GB2538703A

GB2538703A - Confectionary deposition apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2538703A
Application number: GB1508506.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Foskett Ben
Original assignee: MAGNA SPECIALIST CONFECTIONERS Ltd
Current assignee: MAGNA SPECIALIST CONFECTIONERS Ltd
Priority date: 2015-05-18
Filing date: 2015-05-18
Publication date: 2016-11-30
Also published as: GB201508506D0

Abstract

A nozzle suitable for the deposition of an aerated confectionary substance, e.g. chocolate, having a first end provided with an outlet 12 for ejecting confectionary substance from the nozzle, a second end provided with an inlet 14 though which confectionary substance is injected into the nozzle, the apparatus having a closure mechanism operable to selectively open or close the outlet. The inlet and outlet are axial positioned at opposed ends of the nozzle so that multiple nozzles can be arranged in an array. There may be a first part 16 having a conical valve seat (22, Fig 3), a second part having conical valve part 20 and o-ring seal 30. Fluid may flow down channel 26, into passage (B, Fig. 3) via side ports 28 and exit via outlet 12. The first and second parts may be secured via a screw thread 36b such that rotation of the second part relative to the first causes relative axial movement of the parts to open or close the nozzle. The first part may comprise a pinion gear 40 which may be driven by a rack.

Description

Title: Confectionery Deposition Apparatus Description of Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for the deposition of a confectionery substance, particularly, but not exclusively, to an apparatus for the deposition of aerated chocolate into a mould or confectionery shell.

An apparatus for depositing a confectionery substance, such as molten chocolate, into a desired location, such as into a mould cavity, typically comprises a nozzle which has a first end which is positioned adjacent to the desired location, and a second end which is connected to a supply line via a manifold plate. Typically a plurality of nozzles are mounted on the manifold plate so that a plurality of shots of chocolate may be deposited simultaneously in a plurality of locations. The supply line is connected to a reservoir of molten chocolate via a valve and piston arrangement. The valve is movable between a first position in which the manifold plate is connected to the reservoir of molten chocolate, and a second position in which the passageway between the manifold and the reservoir of molten chocolate is blocked. When the valve is in the first position, the piston is moved in such a way as to draw molten chocolate from the reservoir, along the supply line and into the manifold plate (the suction stroke). The valve is then moved to its second position, and the piston moved to push the molten chocolate through the manifold plate and nozzle so that a shot of chocolate is ejected from the nozzle into the desired location (the ejection stroke).

Where such an apparatus is used for the deposition of normal molten chocolate, the nozzle can be left open at all times, as the viscosity of the molten chocolate will ensure that the chocolate left in the nozzle will remain there during the suction stroke.

It is known to aerate chocolate by injecting a gas such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide into molten chocolate whilst retaining the chocolate under pressure. Such a technique is described in US 5,238,698 for example. The gas will remain in solution in the molten chocolate whilst the chocolate is held under pressure, but once the pressure is released, the gas will come out of solution, creating a plurality of bubbles, and causing the chocolate to foam and increase significantly in volume.

It is not possible to use the standard depositor described above for the deposition of chocolate aerated in this way, as the nozzle is open to the atmosphere and so the chocolate in the manifold plate and nozzle is at atmospheric pressure. As such, if this apparatus were used with aerated chocolate, the foaming and expansion of the chocolate which occurs as it is depressurised would result in a continuous and uncontrolled flow of chocolate out of the nozzle during the suction stroke of the piston.

A modified depositor apparatus suitable for use in relation to foamed compositions such as marshmallows or aerated chocolate is described in EP 2111 303 in the name of Haas-Mondomix B.V.. In this apparatus, the problem of uncontrolled flow of the confectionery foam out of the nozzle is addressed by providing the nozzle with a closure mechanism which is movable to close the first end of the nozzle as soon as the desired quantity of the foamed composition has been deposited. In this case, the closure mechanism comprises a pull-back ram which is mounted in the nozzle, and which is movable up and down along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle from a first position in which the first end of the nozzle is open, and a second position in which the pull-back ram blocks the first end of the nozzle.

In this apparatus, the pull-back ram extends along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle and out of the second end of the nozzle, where it can be connected to an appropriate actuating device. As a result, whereas in the standard depositor, the shot of molten chocolate or other confectionery substance is injected into the second end of the nozzle, this is not possible in the modified apparatus. Instead, the nozzle is provided with an inlet port which extends through the nozzle wall into its central cavity in a position between the first and second ends of the nozzle. In other words, there is sideways injection of confectionery substance into the nozzle of the depositor. Where a plurality of nozzles are mounted on the manifold plate, for the simultaneous deposition of a plurality of shots of confectionery substance, only a single row of nozzles is provided.

It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative configuration of depositor which is suitable for use with aerated products, and which permits the simultaneous deposition from a plurality of rows of nozzles.

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a depositor apparatus suitable for the deposition of an aerated confectionary substance, the apparatus comprising a nozzle having a first end and a second end, the first end being provided with an outlet through which confectionary substance within the nozzle may be ejected from the nozzle and the second end being provided with an inlet though which confectionary substance may be injected into the nozzle, characterised in that the apparatus is also provided with a closure mechanism which is operable to selectively open or close the outlet.

By virtue of providing the inlet at the end of the nozzle, it is possible to provide a plurality of nozzles in a square or rectangular array, which includes a plurality of rows of nozzles, on a single manifold plate. This may assist in increasing the rate of output of the apparatus.

In one embodiment, the nozzle is formed in two parts which are movable relative to one another, the first end being provided on a first nozzle part, and the second end being provided on a second nozzle part. In this case, the second nozzle part may be provided with a valve part, the second nozzle part being movable relative to the first nozzle part into a closed position in which the valve part engages with a valve seat around the outlet to substantially close the outlet.

The apparatus may further comprise an actuator which is operable to move the first nozzle part into engagement with the second nozzle part to substantially close the outlet.

The first nozzle part may be secured to the second nozzle part by means of a screw thread.

The actuator may comprise a rack and pinion arrangement, with the first nozzle part being provided with a gear on the outer surface thereof, the gear forming the pinion of the rack and pinion arrangement, the actuator further comprising an drive system which is operable to cause the rack to move in a linear manner in a first direction, and in a second, opposite, direction. The drive system may comprise a pneumatically or hydraulically operated piston and cylinder arrangement. Alternatively, the drive system may comprise a servomotor.

The second nozzle part may be provided with body which surrounds a passageway which extends from the inlet to a side port, the side port extending through the body from the passageway to the exterior of the body.

In this case, inlet may be provided at a first end of the second nozzle part whilst the side port may be provided adjacent a second of the second nozzle part. Preferably the second end of the second nozzle part is closed.

The valve member may be provided at the second end of the second nozzle part.

The first nozzle part of the nozzle may be provided with a passageway which extends from the outlet at a first end of the first nozzle part to an opening at a second end of the first nozzle part. The second nozzle part may extend into the passageway in the first nozzle part.

Preferably the passageways extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle.

The apparatus may further comprise supply line, and a manifold which is provided with a passage which is connected to the supply line at one end and to the inlet of the nozzle at its other end.

The apparatus may comprise a plurality of nozzles arranged in a plurality of rows on a manifold plate, the manifold plate being provided with a plurality of passages each of which connects one of the nozzles to the supply line.

The apparatus may further comprise a pumping means which is operable to draw a liquid into the nozzle via the inlet, and then to eject a predetermined quantity of the said liquid from the nozzle via the outlet.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a method of making a confectionary product comprising using an apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention to deposit a predetermined quantity of a confectionery substance onto a substrate or into a mould cavity.

Advantageously, the confectionery substance has been aerated at elevated pressure prior to its deposition.

Advantageously, the confectionery substance is aerated chocolate.

The mould may comprise a confectionery shell.

According to a third aspect of the invention we provide a confectionery product made using a method according to the second aspect of the invention.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures, of which, FIGURE 1 shows a side view of a nozzle suitable for use in a depositor apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention; FIGURE 2 shows an exploded side view of the nozzle shown in Figure 1; FIGURE 3 shows a longitudinal cross-section through the nozzle illustrated in Figure 1, the nozzle being in the closed position, and FIGURE 4 shows a longitudinal cross-section through the nozzle illustrated in Figure 1, the nozzle being in the open position.

Referring now to the figures, there is provided a nozzle 10 for a depositor apparatus suitable for the deposition of an aerated confectionary substance. The nozzle 10 has a first end 10a and a second end 10b, the first end 10a being provided with an outlet 12 through which confectionary substance within the nozzle may be ejected and the second end 10b being provided with an inlet 14 though which confectionary substance may be injected into the nozzle.

The nozzle 10 is also provided which a closure mechanism which is operable to selectively open or close the outlet 12. As can be seen in the figures, the nozzle 10 has a longitudinal axis A and encloses a passageway which extends generally parallel to this axis A. The outlet 12 also extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A. In this example, the nozzle 10 is formed in two parts which are movable relative to one another, the first end 10a being provided on a first nozzle part 16, and the second end 10b being provided on a second nozzle part 18. The second nozzle part 18 is provided with a valve part 20, and the second nozzle part 18 is movable relative to the first nozzle part 16 into a closed position in which the valve part 20 engages with a valve seat 22 around the outlet 12 to substantially close the outlet 12, as illustrated in Figure 3.

The second nozzle part 18 is provided with body 24 which surrounds a passageway 26 which extends from the inlet 14 to a side port 28 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the nozzle 10, the side port 28 extending through the body 24 from the passageway 26 to the exterior of the body 24.

The inlet 14 is provided at a first end 18a of the second nozzle part 18 whilst the side port 18c is provided adjacent a second end 18b of the second nozzle part 18. The second end 18b of the second nozzle part 18 is closed.

The valve member 20 is provided at the second end 18b of the second nozzle part 18, and in this example, is integral with the second nozzle part 18.

Advantageously, a sealing element is provided to enhance the seal between the valve member 20 and the valve seat 22. In this example, the sealing element comprises an 0-ring 30 which is mounted in a groove on the valve part 20 so that it engages with the valve seat 22 in a continuous loop around the outlet 12 when the second nozzle part 18 is in its closed position.

In this example, the valve member 20 at the second end 18b of the second nozzle part 18 of the nozzle 10 is conical or frusto-conical. It will be appreciated, however, that this need not be the case, and the valve member 20 could be domed to form a hemi-sphere, or substantially flat.

The first nozzle part 16 is provided with a body 31 which surrounds a passageway 32 which extends from the outlet 12 at a first end 16a of the first nozzle part 16 to an opening 34 at a second end 16b of the first nozzle part 16. The second nozzle part 18 extends into the passageway 32 in the first nozzle part 16, and the passageway 32 also extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the nozzle 10.

In this embodiment, the first end 16a of the first nozzle part 16 is also frusto-conical, with the outlet 12 comprising a generally circular aperture at its tip.

The interior surface of the frusto-conical portion at the first end 16a of the first nozzle part 16 thus forms the valve seat 22.

It should be appreciated, however, that this need not be the case. Where the valve part 20 is not frusto-conical, the first end 16a could be shaped in the same way as the valve part 20, both could be flat or domed for example. Equally, the first end 16a of the first nozzle part 16 could be flat whilst the valve part 20 is domed, conical or frusto-conical. Whatever arrangement is chosen, it is imperative that there can be engagement between the valve member 20 and valve seat 22 at the interior surface of the first end 16a of the first nozzle part 16 in a continuous loop around the outlet 12.

The first end 16a of the first nozzle part 16 and the valve part 20 at the second end 18b of the second nozzle part 18 are configured so that the angle of the frusto-conical portions are identical or very similar, so that when the second nozzle part 18 is moved towards the first nozzle part 20 until the two parts 16, 18 engage, the 0-ring 30 on the valve part 20 engages with the valve seat 22 to form a substantially fluid tight seal between the two parts 16, 18, thus closing the outlet 12.

In this example, both the first nozzle part 16 and second nozzle part 18 have a generally annular transverse (i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A) cross-section. This need not be the case, however.

In this embodiment, the second end 18b of the second nozzle part 18 has a reduced outer diameter compared to its first end 18a. The side port 28 is provided in the reduced outer diameter portion.

The first and second nozzle parts 16, 18 are sized such that the outer diameter of the larger outer diameter portion of the second nozzle part 18 is just slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the first nozzle part 16. There is a second seal 38 to provide a substantially fluid tight seal between the exterior surface of the second nozzle part 18 and the interior surface of the first nozzle part 16. In this example, the second seal comprises a second 0-ring 38 mounted in a groove in the exterior surface of the larger outer diameter portion of the second nozzle part 18. There is thus a cavity B formed between the first nozzle part 16 and the reduced outer diameter portion of the second nozzle part 18 which is connected to the inlet 14 via the side port 28 and passageway 26 through the second nozzle part 18.

In this embodiment, the first nozzle part 16 is secured to the second nozzle part 18 by means of a screw thread 36. A screw thread 36b is provided on the exterior surface of the body 24 of the second nozzle part 18 (on the larger outer diameter portion), whilst the other, mating, screw thread 36a is provided on the interior surface of the body 31 of the first nozzle part 16. It will be appreciated that, by virtue of this arrangement, rotation of the first nozzle part 16 with respect to the second nozzle part 18 will also cause the two parts 16, 18 to separate or move together. Thus movement of the valve member 20 into engagement with the valve seat 22 can be achieved by the rotation of the first nozzle part 16 with respect to the second nozzle part 18.

In use, the nozzle illustrated in Figures 1 -4 is mounted on a manifold plate in an otherwise conventional depositor apparatus suitable for the deposition of controlled amounts of a liquid confectionary substance such as molten chocolate. The manifold plate is provided with a passage which is connected to a supply line at one end and to the inlet 14 of the nozzle 10 at its other end. The apparatus further comprises a pumping system which is operable to draw a liquid confectionary substance into the nozzle 10 via the inlet 14, and then to eject a predetermined quantity of the said liquid from the nozzle 10 via the outlet 12. The pumping system can exactly the same as the valve and piston arrangement used in existing depositors, as described in the introduction to this application, and such systems are well-known to persons skilled in the art.

Advantageously, just as in existing conventional depositor apparatus, the apparatus is provided with a plurality of nozzles 10 which are mounted in a two-dimensional array (i.e. an array including a plurality of rows of nozzles) on the manifold plate. As is conventional, the manifold is provided with a plurality of passages which each connect the inlet 14 of one of the nozzles 10 to the supply line.

The apparatus further comprise an actuator which is operable to move the first nozzle part 16 into engagement with the second nozzle part 18 to substantially close the outlet 12, as illustrated in Figure 3.

In one embodiment, the actuator comprises a rack and pinion arrangement, with the first nozzle part 16 being provided with a gear 40 on the outer surface thereof, the gear 40 forming the pinion of the rack and pinion arrangement. The rack (not shown) is provided with a plurality of teeth which engage with the teeth of the pinion 40 so that translational movement of the rack in a first direction causes rotation of the first nozzle part 16 on its screw thread 36 in a first rotational sense, and translational movement of the rack in a second, opposite, direction causes rotation of the first nozzle part 16 on its screw thread 36 in a second, opposite, rotational sense. In this example, rotation of the first nozzle part 16 in the first rotational sense separates the first and second nozzle parts 16, 18 whilst rotation in the second rotational sense brings the two parts 16, 18 together.

The actuator further comprises a drive system which is operable to cause the rack to move in a linear manner in the first direction or in the second opposite, direction. The drive system may comprise a pneumatically or hydraulically operated piston and cylinder arrangement. Alternatively, the drive system may comprise a servomotor.

The apparatus may be used as follows. The supply line is connected to a supply of liquid confectionary product, in a preferred embodiment, molten chocolate which has been aerated under pressure, and is maintained in a pressurised state. The pumping system is operated as in conventional depositors to draw a pre-determined quantity of the said liquid from the reservoir into the supply line / manifold plate / nozzles 10 (the suction stroke).

Liquid entering the nozzle 10 via the inlet 14 may pass along the passageway 28 in the second nozzle part 18, through the side port 28 and into the cavity B. While this occurs, the first nozzle parts 16 and second nozzle part 18 are arranged such that the valve member 20 is engaged with the valve seat 22 to close the outlet 12, as illustrated in Figure 3. Thus, the liquid entering the cavity B is trapped, and can be maintained at an elevated pressure.

The pumping system is then operated as in a conventional depositor to eject a pre-determined quantity of the said liquid from the nozzles 10 via the outlet 12 in each nozzle 10 (the ejection stroke). Just as the ejection stroke starts, or very shortly before or afterwards, the actuator is operated to move the valve member 20 out of engagement with the valve seat 22 to open the outlet 12, as illustrated in Figure 4. In this embodiment, this occurs by operating the drive system to move the rack in the first direction, and hence the first nozzle part 16 in the first rotational sense. The first and second nozzle parts 16, 18 are thus moved apart so that the valve member 20 moves out of engagement with the valve seat 22 and opens the outlet 12, as illustrated in Figure 4. Liquid in the cavity B is thus ejected from the nozzle 10 via the outlet 12 as more liquid is pushed down the passageway 28 from the inlet 14 and into the cavity B. As soon as the desired quantity of liquid has been ejected, the pumping system is operated to stop the ejection stroke, and at same time (or shortly before or thereafter), the drive system is operated to move the rack in the second direction so as to rotate the first nozzle part 16 in the second rotational sense, until the valve member 20 engages with the valve seat 22 to close the outlet 12 again. The apparatus is then ready for the next suction stroke.

It will, of course, be appreciated that the invention is not restricted to use in the deposition of aerated chocolate. It may be used in relation to any other confectionary product which needs to be held under pressure prior to its deposition (marshmallow for example) or, indeed a non-aerated product.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A depositor apparatus suitable for the deposition of an aerated confectionary substance, the apparatus comprising a nozzle having a first end and a second end, the first end being provided with an outlet through which confectionary substance within the nozzle may be ejected from the nozzle and the second end being provided with an inlet though which confectionary substance may be injected into the nozzle, characterised in that the apparatus is also provided with a closure mechanism which is operable to selectively open or close the outlet.
2. A depositor apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the nozzle is formed in two parts which are movable relative to one another, the first end being provided on a first nozzle part, and the second end being provided on a second nozzle part.
3. A depositor apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the second nozzle part is provided with a valve part, the second nozzle part being movable relative to the first nozzle part into a closed position in which the valve part engages with a valve seat around the outlet to substantially close the outlet.
4. A depositor apparatus according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the apparatus further comprises an actuator which is operable to move the first nozzle part of the nozzle into engagement with the second part of the nozzle to substantially close the outlet.
5. A depositor apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the first nozzle part is secured to the second part of the nozzle by means of a screw thread.
6. A depositor apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the actuator comprises a rack and pinion arrangement, with the first nozzle part of the nozzle being provided with a gear on the outer surface thereof, the gear forming the pinion of the rack and pinion arrangement, the actuator further comprising a drive system which is operable to cause the rack to move in a linear manner in a first direction, and in a second, opposite, direction.
7. A depositor apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the drive system comprises a pneumatically or hydraulically operated piston and cylinder arrangement.
8. A depositor apparatus according to according to any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the second nozzle part is provided with body which surrounds a passageway which extends from the inlet to a side port, the side port extending through the body from the passageway to the exterior of the body.
9. A depositor apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the inlet is provided at a first end of the second nozzle part whilst the side port is provided adjacent a second end of the second nozzle part.
10. A depositor apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 9 wherein the second end of the second nozzle part is closed.
11. A depositor apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 10 wherein the valve member is provided at the second end of the second nozzle part.
12. A depositor apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 11 wherein the first nozzle part is provided with a passageway which extends from the outlet at a first end of the first nozzle part to an opening at a second end of the first nozzle part.
13. A depositor apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the second nozzle part extends into the passageway in the first nozzle part.
14. A depositor apparatus according to claim 8 and / or 12 wherein the passageways extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle.
15. A depositor apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus further comprises supply line, and a manifold which is provided with a passage which is connected to the supply line at one end and to the inlet of the nozzle at its other end.
16. A depositor apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of nozzles arranged in a plurality of rows on a manifold plate, the manifold plate being provided with a plurality of passages each of which connects one of the nozzles to the supply line.
17. A depositor apparatus according to claim 15 or 16 wherein the apparatus further comprises a pumping means which is operable to draw a liquid into the nozzle via the inlet, and then to eject a predetermined quantity of the said liquid from the nozzle via the outlet.
18. A method of making a confectionary product comprising using an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17 to deposit a predetermined quantity of a confectionery substance onto a substrate or into a mould cavity.
19. A method of making a confectionary product according to claim 18 wherein the confectionery substance is aerated at elevated pressure prior to its deposition.
20. A method of making a confectionary product according to claim 19 wherein the confectionery substance is aerated chocolate.
21. A method of making a confectionary product according to any one of claims 18 to 20 wherein the mould comprises a confectionery shell.
22. A confectionary product made using a method according to any one of claims 18 to 21.
23. A depositor apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
24. A method of making a confectionary product substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
25. A confectionary product substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
26. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings.