FR2876870A1 - DEVICE FOR DISPENSING A DOSE OF FOOD PASTE ON A COOKING PLATE, AND COOKING MACHINE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

This device comprises: - a low capacity reservoir (2), capable of containing the dose of paste, and the bottom of which is provided with a normally closed shutter valve; - a movable support, supporting the reservoir (2), capable of be moved manually, so as to selectively occupy either a standby position in which the tank is moved away from the area overhanging the hob, or an active position in which it is above the hob; - a lever (15-16) capable of controlling the opening of the valve when the reservoir is in the active position, in order to distribute almost instantaneously the entire dose of dough contained therein on the cooking plate; - a means of reminder capable of automatically closing the valve at the end of this dispensing; - a cyclic supply system to the tank in unit doses of dough from a tank with a capacity notably greater than that of the tank, via a flexible duct ( 7a, 7b) and a pump (6). cooking equipment for catering, in particular for creperies.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for dispensing a dose of

  pasta on a horizontal baking sheet, for example for making pancakes, pancakes, waffles, blinis or similar products.

  The hob, smooth or dimpled, can be heated electrically or gas.

  The invention relates more specifically to a semi-automated device, particularly suitable for professionals making takeaway and / or consumed products on site, for example in a pancake house, the device being designed to enable the person assigned to this task to work. comfortably and accurately and efficiently.

  It also relates to a pasta cooking machine equipped, either original or reported, a device of this kind.

  Devices are already known for dispensing a dose of pasta on a horizontal baking sheet, which comprise a reservoir containing a reserve of dough.

  The reservoir is carried by a movable support, pivotable about a vertical axis, so that it can be moved manually, horizontally, above the plane of the cooking plate so as to occupy selectively, or a position called standby in which the tank is spaced from the area overlooking the hob, a so-called active position in which it is above the hob.

  The bottom of the tank is provided with a shutter valve normally closed, but can be opened by means of a control lever when the tank is in the active position, in order to dispense dough on the hob, under the effect of gravity, while this valve is closed when the tank is in the waiting position.

  Such devices have been used for many years for making waffles and pancakes.

  Such an arrangement facilitates the work of the operator, compared to the traditional method of taking a dose of dough into a container by means of a ladle, and then pouring it onto the baking tray, prior to dispensing. spread there.

  It nevertheless has disadvantages.

  These stem in particular from the fact that the entire stock of dough, intended for the manufacture of a number of products, is contained in the mobile tank; this one is therefore heavy, especially at the beginning of the operation.

  This high weight, and the resulting inertia, pose a problem of convenience of use and fatigue.

  Because of this weight, it is difficult to envisage also moving the tank in the vertical direction, to lower and lift, except to ask the operator to develop a significant effort with each movement of the container upwards. However, it is interesting to be able to remove as much as possible the container of the hob in its waiting position, so that it hinders the operator as little as possible during the spreading of the dough, cooking, and removal of the cooked product. Conversely, it is interesting to lower it closer to the surface of the hob to avoid splashing at the time of depositing the dough.

  A difficulty is also linked, in many applications, the need to maintain the dough at a relatively low temperature, well below room temperature, to comply with food hygiene rules.

  This mobile container must therefore be refrigerated and / or isothermal, which increases its complexity and further increases its weight.

  Finally, the doses dispensed are not regular because they depend on the degree of filling of the container and the duration of actuation of the control lever of the valve by the operator.

  The present invention aims to overcome these difficulties.

  For this purpose, in accordance with the invention, the device comprises: a reservoir of small capacity, capable of containing the dose of dough to be dispensed, and whose bottom is provided with a normally closed shutter valve; a mobile support, supporting this reservoir, able to be moved manually, such that said reservoir selectively occupies either a so-called standby position in which it is spaced from the area overlooking the cooking plate, or an active position in which it is above the hob; a control member, such as a lever, capable of causing said shutter valve to open when the reservoir is in the active position, in order to distribute almost instantaneously the entire dose of dough contained therein on the cooking plate; - A return means (such as a spring) adapted to automatically close the valve once this dose has been deposited on the hob; a system for cyclically feeding the reservoir in unit doses of pulp from a tank of a capacity substantially greater than that of the tank, containing a reserve of pulp, this system comprising a flexible conduit and a pump able to transfer from the tank to the reservoir successive predetermined doses of dough.

  Thus, the weight of the reservoir is greatly reduced, and the delivered dose has a constant volume.

  According to other advantageous and non-limiting features of the invention: the mobile support is thus arranged that the reservoir can be rotated about a vertical axis; the mobile support is thus arranged that the tank can be moved in a vertical direction, upwards in order to move it away from the cooking plate, in its waiting position, or downwards to bring it closer to its active position, at a relatively small distance, avoiding the splashing of the dough at the time of its deposit on the hob, these raising and lowering movements being easy because of the reduced weight of the tank, even if is full; the movable support has the configuration of a deformable parallelogram capable of deforming in a substantially vertical plane, the upper part of which supports said reservoir, and whose lower part is carried by a base movable in rotation around a vertical axis; the device comprises means for detecting the activation of the control lever of the valve, such as a switch, able to control the start-up of said pump for a new filling of the reservoir as soon as a dose of paste has been dispensed; the pump is a peristaltic pump whose activation time, at each operating cycle, is adjustable, which makes it possible to deliver doses of variable, predetermined volume; the reservoir is removably supported by the movable support, which allows it to be easily removed for washing and then reinstalled just as easily; - The tray is refrigerated and is disposed at a level below the level of said cooking plate.

  The invention also relates to a pasta baking machine, for making pancakes, pancakes, waffles, or similar products, which consists of a box whose upper face constitutes a work plan provided with less a horizontal baking tray, and whose interior includes a refrigerated enclosure, this machine being characterized in that it is equipped with a device as described above, the mobile support of the tank being mounted on the plane while the tray containing a reserve of dough is housed in said refrigerated enclosure.

  In one possible embodiment of this machine, the work plan comprises a pair of cooking plates placed next to each other, and the device is positioned in such a way that it allows the dough to be dispensed alternately. on each of these plates.

  The machine is optionally equipped with a device such as that described above, able to dispense two kinds of pasta of a different nature or composition, for example wheat flour pancake batter and pancake batter. made from black wheat flour.

  For this purpose, the device is provided with two tanks arranged side by side and each fed by a clean feed system, comprising a feed duct and a pump, the two ducts passing inside the column and articulated structure of the device, but from different bins.

  Finally, the invention also relates to an autonomous device (movable block) intended to be placed next to at least one pancake, and which supports a device as described above.

  Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description and the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of non-limiting example, a possible embodiment.

  In these drawings: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pasta cooking machine which is equipped with a device according to the invention; FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of the device itself, represented respectively in its standby position and in its active position; FIG. 4 is a side view of FIG. 1, the lateral partition of the machine; having been partially torn off so as to allow the inside to be seen, - FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of the same machine, the dispensing device being positioned, in its active position, above one or the other of the two cooking plates which equip this machine, FIG. 7 is an exploded view, in perspective, of the tank and of its shut-off valve closing mechanism, FIG. 8 is a detailed view, in perspective, and on a larger scale of the support of this reservoir, - Figure 9 A is a diagram for illustrating the operation of the device, the valve being closed, - Figure 9 B is a partial view similar to Figure 9 A, the valve being open, for dispensing a dose of dough on the cooking plate; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an autonomous apparatus equipped with a device according to the invention, and intended for equipping a pair of cooking machines. - in this case, independent crepe makers.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 4 denotes a machine for cooking pancakes or pancakes of known type, which has the general shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepipedic box, mounted on ground support feet 400, and having a work surface 40, a front panel 41, side walls 42-of which only one is visible in Figure 1 and a rear wall (not visible).

  In the work plane 40 are arranged two identical pancake dishes which each comprise a 9a, 9b flat horizontal and circular cooking plate.

  These plates are heated for example by the electrical way, thanks to electrical resistances incorporated in the crepe makers.

  In Figure 1 there is also a protective screen 43, for example transparent plastic, which serves as a showcase.

  In the countertop are built-in different bins 400, 401, 402, whose function is to receive ingredients such as butter, jam or chocolate for example, as well as to store useful utensils for spreading the food. paste, and the removal of the finished product, in this case a crepe or a pancake.

  The front panel 41 is provided with a pair of doors 410, 411, which allow access to the interior of the box. This inner part comprises at least one refrigerated enclosure, designated ER in FIG.

  Such a refrigerated enclosure is traditionally used to keep cold certain food products likely to garnish crepes or pancakes, for example slices of ham and cheese, as well as a reserve of dough.

  Referring more particularly to Figures 2 and 3, we will now describe the structure of the device according to the invention, which has the general reference 1.

  The device 1 comprises a vertical column 10, of vertical axis Z-5 Z '.

  Its lower part is provided with a base (or base) 100, and its upper part with a base (or base) 13.

  As seen in Figure 4, these bases 100, 13 allow the attachment of the device on the machine, the column 10 being integrated in the upper part of the box 4. The fixing is carried out for example by means of bolts.

  The column 10 is tubular, allowing - as will be seen later - the passage of a supply duct.

  On the base 13 is mounted, freely rotatable about the axis Z-Z ', an articulated parallelogram-shaped structure which comprises two partially overlapping sections 11, 11', which are hinged at the bottom, around 111, 110, on the pivotally mounted portion on the base 13, and in the upper part, about axes 112, 113, on a connecting piece 14.

  As can be seen from the observation of FIGS. 2 and 3, this parallelogram can deform in a substantially vertical plane, its deformation not modifying the orientation of the part 14.

  The piece 14 is secured to a support member 3 which, seen from above, has a semi-circular central opening (see Figure 8).

  In the upper part of the piece 14 is articulated a lever plate 15, which has wings 151 folded downwards, constituting a yoke by which it is articulated on a part 14 by an axis 150.

  At the opposite end of the lever plate 15 is attached a handle 16.

  The device comprises a tank of substantially cylindrical shape 2, of vertical axis. The upper part of the tank 2 has a diameter slightly larger than its lower part, which allows a removable assembly, by interlocking, of the tank 2 on the support 3, whose diameter of the opening corresponds (to the interlocking play near ) to the diameter of the lower part of the tank 2.

  As can be seen in the exploded view of FIG. 7, the reservoir 2 35 essentially comprises a cylindrical lower part 20, of vertical axis, with an open bottom closed by a valve 23 with a frustoconical edge.

  The seat of the central opening of the bottom of the portion 20 has a corresponding shape.

  The valve member 23 is integral with a central rod 22 whose upper part passes through an element 21 constituting the upper part of the tank 2, and is integral with a push button 25, for example by means of a connecting pin .

  A small helical compression spring 24 constantly tends to push up the push button 25 and, correspondingly the rod 22 and the valve 23 to return the latter in its normal position of closing the tank bottom.

  The side wall of the portion 20 of the reservoir has an orifice, (not visible in the figure), in which is inserted a tubular connection 26.

  The latter is adapted to be easily connected, removably, to the end of a flexible tubing, for example plastic, which serves as feed conduit of the paste tank.

  Referring to Figure 4, there is designated by reference 5 a tray containing a reserve of dough and the reference 6 a pump. This pump 6 is a pump, preferably a peristaltic pump whose activation time is adjustable.

  This pump is mounted on a pipe 7 whose front part 7a is immersed by its lower end in the tank 5, and whose upper part 7b is connected to the connection 26 of the tank 2.

  This part 7b is flexible and flexible, and passes inside the tubular column 10 and inside the articulated parallelogram-shaped part of the device 1.

  More specifically, the tube passes inside the internal space located between the two aforementioned sections 11 and 11 ', and leaves through an appropriate opening, to join the connection 26.

  By taking in hand the lever 16, an operator can easily deform the articulated parallelogram so as to straighten it in the position of FIG. 2 or on the contrary to tilt it in the position of FIG. 3. It can also rotate the device around the Z-Z 'axis.

  As seen in Figure 1, the device 1 is mounted on the work plane 40 in a central position, near the two cooking plates 35a, 9b.

  Its positioning is such that it can be tilted downwards and pivoted so that the tank 2 is positioned above the plate 9a (see Figure 5), above the plate 9b (see Figure 6) or in an erect, waiting position (see Figure 1).

  Referring more particularly to FIGS. 9A and 9B, we will now explain how the dispensing of a dose of dough on one or the other of the two cooking plates 9a or 9b takes place, one or the other of these plates being designated 9 in Figs. 9A and 9B.

  The reservoir 2 contains a given dose of pulp designated DP.

  In order to deposit this dose on the plate 9, the operator grasps the lever 16, rotates the articulated structure around the axis ZZ ', and then lowers the reservoir, by deforming the articulated parallelogram, so that the bottom of the tank is positioned at a low height above the plate 9.

  Advantageously, an end stop is provided to limit the deformation of the articulated parallelogram when it reaches this active position, corresponding to an adequate positioning of the tank 2 above the hob.

  As an indication, the bottom of the tank 2 is positioned at a distance of 20 centimeters from the plate, preferably in the vicinity of its central zone.

  The underside of the lever plate 15 rests against the push button 25.

  When the operator pivots down the lever 15, as is symbolized by the arrow F in Figure 9A, it lowers the rod 22 and causes the opening of the valve 23, (which deviates from its seat) , allowing very rapid escape, under the effect of gravity, the dose of DP paste on the hob, this flow being illustrated by the arrows G in Figure 9B.

  The dose of paste is deposited in a single jet, almost instantaneously, which avoids the risk that the cooking is already partially started for the dough portion deposited first, while the dose distribution is not completed. .

  This problem is encountered with devices in which the distribution is continuous and relatively slow, in the manner of a tap flow. In this case the spreading of the dough is delicate because it is not homogeneous (because partially cooked). 10 15

  When the reservoir is emptied, the operator releases his effort on the lever 15, so that the return spring 24 then automatically returns the rod 22 upwards, causing the closing of the valve.

  FIG. 9A schematically shows a switch 8.

  The latter is positioned in such a way that it is actuated, for example in the direction of closing the contact, by actuation of the lever 15 along the arrow F. It controls, via a suitable electrical circuit 80, the pump 6 , so that each emptying of the tank 2 the pump 6 is started for a given time, of adjustable value, to immediately deliver a new dose of pulp, a determined volume (preset), from the tank 5 which contains the reserve of pulp RP to the tank 2, via the pipe 7.

  With this arrangement, a new dose of dough is immediately available, to be deposited on the other hob.

  Thus, particularly easy, once the operator has deposited the desired dose of dough on one of the plates, he spreads it there and leaves it to cook; while the cooking of the product has begun, the operator can move the device so as to deliver a similar dose of dough on the other cooking plate, and so on.

  In its waiting position illustrated in Figure 1, the device does not interfere with the various movements of the operator, especially when it must take ingredients or utensils in the different bins 400, 401 or 402.

  Because it is a small tank, containing a small dose of product, the handling of the device is much easier than if the operator had to move the entire stock of pulp each time, as it is the case for known devices.

  The flexibility of the supply duct does not hinder this manipulation.

  The deformable parallelogram-shaped structure of the device ensures that the axis of the tank 2 keeps its vertical orientation permanently.

  Because the dose in the reservoir 2 can be used quickly, this reservoir does not need to be refrigerated.

  On the other hand, the reserve of pulp RP contained in the tank 5 is refrigerated permanently, in the already existing enclosure ER.

  It is easy, for example at the end of the working day, to clean the device by passing hot water in the conduit 7 by means of the pump 6, which has the effect of rinsing the conduit. The tank 2 can be easily disconnected from the latter and removed from its support 3, disassembled and washed with hot water.

  Such a device can be provided from the outset on a pasta baking machine, or be adapted, subject to minor modifications, on an existing machine.

  The device 1 shown in FIG. 10 is carried by a self-contained apparatus 90. It is a block shaped and dimensioned so as to be able to position itself between two conventional independent crepe crisps Ca, Cb, with heating plates 9a, 9b, arranged side by side. coast on a work table.

  The height of this box corresponds to that of the crepe makers, so that its upper face 900 is substantially in the plane of said plates.

  In the illustrated embodiment, a tray 901 for receiving utensils or ingredients is integrated in the face 900, which serves as a work plan.

  Seen from above, the box 90 has the approximate shape of a "T" and its side edges have a contour in a circular arc so that it can be placed between the two crepe makers and stick to it virtually without a break in continuity .

  This block is a hollow box containing the dough storage tank, refrigerated or not, and the distribution system (pump and supply duct).

  In the embodiment of the tank support which has been described above, this support has a structure in the form of an articulated parallelogram which has the advantage of allowing the tank to move upwards while constantly maintaining it in a vertical position.

  It is obvious that one would not depart from the scope of the invention by making use of another type of support providing similar functions, the design and realization of which are within the abilities of those skilled in the art, such as a flexible support or a support with a mechanically articulated structure.

  Similarly, in the above description, the tray containing the stock of dough is located at a level lower than that of the hob. Such an arrangement is not mandatory, this tray can be located substantially at the same level as the tank, or even at a higher level. The important thing is that it is separated, these two containers being connected by a pump distribution system and flexible conduit.

Claims (12)

  1. Device (1) for dispensing a dose of pasta on a horizontal cooking plate (9), characterized in that it comprises: a reservoir (2) of small capacity, capable of containing the dose of dough ( DP) to be dispensed, and whose bottom is provided with a shutter valve (23) normally closed; - A movable support, supporting the reservoir (2), adapted to be moved manually, so that said reservoir (2) occupies selectively, a so-called standby position in which it is spaced from the area overlooking the hob (9), a so-called active position in which it is above the cooking plate (9); a control member, such as a lever (15, 16) capable of causing said shutter valve (23) to open when the reservoir (2) is in the active position, so as to distribute the whole of the shutter almost instantaneously; the dose of dough (DP) contained therein on the cooking plate (9); - A return means (24) adapted to automatically close the valve (23) once this dose has been deposited on the cooking plate (9); a system for cyclically feeding the tank in unit doses of pulp from a tank (5) of a capacity substantially greater than that of the tank (2), containing a reserve of pulp (RP), this system comprising a duct flexible (7b) and a pump (6) capable of transferring from the tank to the tank successive predetermined doses of pulp (DP).   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said movable support is thus arranged that can rotate the reservoir (2) about a vertical axis (Z-Z ').   3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said movable support is thus arranged that can move the reservoir (2) in a vertical direction, upwards to move away from the hob, in its waiting position, or down to bring it into its active position, at a relatively small distance, avoiding the splash of the dough at the time of its deposit on the hob.   4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that said movable support has the configuration of a deformable parallelogram (13, 11, 11 ', 14) capable of deforming in a substantially vertical plane, the upper part (14 ) supports said reservoir (2), and whose lower part is carried by a base (13) rotatable about a vertical axis (Z-Z ').   5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a means for detecting the activation of the control lever (14-15) of the valve (23), such as a switch ( 8), able to control the start-up of said pump (6) for a new filling of the reservoir (2) as soon as a dose of paste (DP) has been dispensed.   6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said pump (6) is a peristaltic pump whose activation time, each cycle of operation, is adjustable, which allows to deliver doses (DP) of variable volume, predetermined.   7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said reservoir (2) is removably supported by the movable support.   8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is provided with two tanks arranged side by side and each fed by a clean feed system, comprising a feed duct and a pump, these two ducts from different bins.   9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said (or said) tray (5) is (are) refrigerated (s) and is (are) disposed at a level below the level of said cooking plate.   10. A pasta cooking machine, for making pancakes, pancakes, waffles, or similar products, which consists of a box (4) whose upper face (40) constitutes a work plan provided with a at least one horizontal hob (9), the interior of which comprises a refrigerated enclosure (ER), characterized in that it is equipped with a device (1) according to claim 9, the mobile support of the tank (8) being mounted on the work surface (40) while the tray (s) (5) containing a stock of pulp (RP) is (are) housed in said refrigerated enclosure (ER).   11. Machine according to claim 9, characterized in that its work plane (40) comprises a pair of cooking plates (9a, 9b) placed one beside the other, and that the device (1) is positioned in such a way that it makes it possible to distribute paste alternately on each of these plates (9a, 9b).   12. Self-contained apparatus (90) intended to be placed next to at least one crepe maker (Ca, Cb), characterized in that it supports a device according to one of claims 1 to 9.