EP3586321A1

EP3586321A1 - Device and method for automatically preparing a food

Info

Publication number: EP3586321A1
Application number: EP18709795.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michael Junker; Ernst A. Locker
Original assignee: Kind Vision Anstalt
Current assignee: Kind Vision Anstalt
Priority date: 2017-02-27
Filing date: 2018-02-27
Publication date: 2020-01-01
Also published as: WO2018154537A1; EP3367349A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for automatically preparing a food (11) with at least one storage container (25) for providing the food product (11) and with a portioning means (300) for portioning the food (11), wherein a positioning device (50) is provided, which comprises at least one connection device (100), which is connectable to the at least one storage container (25), and at least the portioning means (300) for portioning the food (11). The invention further relates to a method for such a device.

Description

Device and method for the automatic preparation of a

Food

The invention relates to a device for the automatic preparation of a food according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a method for the automatic preparation of a food, in particular a viscous food, with such a device according to claim 10.

Fully automatic vending machines for food preparation allow the consumer to provide a fresh and cooked meal at any time without the need for a sales person. The consumer assumes that the food always has top quality. Furthermore, the consumer expects that the food consistency of the ready-to-eat product will remain unchanged from portion to portion. This places high demands on the one hand on the raw food and on the other hand on the preparation process in vending machines. GB 1 215 840 A, from another technical field, discloses a device for piercing a beverage container in a beverage production machine, wherein a piercing mechanism is provided which actuates a piercing device. The piercing mechanism comprises a handle, which is arranged on a lever mounted on one side and with which the piercing device is guided via a guide device to the beverage container. In the pierced state, the piercing device is fixed to the beverage container by means of a holding device of the piercing mechanism.

A disadvantage of this known solution is that due to the cantilever lever mounted on one side, a reproducible and sealing connection of the piercing device with the beverage container is hardly possible, whereby the storage life of the beverage is limited. Another disadvantage of the known solution is that no portioning of the drink is provided, whereby at least the funnel of the system is always acted upon by the drink.

US 5,537,915 A shows a vending machine for selling a food, wherein the food consists of a dehydrating dry product as described above. The dehydrated dry product is located in a funnel, which is connected via a chute to a production container where it is mixed with hot water. In the manufacturing container There is a thrust washer, which conveys the dehydrated dry product mixed with hot water through openings in a receiving container. The receiving container is then moved into the fryer, where the food is prepared. US 5 605 091 A shows a fryer for preparing a dehydrated food. The fryer includes a hopper for storing the dehydrated food and a dosing system disposed at the hopper. In the dosing system, a flow control for dosing the dehydrated food is arranged. The US 3,789,750 A shows a device for molding potato dough, wherein the potato dough is prepared from a dry product to be dehydrated, or is already made available from a bag in a storage facility. The potato dough is then pressed through a wire cutter. The wire cutting device comprises a frame and a first cutting wire unit and a second cutting wire unit, which are spaced apart from each other. The shape of the cut potato dough pieces is dictated by the geometry of the wire cutter and potato sack opening size.

A disadvantage of these known solutions is that, on the one hand, the preparation of the potato dough from a dehydrating dry product with a liquid feed is complicated and the potato dough quality is subject to variations from batch to batch. On the other hand, in the described solution with potato dough bag, the potato dough bag must be opened before the start of production, which automatically reduces the quality of the potato dough and requires an additional work step. Another disadvantage of this known solution is that the pot is elteig, depending on the batch quality, smear between the two cutting wire rows and thus the shape of the potato pieces is exposed to strong fluctuations.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for the automatic preparation of a food which overcomes one or more disadvantages of the state of the art and, in particular, ensures fast food preparation with high quality requirements. In particular, a vending machine is to be created with such a device for the automatic preparation of a food. It is next the object of the invention to provide a method for the automatic preparation of a food with such a device.

The object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments are set forth in the figures and in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, the device for the automatic preparation of a food comprises a positioning device (tight connection device) with at least one connection device, which can be connected to the at least one storage container, and with at least one portioning device for portioning the food.

This measure has the consequence that a reproducible positioning of the at least one connection device to the at least one storage container is possible. A simultaneous reproducible positioning of the at least one portioning agent to the at least one storage container is advantageously possible, whereby the distance between the at least one portioning agent and the at least one storage container always remains the same in the state connected to the at least one storage container. Thus, a reproducible portioning of the food is possible. A vending machine with a storage device usually has several storage containers, wherein the storage containers containing the food are emptied one after the other. For this, the storage facility is usually designed to be automatically movable. In the case of an automatically movable bearing device with a plurality of storage containers, in addition to the at least one connection device, the at least one portioning means for portioning a defined quantity of the foodstuff can thus always be reliably positioned on the individual storage containers. This makes it possible to realize a simple, fully automatic food preparation.

Advantageously, the at least one connection device can be connected to the at least one storage container in a gastight manner, thus ensuring food quality over a relatively long period of time.

The food is, for example, a potato dough mass, which is made available as a raw material in the production-ready state. The high quality and consistency of the potato dough mass are determined by its manufacturer. In the preparation process with the device according to the invention, the high quality continues to be maintained. As a non-exhaustive list are further viscous foods such as meat products, vegetables or pasta called.

Advantageously, at least one storage device comprises at least one refillable storage container for the food, for example a bin or a bag, with a storage container connection means. With the aid of the at least one connection device of the positioning device, a precise connection with the storage container connection means of the at least one storage container is possible, and consequently a defined quantity of the food can be removed from the storage container. Alternatively, the at least one storage device comprises at least one storage container with at least one feedthrough opening, wherein the at least one storage container accommodates a food container with a connection element, for example a bag. With this measure, the food is always hermetically shielded from the environment after production by the manufacturer, easily and safely logistically vändelbar. In addition, a simple positioning of the at least one connection device with the positioning device on the connection element of the foodstuff is possible through the feedthrough opening.

The positioning device preferably has at least one guide means for guiding the food in the direction of a preparation device, the food still being hermetically sealed off from the environment on the one hand, and the movement during dispensing of the food being controlled during the course of production, thus guaranteeing a consistent quality. Advantageously, the at least one guide means is arranged between the at least one connection device and the at least one portioning means. With this measure, the food is fed directly to the portioning to at least one portioning, which is a simple and fast food preparation in a desired food form. Advantageously, the at least one guide means has at least one first connection part which fixes the at least one guide means to the positioning device via at least one second connection part, whereby the guide means can be easily arranged on the positioning device. Advantageously, the at least one first connecting part is formed on the guide means as a recess. The at least second connecting part, which is arranged on the positioning device, is designed as a projection, which engages in the recess. This makes it possible to realize a stable and torsion-free connection of the guide means to the positioning device.

Advantageously, the at least one first connecting part is formed on the guide means complementary to the at least second connecting part, which is arranged on the positioning device. The two connecting parts can thus be manufactured with high accuracy, which will further improve the torsion-proof connection of the guide means to the positioning device.

Preferably, the at least one guide means has at least one guide channel, which ultimately leads the food in the direction of the preparation device and makes the shape of the food influenced by its shaping. Alternatively, the at least one guide means has at least one guide element which protrudes from the at least one guide means, advantageously in the direction of the at least one connection device. With this measure, an improvement of the feed of the food to at least one guide channel, as well as an improvement of the flow properties of the food in at least one guide channel is achieved, whereby a residue-free guiding of the food is carried out in the preparation process.

Advantageously, the at least one guide means at least one guide channel and further at least one guide element, which protrudes from at least one guide means, advantageously at least partially protrudes into the at least one connection device. With this measure, in addition to the shaping of the food in at least one guide channel, a further improvement in the flow properties of the food in at least one guide channel is achieved since the food is pre-separated before it enters the guide channel. Thus, a material accumulation is prevented in the guide means, whereby the already high food quality is maintained in the preparation.

Advantageously, the at least one guide element abuts at least in sections on an inner wall of the at least one connection opening of the connection device, wherein the at least one guide element has at least one projecting tip. With This measure ensures improved residue-free preparation by increasing the flow properties in the preparation process.

Advantageously, the at least one guide means is conical, in particular frusto-conical, shaped and has at least one further guide channel, wherein the at least two guide channels advantageously propagate along predetermined courses in the at least one guide means. For example, at least one guide channel extends along a curve or along a conical shape of the at least one guide means adapted first channel portion and a relatively angled second channel portion. With this measure, the molded food parts in the at least two guide channels are spaced from each other so that sticking of the food parts is prevented.

Preferably, the at least one portioning agent has at least one cutting means with at least one cutting edge, with which a reproducible foodstuff mold can be produced during the preparation process.

Alternatively, the at least one portioning means at least one cutting means with at least one cutting edge, wherein the at least one cutting means is formed as a passage opening, whereby the shape of the food, in particular at the cutting edge of the food, remains unchanged after the shaping preparation step.

Advantageously, the at least one passage opening of the at least one portioning on the side facing the guide means has a larger opening cross-section than the opening of the at least one guide channel of the guide means, whereby the food mold remains unchanged in the portioning process and no food remains on the at least one cutting edge of the passage opening hang stay.

Advantageously, the at least one passage opening of the at least one portioning means on the side facing the guide means has a smaller opening cross section than that opening cross section of this at least one passage opening which faces away from the guide means, whereby the at least one passage opening is advantageously trapezoidal, pyramidal or conical. With this measure, an improved cutting edge on Reaching food and prevent a deposit of cut food residues in the at least one passage opening.

Advantageously, the at least one trapezoidal passage opening on an angled side in the range between 0.5 ° and 30 °, whereby a particularly accurate cutting edge is formed on the food.

Advantageously, the at least one portioning means is driven by a motor, whereby a simple production of large quantities of the food can take place.

Advantageously, the at least one portioning agent is cyclically driven, whereby one and time-saving production of large quantities of the food can take place. Advantageously, the at least one portioning means is driven by a drive which is at a distance from the at least one portioning means and which is connected to at least one drive element with the at least one portioning means. With this measure, the portioning quality of the food is improved because the portioning agent is driven vibration-free and torque-free. Preferably, the at least one connection device and the at least one guide means and the at least one portioning means are arranged directly adjacent to one another, thus providing at least one airtight channel from the at least one storage container to the portioning means.

Advantageously, the at least one portioning agent is arranged between the at least one guide means and the preparation device, with which a direct preparation of the portioning and shaped food takes place. This is a preparation without affecting the food consistency.

Advantageously, the portioning means is arranged with a holding device without separate sealing means on at least one guide means, whereby the accessibility to the portioning means and thus the maintenance of the portioning means is simplified.

Alternatively, the portioning means with a holding device and with a sealing means (eg a sealing ring) is arranged on the at least one guide means, which further improves the tightness. Advantageously, the one holding device is designed as a flange, whereby a simple and accurate arrangement of the at least one portioning means on at least one guide means is possible.

Alternatively, the at least one connection device and the at least one guide means and the at least one portioning means are arranged directly adjacent to one another, the at least one portioning means between the at least one guide means and the preparation device, and the at least one portioning means with a flange are arranged on the at least one guide means. With this measure, the food quality in the preparation is further improved because, for example, an improved seal is present or executable because it prevents unnecessary sealing distances.

Preferably, the at least one portioning means is arranged to be relatively movable relative to the at least one guide means, whereby a simple portioning takes place.

Advantageously, the at least one portioning means is arranged so as to be relatively rotatable relative to the at least one guide means, whereby a rapid portioning of large quantities of food takes place and the portioning process takes place in the smallest space.

Advantageously, the at least one passage opening of the at least one portioning means is arranged offset in a first position relative to the opening of the at least one guide channel and arranged covering it in a second position. This results in a rotating cutting motion an effective cutting process, the food shape remains unchanged.

Preferably, the positioning device has a lifting device, which positions at least the at least one connection device on the at least one storage container, whereby the connection movement is reproducible. Alternatively, the positioning device has a lifting device, which positions at least the at least one connection device directly to a food container, whereby the food quality is further ensured.

Advantageously, the lifting device is designed as Hubkulissenvorrichtung, whereby a space-saving lifting device can be used. Advantageously, the at least one connection device is arranged directly on the lifting device, with which the at least one connection device can be easily positioned.

Alternatively, at least one guide means is further arranged on the lifting device, whereby the at least one guide means is easily positionable.

Advantageously, the at least one guide means is arranged on the lifting device via the at least second connecting part. With this measure, it is possible to realize a torsion-free mounting of the at least one guide means on the lifting device. Advantageously, the lifting device has at least one drive means for moving at least the at least one connection device, with which a fully automatic connection of at least one connection device takes place.

Advantageously, the lifting device further comprises at least one guide rail with at least one guide unit and at least one guide element, with which at least the at least one connection device of the positioning device is controllably guided.

Advantageously, the lifting device has at least one guide rail for carrying out a largely horizontal movement, which forces the at least one connection device into a largely vertical movement. With this measure, a space-saving guidance of the at least one connection device can be implemented and the positioning device is arranged close to the preparation device.

Advantageously, the lifting device further comprises at least one further guide rail, which guides at least the at least one connection device largely vertically, with which at least the at least one connection device of the positioning device is reproducibly arranged on the at least one bearing device.

At least one of the guide rails advantageously has at least one guide unit extending at least partially obliquely, which forces at least the at least one connection device into a vertical movement, whereby at least the at least one connection device of the positioning device is controllably guided to the end position and at the same time compensates positioning tolerances. Advantageously, one of the guide units has at least one guide section for fixing the at least one connection device to the at least one storage container. With this measure, at least the at least one connection device with a bias voltage is arranged on the at least one storage container or on the food container, whereby a sealing connection is realized.

Preferably, the positioning device has a sealing device for sealing at least the at least one portioning agent, with which the at least one portioning agent is shielded from the ambient conditions over a long period of time.

Advantageously, the sealing device has a sealing means, for example a sealing collar, which can be easily applied to at least the at least one portioning agent.

Advantageously, the sealing means to a gas supply, which is supplied with food insulating gas from a gas supply, whereby the sealed state of at least the at least one portioning agent remains over a long period.

Advantageously, the sealing means is arranged movably on the positioning device. Thus, a temporary sealing of at least one positioning means in the connected state to the at least one storage container can be realized.

Alternatively, the sealing device is arranged at a distance from the positioning device and can be fed to the positioning device with a feed device at least to at least one portioning device. With this measure, the functionality of the sealing device is easy to check.

Preferably, the at least one connection device has at least one penetrating means for penetrating into the at least one storage container. With this measure, a pre-closed storage container can be pricked for food removal, whereby the food can thus be stored longer in advance.

Alternatively, the at least one connection device has at least one penetration means for penetrating into a connection element of the at least one Storage container or in a connection element of a food container, which is arranged in at least one storage container, on.

Advantageously, the at least one Anschiusseinrichtung on a biasing mechanism, which connects the at least one connection device biased with the at least one storage container or with the food container.

Advantageously, the biasing mechanism has a spring unit for biasing the at least one Anschiusseinrichtung, whereby a sealing contact with large tolerances is realized. Advantageously, the at least one penetrating means of the at least one connecting device has at least one cutting edge, which results in a defined cutting edge in the penetration region of the storage container or food container during penetration. The defined cutting edge in the penetration area in the storage container prevents the formation of unwanted packaging residues, which would then be transported on in the at least one Anschiusseinrichtung with the food.

Advantageously, the at least one attachment device has at least one holding section for at least one cut packaging section of the storage container or food container, whereby the cut packaging section (eg the cut sealing film) is not mixed with the food.

Advantageously, the at least one attachment device has a sealing section for gas-tight sealing of the at least one storage container or the food container, whereby a simple sealing is made possible. The inventive method for the automatic preparation of a food, in particular a viscous food, with the device set out above is characterized by the following steps.

Positioning the at least one Anschiusseinrichtung on the at least one storage container (step a), followed by portioning a defined amount of the food with the at least one portioning (step b). Finally, the food is prepared in the preparation device (step c). With this method can be easily and quickly reproducible Carry out high quality food production process with the aforementioned device.

The positioning of the at least one connection device preferably takes place at the at least one storage container (step a) with a lifting device, with which a reproducible, sealing connection can be made to the at least one storage container.

Advantageously, before the step b), the application of a biasing force to at least the at least one connection device, whereby a gas-tight connection of the at least one connection device is ensured with the at least one storage container.

Preferably, after step a), the food is transported through the at least one guiding means, with which the food is formed.

Preferably, the portioning of the amount of food in step b) is carried out with at least one cutting means, this advantageously takes place over a clock cycle that affects the amount of food, for example, the food length. With this measure, a large amount of food can be produced efficiently and quickly in the same amount.

Preferably, step b) is repeated several times without releasing the connection of the at least one connection device with the at least one storage container, with which the food preparation can take place in a vending machine over a longer period of time.

Preferably, at least the at least one storage container is closed in a gas-tight manner after step b), thus ensuring a high quality of food.

Advantageously, at least the portioning agent is closed in a gas-tight manner after step b), so that contamination in the portioning agent is rendered harmless.

Alternatively, after step b), at least the at least one storage container and the portioning agent are sealed gas-tight, with which the two aforementioned advantages can be combined.

Advantageously, after the step b), a food insulating gas, for example with overpressure, is applied to the at least one portioning agent, whereby a multiple Food preparation can be done with consistent high food quality.

Preferably, after the step a), a squeezing pressure is applied with a squeezing device in the storage container or on the food container, so that the desired consistency of the food is achieved before the portioning.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description in which embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawings.

The list of reference numerals as well as the technical content of the claims and figures are part of the disclosure. The figures are described coherently and comprehensively. The same reference symbols denote the same components, reference symbols with different indices indicate functionally identical or similar components.

It shows:

1 shows a device according to the invention in a vending machine for the automatic preparation of a food in a perspective external view,

Fig. 2, the device acc. 1 in a side view in the open state,

Fig. 3 shows a storage container of the inventive device in a

Sectional view

4 shows a positioning device of the inventive device in a first perspective view,

Fig. 5 the positioning according to. Fig. 4 in a further perspective

View,

Fig. 6 according to the positioning. 4 in a plan view from above,

Fig. 7 shows the positioning in a first position of

Connecting device in a cross-sectional view, 8 shows the positioning device in a second position of the connection device in a side view,

9 shows the positioning device in the first position of the connection device in a longitudinal sectional view, FIG. 10 shows the positioning device in the second position of FIG

Connecting device in a longitudinal sectional view,

Fig. 11, the positioning of the inventive device in the first

Position of the connection device in a longitudinal section, wherein a sealing means of a sealing device is arranged on the portioning means,

Fig. 12 shows a detail of the positioning in the first position of

Connection device in a sectional view,

13 shows the connection device and a guide means including drive unit of a portioning agent in a perspective view, FIG. 14 shows the connection device and the guide means together with the drive unit according to FIG. 13 in a side view,

15 shows the portioning agent together with its drive unit in a first position in a plan view,

FIG. 16 the portioning agent together with its drive unit according to FIG. 15 in a second position in a plan view,

Fig. 17, the connection device and a guide means and the

Portioning agent in the first position in a sectional view,

FIG. 18 shows the connection device of the inventive device in a perspective view, FIG. 19 shows the connection device according to FIG. 18 in a side view,

20 shows the guide means of the inventive device in a perspective view,

Fig. 21, the guide means gem. Fig. 20 in a in a Schnittdarstell Fig. 22, the guide means gem. 20 in a plan view,

23 shows the portioning means of the inventive device in a perspective view,

Fig. 24 the portioning according to. Fig. 23 in a plan view, and Fig. 25, the portioning means acc. Fig. 23 in a in a sectional view.

Figures 1 and 2 show a vending machine 10 with the apparatus for automatic preparation of French fries, which are made from a viscous potato dough. The vending machine 10 consists of a housing 15, which has a housing door 16. In the housing 15, a storage device 20 is arranged with a plurality of storage containers 25, wherein the potato dough is directly fillable. The potato dough is pressed out of the storage containers 25 with a squeezing device 28 arranged in the vending machine 10. The storage device 20 is movably mounted, for example rotatably mounted on a carousel, so that a plurality of storage containers 25 are arranged in the vending machine 10. The movable bearing device 20 with the plurality of storage containers 25 is arranged rotatable relative to the positioning device 50. Thus, the individual storage containers can be arranged alternately via the positioning device 50 and then the food 11 arranged therein can be squeezed out. The storage containers 25 each have a storage container connection means 29, for example a passage opening, which is closed with a puncture skin or sealing film. The positioning device 50 has a connection device 100, which guides the food 11 to the preparation device 30 in the state connected to the storage container connection means 29 of the storage container 25. In the process, the puncture skin or sealing foil is removed in advance without exposing the food to the environmental conditions in the vending machine. As a preparation device 30, for example, an oil-filled fryer or a microwave oven is provided. The vending machine 10 further comprises a transport device 35, which transports the prepared food to an output device 38, wherein the dispensing device 38 is advantageously arranged approximately at an ergonomic and very visible height of the consumer. With this measure, not only the taste senses of the consumer during the consumption of the prepared food are stimulated, but already previously an anticipation, due to the sight of the freshly prepared food generated.

FIG. 3 shows the storage container 25 with a food container 26 arranged therein, for example the potato dough bag. These are, for example, filled by the manufacturer, hermetically sealed and provided with a connecting element 27, for example, nozzles with a puncture skin or sealing film. The positioning device 50 subsequently arranges the connection device 100 on the connection element 27 of the food container 26. FIGS. 4 to 12 show the positioning device 50 of the device according to the invention. The positioning device 50 has a connection device 100, a guide means 200 and a portioning means 300, which are arranged directly adjacent to each other. Furthermore, the positioning device 50 has a sealing device 400 for sealing the portioning means 300. The positioning device 50 comprises a lifting gate device 60, which moves the connection device 100, the guide means 200 and the portioning means 300 substantially vertically in the direction of the bearing device 20. For this purpose, the lifting link device 60 has a first guide rail 70, a second guide rail 75 and a third guide rail 80. The first guide rail 70 is connected to the bearing device 20 and is thus arranged stationarily in the device. The first guide rail 70 has largely horizontally formed guide units 71 (or scenes) and largely vertically formed guide units 72 (or scenes) for respectively guiding the second guide rail 75 and the third guide rail 80 (FIG. 4). The second guide rail 75 is arranged horizontally movable on the first guide rail 70 and is moved by the drive means 65, for example an electric motor, a hydraulic or pneumatic drive. For this purpose, the second guide rail 75 has a plurality of guide elements 78, which are arranged in the largely horizontally formed guide units 71 of the first guide rails 70. The drive means 65 is connected to the second guide rail 70 via the link arm 64 and the drive beam 67, which are linearly moved by means of the rotary member 66. The guide means 200 is arranged on the third guide rail 80 by means of the two-part holding plate 250, 260 and by means of fastening means 222 (FIG. 13), for example screws. Thus, the third guide rail 80 carries both the guide means 200 as well as the The second guide rail 75 has inclined guide units 76 (or scenes) which form horizontal guide sections 77 at their respective ends and fix the third guide rail 80 in a first position or in a second position (FIG. Fig. 12). For this purpose, the third guide rail 80 has a plurality of guide elements 81 which are arranged simultaneously in the largely vertically formed guide units 72 of the first guide rails 70 and in the oblique guide units 76 of the second guide rail 75 (FIGS. 4 and 12). Thus, by the horizontal movement of the second guide rail 75, the third guide rail 80 is pressed vertically in the direction of the bearing device 20 and fixed with its guide members 81 in the respective guide portions 77. In this case, in the first position, the connecting device 100 arranged on the guide means 200 is connected in a prestressed manner to the storage container 25 and / or to the food container 26 and is spaced therefrom in the second position.

The sealing device 400 of the positioning device 50 is likewise fastened on the third guide rail 80. The sealing device 400 comprises the sealing collar 420, the drive unit 430 for positioning the sealing collar 420, as well as the connecting element 440 and the guide unit 450, which guide the sealing collar 420 from and to the portioning means 300. The third guide rail 80 has a guide unit 450, which allows the movement of the sealing sleeve 420 regardless of the position of the third guide rail 80. The sealing collar 420 has a gas feed 460, which can be connected to an internal or external gas supply, for example via a hose (not shown). The sealing collar 420 is applied to the portioning means 300 and largely seals the portioning means 300 (FIG. 11). In the applied state, a food insulation gas is supplied with an overpressure on the portioning means 300 so that the portioning means 300 is shielded from the environmental conditions in the vending machine over a long period of time.

FIGS. 13 to 17 illustrate the connection device 100, the guide means 200 and the portioning means 300 as an assembled unit, with the two-part holding plate 250, 260 and the drive unit 351 of the portioning means 300 additionally being illustrated. The connection device 100 is connected to the connection means 119, for example screws, on the guide means 200. The holding plate 250, 260 is formed in two parts and is connected to the connecting elements 251, such as screws. The timed holding plate 250, 260 has, in the connected state, a holding opening 255 in which the guide means 200 is arranged (FIG. 13). The two-part holding plate 250, 260 has a plurality of projections 245, which engage in the plurality of recesses 240 of the guide means 200 and thus fix it firmly in the holding opening 255 (FIG. 17). The second holding plate part 260 is arranged on the third guide rail 80 by means of the fixing means 222, for example screws.

Furthermore, the drive unit 351 of the portioning means 300, which consists of the drive 350, for example a stepper motor, and drive elements 355, 356 and 357 and a connection means 358 (FIG. 14), is arranged on the second holding plate part 260. The drive 350 is connected to the portioning means 300 via a rotary crank 355, the drive lever 356 and the connection means 358. The connection means 358 is detachably connected to the insertion opening 310 of the portioning means 300. The portioning means 300 is rotatably mounted about the rotation axis 380 in the receptacle 270 of the guide means 200 and arranged with the flange 360 on the guide means 200. The second holding plate part 260 has a guide unit 257, which guides the drive lever 356, wherein the drive lever 356 is mounted in the guide unit 257 on the second holding plate part 260. The drive lever 356 has a guide unit 357 which transmits the rotational movement of the rotary crank 355 via the drive lever 356 to the portioning means 300. The drive unit 351 further has an end switch unit 370, for example magnetic switch, which predetermines the end positions of the drive lever 356. Thus, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, two defined positions of the portioning means 300 relative to the guide means 200 are predetermined, wherein in the first position (Figure 15) the passage openings 315, 316, 317, 318 and 319 of the portioning means 300 offset from the Openings of the guide channels 205, 206, 207, 208 and 209 of the guide means 200 are arranged. The first sliding surface 320 of the portioning means 300 thus sealingly covers the openings of the guide channels 205, 206, 207, 208 and 209. In the second position (FIG. 16), the passage openings 315, 316, 317, 318 and 319 of the portioning means 300 are opaque the openings of the guide channels 205, 206, 207, 208 and 209 of the guide means 200, whereby the food 11 can penetrate through the guide channels 205, 206, 207, 208 and 209 and the passage openings 315, 316, 317, 318 and 319. There are the passage openings 315, 316, 317, 318 and 319 slightly larger than the openings of the guide channels 205, 206, 207, 208 and 209 of the guide means 200 formed. The rotational movement of the portioning means 300 cuts the shaped food pieces at the cutting edge 325, 326, 327, 328 and 329. The rotational movement of the portioning means 300 takes place about the rotation axis 380, which is arranged normal to the guide means 200 (FIG. 17). The clock cycle of the rotary movement of the portioning means 300 and the contact pressure of the ejection device 28 thus specify the shape of the food 11, with which, for example, the length of the food 11 is adjustable. As explicitly shown in FIG. 17, the connection device 100, the guide means 200 and the portioning means 300 form a unit in the connected state, wherein the connection device 100 comprises a penetration means 101 for piercing the sealing material of the storage container 25 or the food container 26 and a connection opening 102 for receiving of the food 11. The pointed converging guide elements 215, 216, 217, 218 and 219 protrude into the connection device 100 and abut circumferentially against the inner wall 112 of the connection device 100. The guide elements 215, 216, 217, 218 and 219 are enclosed by the food 11. The guide channels 205, 206, 207, 208 and 209 extend in the direction of the portioning means 300, wherein the guide channels 205, 206, 207, 208 and 209 each have two straight, aligned at an angle channel sections 211, 212. Alternatively, curved channel sections or even guide channels with only one channel section are possible. The food 11 is formed in the guide channels 205, 206, 207, 208 and 209 and is stopped at the openings of the guide channels 205, 206, 207, 208 and 209 by the first sliding surface 320 of the portioning means 300, which faces the guide means 200 , By the rotational movement of the portioning means 300, the food in the second position of the portioning means 300 (FIG. 16) penetrates through the passage openings 315, 316, 317, 318 and 319 and is in a first position of the portioning means 300 (FIG. 15) from the cutting edge 325, 326, 327, 328 and 329 of the portioning means 300, with the molded and cut food pieces immersed in the preparation means 30.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show the largely cylindrical connection device 100 of the positioning device 50, which has a connection flange 103 for arranging the connection device 100 on the guide means 200 at one end. The connection device 100 has a penetration means 101, which consists of a Cutting means 104 with four cutting edges 105, 106, 107 and 108, and a connection opening 102 for transporting the food 11 on. In an alternative embodiment, a penetration means 101 with fewer or more cut edges is also usable. The cutting edges 105, 106, 107 and 108 each converge at one end thereof and form a penetrating tip 111. The cutting edges 105, 106, 107 and 108 are circumferentially fixed at its opposite the penetrating tip 111 ends at the connection opening 102, for example plugged or welded. The connection opening 102 has on its circumference rounded retaining portions 115, 116, 117, 118, to which portions of the pre-cut by the cutting edges sealing material, such as a sealing skin, a sealing film or packaging material, the storage container 25 or the food container 26 create and thus in the Inlet port 102 penetrate, but without detaching from the storage container 25 or the food container 26. The sealing material thus abuts the inner wall 112 of the connection device 100.

The cylindrical connection device 100 has on its outer shell 109 a sealing portion 110 which in connected to the storage container 25 and / or with the food container 26 state on the storage container connection means 29 or connecting element 27 presses and thus the connection device 100 with the storage container 25 and / or with the Food container 26 connects dense and advantageous gas-tight.

FIGS. 20 to 22 show the guide means 200 which is arranged between the connection device 100 and the portioning means 300. The guide means 200 is formed substantially frusto-conical and has circumferentially recesses as the first connecting part 240, which form part of the two-part retaining plate 250, 260. Alternatively, the first connecting parts 240 may also be formed as projections, in which case the second connecting part 245 is formed as a recess. The guide means 200 has at the first frustoconical surface a guide means seal 210 as well as a plurality of guide elements 215, 216, 217, 218 and 219. The guide elements 215, 216, 217, 218 and 219, in the assembled state with the connection device 100, project into the connection opening 102 on the connection flange side. The Guide means seal 210 seals the connection of the guide means 200 with that of the connection device 100.

The guide means 200 has on the second frustoconical surface a receptacle 270 for receiving the portioning means 300 and the flange 360. Between the first and second frustoconical surface extend a plurality of guide channels 205, 206, 207, 208 and 209, which are rectangular in cross-section. These guide channels 205, 206, 207, 208 and 209 extend in a first channel portion 211 from the center of the first frusto-conical surface along the conical profile of the guide means 100 and in a second channel portion 212 angled relative thereto, to be further spaced from one another at the second As soon as they enter the truncated cone surface.

Figures 23 to 25 show the portioning means 300 of the inventive device. On the portioning means 300, a groove 303 is circumferentially formed on which a portion of the flange 360 engages. The portioning means comprises a plurality of cutting means 305, 306, 307, 308 and 309, each comprising a cutting edge 325, 326, 327, 328 and 329, for example undercut edges. The portioning means 300 shows a plurality of passage openings 315, 316, 317, 318 and 319, as well as an insertion opening 310 for connecting the drive lever 356.

The passage opening 315, 316, 317, 318 and 319 of the portioning means 300 have on the guide means 200 side facing a smaller opening cross-section than that opening cross section of this passage opening 315, 316, 317, 318 and 319, which is remote from the guide means 200, thus the passage opening 315, 316, 317, 318 and 319 are trapezoidal in sectional view. The angled side of the trapezoidal passage opening 315, 316, 317, 318 and 319 has an opening angle ß of about 11 °. The portioning means 300 is rotatably arranged on the guide means 200 and has a first sliding surface 320, which faces the guide means 200, a second equalizing surface 321 on the lateral surface 302 and a third sliding surface 322 on the groove 303. The automatic preparation of the French fries with the device according to the invention in the vending machine 10 comprises the following steps:

After a consumer has selected the desired food on the display 45, such as a touch screen, the vending machine 10 is a Pressing pressure applied with the squeezing device 28 in the storage container 25 or on the food container 26, so that the desired consistency of the food is achieved before portioning.

Should the storage container 25 or the food container 26 not yet be positioned above the positioning device 50, this is done via the movable bearing device 20, wherein this takes place via a rotary movement of the carousel-type bearing device 20. In the spaced state of the positioning device 50 and the storage container 25 or the food container 26, the positioning of the connection device 100 is carried out in advance on the storage container 25 or on the food container 26 with the lifting link device 60. The attachment device 100 is moved by means of the guide units 72, 76 and the guide elements 81 in the direction pressed to the storage container 25 and then fixed in the guide portion 77 of the guide unit 76. The connection device 100 penetrates into the storage container connection element 29, wherein the penetrating tip 111 of the connection device 100 penetrates a sealing film or a sealing skin of the storage container 25 or the food container 26 and the cutting edges 105, 106, 107 , 108 of the cutting means 104 cut these. By means of the cutting means 104, which is designed as a cross-cutting means, the sealing film is divided into four flaps, which are further connected to at least one flap part with the storage container 25 or the food container 26. Subsequently, a squeezing pressure is applied with a squeezing device 28 in the storage container 25 or on the food container 26. The food 11 thereby penetrates into the connection opening 102, wherein the four lobes of the cut sealing film or the sealing skin of the storage container 25 or the food container 26 bear against the inner wall 112 of the connection device 100 and are held by the holding sections 115, 116, 117 and 118 ,

In a further step, the food is transported by the at least one guide means 200 to the portioning means 300, wherein the food is separated from the guide elements 215, 216, 217, 218 and 219 and formed in the guide channels 205, 206, 207, 208 and 209 becomes.

Subsequently, the portioning of a defined amount of the food 11 with the portioning means 300, wherein the portioning means 300 is brought by means of the drive unit 350 in a rotary motion and the food cyclically, with a pre-defined clock cycle, from the cutting means 305, 306, 307, 308 and 309 at their cutting edges 315, 316, 317, 318 and 319 is cut.

Finally, the portioned food is led to the preparation device 30 and prepared therein. The ready-prepared food 11 is subsequently transported to a serving means and guided by means of the transport device 35 to the dispensing device 38, from which the consumer can remove the finished food 11.

The previously described portioning of the food 11 is repeated several times without releasing the connection of the connection device 100 with the connected storage container 25.

After the portioning of the food 11, the storage container 25 and / or the food container 26 and / or the penetration means 300 are sealed gas-tight.

The sealing collar 420 of the sealing device 400 is applied by means of the guide unit 450 and the guide member 440 to the portioning means 300 gas-tight. This step can take place in any position of the positioning device 50.

When the sealing collar 420 is applied to the portioning means 300, a foodstuff insulating gas, for example with overpressure, is applied to the portioning agent, which is supplied from a gas supply.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 vending machines

11 foods

15 housing

16 housing door

20 storage facility

25 storage containers

26 food container

27 connection element

28 ejection device

29 storage container connection means

30 preparation device

35 transport device

38 output device

45 display

48 pay station

50 positioning device

60 lift gate

64 connecting arm

65 drive means

66 rotary element

67 connecting beam

70 first guide rail

71 horizontally formed guide unit

72 vertically formed guide unit

75 second guide rail

76 inclined guide unit

77 guide section

78 guide elements from 75

80 third guide rail

81 guide elements of 80

100 connection device

101 penetrant port opening

flange

cutting means

-108 cutting edges

Outer jacket of 100 sealing section of 100 penetrating points

Inner wall of 100-118 holding sections of 100

Connecting means guiding means

-209 routing channels

Guide means seal first channel section second channel section-219 guide elements

Fastening means first connecting part second connecting part first holding plate part connecting elements second holding plate part retaining opening of 250, 260 guide unit

Include portioning agent

Lateral surface of 300 slots

-309 cutting tools

insertion

-319 passages first sliding surface second sliding surface third sliding surface -329 cutting edges

drive

Drive unit swivel crank

Drive lever Guide unit Connection means Flange

limit switch

axis of rotation

Opening angle sealing device

sealing collar

Drive unit for 420

connecting member

Guide unit for 440 and 420 gas supply

Claims

claims

Device for the automatic preparation of a foodstuff (11), in particular a viscous foodstuff, comprising at least one storage container (25) for providing the foodstuff (11) and a portioning means (300) for portioning the foodstuff (11), characterized in that a positioning device (50) has at least one connection device (100), which is advantageously gas-tight, connectable to the at least one storage container (25), and at least the portioning means (300) for portioning the food (11).

Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Positioning device (50) at least one guide means (200) for guiding the food (11), wherein the at least one guide means (200) in particular between the at least one connection device (100) and the at least one portioning means (300) is arranged.

Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one guide means (200) at least one guide channel (205, 206, 207, 208, 209), which leads the food (11) towards a preparation device (30), and / or the at least one guide means (200) has at least one guide element (215, 216, 217, 218, 219) which protrudes from the at least one guide means (200).

Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one portioning means (300) at least one cutting means (305, 306, 307, 308, 309) having at least one cutting edge (325, 326, 327, 328, 329) , wherein the at least one cutting means in particular as a passage opening (315, 316, 317, 318, 319) is formed.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one connection device (100) and the at least one guide means (200) and the at least ei ne portioning means (300) are arranged directly adjacent to each other and / or that the at least one portioning agent ( 300) between the at least one guide means

(200) and the preparation device (30) is arranged and / or that the Portioning means (300) via a holding device, in particular via a flange (360), on at least one guide means (200) is arranged.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one portioning means (300) is arranged to be movable, in particular rotatable, relative to the at least one guide means (200).

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning device (50) has a lifting device, in particular a Hubkulissenvorrichtung (60), which positions at least the at least one connection device (100) on the at least one storage container (25).

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sealing device (400) is provided for sealing at least the at least one portioning means (300), which advantageously has a sealing means, which is advantageously movably arranged on the sealing device (400), and on advantageously has a gas supply (460).

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one connection device (100) has at least one penetrating means (101) for penetrating into the at least one storage container (25), wherein the at least one penetrating means (101) is advantageously at least one cutting means (105 , 106, 107, 108), and further advantageously the at least one connection device (100) has at least one holding section (115, 116, 117, 118) for holding at least one cut packaging section.

Method for the automatic preparation of a food (11), in particular a viscous food, with a device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the following steps:

a) positioning the at least one connection device (100) on the at least one storage container (25), b) portioning a defined quantity of the food (11) with the at least one portioning agent (300),

c) preparing the food (11) in the preparation device (30).

Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the

Positioning the at least one connection device (100) to the at least one storage container (25) (step a)) with a lifting device.

A method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the food (11) after step a) by the at least one guide means (200) is guided.

Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the portioning of the defined amount of the food (11) in step b) with at least one cutting means (305, 306, 307, 308, 309) of the portioning means (300), wherein Advantageously, the portioning takes place over a cycle which influences the portioned quantity of the food (11).

Method according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the step b) is repeated several times without releasing the connection of the at least one connection device (100) with the at least one storage container (25).

Method according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that after the step b) at least the at least one storage container (25) and / or at least the portioning means (300) is fumigated with a Lebensmittelisoliergas.