WO2006093455A1 - A cooking tunnel - Google Patents

A cooking tunnel Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006093455A1
WO2006093455A1 PCT/SE2006/000255 SE2006000255W WO2006093455A1 WO 2006093455 A1 WO2006093455 A1 WO 2006093455A1 SE 2006000255 W SE2006000255 W SE 2006000255W WO 2006093455 A1 WO2006093455 A1 WO 2006093455A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cooking
tunnel
conveyor belt
product
panels
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/SE2006/000255
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ola Paninder
Carl-Alvar Johansson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Inter Ikea Systems BV
Original Assignee
Inter Ikea Systems BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Inter Ikea Systems BV filed Critical Inter Ikea Systems BV
Publication of WO2006093455A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006093455A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J36/00—Parts, details or accessories of cooking-vessels
    • A47J36/02—Selection of specific materials, e.g. heavy bottoms with copper inlay or with insulating inlay
    • A47J36/025—Vessels with non-stick features, e.g. coatings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J37/00—Baking; Roasting; Grilling; Frying
    • A47J37/04—Roasting apparatus with movably-mounted food supports or with movable heating implements; Spits
    • A47J37/045—Roasting apparatus with movably-mounted food supports or with movable heating implements; Spits with endless conveyors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J37/00—Baking; Roasting; Grilling; Frying
    • A47J37/04—Roasting apparatus with movably-mounted food supports or with movable heating implements; Spits
    • A47J37/044—Roasting apparatus with movably-mounted food supports or with movable heating implements; Spits with conveyors moving in a horizontal or an inclined plane

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a cooking tunnel, comprising upper and lower heating means and a conveyor belt for transferring a product to be cooked through the tunnel .
  • Cooking or frying to an industrial or semi-industrial scale is often performed in a continouos fashion in a cooking or frying machine, in which the products to be processed (cooked or fried) are transferred through a tunnel-shaped compartment on an endless conveyor belt.
  • heating means are only provided below the product, which thus has to be reversed or flipped-over - often automatically in the tunnel - when a double-sided cooking is required. It is, however, quite customary to provide heating means in the tunnel both below and above the tunnel in which the product to be processed is transferred, and the present invention relates to such a tunnel for double-sided cooking .
  • the most important problem to be solved in a cooking tunnel is to ensure a satisfactory and even cooking of the products, such as hamburger meat, chicken parts or the like, where the appearance is of certain significance.
  • Other problems to be solved are energy consumption, machine costs and hygiene. In the latter case it is important to protect certain elements against frying splashes and frying fumes.
  • Another aspect is that the products shall have the possibility to leave the conveyor belt without manual action. It is also of importance that the conveyor belt can withstand heat and has heat transfer capability.
  • both the upper and lower heating means are IR panels protected under glass plates facing the product to be cooked and that the conveyor belt has at least a layer of PFTE for contact with the product and is supported by the lower glass plate.
  • the conveyor belt is an endless belt made of Teflon®, preferably fabric reinforced Teflon®.
  • Teflon® preferably fabric reinforced Teflon®.
  • Each IR panel is preferably composed of a number of separate IR modules, which provides even heating and good control possibilities. These IR modules may be attached to a mounting plate, which also acts as a reflector.
  • Each IR module is preferably molded in ceramic material so as to be splinter-protected and easy to clean.
  • the IR modules of both the lower and the upper IR panels are sealingly enclosed in a compartment formed by the mounting plate, the glass plate, and a circumferential collar connecting said plates.
  • Means are preferably provided for supplying cooling air to the back side of the IR panels and further for supplying air heated by the IR panels to the tunnel .
  • Fig 1 is a partly sectional side view of a cooking tunnel according to the invention
  • Fig 2 is a top view of the same tunnel
  • Fig 3 is a transverse sectional view to a larger scale of important portions of the tunnel .
  • An endless conveyor belt 1 is laid over end pulleys 2 and 3, journalled in relation to a framework 4, which may be provided with wheels 5.
  • the framework 4 is preferably made of stainless steel for hygienic reasons (which is true also for other relevant parts of the cooking tunnel) .
  • the pulley 2 to the right may be driven by an electric motor 6, supported by the framework 4, for transferring the belt 1 in the direction of an arrow 7, i e to the right.
  • the pulley 3 to the left may be provided with a belt tensioning device. (The terms “left” and “right” generally refer to Figs 1 and 2 throughout the specification.)
  • the conveyor belt 1 has the double task of conveying a product to be processed (cooked or fried) through the cooking tunnel and of transferring heat from below to this product. It is preferably made of PFTE, like Teflon®, which is hygienic, easy to clean and has good heat transfer properties .
  • a lower heating means in the form of an IR panel 8 is mounted under the upper part of the conveyor belt 1 (and over its lower part) .
  • An upper heating means in the form of an IR panel 9 is mounted a certain distance above the belt 1. This distance is chosen so as to suit the products to be cooked in the cooking tunnel and may be adjustable.
  • Longitudinal sidewalls 10 are arranged at either sides of the conveyor belt 1, the lower IR panel 8, and the upper IR panel 9 for defining a tunnel. These sidewalls 10 may be insulated, double-mantled plates of stainless steel. As will appear more clearly below, the two IR panels 8 and 9 are contained in an upper casing 11 and a lower casing 12, respectively. Cooling air for the IR panels 8 and 9 may be supplied to these casings, as is indicated by inlets 13 to the upper casing 11, and removed for example through outlets 14. The thus heated air as well as possibly steam may be supplied to the tunnel for the products to be cooked in order to improve the efficiency of the process and the quality of the products.
  • Electric equipment for energizing and controlling the cooking tunnel is contained in a cabinet 15 in the framework 4. Modern electronics will provide the possibility for full automation. Products are supplied to the conveyor belt 1 to the left and are transferred through the tunnel hereby. They are cooked or fried by IR induced heat both from below and from above. The cooking capacity is determined by the length and width of the tunnel . The parameters of belt speed and IR heat are controlled in such a way that the products are cooked to the desired extent at discharge from the right hand end of the tunnel .
  • FIG 3 which shows relevant portions of the cooking tunnel in a section transverse to Figs 1 and 2.
  • Lower IR modules 20 are attached to a lower mounting plate 21 and upper IR modules 22 to an upper mounting plate 23. These mounting plates 21 and 23 also serve as reflectors for the IR light created by the modules 20 and ⁇ 22.
  • the number of IR modules 20 and 22 in the transverse direction may as shown be four and in the longitudinal direction eight (see Fig 2) , but the number may of course differ depending on the circumstances, for example the desired capacity.
  • each IR module 20 and 22 may have a capacity of 1000 W and be molded in ceramic material, which means that it will be splinter-protected and easy to clean.
  • the lower IR modules 20 are surrounded by a lower plate collar 24, to which the lower mounting plate 21 is attached, and the upper IR modules 22 are surrounded by an upper plate collar 25, to which the upper mounting plate 23 is attached.
  • a lower tempered glass plate 26 (quartz glass) is sealingly mounted in the lower collar 24 and an upper tempered glass plate 27 (quartz glass) in the upper collar 25.
  • the tempered quartz glass plates 26 and 27 act as contact protection for the IR modules 20 and 22 and shield against frying splashes and frying fumes.
  • the lower quartz glass plate 26 has the further important function of acting as support for the conveyor belt 1.
  • This conveyor belt 1 is preferably made of fabric reinforced PFTE (Teflon®) , which provides release properties in relation to the food products. It is alternatively possible to make use of a Teflon®-coated steel belt.
  • the belt 1 shall withstand heat and have heat transfer capability.
  • FIG 3 Also shown in Fig 3 are the upper casing 11 with a cooling air inlet 13 as well as the lower casing 12. It appears that the collar 24 or 25, the mounting plate 21 or 23, and the casing 12 or 11 can be jointly connected.
  • the heat transfer to the food products occurs both by heat transfer (especially from below) and by radiation.
  • the control of the lower and upper IR panels 8 and 9 is performed in relation to the desired cooking temperature.
  • the cooling air to the IR panels can, when heated, be utilized in the cooking process.
  • IR panels quartz glass plates and a conveyor belt of PFTE makes the process energy-conserving.
  • IR-heating makes the frying or cooking effective without unnecessary heat losses.
  • the IR radiation has a certain penetration capability, which reduces the cooking time and accordingly the energy consumption in relation to conventional contact cooking machines.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Baking, Grill, Roasting (AREA)
  • Frying-Pans Or Fryers (AREA)
  • Commercial Cooking Devices (AREA)

Abstract

A cooking tunnel comprises upper and lower heating means (8, 9) and a conveyor belt (1) for transferring a product to be cooked through the tunnel . Both the upper and lower heating means are IR panels (8, 9) protected under glass plates (26, 27) facing the product to be cooked. The conveyor belt (1) has at least a layer of PFTE for contact with the product and is supported by the lower glass plate (26) .

Description

A COOKING TUNNEL
Technical Field The present invention relates to a cooking tunnel, comprising upper and lower heating means and a conveyor belt for transferring a product to be cooked through the tunnel .
Background of the Invention Cooking or frying to an industrial or semi-industrial scale (in food processing industries, fast-food restaurants and canteens) is often performed in a continouos fashion in a cooking or frying machine, in which the products to be processed (cooked or fried) are transferred through a tunnel-shaped compartment on an endless conveyor belt.
In certain such cooking tunnels, heating means are only provided below the product, which thus has to be reversed or flipped-over - often automatically in the tunnel - when a double-sided cooking is required. It is, however, quite customary to provide heating means in the tunnel both below and above the tunnel in which the product to be processed is transferred, and the present invention relates to such a tunnel for double-sided cooking . The most important problem to be solved in a cooking tunnel is to ensure a satisfactory and even cooking of the products, such as hamburger meat, chicken parts or the like, where the appearance is of certain significance. Other problems to be solved are energy consumption, machine costs and hygiene. In the latter case it is important to protect certain elements against frying splashes and frying fumes. Another aspect is that the products shall have the possibility to leave the conveyor belt without manual action. It is also of importance that the conveyor belt can withstand heat and has heat transfer capability. The Invention
This is according to the invention attained in that both the upper and lower heating means are IR panels protected under glass plates facing the product to be cooked and that the conveyor belt has at least a layer of PFTE for contact with the product and is supported by the lower glass plate.
Preferably, the conveyor belt is an endless belt made of Teflon®, preferably fabric reinforced Teflon®. Each IR panel is preferably composed of a number of separate IR modules, which provides even heating and good control possibilities. These IR modules may be attached to a mounting plate, which also acts as a reflector.
Each IR module is preferably molded in ceramic material so as to be splinter-protected and easy to clean.
The IR modules of both the lower and the upper IR panels are sealingly enclosed in a compartment formed by the mounting plate, the glass plate, and a circumferential collar connecting said plates. Means are preferably provided for supplying cooling air to the back side of the IR panels and further for supplying air heated by the IR panels to the tunnel . Brief Description of the Drawings
' The invention will be described in further detail below under reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig 1 is a partly sectional side view of a cooking tunnel according to the invention, Fig 2 is a top view of the same tunnel, and Fig 3 is a transverse sectional view to a larger scale of important portions of the tunnel . Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment
An endless conveyor belt 1 is laid over end pulleys 2 and 3, journalled in relation to a framework 4, which may be provided with wheels 5. The framework 4 is preferably made of stainless steel for hygienic reasons (which is true also for other relevant parts of the cooking tunnel) . The pulley 2 to the right may be driven by an electric motor 6, supported by the framework 4, for transferring the belt 1 in the direction of an arrow 7, i e to the right. The pulley 3 to the left may be provided with a belt tensioning device. (The terms "left" and "right" generally refer to Figs 1 and 2 throughout the specification.)
The conveyor belt 1 has the double task of conveying a product to be processed (cooked or fried) through the cooking tunnel and of transferring heat from below to this product. It is preferably made of PFTE, like Teflon®, which is hygienic, easy to clean and has good heat transfer properties .
A lower heating means in the form of an IR panel 8 is mounted under the upper part of the conveyor belt 1 (and over its lower part) . An upper heating means in the form of an IR panel 9 is mounted a certain distance above the belt 1. This distance is chosen so as to suit the products to be cooked in the cooking tunnel and may be adjustable.
Longitudinal sidewalls 10 are arranged at either sides of the conveyor belt 1, the lower IR panel 8, and the upper IR panel 9 for defining a tunnel. These sidewalls 10 may be insulated, double-mantled plates of stainless steel. As will appear more clearly below, the two IR panels 8 and 9 are contained in an upper casing 11 and a lower casing 12, respectively. Cooling air for the IR panels 8 and 9 may be supplied to these casings, as is indicated by inlets 13 to the upper casing 11, and removed for example through outlets 14. The thus heated air as well as possibly steam may be supplied to the tunnel for the products to be cooked in order to improve the efficiency of the process and the quality of the products.
Electric equipment for energizing and controlling the cooking tunnel is contained in a cabinet 15 in the framework 4. Modern electronics will provide the possibility for full automation. Products are supplied to the conveyor belt 1 to the left and are transferred through the tunnel hereby. They are cooked or fried by IR induced heat both from below and from above. The cooking capacity is determined by the length and width of the tunnel . The parameters of belt speed and IR heat are controlled in such a way that the products are cooked to the desired extent at discharge from the right hand end of the tunnel .
The construction of the lower IR panel 8 and the upper IR panel 9 will now be described with reference to
Fig 3, which shows relevant portions of the cooking tunnel in a section transverse to Figs 1 and 2.
Lower IR modules 20 are attached to a lower mounting plate 21 and upper IR modules 22 to an upper mounting plate 23. These mounting plates 21 and 23 also serve as reflectors for the IR light created by the modules 20 and ■ 22. The number of IR modules 20 and 22 in the transverse direction may as shown be four and in the longitudinal direction eight (see Fig 2) , but the number may of course differ depending on the circumstances, for example the desired capacity.
In a practical case, each IR module 20 and 22 may have a capacity of 1000 W and be molded in ceramic material, which means that it will be splinter-protected and easy to clean.
The lower IR modules 20 are surrounded by a lower plate collar 24, to which the lower mounting plate 21 is attached, and the upper IR modules 22 are surrounded by an upper plate collar 25, to which the upper mounting plate 23 is attached. A lower tempered glass plate 26 (quartz glass) is sealingly mounted in the lower collar 24 and an upper tempered glass plate 27 (quartz glass) in the upper collar 25. Hereby, the IR modules 20 and 22 are encased in a closed compartment . The tempered quartz glass plates 26 and 27 act as contact protection for the IR modules 20 and 22 and shield against frying splashes and frying fumes. The lower quartz glass plate 26 has the further important function of acting as support for the conveyor belt 1.
This conveyor belt 1 is preferably made of fabric reinforced PFTE (Teflon®) , which provides release properties in relation to the food products. It is alternatively possible to make use of a Teflon®-coated steel belt. The belt 1 shall withstand heat and have heat transfer capability.
Also shown in Fig 3 are the upper casing 11 with a cooling air inlet 13 as well as the lower casing 12. It appears that the collar 24 or 25, the mounting plate 21 or 23, and the casing 12 or 11 can be jointly connected.
The heat transfer to the food products occurs both by heat transfer (especially from below) and by radiation. The control of the lower and upper IR panels 8 and 9 is performed in relation to the desired cooking temperature. The cooling air to the IR panels can, when heated, be utilized in the cooking process.
The use of IR panels, quartz glass plates and a conveyor belt of PFTE makes the process energy-conserving. The use of IR-heating makes the frying or cooking effective without unnecessary heat losses. The IR radiation has a certain penetration capability, which reduces the cooking time and accordingly the energy consumption in relation to conventional contact cooking machines.

Claims

1. A cooking tunnel, comprising upper and lower heating means (8, 9) and a conveyor belt (1) for transferring a product to be cooked through the tunnel, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that both the upper and lower heating means are IR panels (8, 9) protected under glass plates (26, 27) facing the product to be cooked and that the conveyor belt (1) has at least a layer of PFTE for contact with the product and is supported by the lower glass plate (26) .
2. A cooking tunnel according to claim 1, wherein the conveyor belt (1) is an endless belt made of Teflon®, preferably fabric reinforced Teflon®.
3. A cooking tunnel according to claim 1, wherein each IR panel (8, 9) is composed of a number of separate IR modules (20, 22) attached to a mounting plate (21, 23) .
4. A cooking tunnel according to claim 3 , wherein each IR module (20, 22) is molded in ceramic material.
5. A cooking tunnel according to claim 3, wherein the IR modules (20, 22) are sealingly enclosed in a compartment formed by the mounting plate (21, 23), the glass plate (26, 27), and a circumferential collar (24, 25) connecting said plates.
6. A cooking tunnel according to claim 1, wherein means are provided for supplying cooling air to the back side of the IR panels (8, 9) .
7. A cooking tunnel according to claim 6, wherein means are provided for supplying air heated by the IR panels (8, 9) to the tunnel.
PCT/SE2006/000255 2005-03-02 2006-02-27 A cooking tunnel Ceased WO2006093455A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE0500475A SE528396C2 (en) 2005-03-02 2005-03-02 cooking tunnel
SE0500475-9 2005-03-02

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006093455A1 true WO2006093455A1 (en) 2006-09-08

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ID=36941439

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/SE2006/000255 Ceased WO2006093455A1 (en) 2005-03-02 2006-02-27 A cooking tunnel

Country Status (2)

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SE (1) SE528396C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2006093455A1 (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2504110A (en) * 1945-08-28 1950-04-18 John G Davis Apparatus for and method of toasting foodstuffs
US3736860A (en) * 1971-04-06 1973-06-05 Vischer Products Co Infrared cooking apparatus
US4572061A (en) * 1982-12-10 1986-02-25 United Biscuits (Uk) Limited Heating food articles
WO2005006866A1 (en) * 2003-07-18 2005-01-27 Inter Ikea Systems B.V. A foodstuff-preparing device and method

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2504110A (en) * 1945-08-28 1950-04-18 John G Davis Apparatus for and method of toasting foodstuffs
US3736860A (en) * 1971-04-06 1973-06-05 Vischer Products Co Infrared cooking apparatus
US4572061A (en) * 1982-12-10 1986-02-25 United Biscuits (Uk) Limited Heating food articles
WO2005006866A1 (en) * 2003-07-18 2005-01-27 Inter Ikea Systems B.V. A foodstuff-preparing device and method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SE0500475L (en) 2006-09-03
SE528396C2 (en) 2006-11-07

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