NL2010577C2

NL2010577C2 - Apparatus and method for baking and/or drying a product.

Info

Publication number: NL2010577C2
Application number: NL2010577A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Petrus Alfred Marie Theije
Original assignee: Wegra Beheer B V
Priority date: 2013-04-05
Filing date: 2013-04-05
Publication date: 2014-10-07

Description

Title: APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR BAKING AND/OR DRYING

A PRODUCT

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, modular part, and method for baking and/or drying of a product.

It is observed that in this context, “baking” should be understood to mean the at least partial browning and/or cooking of a product. For example, in the food industry, there is an interest for edible products which are ready to be consumed by a consumer or which require only a short preparation time for consumption. Examples thereof include pastas or pieces of meat which are completely or partially pre-baked and which can be prepared by a consumer by heating briefly, for instance by heating in a microwave oven. There are also products that do not require any further heating by a consumer, but for which it is desired to improve an appearance of the product with a browned or seared outer layer or crust, e.g. by means of a Maillard reaction. Alternatively or in addition, the product can be dried by the apparatus, e.g. a portion of water may be evaporated from the product.

European Patent 1,257,173 B1 describes a baking apparatus for baking edible products located on a conveying surface, travelling along a conveyor track, wherein the conveyor track is designed as an endless conveyor belt, comprising a number of electric infrared radiators arranged above the conveyor track. The effect achieved through the use of infrared radiation is that an edible product can be baked contactless. Thus, the use of oil can be minimized or even be omitted completely, while the product obtains an appealing appearance all the same. The supply of radiation can be controlled so that radiation is supplied only when needed, which enables energy saving. Further, the degree of cooking of a product can be properly predicted. The infrared radiator typically directs infrared radiation from the radiator towards the conveyor track. Unfortunately, this may cause an uneven baking of the product. This problem may be solved by placing a plurality of radiators to irradiate the product from different sides. Also, a flip mechanism may be installed to turn products, in particular substantially flat products, upside down to also irradiate the other side of the product. However, there still may be a side of the product that has not been subject to radiation and/or not all sides may be subject to radiation evenly. This uneven radiation is in particular a problem with substantially round or cylindrical products, since, typically, substantially round or cylindrical products are difficult to flip.

There is a desire to provide an improved apparatus for baking and/or drying a product that obviates the above mentioned drawback, while maintaining the advantage of baking and/or drying with infrared radiation.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for baking and/or drying a product, the apparatus comprising a transporter arranged for transporting the product along a trajectory through the apparatus; an infrared radiator arranged above the trajectory for directing infrared radiation from the radiator towards the trajectory for irradiating the product with the infrared radiation; wherein the transporter comprises a plurality of rollers arranged along the trajectory, and a rotation mechanism arranged for rotating the rollers; wherein the rollers are arranged for, in use, contacting an outer surface of the product with a rotating outer surface of the rollers for transferring, by said contacting and rotating outer surface of the rollers, a rotational motion to the product while the product is being translated along the trajectory for irradiating different sides of the product with the infrared radiation.

The rollers can provide an effective means for rotating the product while the product is being transported along the trajectory. In this way the product can be irradiated from different sides of the product with the infrared radiation. This can prevent uneven baking of the product thus providing an improved apparatus. The rollers are being driven by the rotation mechanism for being rotated.

Advantageously, the rollers are translated along the trajectory while being rotated, thereby a staying time of the product can be better regulated. Optionally, by keeping the product rotating between a pair of rollers of a first roller and a second roller adjacent each other, while carrying the product along the trajectory, a baking time and homogenous exposure of the product can be improved.

A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a modular part for use in an apparatus for baking and/or drying a product, the modular part comprising a transporter arranged for transporting the product along a trajectory through the modular part; an infrared radiator arranged above the trajectory for directing infrared radiation from the radiator towards the trajectory for irradiating the product with the infrared radiation; wherein the transporter comprises a plurality of rollers arranged along the trajectory, optionally, a translation mechanism arranged for translating the rollers along the trajectory, and a rotation mechanism arranged for rotating the rollers while optionally translating; wherein the rollers are arranged for, in use, contacting an outer surface of the product with a rotating outer surface of the rollers for transferring, by said contacting and rotating outer surface of the rollers, a rotational motion to the product while the product is being translated along the trajectory for irradiating different sides of the product with the infrared radiation. The modular part can be used to build an apparatus according to the first aspect and may provide similar advantages. Furthermore, by building the apparatus from modular parts, the apparatus can be more flexibly adapted to a specific product.

A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for baking and/or drying a product, the method comprising translating the product along a trajectory; directing infrared radiation from an infrared radiator towards the trajectory and irradiating the product with the infrared radiation; wherein a plurality of rotating rollers are arranged along the trajectory, wherein the rollers contact an outer surface of the product with a rotating outer surface of the rollers thereby transferring, by said contacting and rotating outer surface of the rollers, a rotational motion to the product while the product is being translated along the trajectory for irradiating different sides of the product with the infrared radiation. The method can be advantageously used e.g. in an apparatus according to the first aspect or a modular part according to the second aspect and may provide similar advantages. By keeping the product rotating between a pair of rollers while translating the rollers, a more predictable baking time and exposure can be obtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawing wherein: FIGs lA - 1C show cross-sectional views of a sequence of snapshots of an apparatus for irradiating a product therein; FIGs 2A - 2C show cross-sectional views of embodiments of transporters comprising a translation mechanism; FIGs 3A - 3C show perspective views of embodiments of rotation mechanisms; FIG 4 shows different schematic views of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention; FIG 5 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention; FIG 6 shows an embodiment wherein the apparatus comprises a basin; FIGs 7A and 7B show schematic cross-sectional views of products being rotated by rollers.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs as read in the context of the description and drawings. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. In some instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices and methods may be omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present systems and methods. Terminology used for describing particular embodiments is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features. It will be further understood that when a particular step of a method is referred to as subsequent to another step, it can directly follow said other step or one or more intermediate steps may be carried out before carrying out the particular step, unless specified otherwise. Likewise it will be understood that when a connection between structures or components is described, this connection may be established directly or through intermediate structures or components unless specified otherwise. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the drawings, the absolute and relative sizes of systems, components, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Embodiments may be described with reference to schematic and/or cross-section illustrations of possibly idealized embodiments and intermediate structures of the invention. In the description and drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Relative terms as well as derivatives thereof should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the system be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless stated otherwise.

FIGs IA - 1C show a sequence of schematic snapshots of an apparatus 1 according to the invention and a product 2 therein. Typically, the product 2 is being baked and/or dried while passing through the apparatus 1. The apparatus 1 comprises a transporter 3 and an infrared radiator 5. The transporter 3 is arranged for transporting the product 2 along a trajectory 4 through the apparatus 1. The infrared radiator 5 is preferably arranged above the trajectory 4 for directing infrared radiation 6 from the radiator 5 towards the trajectory 4. This may irradiate the product 2 with the infrared radiation 6. By said irradiating the product may be at least partially baked and/or dried. The transporter 3 comprises a plurality of rollers 7 arranged along the trajectory 4. The transporter 3 further comprises a rotation mechanism 8 arranged for rotating the rollers 7. The rollers 7 are arranged for, in use, contacting an outer surface 2s of the product 2 with a rotating outer surface 7s of the rollers 7. By said contacting and rotating outer surface 7s of the rollers 7, a rotational motion may be transferred to the product 2 while the product 2 is being transported along the trajectory 4. A frictional force exerted by the rollers on the product, can induce an angular momentum of the product. By rotating the product, different sides of the product 2 can be irradiated with the infrared radiation 6. When comparing the snapshots between the figures, it can be noted that the product 2 is rotated or revolved around an axis perpendicular to the shown cross-section view, transverse to the transport direction, while the product at the same time is translated along the trajectory 4.

Alternatively, the rollers may be mounted on a sloped trajectory while each roller individually may make an upward and downward movement, in addition to the rotating movement of the rollers, similar to a crank shaft movement. Due to the alternating up and down movement of the subsequent rollers mounted on a sloped trajectory, the substantially round or cylindrical product is being rotated as well as being translated along the trajectory. Various mechanisms are possible to rotate the rollers as well as to move them up and down, e.g. by means of a crank shaft construction, or by means of an electric motor that individually drives each roller, etc.

In an advantageous embodiment, translating of the product 2 is facilitated by a translation mechanism, as shown e.g. in FIGs 2A - 2C, arranged for translating the rollers 7.

Accordingly, these figures illustrate a method for baking a substantially round and/or cylindrical product 2. The method comprises translating the product 2 along a trajectory 4. The method further comprises directing infrared radiation 6 from an infrared radiator 5 towards the trajectory 4 and irradiating the product 2 with the infrared radiation 6. In the method, a plurality of rotatable rollers 7 is arranged along the trajectory 4. According to the method, the rollers 7 contact an outer surface 2s of the product 2 with a rotating outer surface 7s of the rollers 7 thereby transferring, by said contacting and rotating outer surface 7s of the rollers 7, a rotational motion to the product 2 while the product 2 is being translated along the trajectory 4 for irradiating different sides of the product 2 with the infrared radiation 6. Preferably, the method comprises translating the rollers along the trajectory 4. The method advantageously comprises keeping the product rotating between first and second rollers 7a, 7b while carrying the product 2 along the trajectory 4.

In the embodiment of FIGs IA - 1C, the product 2 comprises a substantially rounded shape with a flattened side. In general, it will be recognized that an apparatus as discussed herein is particularly suitable for rotating round or substantially rounded products, e.g. meat balls or bread rolls. Also products, such as elongate sausages, having at least one substantially rounded cross-section, e.g. having a substantially rotation-symmetric axis can be suitably rotated by the presently disclosed apparatus.

For example, the elongate rounded, e.g. cylindrical products can be placed with a length axis along a length axis of the rollers and rotate around said length axis of the elongate rounded product. Also ball-shaped or ellipsoidal products may be placed onto the rollers rotating around any suitable axis, usually an axis having the most rotation symmetry. In general such products can be referred to as rotatable products.

In the shown embodiment, the radiator 5 comprises three infrared radiators shining downward onto a product 2. Also other numbers of combined or separate radiators can be used. The radiators 5 may also be placed at other angles than shown.

In one embodiment, the rotation mechanism 8 is arranged to rotate a top side 7t of the rollers 7 in a direction along the trajectory 4. The rollers can be arranged for translating the product 2 by means of the rotating top side 7t of the rollers 7 along the trajectory 4 while rotating the product 2. In this embodiment, the rollers 7 can have a fixed location while the product tumbles over the rollers 7 exposing different sides of the product 2 to the infrared radiation 6. An advantage of this embodiment can be that a relatively simple setup can be used.

The terms “baking trajectory”, “drying trajectory”, “baking and/or drying trajectory”, or simply “trajectory”, can be used herein to refer to a path that the product traverses through the apparatus, wherein the product is baked and/or dried while traversing said path. Typically, the trajectory comprises a path between an entry of the apparatus and an exit of the apparatus, e.g. through a baking and/or drying tunnel formed by a cavity in the apparatus. One or more infrared radiators 5 are arranged to irradiate the product while it traverses the trajectory 4 for baking and/or drying the product. The apparatus can be continuously operated, e.g. products can be continuously fed into an entry part, each traversing the trajectory 4 and exiting the apparatus after being baked and/or dried on the trajectory 4.FIGs 2A - 2B show embodiments of transporters 3 further comprising a translation mechanism 9 arranged for translating the rollers along the trajectory 4.

In a preferred embodiment, the rollers 7 comprise a first roller 7a and a second roller 7b arranged for carrying the product 2 in between, e.g. in a pocket formed between the first and second rollers 7a, 7b. The first and second rollers 7a, 7b are arranged to keep the product 2 rotating between the first and second rollers 7a, 7b while carrying the product 2 along the trajectory 4. In other words, preferably, the product 2 is kept between the same two rollers 7a and 7b along the trajectory 4 or at least for a substantial part of the trajectory 4. This can provide an improved control over the translating and rotating of the product 2. For example, whereas the embodiment of FIGs 1A - 1C may provide a degree of randomness wherein the product skips forwards across the rollers in a somewhat unpredictable way, the present embodiments of FIGs 2A - 2C can provide a more predictable behaviour of the product and thus the baking process. It is noted that the rollers of the present embodiments can also be rotated backwards compared to FIGs 1A - 1C, since a translating of the product 2 can be independent of the rotation. Of course a plurality of products can be held between any pair of adjacent rollers. When the rollers are more elongated than a longest cross-section axis of the product, multiple products may be held between the same pair of rollers.

In the shown embodiments, the translation mechanism comprises a belt 9, e.g. a rubber belt, metal chain, et cetera. The belt 9 is attached to the rollers 7. The belt can be directly attached to the rollers or an axle of a roller, or e.g. via other intermediate structures such as the rotation mechanism 8. The product 2 that is arranged on the rollers 7 is translated by the belt 9 and rollers along the trajectory 4.

FIG 2A shows a linear belt 9 with a rotation mechanism 8 attached on top of the belt 9. The rotation mechanism 8 can e.g. comprise a motor or any other mechanism for rotating the rollers 7, e.g. as discussed further below.

FIG 2B shows an endless belt 9 wherein the rollers are attached to the endless belt 9 to follow an endless path. This may facilitate continuous operation of the apparatus 1.

In a further embodiment the linear or endless belt 9 is arranged to pass the rollers 7 via a cleaning station 10 arranged for cleaning the rollers 7. It will be appreciated that using a belt in combination with a cleaning station, the rollers can be cleaned e.g. after carrying the product through the apparatus 1. This can further facilitate continuous operation of the apparatus 1, e.g. operations of the apparatus 1 does not need to be interrupted for cleaning. Preferably, a rotation and/or translation driving mechanism of the rollers is arranged at end of the rollers, i.e. at an end of the rotational axis. In this way, when cleaning an inner part of the rollers contacting the product, the driving mechanism need not be affected.

In a further embodiment, the cleaning station is arranged to clean the rollers using a wet cleaning substance lOw. As shown, the belt 9 is arranged for moving the rollers 7 along the trajectory 4 on a top side 9t of the belt 9 for carrying the product 2. Subsequently the belt 9 passes the rollers via or through the cleaning station 10. Finally, the belt moves the rollers on a bottom side 9b of the belt 9 for drying the rollers of the wet cleaning substance lOw on the bottom side 9b. This cycle may then repeat wherein the rollers 7 emerge again on the top side 9t of the belt 9. It will be appreciated that such an arrangement can facilitate a drying of the rollers before they come in contact again with the product.

FIG 2C shows another endless belt 9 but wherein the belt 9 is attached to respective axles of the rollers 7. In this embodiment, the belt 9 is attached to respective axles of the rollers 7.

In one embodiment, a spacing element 7m is arranged to set a spacing between the rollers 7 with an adjustable interval. For example, the belt 9 may comprise a chain with modular elements, wherein an axle of a roller is attached to a modular element of the chain. In this way the interval can be set at discrete distances. Also a continuous spacing element 7m can be used, e.g. a clamping mechanism may attach an axle of a respective roller anywhere along a length of the belt 9. The spacing element 7m is thus not limited to the present embodiment. It will be appreciated that the spacing element may facilitate adaptation of the apparatus 1 for differently sized products. To further facilitate adaptation, the spacing element can be set automatically e.g. by a controller.

In the embodiment of FIG 2C, the rotation mechanism 8 is formed by the rollers directly or indirectly contacting a frictional body while translating with respect thereto, e.g. as further explained with reference to FIG 3A. In general, the rotation mechanism 8 can be coupled to the translating of the rollers along the trajectory 4, e.g. using an embodiment such as FIG 3A or 3B, or decoupled using an embodiment such as FIG 3C.

For example, in the embodiments of FIGs 3A and 3B, the rotation mechanism 8 comprises mating parts arranged for engaging each other. A first mating part 7w, 7g is rotationally attached to a respective roller 7 and arranged to be translated relative to a second mating part 8f, 8r. In fact, the first mating part is rotationally fixed attached to the roller, upon rotation of the first mating part, the roller rotates as well. The relative translation thus causes a rotation of the first mating part. It is noted that the second mating parts 8f, 8r can be stationary while the second mating part 8f, 8r can be moving, or alternatively both mating parts can be moving, or alternatively, the first mating part 7w, 7g can be stationary while the second mating part 8f, 8r can be moving, e.g. according to an embodiment of FIGs 1A - 1C. The second mating part 8f, 8r may e.g. be comprised in a second moving belt (not shown) moving in the same or opposite directions as a first belt 9 used for translating the rollers.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG 3A, the rotation mechanism comprises a frictional body 8f wherein the rollers 7 and the frictional body 8f are arranged to be translated relative to each other with at least part 7w of the rollers 7 in contact with the frictional body 8f. The rollers 7 are driven to be rotated by said translating in contact with the frictional body 8f. For example, the rollers can be translated by a belt 9 as explained above. The frictional body can be stationary, e.g. as shown in FIG 2C. Alternatively, the frictional body comprises a second belt (not shown) arranged to be translated relative to the rollers. In this way an angular velocity of the rollers can be determined independent of the translation velocity.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG 3B, the rotation mechanism for rotating the rollers 7 comprises a rack 8r having teeth arranged to engage corresponding teeth on gear wheels 7g that are rotationally connected to respective rollers 7. The gear wheels 7g are arranged to be translated with respect to the rack 8r while engaging the rack 8r. The rollers 7 are driven to be rotated by said translating gear wheels 7g engaging the rack 8r. This embodiment can have an advantage of further improving control over a rotation of the rollers, e.g. the teeth may prevent a slipping of the rotation mechanism compared to FIG 3A. Similar as explained above with respect to FIG 3A, the rack 8r can be stationary or e.g. comprised on a moving second belt. Preferably, the gear wheels 7g are arranged on axles of respective rollers 7. The rollers 7 and gear wheels 7g are arranged to be translated with respect to the rack 8r while the gear wheels 7g engage the rack 8r. This may provide a relatively simple mechanism.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG 3C, the rotation mechanism for rotating the rollers 7 comprises a motor 8m, e.g. electromotor, arranged to rotate an axle of a roller. This embodiment may provide even better control over rotation of the rollers 7. In another or further embodiment, a motor is comprised inside a roller. Transmission can be done e.g. by induction. An advantage of having a motor inside a roller can be that the roller can go through a washing station without getting the motor wet.

As indicated e.g. in FIG 3A, preferably the rotation mechanism 8 engages an end part of an axis 7c of a roller 7. In this way a central part of the roller can be free to be used for carrying the product 2. While the present figures 3A - 3C show only a single end part of the rollers 7, the other end part, not shown, may optionally comprise a similar rotation mechanism. For the embodiment of FIG 3C, it may suffice to provide a motor 8m on one side only and a bearing on the other side. Similarly, a belt (not shown here) can engage the rollers 7 in one place or multiple places, e.g. on both ends of the rollers to improve stability.

FIG 4 shows different views of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure. In particular there is provided, a top view It, a back view lb, a side view Is, and a front view If.

As is illustrated by the present embodiment, the apparatus 1 can comprise modular parts 4a, 4b, and 4c. The apparatus 1 comprises a modular entry part 4a for inserting a product into the apparatus 1, and a modular exit part 4c for exiting the product 2 from the apparatus 1. The modular entry part 4a and the modular exit part 4c are arranged to be connected to a number of modular parts 4b therein between. The trajectory 4 is formed along the number of modular parts 4b connecting to each other for varying a path length of the trajectory 4 depending on the number of modular parts. In fact, the transporter 3 may be the part that may go through the modular parts and that may connect the modular parts. It will be appreciated that providing a modular setup of the apparatus can improve possibilities for customizing the apparatus according to a specific product, e.g. for varying a baking time by varying a length of the trajectory.

Whereas, the present disclosure refers to an apparatus, part or all of the functionality can be provided by a modular part 4b of the apparatus. For example, the modular part may comprise the transporter with rollers and infrared radiator as described herein. A number of modular parts 4b can be provided wherein a product is passed from a transporter of a first modular part to a transporter of a second modular part. When keeping the product between a pair of rollers 7a, 7b while translating the rollers such as explained with reference to FIGs 2A - 2C, the product can be transferred from a first pair of rollers in a first modular part to a second pair of rollers in a connecting second modular part of the apparatus. The modular parts may also be partially integrated, e.g. sharing a common transporter. Also, a single controller can be used to control multiple modular parts.

The apparatus 1 has an entry through which products can be fed to the transporter 3. When the apparatus 1 comprises a number of modular parts, the entry is provided in the entry module 4a. Advantageously, the opening of the entry of the apparatus 1 is adjustable, preferably the height of the entry opening is adjustable. When relatively small products are fed to the apparatus 1, the height of the entry opening is decreased and when larger products are fed to the apparatus 1, the height of the entry opening is increased. Advantageously, a screen is provided that is adjustable to increase and/or decrease the height of the entry opening. The screen can be manually adjustable or can be automatically adjustable by the control unit of the apparatus, depending on the size of the products. By adjusting the entry opening, the infrared radiation mainly remains inside the apparatus, while at the same time undesired access to the apparatus during operation is prevented, which increases the operational safety of the apparatus 1.

FIG 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus 1. The apparatus 1 comprises a transporter 3 arranged for transporting a product not shown here along a trajectory 4 through the apparatus 1. An infrared radiator 5 is arranged above the trajectory 4 for directing infrared radiation not shown from the radiator 5 towards the trajectory 4 for irradiating the product with the infrared radiation. The plurality of rollers making up the transporter 3 are not shown here.

In the embodiment shown, the apparatus 1 comprises a controller interface 11 arranged for monitoring and setting of baking parameters such as a rotation and/or translation velocity of the rollers, and/or an infrared radiation intensity provided by the infrared radiator 5 and/or the height of an entry opening. Preferably, the radiators 5 are arranged in a casing that is adjustable in height along a translation stage 5t, as shown in Fig. 5. In Fig. 5 the apparatus 1 is shown with the casing comprising the radiators 5 in an elevated position, such that the apparatus 1 is open, e.g. for maintenance. During operation of the apparatus, the casing is in a downward position such that the apparatus 1 is closed.

In an embodiment, the infrared radiator comprises a plurality of emitters arranged along the trajectory. In a further embodiment, one or more of the plurality of emitters are controllable, typically the radiation intensity of the emitter is controllable along the trajectory such that an intensity of infrared radiation delivered to the trajectory is controllable to provide different zones along the trajectory. By having controllable emitters along the trajectory, a baking process can be better monitored. For example a first emitter can be controlled and/or set for providing a more intense dose of infrared radiation than a second emitter. For example, a first emitter can be set for slowly cooking a product while a second emitter can be set for searing the product. In one embodiment, a controller is arranged for independently setting a radiation intensity of different radiation zones along the trajectory. This can give a better control of the baking and/or drying process.

In the following, a further specification of preferred infrared radiators is provided. Preferably, an electrical infrared radiator is used. This can provide an improved flexibility, e.g. requiring only an electrical power socket. Alternatively or in addition other infrared radiators can be used, e.g. gas powered infrared radiators, ceramic burners, and/or metallic fiber membrane (MFB) burners. Preferably, a directed infrared radiator is used, i.e. wherein the infrared radiation can be predominantly directed towards the trajectory to maximize efficiency of the used infrared radiation. The directing can be aided e.g. by a reflecting surface. In this way e.g. also a non-directional infrared source can be used.

Preferably, infrared radiators of the so-called short-wave type or the so-called fast medium-wave type are used. Such infrared radiators are characterized by a relatively short heating-up time during switching on and a relatively short cooling down time during switching off. Depending on the type of infrared radiator, the heating-up time can vary from less than 15 seconds to even less than 1 second.

An infrared radiator of the short-wave type has a shorter heating-up time and a higher end temperature of the spiral filament than a radiator of the fast medium wave type. During heating up, the temperature of the spiral filament of an infrared radiator of the fast medium wave type rises from, for instance, less than 100° C to a maximum of about 1500-1700° C in about 4 seconds. With an infrared radiator of the short-wave type, the maximum temperature of about 1900-2100° C is, for instance, realized within 1 second.

For an infrared radiator of the fast medium wave type, the maximum intensity of the infrared radiation Can he in the short or medium wave range, i.e. between 1.4 and 2.5 pm. For a short-wave radiator, this lies in the short-wave infrared range, i.e. radiation of a wavelength between about 0.9 and 1.6 pm, in particular about 1.4 pm.

Depending on the type of product and the desired treatment, a particular type of infrared radiator can be selected or a combination of the radiator types can be made. E.g. advantageous infrared radiators of the fast medium-wave type are infrared radiators of the 1400 series marketed by the firm Heraeus. E.g. advantageous infrared radiators of the short-wave type are the infrared radiators of the 1700 series of the firm Heraeus. Other types of infrared radiators may also be used. Typically, the infrared radiators have a casing of quartz glass and a reflector layer applied by vaporization, so that the infrared radiation can be bundled in the direction of the trajectory.

FIG 6 shows an embodiment, wherein the apparatus 1 further comprises a basin 12 below the rollers 7. The basin 12 is arranged for holding a fluid 12f for capturing parts 2p, e.g. debris, falhng off of the product 2 between the rollers 7. This embodiment can alleviate build-up of debris falling between the rollers 7. For example, the basin can be connected to a water supply (not shown here) for feeding water as fluid 12f into the basin 12. Optionally, also a cleaning solution can be provided in the fluid 12f. In one embodiment, the fluid 12f can be flushed through the basin 12 as a stream to flush away the particles 2p

Advantageously, the fluid 12f can be arranged for absorbing and/or carrying away excess heat caused by part 6p of the infrared radiation 6 falling between the rollers 7. This can be advantageous in preventing overheating of the apparatus l.The heat can be absorbed and carried away e.g. by hooking the apparatus 1 up to a water supply, wherein water of a certain temperature is continuously provided to the apparatus 1. This water can heat up by absorption of the infrared radiation 6 radiating between the rollers 7. The heated water or other fluid can be drained out of the apparatus 1. At the same time also debris falling from the product 2 can be drained with the water. Alternatively a closed circuit can be used wherein the heated water is cooled down before re-entering the apparatus 1. For example a filter can be used in such a recycled stream to filter debris 2p falling from the product 2 in the water.

FIGs 7A and 7B illustrate arrangements of the rollers 7 in relation to the product 2. In FIG 7A, a product having a more ellipsoidal cross-section is shown, while in FIG 7B the product has a more circular cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, the rollers 7 comprise a first roller 7a and a second roller 7b arranged for carrying the product 2 in between wherein the first and second rollers 7a, 7b are arranged to keep the product 2 rotating between the first and second rollers 7a,7b while carrying the product 2 along the trajectory. It is thus desired that the product 2 stays between the same pair of rollers 7a and 7b while rotating.

Without being bound by theory, it is observed that this condition can be achieved by setting parameters of the rollers 7 in relation to the product. For example, parameters of the rollers 7 may include a diameter 7d of the rollers, a distance 7x between the rollers, an angular velocity 7v of the rollers, a friction coefficient or roughness of a surface 7s of the rollers, et cetera. Optionally a roughness of the rollers can be adjusted, e.g. by coating the surface 7s with a gripping structure. The parameters of the rollers can be set e.g. in relation to a shape and/or size of the product, e.g. a smallest cross-section diameter 2 a and largest cross-section diameter 2b in the rotation cross-section of the products.as shown. Also a roughness of a surface 2s of the product and density of the product can play role. For example, a more dense product can have a higher moment of inertia.

Without being bound by theory, it can be observed that a stability, for keeping a product 2 between respective rollers 7a and 7b while rotating the product, can be improved by increasing a relative portion 2m of the product 2 embedded in the opening formed between the rollers 7a and 7b below a top level 71 of the rollers during rotation of the product. The top level 71 can be defined as a plane between the tops 7t and 7t’ of the respective rollers 7a and 7b. Without being bound by theory, a stability of the product 2 between the rollers 7a and 7b can be modelled e.g. according to a potential energy required to lift the product from its position between the rollers over one of the tops 7t or 7t\ The deeper or lower the product sits between the rollers, the more energy may be required to dislodge the product and therefore the more stably the product can be held therein between. The relative portion 2m can be defined e.g. as a percentage of the total height 2h of the product or a percentage of a mass or volume of the product below the top level 71.

It is noted that for irregularly shaped products, the relative portion 2m, as indicated, may vary during rotation. In that case it can be desired that the relative portion 2m below the top level 7t remains higher than a given value, e.g. percentage of the height 2h, for the whole rotation of the product 2. It will be understood that the relative portion 2m of the product 2 below the top level 71 can be increased by increasing a distance 7x between the rollers or equivalently an interval 7i of the rollers and/or decreasing a diameter 7d of the rollers 7. On the other hand, a maximum spacing 7x between the rollers 7 is preferably less than a smallest cross-section diameter 2a of the product 2 to prevent the product from escaping through the spacing between the rollers.

In one embodiment, a distance interval 7i and diameter 7d is set for a given product to keep at least a relative portion 2m of 10% of a height 2h of the product below the level 71 at any time during rotation, more preferably, 20% or even more than 30%. The higher this percentage, the more stable may be the positioning of the product 2 between the rollers 7a and 7b. For example, the position of product 2 of FIG 7B can be more stable than that of FIG 7 A due to the relative portion 2m being higher for FIG 7B. Also the more regular (rounded) shape of the product 2 of FIG 7B can improve the positional stability compared to the more irregular (oval) shape of FIG 7A.

As another parameter, it can be observed that a lower angular velocity 7v of the rollers 7 may also improve a stability of the product staying between the rollers. For example, if the angular velocity 7v is very high, the product 2 may be launched from the pocket formed between the rollers 7a and 7b. On the other hand increasing an angular velocity of the rollers may increase a homogeneity of the baking process by evenly exposing different sides of the product to the radiation.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises a controller 11.

The controller can be arranged for setting an angular velocity 7v of the rollers for setting the angular velocity 7v in an angular velocity range for rotating the product e.g. to obtain a predetermined staying or exposure time of the product on the trajectory to provide for an optimally baked product. Alternatively or in addition, the controller can also be arranged for setting a distance 7x and/or interval 7i between the rollers 7. For example, the spacing element 7m as described above can be provided to vary the spacing between the rollers. Alternatively, the spacing element 7m can also be operated manually.

While example embodiments were shown, also alternative ways may be envisaged by those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure for achieving a similar function and result. E.g. elements of the transporter such as the rotational and/or translational mechanisms discussed may be combined or split up into one or more alternative components. The various elements of the embodiments as discussed and shown offer certain advantages, such as providing a homogeneous baking and/or drying of the product using an infrared radiators from one side. Of course, it is to be appreciated that any one of the above embodiments or processes may be combined with one or more other embodiments or processes to provide even further improvements in finding and matching designs and advantages. It is appreciated that this disclosure offers particular advantages to baking round edible products such as sausages, and in general can be applied for baking and/or drying any products, including non-edible products, capable of rotating in the specified manner by means of the rotating rollers. The rotation mechanism for rotating the rollers and the translation mechanism for translating the product can be separate mechanisms, i.e. working independently, or they can be partially or wholly integrated as a single mechanism, e.g. providing rotation of the rollers by means of translating the rollers, or vice versa. While preferably, the rotating rollers rotate continuously in a single direction, alternatively, also rollers rotating in a reciprocating fashion can be used. While the rollers preferably have a substantially cylindrical shape, also other shapes can be used having similar effect. The rollers may e.g. comprise a plurality of rotating balls, e.g. held by individual or shared axles and bearings.

It is thus recognized that while the present systems and methods have been described in particular detail with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof, numerous modifications and alternative embodiments may be devised by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments wherein devices or systems are disclosed to be arranged and/or constructed for performing a specified method or function inherently disclose the method or function as such and/or in combination with other disclosed embodiments of methods or systems. Furthermore, embodiments of methods are considered to inherently disclose their implementation in respective hardware, where possible, in combination with other disclosed embodiments of methods or systems. Furthermore, methods that can be embodied as program instructions, e.g. on a non-transient computer-readable storage medium, are considered inherently disclosed as such embodiment.

Finally, the above-discussion is intended to be merely illustrative of the present systems and/or methods and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims to any particular embodiment or group of embodiments. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative manner and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that the word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or acts than those listed in a given claim; the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements; any reference signs in the claims do not limit their scope; several "means" may be represented by the same or different item(s) or implemented structure or function; any of the disclosed devices or portions thereof may be combined together or separated into further portions unless specifically stated otherwise. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. In particular, all working combinations of the claims are considered inherently disclosed.

Claims

Device (1) for baking and / or drying a product (2), the device (1) comprising - a conveyor (3) arranged for transporting the product (2) along a path (4) through the device (1); - an infrared radiator (5) arranged above the path (4) for directing infrared radiation (6) from the radiator (5) towards the path (4) for irradiating the product (2) with the infrared radiation (6) ; - the conveyor (3) comprises a plurality of rollers (7) arranged along the path (4), and a rotation mechanism (8) adapted to rotate the rollers (7); - wherein the rollers (7) are arranged, in use, to contact an outer surface (2s) of the product (2) with a rotating outer surface (Is) of the rollers (7) for transferring a rotating movement to the product (2) through said outer contacting and rotating surface (7s) of the rollers (7) while the product (2) is translated along the path (4) for irradiating different sides of the product (2) with the infrared radiation (6) ).

Device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a translation mechanism (9) adapted to translate the rollers (7) along the path (4).

Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rollers (7) comprise a first roller (7a) and a second roller (7b) adapted to carry the product (2) in between; wherein the first and second rollers (7a, 7b) are adapted to rotately hold the product (2) between the first and second rollers (7a, 7b) while carrying the product (2) along the path (4).

Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein a rotation axis of the rollers is oriented transversely of a transport direction.

Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation mechanism (8) comprises fitting parts arranged to engage, wherein a first fitting part (7w, 7g) is rotatably attached to a respective roller (7) ) and adapted to be translated relative to a second matching part (8f, 8r); wherein the relative translation causes a rotation of the first matching part.

Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation mechanism comprises a friction body (8f), wherein the rollers (7) and the friction body (8f) are adapted to be translated relative to each other with at least one part (7w) of the rollers (7) in contact with the friction body (8f), the rollers (7) being driven to rotate by said translation in contact with the friction body (8f).

Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation mechanism for rotating the rollers (7) comprises a rack (8r) with teeth, adapted to engage corresponding teeth on gear wheels (7g) that are rotatable connected to respective rollers (7) wherein the gears (7g) are adapted to be translated with respect to the rack (8r) during engagement of the rack (8r), the rollers (7) being driven to rotate by said translating gears (7g) engaging the rack (8r).

Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation mechanism for rotating the rollers (7) comprises a motor (8m) adapted to rotate an axis of a roller.

Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a distance element (7m), arranged to set a distance (7x) between the rollers (7) with an adjustable interval.

Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a basin (12) below the rollers, the basin (12) adapted to hold a fluid (12f) for catching parts (2p) that of the product (2) losing weight between the rollers (7).

Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a number of modular parts (4b) adapted to connect to each other for varying a path length of the path (4) by the number of connected modular parts (4b) depending on the number of modular parts.

The device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the device (1) further comprises a modular input part (4a) for introducing the product (2) into the device (1), and a modular output part (4c) for outputting of the product (2) from the device (1), wherein the modular input part (4a) and the modular output part (4c) are adapted to be connected to a number of modular parts (4b) in between.

Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rollers (7) are attached with an endless belt (9).

Device according to claim 12, wherein the endless belt (9) is adapted to guide the rollers (7) via a cleaning station (10) adapted to clean the rollers (7).

Modular part (4b) for use in a device (1) for baking and / or drying a product (2), comprising the modular part (4b) - a conveyor (3) adapted for transporting the product ( 2) along a path (4) through the modular part (4b); - an infrared radiator (5) arranged above the path (4) for directing infrared radiation (6) from the radiator (5) towards the path (4) for irradiating the product (2) with the infrared radiation (6) ; - the conveyor (3) comprises a plurality of rollers (7) arranged along the path (4), and a rotation mechanism (8) adapted to rotate the rollers (7); - wherein the rollers (7) are arranged, in use, to contact an outer surface (2s) of the product (2) with a rotating outer surface (Is) of the rollers (7) for transferring a rotating movement to the product (2) through said outer contacting and rotating surface (7s) of the rollers (7) while the product (2) is translated along the path (4) for irradiating different sides of the product (2) with the infrared radiation (6) ).

The modular part according to claim 15, further comprising a translation mechanism (9) adapted to translate the rollers along the path (4).

A method for baking and / or drying a product (2), the method comprising - translating the product (2) along a path (4); - directing infrared radiation (6) from an infrared radiator (5) towards the path (4) and irradiating the product (2) with the infrared radiation (6); wherein - a plurality of rotating rollers (7) are arranged along the path (4), wherein - the rollers (7) contact an outer surface (2s) of the product (2) with a rotating outer surface (7s) of the rollers (7) thereby transmitting a rotating movement to the product (2) through said contacting and rotating outer surface (7r) of the rollers (7) while the product (2) is translated along the path (4) for irradiating different sides of the product ( 2) with the infrared radiation (6).

The method of claim 17, wherein the method comprises rotatingly holding the product (2) between first and second rollers (7a, 7b) of the plurality of rollers (7) while carrying the product (2) along the trajectory ( 4) by translating the rollers (7).