cutter as defined above, characterized

selon la revendication 12 ci-après. Selon un des modes de réalisation de l'invention on évacue le gaz cryogénique, formé lors de l'injection, vers le haut du carter.according to claim 12 below. According to one of the embodiments of the invention, the gas is evacuated cryogenic, formed during injection, towards the top of the casing.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à l'aide de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple et faite en se référant aux dessins annexés, sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue de face d'une coupeuse centrifuge selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue de plan de la coupeuse de la figure 1, partiellement coupée selon la ligne II-II de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue du détail III de la figure 1 à plus grande échelle, et partiellement en coupe.
The invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • Figure 1 is a front view of a centrifugal cutter according to the invention;
  • Figure 2 is a plan view of the cutter of Figure 1, partially cut along line II-II of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a view of detail III of Figure 1 on a larger scale, and partially in section.

Sur la figure 1, on a représenté une coupeuse centrifuge 2 selon l'invention.In FIG. 1, a centrifugal cutter 2 is shown according to the invention.

La coupeuse centrifuge 2 comporte un carter 4 renfermant un mécanisme de coupe 6. Elle comporte en outre un boítier 8 comprenant un moto-réducteur 10 auquel est relié un dispositif de commande et d'alimentation en courant 12.The centrifugal cutter 2 comprises a casing 4 containing a mechanism cutting 6. It further comprises a housing 8 comprising a gear motor 10 to which is connected a control and current supply device 12.

Le carter 4 comprend une partie inférieure 14 de forme tronconique à axe vertical X-X, se rétrécissant vers le bas et qui est fixée de façon amovible au boítier 8 du moto-réducteur 10. La partie inférieure 14 du carter est ouverte vers le bas en 15 afin de permettre la sortie du produit coupé. Additionnellement la coupeuse 2 peut comporter une trémie de sortie 16 fixée au-dessous de l'ouverture de sortie 15, et se rétrécissant vers une station de convoyage 18 disposée en-dessous. Une partie supérieure 20 du carter est disposée de façon séparable sur la partie inférieure 14 et associée à un dispositif de sécurité 21 connu. La partie supérieure 20 du carter comprend un tube d'alimentation 22 en produit non-coupé muni d'une grille 24 de protection de main classique.The casing 4 comprises a lower part 14 of frustoconical shape with an axis vertical X-X, tapering down and which is removably attached to the housing 8 of the gear motor 10. The lower part 14 of the casing is open downwards at 15 to allow the cut product to exit. Additionally the cutter 2 can have an outlet hopper 16 fixed below the outlet opening 15, and narrowing towards a conveying station 18 arranged below. A part upper case 20 is separably arranged on the lower part 14 and associated with a known safety device 21. The upper part 20 of the housing comprises a supply tube 22 for uncut product provided with a protective grid 24 of classic hand.

Comme on le voit sur la figure 3, la paroi 26 du carter 4 est constituée d'une double enveloppe formée de deux parois 28 en tôle d'acier inoxydable entre lesquelles est incorporée une couche thermiquement isolante 30 en mousse de matière plastique.As seen in Figure 3, the wall 26 of the housing 4 is constituted a double envelope formed by two walls 28 made of stainless steel sheet between which a thermally insulating layer 30 is incorporated plastic foam.

Le mécanisme de coupe 6 comprend une turbine 32 comportant un disque 34 à axe vertical coïncidant avec l'axe X-X du carter 4. Des parois entraíneuses 36 font saillie vers le haut sur la surface supérieure du disque 34. Elles sont disposées sur la circonférence du disque 34 et s'étendent radialement vers l'intérieur. Les extrémités supérieures des parois entraíneuses 36 sont reliées à un disque annulaire 38 et sont ainsi fixées les unes aux autres.The cutting mechanism 6 comprises a turbine 32 comprising a disc 34 with vertical axis coinciding with the axis X-X of the casing 4. Walls coaches 36 protrude upward on the upper surface of the disc 34. They are arranged on the circumference of the disc 34 and extend radially inward. The upper ends of the walls coaches 36 are connected to an annular disc 38 and are thus fixed the to each other.

La face inférieure du disque 34 est solidaire d'une roue dentée conique 40 qui coopère avec un pignon 42 conique de sortie du moto-réducteur. Le pignon conique 42 est relié au moto-réducteur 10 par un arbre 44 qui est entouré d'un tube protecteur 46 solidaire du boítier 8. L'ensemble de la turbine 32 et de la roue conique 40 est monté en rotation verticale sur un palier 48.The underside of the disc 34 is integral with a toothed wheel bevel 40 which cooperates with a bevel pinion 42 output from the gear motor. The bevel gear 42 is connected to the gear motor 10 by a shaft 44 which is surrounded by a protective tube 46 secured to the housing 8. The assembly turbine 32 and bevel gear 40 is mounted in vertical rotation on a level 48.

Une tête de coupe cylindrique 50 est disposée coaxialement autour de la turbine 32, séparant l'enceinte du carter 4 en un espace des produits non coupés 52 et en un espace des produits coupés 54. La tête de coupe 50 comporte des fentes radiales s'étendant sensiblement sur toute la longueur de la turbine. Des lames de coupe 56 sont montées sur la tête de coupe dans les fentes, de façon classique. La tête de coupe 50 est maintenue par un support (non représenté) fixé sur le carter inférieur 14.A cylindrical cutting head 50 is arranged coaxially around of the turbine 32, separating the enclosure of the casing 4 into a product space uncut 52 and a cut product space 54. The cutting head 50 has radial slots extending substantially over the entire length of the turbine. Cutting blades 56 are mounted on the cutting head in the slits, conventionally. The cutting head 50 is held by a support (not shown) fixed on the lower casing 14.

La coupeuse centrifuge 2 comporte en outre deux dispositifs d'injection 58, 59 d'un liquide cryogénique dans le carter inférieur 14 (voir Fig. 3). Les deux dispositifs d'injection 58, 59 de liquide cryogénique sont connus par exemple de la demande de brevet européenne EP-A-744 578. Ils comportent chacun essentiellement une vanne à obturateur sphérique 60 reliée par un raccord de démontage rapide 62 à une buse d'injection 64. La vanne à obturateur sphérique 60 est reliée dans cet exemple à une source 66 de CO2 liquide sous pression par une conduite 68 et pilotée par un actionneur électro-pneumatique 70 relié au dispositif de commande par une ligne de pilotage 72, 73 respective. La bùse d'injection 64 est entouré d'un manchon thermiquement isolant 74.The centrifugal cutter 2 further comprises two devices 58, 59 for injecting a cryogenic liquid into the lower casing 14 (see FIG. 3). The two injection devices 58, 59 of cryogenic liquid are known for example from European patent application EP-A-744 578. They each essentially comprise a ball valve 60 connected by a quick release connector 62 to a nozzle Injection valve 64. The ball valve 60 is connected in this example to a source 66 of liquid CO 2 under pressure by a line 68 and controlled by an electro-pneumatic actuator 70 connected to the control device by a control line 72 , 73 respectively. The injection nozzle 64 is surrounded by a thermally insulating sleeve 74.

Il est à noter que les dispositifs d'injection 58, 59 sont disposés de telle sorte que leurs directions d'injection D1, D2 soient dirigées sensiblement tangentiellement par rapport à la circonférence circulaire du carter inférieur 14. En outre, les sens d'injection D1, D2 des deux dispositifs d'injection 58, 59 sont dirigés dans le sens opposé à l'arbre d'entraínement 44 du moto-réducteur 10, afin d'éviter l'agglomération de la neige carbonique et du produit coupé sur le tube protecteur 46 de l'arbre d'entraínement.It should be noted that the injection devices 58, 59 are arranged such that their injection directions D1, D2 are directed substantially tangentially to the circular circumference of the lower case 14. In addition, the directions of injection D1, D2 of the two injection devices 58, 59 are directed in the opposite direction to the drive shaft 44 of the gear motor 10, in order to avoid agglomeration of the dry ice and the product cut on the protective tube 46 of the drive shaft.

Le sens d'injection du dispositif d'injection 59 est dirigé à l'encontre du sens de rotation R de la turbine 32, tandis que celui du dispositif d'injection 58 est dirigé dans ce sens de rotation.The injection direction of the injection device 59 is directed against the direction of rotation R of the turbine 32, while that of the injection device 58 is directed in this direction of rotation.

Un dispositif d'évacuation de gaz 80 est relié au tube d'alimentation 22 du carter supérieur.A gas evacuation device 80 is connected to the supply tube 22 of the upper casing.

En outre, un capteur de température 82 est disposé sur le côté intérieur de la trémie supplémentaire 16 inférieure afin de détecter la température de sortie. Ce capteur 82 est relié au dispositif de commande 12 par une ligne de capteur 84.In addition, a temperature sensor 82 is arranged on the side inside the lower additional hopper 16 in order to detect the outlet temperature. This sensor 82 is connected to the control device 12 by a sensor line 84.

En variante, le capteur de température peut être placé à d'autres emplacements, par exemple au-dessus de la turbine 32.Alternatively, the temperature sensor can be placed at other locations, for example above the turbine 32.

La coupeuse centrifuge selon l'invention fonctionne de la façon suivante.The centrifugal cutter according to the invention works in the same way next.

A partir de la mise en service de la coupeuse 2, le dispositif de commande 12 surveille, par l'intermédiaire du capteur 82, la température régnant dans la trémie ou dans le carter 4 de la coupeuse. Lorsque la température est supérieure à une température prédéterminée, par exemple supérieure à -15°C, l'injection du CO2 liquide est démarrée par le dispositif de commande 12. L'injection de CO2 est effectuée par des cycles courts d'injection/de pause. Le CO2 est détendu, et il se transforme en neige carbonique qui est projetée sur la paroi 26 du carter 4. Grâce à l'injection tangentielle, il se forme alors un « brouillard » de neige et de gaz carbonique à l'intérieur du carter. Lorsqu'on introduit du produit alimentaire dans la coupeuse centrifuge 2, le produit est coupé par la tête de coupe 50, et tombe à travers le brouillard. Ce dernier cède immédiatement et uniformément ses frigories au produit coupé finement dispersé dans l'espace des produits coupés 54 du carter. L'effet de réchauffement périphérique est ainsi fortement diminué ainsi que la formation de grumeaux résiduels de neige carbonique.From the start of the cutter 2, the control device 12 monitors, via the sensor 82, the temperature prevailing in the hopper or in the casing 4 of the cutter. When the temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature, for example higher than -15 ° C, the injection of liquid CO 2 is started by the control device 12. The injection of CO 2 is carried out by short injection cycles / break. The CO 2 is relaxed, and it turns into carbon dioxide snow which is projected onto the wall 26 of the casing 4. Thanks to the tangential injection, a “mist” of snow and carbon dioxide is formed inside the casing. When food product is introduced into the centrifugal cutter 2, the product is cut by the cutting head 50, and falls through the mist. The latter immediately and uniformly sells its frigories to the finely dispersed cut product in the space of the cut products 54 of the casing. The peripheral warming effect is thus greatly reduced as well as the formation of residual lumps of dry ice.

Le fait que l'injection se fasse à contre-courant par au moins un dispositif d'injection 59 aide à la répartition de la neige carbonique à l'intérieur du carter 4 et améliore encore l'efficacité du processus de refroidissement.The fact that the injection is done against the current by at least one injection device 59 helps in the distribution of dry ice inside casing 4 and further improves the efficiency of the cooling process.

Le produit alimentaire coupé et refroidi tombe alors sur la station de convoyage 18 et peut être conditionnée avec un risque de mottage diminué.The cut and cooled food product then falls on the conveying 18 and can be conditioned with a reduced risk of caking.

La formation de gaz cryogénique inerte l'enceinte du carter 4 et évite l'aspiration par l'ouverture inférieure 15 du carter d'air entraíné par la rotation de la turbine 32 et par le dispositif d'évacuation 80. Ceci évite le réchauffement du produit par l'air aspiré. Additionnellement, le refoulement du gaz cryogénique vers le tube d'alimentation 22 augmente les échanges thermiques et refroidit le produit avant découpe à cet emplacement.The formation of cryogenic gas inert the enclosure of the casing 4 and avoids suction through the lower opening 15 of the air housing driven by the rotation of the turbine 32 and by the evacuation device 80. This avoids the heating of the product by the aspirated air. Additionally, the repression of cryogenic gas to the supply tube 22 increases the exchanges and cools the product before cutting at this location.

Enfin, le gaz carbonique est aspiré par le dispositif d'aspiration 80 et refoulé en dehors du bâtiment de fabrication afin d'éviter tout danger d'asphyxie du personnel.Finally, the carbon dioxide is sucked in by the suction device 80 and driven back outside the manufacturing building to avoid any danger staff suffocation.

En variante, la coupeuse centrifuge peut aussi être équipée d'un seul dispositif d'injection de liquide cryogénique 59. Dans ce cas, le dispositif d'injection 59 est disposé de façon à injecter à l'encontre de la rotation de la turbine 32 et du côté opposé de l'arbre d'entraínement 44. Alternatively, the centrifugal cutter can also be equipped with a single cryogenic liquid injection device 59. In this case, the device injection 59 is arranged so as to inject against the rotation of the turbine 32 and on the opposite side of the drive shaft 44.

A la place de CO2 on peut aussi utiliser de l'azote liquide pour le refroidissement.Instead of CO 2, liquid nitrogen can also be used for cooling.

Il est à noter que les dispositifs d'injection peuvent également être montés après coup sur des coupeuses centrifuges existantes et déjà installées dans une ligne de production.It should be noted that the injection devices can also be retrofitted on existing and already existing centrifugal cutters installed in a production line.

On constate que les dispositifs d'injection sont peu coûteux, peu encombrants et n'allongent pas la chaíne de fabrication.It can be seen that the injection devices are inexpensive, inexpensive bulky and do not lengthen the production line.

L'exploitation des dispositifs est sûre et fiable.The operation of the devices is safe and reliable.

La coupeuse selon l'invention peut être utilisée pour produire les produits alimentaires suivants : des pommes en coupe plate ou ondulée, des noix, des choux émincés, des carottes râpées, des pommes de terre, des fromages râpés durs et mous et des allumettes de viande. Cette liste n'est bien entendu pas exhaustive.The cutter according to the invention can be used to produce the following food products: flat or wavy cut apples, walnuts, chopped cabbage, grated carrots, potatoes, hard and soft grated cheeses and meat matches. This list is not of course not exhaustive.

Claims (13)

  1. Centrifugal cutter, particularly for food products, of the type that comprises a product-driving impeller (32) rotating about an essentially vertical axis (X-X), an essentially cylindrical fixed cutting head (50) arranged coaxially about the impeller (32), and a casing (4) surrounding the impeller (32) and the cutting head (50), the casing (4) having a feed opening for uncut products in its upper part, and an exit opening (15) for cut products in its lower part, the cutting head (50) dividing the space defined by the casing (4) into a space for uncut products (52) and a space for cut products (54), characterized in that the centrifugal cutter (2) also includes at least one device (58, 59) for injecting a cryogenic liquid into the space for the cut products (54), the direction of injection (D2) of the injector device (59) being approximately horizontal and countercurrent relative to the direction of rotation (R) of the impeller (32).
  2. Cutter according to Claim 1, characterized in that the casing (4) has an essentially circular cross section and in that the direction of injection of the injector device (58, 59) is oriented approximately tangentially to this circular cross section.
  3. Cutter according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a second injector device arranged on the opposite side of the casing (4) from the first injector device (59), and in that the direction of injection (D1) of the second injector device (58) is with the direction of rotation (R) of the impeller (32).
  4. Cutter according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the point of injection of the injector device (58, 59) is below the plane defined by the extreme lower surface of the cutting head (50).
  5. Cutter according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the casing (4) comprises thermal insulation (28, 30) over virtually its entire surface.
  6. Cutter according to Claim 5, characterized in that the thermal insulation comprises a double envelope consisting of two stainless steel walls (28) and, between the two walls (28) of the double envelope, a layer of foam plastic (30).
  7. Cutter according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that it also comprises, connected to the casing (4), a device (80) for evacuating the cryogenic gas formed during the injection.
  8. Cutter according to Claim 7, characterized in that the evacuation device (80) is positioned on the upper end (22) of the casing.
  9. Cutter according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that it also comprises a temperature sensor (82) that measures a temperature representing the temperature inside the casing (4), and in that it also comprises a control device (12) connected to the temperature sensor (82) and to the injector device (58, 59), which control device (12) controls the injector device (58, 59) on the basis of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor (82).
  10. Cutter according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the cryogenic liquid is liquid CO2 or liquid nitrogen.
  11. Cutter according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the injector device comprises a stop valve (60) leading into an injector nozzle (64) which is connected to the casing (4), the valve also being connected to a source of cryogenic liquid under pressure (66) and being actuated by an actuator such as an electropneumatic actuator (70).
  12. Process for cooling food products finely cut up by a centrifugal cutter according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that cryogenic liquid is injected into the cut-products space (54) of the casing (4) of the centrifugal cutter (2), being at least some of the cryogenic liquid is injected countercurrent to the direction of rotation (R) of the impeller (32) of the centrifugal cutter (2).
  13. Process according to Claim 12, characterized in that the cryogenic gas formed during the injection is evacuated towards the top of the casing (4).
EP01401003A 2000-05-03 2001-04-19 Centrifugal cutting machine with cooling system, and method for cooling cut products Expired - Lifetime EP1151836B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0005644 2000-05-03
FR0005644A FR2808468B1 (en) 2000-05-03 2000-05-03 CENTRIFUGAL CUTTER EQUIPPED WITH A COOLING DEVICE, AND CORRESPONDING COOLING METHOD

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1151836A1 EP1151836A1 (en) 2001-11-07
EP1151836B1 true EP1151836B1 (en) 2004-10-20

Family

ID=8849843

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01401003A Expired - Lifetime EP1151836B1 (en) 2000-05-03 2001-04-19 Centrifugal cutting machine with cooling system, and method for cooling cut products

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1151836B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE280016T1 (en)
AU (1) AU770774B2 (en)
DE (1) DE60106512T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2230245T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2808468B1 (en)
NZ (1) NZ511484A (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TW201200288A (en) * 2010-05-27 2012-01-01 Air Prod & Chem Apparatus and method for providing a temperature-controlled gas

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE653098C (en) * 1935-09-17 1937-11-15 Wilhelm Ehlert Device for supplying sulfur dioxide to sugar beet pulping machines
FR2541869B1 (en) * 1983-03-02 1987-03-20 Adeco Expl Ets GRINDING MACHINE FOR A PRODUCT IN THE FORM OF FILAMENTS
DE19846876A1 (en) * 1998-10-13 2000-04-20 Hermann Hohenester Diced meat standardized for fat content using gravity selection and automated in-line parameters

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NZ511484A (en) 2003-01-31
DE60106512T2 (en) 2005-11-24
FR2808468A1 (en) 2001-11-09
DE60106512D1 (en) 2004-11-25
ES2230245T3 (en) 2005-05-01
FR2808468B1 (en) 2002-06-28
AU4029801A (en) 2001-11-08
EP1151836A1 (en) 2001-11-07
AU770774B2 (en) 2004-03-04
ATE280016T1 (en) 2004-11-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2844561B1 (en) Packaging of dried sheets in sealed capsules
EP3934489B1 (en) Device for extracting juice from fruits and/or vegetables
FR2980350A1 (en) FOOD PROCESSING APPARATUS WITH SECURED COVER
EP2871929B1 (en) Distributing machine
EP1151836B1 (en) Centrifugal cutting machine with cooling system, and method for cooling cut products
FR3051651A1 (en) PETROLING TOOL FOR CULINARY PREPARATION ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
EP1986535B1 (en) Discharging accessory for a rotary work tool for cutting up food, and device for cutting up food
EP1850675A1 (en) Method and plant for production of blocks of frozen food puree and corresponding food product
WO2000014461A1 (en) Method for continuously cooling products and corresponding cooling device
WO2008113910A1 (en) Filter for the production of crushed ice using a hand-held blender and device for producing crushed ice fitted with such filter
EP1243187B1 (en) Cauliflower, broccoli and similar vegetables core removal and small part separation device
FR2479705A1 (en) APPARATUS FOR FLUIDIZING PULVERULENT OR GRANULAR MATERIALS BY INCORPORATING THEREOF PRESSURE GAS IN THESE MATERIALS
FR2750950A1 (en) Procedure for packaging take away pizza
EP0363282B1 (en) Use of a nozzle having a convergent-divergent profile in an ejection device for a root-cutter
FR2621835A1 (en) Grinder for plastic binding tape and similar products
EP1894479B1 (en) Device for cooling liquid or doughy products comprising means for dividing them into portions using cutting means, and method of using same.
WO2000006321A1 (en) Device for casting ingots of a non-ferrous liquid metal
BE901059A (en) Water powered peeling machine for fruit and vegetables esp. potatoes - has slotted peeling plate to drop peel into water draining from machine
FR2487489A1 (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MANUFACTURING ROTOR TYPE ICE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF HIGH QUALITY ICE
FR3044205A1 (en) DEVICE EXCEEDING IN PARTICULAR ARGOUSIER BAYS
FR2608032A1 (en) Apparatus for extracting juices from fruit and vegetables
EP1174216A2 (en) Blasting machine
BE658261A (en)
FR2506914A1 (en) Freezing and packing mixed small units of diverse food prods. - using chambers and connected conveyor tunnel supplied with cryogenic gas
BE517592A (en)

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20020507

AKX Designation fees paid

Free format text: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20031001

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: L'AIR LIQUIDE, S.A. AE DIRECTOIRE ET CONSEIL DE SU

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20041020

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20041020

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20041020

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20041020

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20041020

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: FRENCH

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60106512

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20041125

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050120

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050120

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050120

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050419

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20050430

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20050430

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20050430

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2230245

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

GBV Gb: ep patent (uk) treated as always having been void in accordance with gb section 77(7)/1977 [no translation filed]

Effective date: 20041020

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20050721

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20050320

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Payment date: 20160422

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20160420

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20160421

Year of fee payment: 16

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20160413

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20160426

Year of fee payment: 16

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20160420

Year of fee payment: 16

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20160421

Year of fee payment: 16

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 60106512

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20170501

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20171229

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170501

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170502

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20171103

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170419

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20170430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170430

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170419

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20180625

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170420