WO2017162436A1

WO2017162436A1 - Method for operating a production system for producing goods made of chocolate or the like, and a mold

Info

Publication number: WO2017162436A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/055401
Authority: WO
Inventors: Urs Truttmann; Jens TEMPLIN
Original assignee: Max Riner Ag
Priority date: 2016-03-24
Filing date: 2017-03-08
Publication date: 2017-09-28
Also published as: CH712295A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a production system for producing goods made of chocolate or the like in molds (3), in particular made of plastic. According to the invention, said molds (3) are subjected to thermal, mechanical, and/or chemical effects during the production process. The state thereof with respect to selected parameters, such as flexural, torsional, and tensile strength, notch toughness, surface, and/or material quality is examined during operation. Based on the determined state of said molds (3), a decision is made regarding the further use or duration of use thereof in the production process. A mold has preferably a plurality of integrated test elements that are easily removable from the mold and usable in place of the mold for testing purposes.

Description

Method for operating a production plant for producing goods made of chocolate or the like, as well as a casting mold

The invention relates to a method for operating a Produktionsan- site for producing goods made of chocolate or the like in molds made of plastic and the like materials that are exposed to thermal, mechanical and / or chemical effects during the manufacturing process. The invention also relates to a casting mold which is particularly suitable for the method.

After such a process, tableware, chocolates or figures made of chocolate with or without filling are produced. The procedure But is also generally suitable for the manufacture of products from raw materials with chocolate-like properties. Such products are known to be produced by trough-shaped molds made of plastic, in which takes place during the manufacturing process, a variety of process steps such as heating, glazing, shaking, cooling and demolding of the goods. The molds are therefore alternately thermally, mechanically and / or chemically stressed during the production process. This causes an increasing wear of the molds over time. Since these are relatively expensive to produce, one strives to use them as long as possible over several years. After a more or less long service life, however, they are so severely damaged by the progressive wear that they are useless for further production.

In operation, the molds are checked from time to time with the naked eye and finally discarded after a certain period of operation. However, this is too early, and thus the useful life of the mold is not fully utilized. On the other hand, it is equally important that the molds do not remain in operation until they become brittle, because then there is a risk that fragments of the mold remain in the products produced and high economic damage can be caused, such as that tons of Goods must be recalled.

Such a danger arises mainly when washing the molds, because the washing process is carried out high temperatures or concentrated detergent, which greatly weaken the forms can, for example, if they remain lying about because of malfunctions in the car wash long in this.

A too late detected damage to the molds can thus lead to the already manufactured products can not be sold. Defective casting molds can also cause machine downtimes or general production losses.

A production method of the aforementioned type is disclosed in WO 2009/1250 A1. The method described there sees u.a. For example, the various stations of the manufacturing facility are electronically connected to a mold inspection system that continuously determines whether or which molds are damaged and passes the appropriate information to prevent the damaged mold from continuing to operate. The decommissioning of the molds takes place as a result only after damage to the mold.

The invention is based on the object to avoid these disadvantages and to provide a method of the type mentioned above, which allows a better and continuously monitored during operation utilization of Einsatzpotentäals the forms without much effort.

This object is achieved according to the invention by checking the state of the casting molds with regard to selected parameters such as bending, torsion and / or tensile strength, notched impact strength, surface and / or material properties from time to time, and is decided on the basis of the determined state of the molds on their further use or duration of use in the production process.

In this way it is possible to operate a production plant of the type mentioned so that the application potential of the molds is optimally utilized because the ongoing monitoring of the mold state ensures the decommissioning of the molds on reaching a critical state of wear in good time before damage to the molds.

Since the molds are often used for the production of different products, it is expedient if the parameters to be tested are determined depending on the respective product to be produced. The same applies to the test sequence of the individual casting molds. In this case, it is expedient in the sense of optimum monitoring of the shape state if the intervals between the test procedures are determined as a function of the scope and / or duration of the respectively intended production sequence.

In order to optimize the monitoring of the shape state, the invention provides that the testing of the molds after each or after a certain number of production sequences, preferably after washing the molds is performed.

In particular, in complex production facilities, which are intended for the production of many variable types of goods, it is advantageous in the sense of an automatic operation as possible when the test the casting molds are automatically controlled according to a programmed sequence.

In the case of production plants in which similar casting molds are used in relatively large quantities, it is possible to check the casting molds in packages, whereby the test is limited to only individual molds of the mold package.

The invention further provides that the testing of the molds is carried out according to a standardized test program, wherein after completion of the mold a preferably carried out by the mold manufacturer initial test is performed as a reference for the life cycle of the mold. As a result, the later test results can be referred from the beginning to the test values of the mold in a new state.

In order to enable the automatic control of the test procedures, it is expediently provided that the molds are individually marked and tested according to their individual marking. This marking is also helpful for the automatic evaluation of the test results.

For this purpose, moreover, it is provided that the test results are stored in a preferably placed in a central location database and there are always available for the individual or statistical evaluation of the test results. To carry out the proposed test method, it is particularly advantageous if the molds are provided with at least one test specimen attached thereto, which is exposed to the same conditions of use as the mold. In this way, destructive testing methods, such as notched bar impact tests or tensile tests can be carried out without the casting mold itself being destroyed. If several such test specimens are provided in each casting mold, it is then also possible to simultaneously check several state-relevant parameters or to carry out a plurality of time-staggered tests.

It is procedurally advantageous if the one or more specimens are separable from the mold by means of a preferably standardized tool.

The invention will be described below with reference to an embodiment with reference to the drawings. Show it:

1 is an overall view of a production plant with the operating cycle of the molds, shown schematically,

2 is a standardized test program for the molds, shown schematically,

Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view of the back of a mold, and

4 shows a perspective view of the rear side of the casting mold according to FIG. 3 offset by 90 °.

The production plant 1 shown in FIG. 1 serves for the production of confectionery, in particular of chocolate, which according to the used forms 3, such as square, round or other confectionery, mainly made of chocolate, are produced.

The preparation takes place by means of known tub-shaped molds made of plastic or similar materials, in which the chocolate is poured directly and solidified by cooling. There are molds in a variety of sizes and technical characteristics, also suitable for the different types of Anfagen. Usually, the flat molds are provided with a number of rows arranged openings, which correspond respectively to the shape of the sweet goods to be poured as a negative.

During the production process P, the casting molds 3 pass through various stations in which take place with individual process steps A to E, namely heating A, Glessen B, shaking C, cooling D and demolding E. After a respective production sequence, the molds are removed from the production line. Thereafter, the washing process W in the washing system 2, followed by the test process T in the test apparatus 4 and finally the storage L of the washed molds.

Both during the production cycle and during the washing process, the molds are thermally, mechanically and / or chemically stressed and are thus exposed to a certain aging. According to the invention, the degree of aging is regularly monitored in process step T of the production process by the condition of the casting molds with regard to selected parameters such as bending, torsional and / or tensile strength. strength, notched impact strength, surface and / or material properties.

The testing of the molds is conveniently carried out according to a standardized test program with a likewise preferably standardized test device.

As shown schematically in FIG. 2, the initial test p1 takes place immediately after completion f of the casting mold. It is preferably carried out by the mold manufacturer himself and is considered a reference for the life cycle of the mold. The same test procedure p2 to pn is performed several times during the life cycle (production sequences s1 to sn) of the molds used. Depending on the availability of the test equipment, the test can be carried out either by the confectionery producer or by the mold manufacturer.

The test program may be e.g. composed of the following components:

> Bending test of the mold

Torsion test of the mold

> Impact bending test on a test piece of the mold

> Tensile test on a test piece of the mold

> Determining the melt mass flow rate (MFR) of the test piece from a mold

Gloss measurement of the shape

> Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) examination on a test bar of a mold > Spectroscopy (FT-IR, UVVIS, AAS / AEP, iCP, XRF etc.) on a sample of one mold, using exactly specified test components and test parameters for the different tests. Since the wear of the molds depends on the type of goods to be produced, the number and type of these parameters are also determined depending on the respective type of goods.

With the help of the inventive test system, the current degree of wear of the molds used can be determined. If critical wear limits are exceeded, the mold can be disposed of before damage occurs.

The molds are usually provided with individual identification means, with which the automatic control of the production process is possible. Such means, such as a bar code, a QR code or an integrated RFID chip, also serve to automatically control the inventive method for checking the molds. They also enable the electronic evaluation and storage of the determined test data in a central database or the like between the test station and the control station of the test facility.

According to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the partially illustrated mold 3 from a plurality of rows arranged openings, of which some of the rear recesses 7 on the bottom wall 8 are visible. In addition, also on the back of the mold 3 stiffening rib walls 4, 5 present, which are arranged distributed lattice.

According to the invention, the respective casting mold 3 is designed such that material samples can be taken from it for its examination without impairing its functionality. For this purpose, preferably several test pieces 9, 10 are attached to this mold 3 on the back, which may have different shapes. In the present case, the adjacent test pieces 9, 10 are formed on the one hand as cylindrical pins and on the other as small plates, the latter being aligned opposite the recesses 7 in a vertical position. The test pieces 9, 10 are mounted directly on the bottom 8 of the mold so that they are exposed during operation to the same loads as the mold itself.

These test pieces 9, 10 with the corresponding shapes make it possible to carry out destructive testing methods, such as, for example, tensile tests or notched bar impact tests, without the mold being damaged after removal of individual test pieces. For this purpose, the test pieces 9, 10 can be separated from the casting mold by means of appropriate tools. They are like the molds also provided with an individual coding or the like, with the help of which their allocation to the associated forms or mold packages is possible.

The manufacturer of the molds and the producer of confectionery preferably each have a standardized test device, which is the implementation of eg mechanical or chemical investigations allows. The casting molds, in turn, are equipped and designed to permit the removal of material samples for testing without adversely affecting the function of the casting molds in the production process.

The molds made of plastic are usually poured by an injection molding process into corresponding negative molds as tools. Advantageously, these test pieces 9, 10 are also provided in the tool and are then made together with the mold of a cast.

In principle, these test pieces 9, 10 but could also be attached to the mold 3, for example by gluing, or by a releasable attachment, such as by latching or the like.

The original quality of the new casting molds is determined by the mold manufacturer on delivery by means of the testing device, documented and communicated to the confectionery producer as a reference value.

The casting molds or the test specimens taken therefrom are examined with the testing device after defined exposure and / or time intervals, and the test data determined are then compared with the initial reference data of the mold manufacturer, whereby the mold is marked as defective when the significant state of significant changes in the mold state is fixed and sorted out can be. The test data determined are stored in the central database 3 and processed accordingly for statistical purposes. In the described exemplary embodiment, the checking process is carried out in each case at the end of the production sequences. The delays between inspections may vary from case to case, depending on the product to be manufactured as well as the extent and / or duration of the respective production sequences.

Also, the parameters to be tested may vary depending on the product to be manufactured and / or the molds used. When using molds with multiple specimens, several parameters can be tested simultaneously.

It is also possible within the scope of the invention to check the molds in packages, and to limit the test to only individual molds as samples of the mold packages.

In principle, the molds can be checked by measuring methods, such as Uitraschall or the like, which cause no material damage the same. It could also be used individual molds without such specimens by these damaged for the test and then disposed of.

Claims

1 . Method for operating a production plant for producing goods made of chocolate or the like in molds (3), in particular made of plastic, which are subjected to thermal, mechanical and / or chemical effects during the production process, characterized in that

In operation, the condition of the casting molds (3) with respect to selected parameters such as bending, torsional and tensile strength, notched impact strength, surface and / or Materiaibeschaffenheit is checked and due to the determined state of the molds (3) on their further use ^¬ set or duration of use decided in the production process.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the parameters to be tested of the molds (3) are determined depending on the respective product to be produced.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that continuous testing operations are set at certain intervals between the depending on the extent and / or duration of each intended production sequence.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

the test of the molds (3) after each or after several production sequences, preferably after washing (W) of the molds is performed.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

the test of the molds (3) is controlled automatically according to a programmed sequence.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that

the molds are checked in packages, whereby the test is limited to only individual forms of the mold package.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterized in that

the test of the molds (3) is carried out according to a standardized test program, wherein after completion of the mold a preferably initial test is performed as a reference for the life cycle thereof.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that

the molds (3) are individually marked and tested according to their individual marking.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the test results are stored in a preferably placed at a central location database and there are always available for the individual or statistical evaluation of the test results.

10. A mold for producing goods made of chocolate or the like, characterized in that

the casting mold (3) is provided with at least one test body (9, 10) attached thereto, which is exposed to the same operating conditions as the casting mold.

1 1. A mold according to claim 10, characterized in that the test body (9, 10) by means of a specific tool of the mold (3) is separable for testing.

12. Casting mold according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that

a plurality of spaced test pieces (9, 0) on the back of the mold (3) are arranged protruding.

13. Casting mold according to one of the preceding claims 10 to 12, characterized in that

the test pieces (9, 10) are shaped as pins, plates or the like and are either formed on the casting mold itself or fastened to it.