WO2015197316A1

WO2015197316A1 - Device for creating product slabs

Info

Publication number: WO2015197316A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/062144
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marc Horna
Original assignee: Hosokawa Bepex Gmbh
Priority date: 2014-06-27
Filing date: 2015-06-01
Publication date: 2015-12-30
Also published as: DE102014009596A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device 10 for creating a product slab, in particular a slab of a confectionery product, from a food mass, said device comprising at least one roller assembly 18 which is used to form the product slab. The at least one roller assembly 18 defines at least one feed nip ES for the food mass and the device 10 is designed such that at least one roller 20, 22, 24 of the at least one roller assembly 18 is detachably mounted on the device 10.

Description

Device for producing product carpets

The present invention relates to a device for producing product carpets, in particular confectionery product carpets, from a food mass.

Devices for shaping a plastically deformable candy mass according to the document DE 10 2004 032 992 AI are known from the prior art. The apparatus disclosed in this document has a side wall funnel for receiving a mass and two driven rollers. The funnel is arranged over a catchment area of the rolls. A portion of a side wall of the hopper is formed by a conveyor belt, the mass of which is directed in the hopper in the direction of the catchment area of the rollers driven. According to this document, the food mass is conveyed and transformed by two rolls and a conveyor belt.

In the device according to the document DE 10 2004 032 992 AI, the arrangement of two rollers and a conveyor belt for conveying and forming the candy mass is fixed. Adjustments to special customer requirements or products are difficult.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for producing a product carpet, in particular a confectionery product carpet from a food mass, which can be flexibly adapted to customer requirements and to products with differing properties.

This object is achieved with a device for producing a product carpet from a food mass according to claim 1.

Further embodiments of the invention are indicated in the appended dependent claims.

The device for producing a product carpet, in particular a confectionery product carpet, from a food mass according to the invention comprises at least one roller arrangement. The at least one roller assembly is used to form the product carpet and thereby defines at least one nip for the food mass. In other words, the at least one zenanordnung the food mass to form the product carpet promoted by the fixed by the at least one roller assembly nip. By the at least one nip the product carpet retains its predetermined desired cross-section or its predetermined target height. In order to be able to flexibly adapt the device according to the invention to customer requirements and / or to products with differing properties, the device according to the invention is designed such that at least one roller of the at least one roller arrangement is detachably attached to the device.

For certain types of products, a roll arrangement with fewer rolls is sufficient. The fewer rollers a roller arrangement comprises, the more cost-effective it is to produce the device or to procure it from the customer's point of view. If a customer wants to produce products with his device in which even a roll arrangement with fewer rolls ensures sufficient quality, a customer will accordingly opt for a device with a roll arrangement with fewer rolls. For example, roller assemblies with two rollers are sufficient for certain products or specific applications.

If a customer wishes to use the apparatus for producing a product carpet to process foodstuffs which require a roll arrangement with a larger number of rolls, the apparatus according to the invention can be retrofitted flexibly with a roll which can be detachably attached to the apparatus. A roller arrangement with a larger number of rollers, for example, provides for a better intake behavior of the food mass through the rollers and usually provides a more precise or better quality Ausformergebnis ready.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one roller assembly can define a catchment area for the food mass. Accordingly, the at least one roller arrangement defines an area in which the food mass is introduced and formed there by means of the roller arrangement through the feed gap to form a product carpet. In this connection, rollers of the at least one roller arrangement can define side wall sections and at least one bottom section of the feed area for the food mass. The at least one detachable roller may define a side wall portion of the catchment area. The rollers of the at least one roller assembly, which do not form the at least one bottom portion, are provided above the roller forming the bottom portion. According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one feed hopper can be provided. The at least one feed hopper may be detachably attached to the device. The at least one removable feed hopper feeds the catchment area defined by the at least one roller arrangement with the food mass. The at least one detachable feed hopper may be arranged, for example, above the rollers forming the side wall sections of the feed area. Preferably, the at least one feed hopper is arranged such that the food mass is fed directly to the catchment area defined between the rolls.

The at least one feed hopper can be removed according to an embodiment of the invention together with the at least one removable roller of the device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one detachable roller together with its associated drive unit form a removable module. For example, this detachable module may also be associated with the detachable feed hopper, so that the module comprising the detachable roller, the hopper and the drive unit associated with the roller may be removed as a unit from the device or attached to the device. Accordingly, this modular construction ensures that the removable module with the detachable roller can be quickly and easily removed from or attached to the device.

For adapting the at least one catchment area or for adjusting the intake gap defined by the at least one roller arrangement, it can be provided according to a development that the at least one detachable roller is pivotably mounted. Furthermore, the at least one detachable roller can be mounted to be displaced linearly as an alternative to the pivotable mounting. The distances between the individual rollers of the at least one roller arrangement can be changed via the mounting of the at least one detachable roller or via the displaceability of the at least one detachable roller, whereby the size or the volume of the catchment area also changes. In the same way, changing the distances between the rolls also changes the size of the draw-in gap, via which the desired cross section of the at least one product carpet can be influenced. According to one embodiment, the device may be configured such that the at least one detachable roller is replaceable by at least one feed hopper. According to this embodiment of the invention, at least one feed hopper may be attached to the at least one device instead of the at least one detachable roller. The at least one feed hopper, together with the remaining rolls of the at least one roll arrangement, can form a catchment area for the food mass. The at least one feed hopper can form a side wall section of the catchment area. In this context, the at least one feed hopper may be arranged such that the food mass can be conveyed through an intake gap defined by the remaining rolls of the at least one roll arrangement. For example, in addition to the at least one feed hopper, a roller arrangement with two rollers may be provided, which define the feed gap between them.

The at least one feed hopper can, according to a development, contact at least one of the remaining rolls of the at least one roll arrangement on its outer circumference. A contact between the one feed hopper and at least one of the rollers ensures that the foodstuff mass remains safely in the catchment area formed by the at least one roller arrangement and the at least one feed hopper.

In addition to the at least one detachable roller, the further rollers of the at least one roller arrangement can also be displaced. Thus, all distances between the rollers can be changed and the catchment area and the intake nip are adapted to different products or product types. About the displaceability of the rollers and the position of the intake gap can be changed and formed between different pairs of rollers.

The roller assemblies may consist of rollers of different diameter. In most cases, the roll forming the bottom portion of the draw-in area will have a larger cross section than the rolls forming the side wall portions. In particular, the diameters of the rollers forming the side wall sections of the intake region may vary depending on the product or on the product carpet as required.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to a first

Embodiment of the invention;

2 and 3 are side views of the device according to the first embodiment of the

Invention;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the device according to the first embodiment of

Invention;

Fig. 5 is a front view of the device according to the first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along section line A-A in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a device according to a second

Embodiment of the invention;

8 and 9 are side views of the device according to the second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 10 is a plan view of the device according to the second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 11 is a front view of the device according to the second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken along section line A-A in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the feed hopper attached to the apparatus;

Figures 14 and 15 are side views of the device with attached feed hopper.

Fig. 16 is a plan view of the device with attached feed hopper; Figure 17 is a side view of the device with attached feed hopper. and

FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along section line A-A in FIG. 17. FIG.

Fig. 1 shows the device for producing a product carpet according to a first embodiment of the invention, wherein the device is generally designated 10.

The device 10 comprises a machine frame 12 with a frame 14. The frame 14 supports the device 10 via adjustable in height bearing feet 16 on a substrate U from. The machine frame 12 also carries the roller assembly 18, which according to this embodiment consists of three rollers 20, 22 and 24. The roller 20 is removably attached to the apparatus 10 and the machine frame 12, respectively. The detachable roller 20 has a holder 26 which can be connected to the machine frame 12. Each roller 20, 22, 24 is associated with its own drive unit 28, 30 and 32. The drive unit 28 is associated with the detachable roller 20 and is also connected to the bracket 26. The detachable roller 20 thus forms with the bracket 26 and the drive unit 28 a removable module 10 from the device 10. The removable module M can be quickly and easily attached to the machine frame 12 or removed from the machine frame 12 as a unit. The detachable module M with its detachable roller 20, its holder 26 and its drive unit 28 can be connected to the machine frame 12 in the connection area VB.

In Fig. 1, a feed hopper 34 is further shown, which is provided for feeding the food mass to one of the rollers 20, 22 and 24 defined catchment area (not visible in Fig. 1).

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the device 10.

The rollers 20, 22 (not shown in FIG. 2) and 24 are each associated with drive units 28, 30 and 32. The drive unit 28 for the detachable roller 20 is arranged together with the roller 20 on the holder 26. The detachable roller 20 forms, with its drive unit 28 and the holder 26, a module M which can be removed from the device 10. The detachable module M can be released from the device 10 or the machine frame 12 in the connection area VB. The module M or the holder 26 may be screwed to the machine frame 12, for example, in the connection region VB. The hopper 34 may also be a component of the module M, and be removed together with the roller 20 and its holder 26 of the device 10 or attached to this.

FIG. 3 likewise shows a side view of the device 10.

In Fig. 3, in turn, the module M with the removable roller 20, the holder 26 and the drive unit 28 can be seen. Further, in Fig. 3, the connecting portion VB between the machine frame 12 and the holder 26 of the detachable module 26 is clearly visible. The connection region VB runs along an edge of the machine frame 12.

In Figs. 2 and 3, a bearing means 36 of the detachable roller 20 and its drive unit 28 is further shown. The removable roller 20 is mounted linearly displaceable on the holder 26. Due to the displacement of the detachable roller 20, the distances between the rollers 20, 22 and 24 can be changed, so that the roller assembly 18 can be adapted to different products or food masses. Furthermore, by adjusting the rollers 20, 22, 24, a catchment area or a pull-in gap for the food mass can be changed. The roller 22 is likewise mounted via a bearing device 38, and can be displaced linearly via the bearing device 38.

4 shows a top view of the device 10.

The rollers 20, 22 and 24 are each coupled to drive units 28, 30 and 32 and mounted on the machine frame 12. Above the rollers 20 and 22, the feed hopper 34 can be seen, which feeds the food mass between the rollers 20, 22 and 24 or in the feed area (not shown) formed by the rollers 20, 22 and 24.

5 shows a front view of the device 10.

The roller 24 is arranged vertically below the rollers 20 and 22. The feed hopper 34 is disposed above the rollers 20 and 22. The roller 24 accordingly forms the conclusion or the bottom of the roller assembly 18 in the vertical direction. 6 shows a sectional view along the section line AA in FIG. 5.

The roller assembly 18 includes the rollers 20, 22, and 24. The roller 24 is disposed below the rollers 20 and 22 in the vertical direction. Above the rollers 20 and 22, the feed hopper 34 is provided.

The rollers 20, 22 and 24 define between them the feed area EB for the food mass (not shown). The food mass is introduced via the feed hopper 34 in the catchment area EB. The rollers 20 and 22 each define a side wall portion of the catchment area EB. The roller 24 forms a bottom portion of the catchment area EB. Between the rollers 20 and 24 of the pull-in gap ES is set, which determines the desired cross-section of the expiring from the catchment area EB product carpet. Through the feed gap ES, the food mass is conveyed out of the feed area EB and fed, for example, to another unit, such as a conveyor belt.

Similar to the displaceable roller 20, the roller 22 is linearly displaceable by means of the bearing device 38. As a result, the size or the volume of the intake region EB can be changed. Further, the distances of the rollers 20, 22 and 24 can be changed relative to each other. Thus, the size of the intake gap ES can be changed.

The axes Ai of the roller 20 and the axis A _{2 of} the roller 22 are offset from each other in the vertical direction, wherein the roller 20 is arranged with its axis Ai above the roller 22. However, these positions of the rollers 20 and 22 with their axes Ai and A ₂ can be optionally changed via the bearings 36 and 38. The rollers 20 and 22 rotate in opposite directions, so that the food mass is conveyed in the direction of the roller 24. The rollers 20 and 24 also rotate in opposite directions to promote the food mass through the intake nip ES. The roller 22 rotates in the same direction as the roller 24. By the storage facilities 36, 38 and the position of the intake gap ES can be changed. In FIG. 6, the draw-in gap ES is located between the rolls 20 and 24. However, by means of the storage devices 36, 38, the draw-in gap ES can also be formed between the rolls 22 and 24.

In the following, a further embodiment of the invention will be described, wherein the same reference numerals are used for similar or identically acting features, but preceded by the numeral "1". FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the device 110.

The essential difference from the first embodiment described above is that the rollers 120 and 122 have a smaller diameter compared to the rollers 20 and 22 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, there is another difference in the mounting of the detachable roller 120. These differences will be discussed in more detail below.

The device 110 comprises a roller arrangement 118. The roller arrangement 118 comprises the rollers 120, 122 and 124, to each of which a drive unit 128, 130 and 132 is associated.

FIGS. 8 and 9 each show side views of the device 110.

The drive units 128 and 130 are supported on the machine frame 112 and in the case of the drive unit 128 on the holder 126 of the module M, respectively.

The displaceable roller 120 is pivotally mounted on the machine frame according to this embodiment by means of the bearing device 136. The pivotability of the detachable roller 120, the distances between the rollers 120, 122 and 124 can be changed, which can also change the volume of the catchment area and the size and the position of the intake gap.

On the machine frame 112, the bearing device 138 is further provided for the roller 122. By means of the bearing device 138, the roller 122 can be displaced linearly, whereby also the distances between the rollers 120, 122 and 124 can be changed.

The feed hopper 134 according to this embodiment is provided above the roller assembly 118.

FIG. 10 shows a plan view of the device 110, in which the roller assembly 118 and the hopper 134 can be seen.

Fig. 11 shows a front view of the apparatus 110, in which the roller 124, the detachable roller 120 and the feed hopper 134 are shown. The roller 124, the detachable roller 120 and the feed hopper 134 are vertically displaceable. - arranged in each other. The feed hopper 134 may be part of the removable module with the detachable roller 120.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along section line A-A in FIG. 11. FIG.

In Fig. 12, the rollers 120 and 122 can be seen, which have a smaller diameter, than the rollers 20 and 22 according to the first embodiment.

The detachable roller 120 is pivotally mounted on the machine frame 112 via the bearing device 136. The roller 122 is linearly displaceable in the machine frame 112 via the bearing device 138.

The rollers 120, 122 and 124 form between them the catchment area EB. The hopper 134 feeds the catchment area EB with food mass. Between the rollers 120 and 124 of the feed gap ES is determined by the

Food mass can be issued in the form of an endless product carpet and fed to another unit.

By means of the displacement of the rolls 120 and 122 by means of the bearing devices 136 and 138, the volume of the draw-in region EB and the draw-in gap ES can be changed.

FIG. 13 shows the device 10 in an operating state in which the displaceable roller or module M (see FIG. 1) has been removed from the device 10. The module M or the detachable roller 20 has been replaced by the feed hopper 40. In the connection region VB, openings can be seen on the machine frame 12, which can serve to connect the machine frame 12 to the module M (see FIG. 1).

The rollers 22 and 24 are coupled to their associated drive units 30 and 32.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show side views of the apparatus 10 with the feed hopper 40 attached thereto. The feed hopper 40 is disposed above the platen 24 and laterally of the platen 22. The feed hopper 40 together with the rollers 22 and 24 forms a catchment area for the food mass. The roller 22 is mounted linearly displaceable over the bearing unit 38 in the frame 12. 16 shows a plan view of the device 10. The feed hopper 40 is disposed above the roller 24 and adjacent to the roller 22. The hopper 24 is fed with food mass, and sets with the rollers 22 and 24 the catchment area EB firmly.

Fig. 17 shows a front view of the device 10, in which the rollers 22 and 24 and the feed hopper 40 can be seen. The rollers 22 and 24 are coupled to the drive units 30 and 32.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along section line A-A in FIG. 17. FIG.

The rollers 22 and 24 set with the feed hopper 40 the catchment area EB for the food mass. The roller 22 and the feed hopper 40 form side wall sections of the intake region EB. The roller 24 forms a bottom portion of the catchment area EB. Between the rollers 22 and 24 of the feed gap ES is set for the food mass. The rollers 22 and 24 rotate in opposite directions about the axes Ai and A ₂ .

The axes Ai and A ₂ are vertically and laterally offset from one another.

The roller 22 can be displaced linearly via the bearing device 38, and thus change the feed gap ES in size.

Claims

claims

Device (10) for producing a product carpet, in particular a confectionery product carpet, from a food mass, with at least one roller assembly (18), which serves for forming the product carpet, wherein the at least one roller assembly (18) at least one nip (ES) for the

Food mass sets, and wherein the device (10) is formed such that at least one roller (20, 22, 24) of the at least one roller assembly (18) is removably attached to the device (10).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1,

characterized in that the at least one roller arrangement (18) defines a catchment area (EB) for the food mass.

3. Device (10) according to claim 2,

characterized in that rollers (20,22,24) of the at least one roller assembly (18) define sidewall portions and a bottom portion of the feed area (EB) for the food mass, the at least one detachable roller (20) defining a sidewall portion.

4. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3,

characterized in that at least one feed hopper (34) is provided for supplying food mass.

5. Device (10) according to claim 4,

characterized in that the at least one feed hopper (34) is detachable from the device (10) together with the at least one detachable roller (20).

6. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5,

characterized in that the at least one removable roller (20) together with its associated drive unit (28) forms a removable module (M).

7. Device (110) according to one of claims 1 to 6,

characterized in that at least the at least one removable roller (120) is pivotally mounted.

8. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6,

characterized in that at least the at least one removable roller (20) is mounted linearly displaceable.

9. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8,

characterized in that the device (10) is formed such that the at least one removable roller (20) is replaceable by at least one feed hopper (40).

10. Device (10) according to claim 9,

characterized in that the at least one feed hopper (40) together with the remaining rollers (22, 24) of the at least one roller assembly (18) forms a feed area (EB) for the food mass, wherein the at least one feed hopper (40) has a side wall portion of the catchment area (EB) forms.

11. Device (10) according to claim 9 or 10,

characterized in that the at least one feed hopper (40) is arranged such that the food mass by one of the remaining rollers (22, 24) of the at least one roller assembly defined feed gap (ES) is conveyed.

12. Device (10) according to one of claims 9 to 11,

characterized in that the at least one feed hopper (40) contacts at least one of the remaining rollers (22, 24) of the at least one roller assembly (18) at its outer periphery.

13. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11,

characterized in that in addition to the at least one removable roller (20) and the further rollers (22, 24) of the at least one roller assembly (18) are displaceable.