Device for loading slices of bread in a toaster

Translation of description of equivalent WO 02067738 A2

DEVICE FOR LOADING BREAD SLICES IN A

TOASTER

Technical area

The invention relates to the field of household appliances, and more specifically to that of electric toasters. It relates more particularly to an improved toaster equipped with a loading device allowing automatic delivery of bread slices to the heating elements.

Previous techniques

In general, a toaster has heating means that can operate either by radiation or by conduction.

In the first case, the slices of bread to grill next to radiating heating elements and thus receive the amount of energy necessary for cooking. In the second case, the slices of bread to come into contact with the heating member by conduction for a time necessary to obtain satisfactory cooking.

In toasters of simple and traditional design, the device is manually fed into slices of bread, arranging the slices in appropriate housings. Improvements have already been proposed to this type of toaster which consist in equipping the apparatus with automatic loading devices. With these loading devices, several slices of bread can be conveyed successively in the heating zones of the toaster before which they scroll.

A first example of such a toaster is described in US 2,714,348. This toaster comprises heating means which include heating members themselves, and a scrolling mechanism which allows the transport of slices of bread. grilled in front of the heating organs. This toaster also includes a tank of bread slices. This tank opens near the heating zone. The slices of bread that are stored are delivered as and when under the action of a spring that tends to push the slices of bread outside the tank.

This toaster has the advantage of being able to automatically burn a large number of slices without requiring the intervention of a user. However, it has the major disadvantage of only work for slices of bread perfectly flat, type "toast". Indeed, the arrangement of the heating means and the geometry of the tank can in no way adapt to slices of bread of a certain thickness, or which have various shapes.

In addition, the pressure exerted on the slices by the spring located at the bottom of the tank is a source of crushing slices of bread, which is detrimental to the good cooking and presentation of the toast.

Another type of automatic toaster has also been proposed in GB 2,308,291. Such a toaster comprises horizontal heating elements in front of which a conveyor belt circulates. This toaster is also equipped with a cylindrical tank having multiple radial housings for receiving slices of bread. This tank or charger is disposed above the heaters, and can be rotated. During this rotational movement, each housing passes in line with a slot in which the bread slice falls by gravity on the conveyor belt. Thus, as and when the charging tank is rotated, all the slices are conveyed to the heating means and then roasted.

Such a toaster has the advantage of ensuring automatic operation, but it also has the disadvantage of being particularly sensitive to the geometry of bread slices which must imperatively pass through the slots made under the loading tank. In other words, this toaster does not allow to grill slices of relatively large size and varied geometries.

The object of the invention is to provide a toaster which ensures automatic feeding of the heating means from a large number of slices of bread prepared for this purpose, and which are insensitive to size and shape general grilling slices.

The invention thus relates to an automatic toaster which comprises:

heating means in front of which the slices of bread to be roasted;

- Means for conveying slices of bread to the heating means.

According to the invention, this toaster is characterized in that the means for conveying the slices of bread to the heating means comprises a rotary element conforming to a geometric helix shape, defining a plurality of housing for slices of bread said housing having a length corresponding substantially to the pitch of the helix.

In other words, the toaster has a charger forming a kind of screw between the turns of which can be put in place the different slices of bread to grill. When the propeller rotates about its axis, the different turns move by driving the slices of bread in the direction of the axis of the propeller. The slices of bread are thus conveyed near the heating means by virtue of the rotary element which forms in a way an Archimedean screw. Such a helical screw is relatively insensitive to the dimensions of the slices of bread to move, which allows it to adapt to different types of bread or at least different slice geometries.

It is recalled that the geometric definition of a helix is ​​that of a curve whose tangents form a constant angle with a given direction. In the case of a circular helix, corresponding to the case where the helix is ​​included in a cylinder of revolution, the helix is ​​characterized by its axis and its radius, its direction of winding and its pitch which corresponds to the constant length which separates two consecutive points of intersection of the curve with a fixed generator located on the cylinder.

Additionally, the heating means include drive means in scrolling bread slices. In this way, after being transported by the characteristic loader, the slices of bread are positively driven to scroll in contact with or facing the heating organs themselves.

In practice, the scrolling of bread slices in front of the heating elements can be carried out either vertically or horizontally.

Thus, when the scroll is horizontal, the slices of bread are conveyed by the characteristic loader on a lateral side of the heating means, then supported by them. Conversely, when the scrolling bread slices is done vertically, the characteristic loader moves the slices of bread to grilling near the top of the heating means.

Subsequently, the slices are moved vertically by the scroll means, possibly after a slight displacement by gravity.

In a preferred form, the axis of the characteristic propeller is inclined in a horizontal plane of a non-zero angle α relative to a perpendicular to the plane of travel of the bread slices in the heating means. In other words, thanks to this arrangement, the bread slices out of the loader being optimally oriented to penetrate inside the heating means.

More precisely, the angle α that forms the axis of the helix can be deduced from the pitch and the radius of the helix, as well as from the thickness of the bread to be grilled. According to another characteristic of the invention, when the scrolling of the slices in the heating means is carried out vertically, the axis of the helix may advantageously be inclined in a vertical plane, of a non-zero angle β with respect to the horizontal. This angle is oriented so that the axis of the propeller is oriented upwards in the direction of advancement of bread slices. In this way, the slices of bread present in the feeder are given a vertical inclination such that the sliding towards the heating means is optimized. Indeed, it is necessary to prevent slices of bread from tipping forward when

Advantageously in practice, it is also possible at the level of the feed means, a stop located at the end of the rotary member, adapted to prevent tilting of bread slices when they reach the end of the rotary member .

This prevents any unexpected movement of bread slices forward which could cause their fall outside the heating means.

In an advantageous form, the toaster according to the invention may also comprise means for storing slices of bread from a heating means or for moving them to a receptacle. The slices of bread are then moved from their exit of the heating means to an area for their accumulation.

In a preferred form, the means used to store or move the slices to the receptacle in question are formed by a second rotating element in a geometric helix shape. In other words, when the bread slices come out of the heating means, they come to take place in the housing formed between the different turns of a second helix. These slices are then eventually routed to the output receptacle. As for the input loader, the orientation of this second propeller can be optimized so that the slices of bread take place in these housings while remaining parallel to their orientation in the heating means. Different variants of heating means can be used in the toaster according to the invention.

Thus, in a first variant, these heating means may comprise at least one radiant heating element, and a conveyor capable of transporting the bread slices in front of this heating member.

Advantageously, the heating means comprise at least two heating members located on each side of the slices of bread to be grilled.

According to another variant embodiment, the heating means may comprise at least one heating roller in contact with which the slices of bread come, this heating roller being capable of driving the slices of bread.

In other words, the heating means comprise a plurality of rollers which form a shell between which the slices of bread are taken during their heating.

Brief description of the figures The manner of carrying out the invention as well as the advantages which result therefrom will emerge clearly from the description of the embodiments which follow, given by way of non-limiting example, and in which:

Figure 1 is a brief perspective view of the essential parts of a toaster with respect to the invention; FIG. 2 is a similar diagram of the toaster of FIG. 1, illustrating the position of the different slices of bread inside the chargers that are characteristic of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a view from above of the toaster of FIG. 1,

FIGS. 4a and 4b are top views explaining one of the features of the invention,

FIG. 5 is a side view of the toaster of FIG. 1,

FIGS. 6a to 6f illustrate improvements as regards the behavior of the bread during its displacement; FIG. 7 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the heating means,

- Figure 8 is a schematic representation of an alternative configuration of the toaster according to the invention.

Way of realizing the invention

As already mentioned, the invention relates to an improved toaster which is equipped with specific means for automatically ensuring the heating of a relatively large number of bread slices successively.

More specifically, and with reference to Figure 1, such a toaster (1) comprises heating means (2) including two heating rollers (3, 4). Of course, and as already mentioned, these heating means can be made differently, and the invention is not limited to this single form of heating means which has been chosen for the sake of simplification of the figures to allow a better understanding .

According to the invention, this toaster (1) also comprises a charger (5) located upstream of the heating means (2), which is intended to continuously supply the heating means (2) in slices of bread to grill.

This charger is therefore independent of the heating means; the toaster thus comprises, if necessary, for example in the case of a scrolling toaster, means for driving bread in motion in front of the heating means.

More specifically, this charger (5) comprises a rotary element (6) matching a geometric helix shape. This rotary element (6) has an end (7) located substantially vertically above the heating means (2).

The opposite end (8) of the rotary member (6) is located at the axis

(9) of the propeller, and is connected to a rotational drive motor (10). The helical rotating element (6) defines a plurality of housings (1 1) between each of these turns (12). These housings (1 1) have a length substantially corresponding to the pitch of the propeller. The pitch of the propeller can vary from one model to another depending on the type of bread to be grilled. Thus, for slices of bread type bread or toast, the pitch will be lower than that observed on a toaster for grilling thicker slices.

The rotatable element (6) in the form of a helix may consist of a metal rod, wound in the form of a screw. This rod may be stainless steel or a material compatible with food contact. The capacity of the charger (5) can range from a few slices to more than ten.

In the form illustrated, the loader (5) also comprises a fairing (13) for lateral guidance of the bread slices. This fairing (13) can be completed by a lower plate (14) intended to prevent the fall of bread slices. Of course, the shape of the different fairings can be adapted according to the capabilities of the charger and for aesthetic considerations.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the toaster (1) can be equipped with a second rotatable element (20) in the form of a helix, intended to ensure the recovery of bread slices after their passage in the means of heating (2). More specifically, this second rotary element (20) may be identical to the first, as illustrated in particular in Figures 2 and 3, without this being mandatory. Figure 1 shows, as such, a second rotary element mounted in the opposite direction of the first. This second element (20) rotates also defines a plurality of housings (21) between each of its turns (22), one of which is located (23) directly above the heating means (2). This second rotary element (20) is also associated with a motor (24) which makes it possible to rotate in a direction causing the

In the form illustrated in FIG. 1, the second feeder (25) makes it possible to route the toasted bread slices to a specific receptacle (26). However, this receptacle is not required, and the toasted bread slices can be stored in the output feeder (25).

The diagram of Figure 2 illustrates how bread slices move from the top loader to the heating means. Thus, when the slices of bread (30) are pushed by the characteristic propeller (6) towards the heating means (2) in the direction F₃₀they reach the end of this rotary element (6) which lies directly above the heating means (2). Subsequently, and by gravity, the end slices (31) fall in the direction F₃ι, until their lower side comes into contact with the heating rollers (2) which cause the slices of bread according to the scroll plane (34).

These rollers (2) are driven by means which are suitably synchronized with the drive motor of the propeller (6) of the upper loader (5). In this way, the slices of bread are delivered to the heating means when the latter have had time to grill the previous slice.

In order to properly drive the bread slices, the rollers 3 and 4 are driven in rotational movements, respectively R₃ and R₄, contra rotary.

The second rotating element (20), driven by a rotational movement R20, then makes it possible to recover the slices of toasted bread (40) as and when they are cooked, by moving them between the turns of the rotary element ( 20) in a direction F ₀.

Figures 3, 4a and 4b illustrate some particular constructional details for optimizing the operation of the toaster.

Thus, and as shown in FIG. 3, the axis (9) of the propeller (6) of the upper loader (5) is not perpendicular to the plane (34) of the slices being moved inside the means of heating. Indeed, the slices of bread are arranged between the turns of the propeller.

According to the characteristics of the helix, and in particular its radius R and its pitch P, but also according to the thickness of the slices of bread to grill, the latter rest against the turns and are oriented at a certain angle when the propeller is rotating.

In order to ensure proper introduction of the bread slices between the rolls, the device is designed such that the bread slices progress in the magazine being parallel to the scroll plane (34). Slices of bread, when they arrive near the heating means

(2), are therefore substantially parallel to the scroll plane (34).

More specifically, the axis (9) of the helix (6) forms with the perpendicular (35) to the plane of travel (34) an angle α of about 20 °. This angle α thus corresponds to the angle between the axis (9) of the rotary element (6) and a perpendicular to the axis of the heating means (2). This arrangement allows a good introduction of bread slices (31) between the heating means without risk of blockage or stuffing. This angle α can therefore be deduced from the measurement of the pitch P and the radius R of the helix (6), as well as the thickness of the slices of bread to be grilled.

FIG. 4a partially resumes FIG. 3 and shows the orientation α of the axis (9) of the helix (6) with the perpendicular (35) to the plane of advance of the bread slices (30) (substantially identical the plane of scroll of the bread between the rolls).

By arranging slices of bread (301) of greater thickness than the slices (30), as illustrated in FIG. 4b, said slices are then oriented differently from the slices (30). It is therefore necessary for the advance of the slices of bread to remain parallel to the plane of travel of the bread between the rollers, to reduce the angle that the axis (9) of the helix (6) with the perpendicular ( 35) to the plane of advance of bread slices (301) to a value α ', compared to the angle α of Figure 4a. In a simplified version of the invention, this angle is fixed and results from a compromise that is essentially a function of the thickness of bread most used, according to eating habits.

Advantageously, in order to ensure this parallelism between the advance of the bread and the plane of travel of the bread between the rollers, an angular adjustment device of the loader relative to the heating device may be provided, for example by an angular deflection centered on the heating device.

The same orientation provisions of the axis of the propeller can be applied to the lower loader (25) ensuring the recovery slices of toast (40).

To improve the displacement of the slices, it is possible to provide lateral guides (17, 18) arranged on either side of the propeller (6). These lateral guides

(17, 18) prevent slices of bread from moving laterally, and leaving the propeller (6). These lateral guides (17, 18) can then advantageously be adjustable in width to accommodate different types of bread slices.

Figures 6a to 6d illustrate this principle. FIGS. 6a and 6c show, in a view from above, two positions of the guides (17, 18) according to the size of the bread slices (30, 300), which results in a spacing between the guides, respectively denoted di, d₂. Figures 6b, 6d are front views of the device corresponding respectively to Figures 6a and 6c.

The height of these lateral guides (17, 18) is determined according to the height of the bread slices that can be roasted by the toaster according to the invention. For some models, the input loader may also include anti-tilt stops intended to come into contact with the slices in their upper part, to prevent them from tipping laterally. FIGS. 6e, 6f show, in a front view and a profile view, such stops, which can be directly associated with the lateral guides (17,

18), or else be integral with the fairing (13) of the loader (5), as shown in dashed lines, and allow the lateral holding of bread slices (400) of high height.

The axis (9) of the helix (6) can also be oriented in a vertical plane, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In this configuration, the axis (9) of the helix (6) forms an angle β with the horizontal (19). The axis (9) of the propeller (6) and therefore the lower plate (14) of the upper loader (5) are slightly upward in the direction of movement of the bread slices.

In this way, the slices of bread (30) are more inclined relative to the vertical than if the axis (9) of the propeller was exactly horizontal.

Thus, slipping bread slices (30), when they arrive at the end of the propeller (6), is without risk of tilting. This risk of tipping is greatly reduced by the presence of a transverse stop (37) located at the end of the upper loader (5), as illustrated in FIG.

Thus, at the end of the upper loader (5), the slices of bread end (31) slide by gravity to come into contact with the two heating rollers (3, 4). The movement of these two rollers (3, 4) then drives said slice of bread (31) at a speed suitable for it to be grilled according to the degree of cooking chosen.

At the outlet of the heating rollers (3, 4), the slice of bread meets a deflector (41) which directs it towards the second helix (20), between two consecutive turns (22). The lower loader (25) can be motorized synchronously with the heating rollers (3, 4). The toasted bread slices (40) are accumulated in consecutive housings of the lower loader (25). In the form illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the heating means consist of heating rollers (3, 4). Each heating roller may include a heating element of the shielded resistor or quartz resistance type. They may also be resistors wound on steatite or on samicanite, or more generally any type of heating resistors capable of radiating.

The heating means may also be made by heating rollers including a shielded resistor. In an advantageous form, one of the rollers may be smooth, covered with a cover compatible with the food contact. The other roller may advantageously be covered with a mesh which allows a good evacuation of the water vapor generated during the cooking phase. This produces a crispier bread.

In practice, at least one heating roller (3, 4) can be movable relative to the other to accept different bread thicknesses while coming into contact with the slices of bread to be grilled. Illustrated in Figure 5, the roller (4) can move transversely in the direction T. These rollers can be associated with biasing means to ensure an appropriate pressure on the slices of bread. It is of course also conceivable, in the context of the invention, to make the two heating rollers (3, 4) movable relative to each other.

A variant of the heating means is illustrated in FIG. 7, in which it is observed that the heating means comprise two symmetrical assemblies (50, 51) comprising a perforated belt (52) circulating in the direction of travel of the slices, as well as a ramp of resistors (53) heating. These heating resistors (53) may be, as already mentioned, shielded resistors, quartz resistors or resistors wound on steatite or samicanite. The number of these resistors (53) can be adapted according to the power of the toaster model. Their number is therefore not limited to the four resistors illustrated in FIG. 7. These resistors (53), which function by radiation, can advantageously be arranged in front of a metal reflector (54) for increasing the heating power. The belt (52) which allows the training of slices of bread can be made from a wire mesh or chain plates, or canvas mats, chain or cable woven.

At least one of the heating assemblies (50, 51) is connected to a return arm (58) for plating the heating means on the toast slices.

In the form illustrated in FIG. 7, the moving carpet (52) is driven in direction F₅₂by a drive roller (55) rotated clockwise R ₅, and passes over two free rotating rollers (56, 57). Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment alone, but also covers variants in which the number of rollers driving the belt is reduced to two.

In a less advanced form, the heating means may include only one heating assembly and therefore a single ramp of heating resistors, and a simple moving carpet. The opposite side of the slices of bread is not heated, but simply receives the contact of the moving carpet.

As already mentioned, the invention is not limited to the only configuration illustrated in Figures 1 to 7 wherein the bread slices scroll vertically inside the heating means. On the contrary, it also covers variants which are not described here in detail but simply represented schematically in FIG.

In this case, the slices of bread can circulate horizontally inside the heating means. A first charger routes the different slices of bread (60) near the heating means by means of a propeller (76). Thanks to the unfolding of an entrance mat (65) in direction F₆5, the end slices (61) are introduced between the heating means by a vertical side. A holding stop (82) correctly positions the bread slices (61) in front of the heating means. These heating means consist, for the example, of two vertical rollers (63, 64), driven by counter-rotating movements, respectively R₆₃, Rβ4-

The slices of bread scroll horizontally between the heating rollers. They are then conveyed to an output charger (67), with an exit belt (66) located near the heating means (62) and taking place in a direction close to that of the entrance mat (65). The roasted slices are then stored by a propeller (80) in the output feeder (67).

It follows from the foregoing that the improved toaster according to the invention has multiple advantages, including that of allowing automatic feeding, which can for example be programmed, with a large number of slices of bread. The design of the feeder is such that it is compatible with different thicknesses and geometries of slices of bread.

Toasting can be done continuously if the top feeder is fed regularly. Nevertheless, this toaster is also able to grill a single slice if necessary. In addition, the toaster according to the invention may comprise several charging and heating mechanisms juxtaposed, to be compatible with different types of bread slices.