Mass distribution device and molding device

The invention relates to a mass distribution device for delivering a foodstuff output mass to one or more mold drum recesses for forming products from said mass, the apparatus comprising a base member that extends partially around a cylindrical drum circumference. The base member has an insertion area through which the mass is fed into the recesses. The invention further relates to a forming device and a method of operating a mass distribution device according to the invention.

[0002] Devices for distributing the mass of the starting material of a foodstuff to one or more cavities are known to the person skilled in the art from, for example, WO 2010/110655. These devices, however, have a disadvantage which, especially in the case of products with fibers, e.g. a turkey, means that they tend to rotate in the direction of the product flow; i.e. in the case of a drum, the fibers will orient themselves in the direction of rotation of the drum. During cooking, these fibers will shrink in the length direction and thus will deform the product e.g. from a round to an oval shape, which is not desirable. EP 2 595 489 A1 also discloses a mass distribution system, which is, however, relatively complicated.

It was therefore an object of the invention to provide a mass distribution device that does not have the disadvantages of the prior art devices.

[0004] This problem is solved by the mass distribution device according to claim 1.

[0005] The invention relates to a device for distributing a mass for delivering a mass of an exit material of a foodstuff. The mass is especially a meat mass, e.g. beef, turkey or the like. This mass is pressed into one or more recesses of the rotating mold drum and formed into products, especially patties.

[0006] The mass distribution device according to the invention comprises a base member that extends at least partly around the outer circumference of the cylindrical drum. The base member includes an insertion area through which the mass is fed into the mold drum recesses. This drum rotates continuously or intermittently. According to the invention, the base member now includes in the insertion area a plurality of holes through which the mass is pressed into the recesses. The base member may be made of metal or plastic, with metal being preferred.

[0007] Thanks to these openings, the mass is not oriented in the molded products and therefore, in the event of shrinkage during cooking, the product shrinks evenly. The base member may be made of metal or plastic, with metal being preferred.

[0008] The base member preferably comprises a pattern of holes per recess.

- 2 The openings in the system are preferably distributed at equal distances. The openings may have any cross-section known to those skilled in the art, with round holes or openings with a rectangular or square cross-section being preferred. The round holes are preferably drilled in the base member. The holes may have a uniform cross-section on their entire length. In another preferred embodiment, the openings coincide with their inflow to the outflow or vice versa. Each hole may be partially convergent and may comprise a partially uniform cross-section. The edge of each opening at the inlet and / or outlet is preferably at least partially unrounded but sharp to facilitate cutting.

[0009] Preferably, the holes in the base member are arranged in the region of the recess below, i.e. the hole pattern has substantially the same shape as the cross-section of the recess below. This preferred embodiment has the advantage that the leakage of the meat mass between the surface of the drum and the base member is limited.

[0010] In another preferred embodiment, the openings in the base member extend substantially over its entire width. This embodiment has the advantage that the base member is suitable for a variety of differently shaped recesses.

[0011] During filling, the drum can rotate and / or be stationary. In the first case, it may be desirable that the extent of the rows in the base member in a direction parallel to the direction of rotation be smaller than the dimension of the recesses parallel to the direction of rotation of the drum. In the case where the drum rotates while the recesses are filled with the mass, basically only one row of holes is needed in the base member. The recesses move in this row and are filled during their movement. However, it may be desirable to provide one or more rows of holes in the base member.

[0012] The openings in the base member may have all the same length and / or the same section. However, the openings may also have different lengths and / or cross-sections thereof. In the case where the openings differ in length, it is preferred that the cross-section increases with the increasing length of the openings so that all openings have the same flow resistance.

[0013] The base member is preferably provided as removable, so that, for example, a suitable base member for the respective meat and / or mold can be selected.

[0014] The base member is preferably made of several parts. More preferably, each hole pattern or hole pattern is / are provided as a separate part, preferably as an insert, which can be attached to the base member, such that for example a suitable hole pattern for the respective meat and / or mold can be selected.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, especially for pulp containing fibers, it is preferred that the mass spreading device according to the invention comprises a cutting member in the insertion area adjacent to the base member that interacts with the base member, in particular to cut the pulp fibers. The cutting member is preferably made of metal, especially steel. In a preferred embodiment, the cutting member comprises a hole pattern arrangement, which holes are more preferably arranged as openings in a corresponding arrangement in the base member. While the edges of the cutting member on the mass inlet may be rounded, it is preferred that the edges of the openings

- the third cutting member at the border with the base member is sharp so that they can mate with the edges of the holes in the base member. The cross-section of the openings in the base member can be identical to the cross-section of the openings in the base member. In a preferred embodiment, however, the cross-section of the openings in the cutting member differs from the cross-section of the openings in the base member with its size and / or its shape.

The cutting member is preferably provided as replaceable, so that, for example, a suitable cutting member for the respective meat and / or mold can be selected.

[0017] The cutting member is preferably made of several parts. More preferably, each hole pattern or hole pattern is / are provided as a separate part, preferably as an insert that can be attached to the cutting member, so that, for example, a suitable hole pattern for the respective meat and / or mold can be selected.

[0018] The mass spreading apparatus preferably comprises displacement means that are used to move the cutting member relative to the base member, thereby achieving a mass cut. The cutting member is preferably reciprocated between the two positions.

[0019] The cutting member is preferably a flat or curved plate.

In the case where the base member comprises inserts, the inserts are preferably pressed against the drum by a pressing element, e.g. a spring, or an adjustable pressing element, so that the pressing force of the insert to the drum can be selected.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the mass distribution device comprises a housing. The housing and / or the base member defines the filling chamber into which the mass is pressed, e.g. by a pump or screw shaft, before it is forced through the openings in the region of insertion of the base member and then into the cavity. Preferably, in this filling chamber there are one or more inserts that hold and preferably press the cutting member against the base member to avoid mass transfer between the cutting member and the base member.

[0022] In the filling area, preferably at the base member, and even more preferably at the base member inserts, separation means, especially a knife, may be provided, for example for distributing the mass flow of the meat and / or avoiding the formation of bridges from the meat mass. The separation means can be provided homogeneously with the insert or as a separate element that is attached to the insert.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the cutting member is used not only for cutting the mass, but also as a valve for increasing the flow resistance of the mass distribution device. This can be achieved by at least partially covering the entry area of ​​the openings in the base member by the cutting member. In a preferred embodiment, when filling the cavities is completed, the cutting member covers the entrance area of ​​the base member at least substantially all to avoid further squeezing of the mass in the recesses and / or to avoid overloading the depressions.

[0024] According to the invention, the mass distribution device comprises a clamping member,

- which is at the inside of the base member, i.e. on the side that faces the drum. The pressure member at least partially contacts the peripheral surface of the drum. More preferably, the pressure plate is pressed against the circumferential surface of the drum. The pressure member is generally used to avoid mass leakage from the drum filling area. Preferably, one pressure member is arranged on the upstream side and one pressure member on the downstream side of the drum filling area. The pressure member on the downstream side of the drum can also be used to maintain a certain pressure in the recess of the drum after it has been filled with the mass. The pressure member is preferably a plate, preferably a bent plate, more preferably a susceptible bent plate, which is preferably made of plastic and, what is even more advantageous,

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises at least one pressing element and / or at least one gasket which are between the base member and the clamp member. The seal ensures that no mass escapes from the filling area and preferably presses the clamp member against the drum. The pressure elements press the clamp member against the drum. The pressure members may for example be O-ring seals.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure elements and / or sealing elements are adjustable in size to increase or decrease their ability to be tightened or pressed. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure and / or sealing means are hollow O-rings that can be filled with a medium, e.g. air or water, and which can be reversibly extended depending on their internal pressure. The skilled person will realize that the sealing or pressing effect can be applied by the same element.

[0027] The mass distribution system according to the invention is particularly suitable for a forming device.

[0028] Another object of the invention is therefore a forming apparatus for molding products from a mass of foodstuff starting material comprising a mold drum that can be moved in the direction of travel by means of drive means that holds on its outer circumferential circumference at least one recess and device for spreading the mass according to the invention, for spreading the mass into one or more pits.

[0029] Another object of the invention is a method of operating a mass spreading device according to the invention, wherein the cutting member cuts the mass at least once during and / or after filling the cavity.

[0030] The cutting preferably serves to prevent plugging of the openings in the insertion area.

[0031] If the mass, and in particular the fibers, are not sufficiently cut, it is advantageous to cut the mass several times, for example by making several strokes of the cutting member after filling one row and before starting to fill the next row.

On the other hand, it may be advantageous to perform only one stroke after filling

- 5 two or more rows, for example one stroke after filling three, four, five or more rows of pits. This preferred embodiment of the invention limits the loss of the meat structure.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the mass pressure of the starting material of the foodstuff is reduced before, during and / or after the movement of the cutting member.

[0033] Another object of the invention is a method of operating a mass spreading device according to the invention, wherein the cutting member is used as a mass valve during and / or after filling the cavity.

[0034] The disclosure made for the mass spreading apparatus also applies to other subjects of the invention and vice versa.

[0035] The invention will now be explained in more detail by Figs. 1-8. These explanations do not limit the scope of protection. The explanations have a similar application to all subjects of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a forming device according to the invention with a first embodiment of the mass distribution device according to the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the mass distribution device according to the invention.

Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a mass distribution device according to the invention.

Fig. 4 shows the details of the filling chamber.

Figs. 5-8 show different hole arrangements with different cross-sections.

[0036] Figs. 1a-1c show a first embodiment of a forming device according to the invention with a mass spreading device according to the invention. The forming device 1 comprises a rotating drum, in this case a drum rotating counterclockwise, which has a plurality of recesses 15 in its outer circumference. In this case, each row contains five recesses that are filled and emptied simultaneously. The recesses 15 are filled with a food mass, in particular a meat mass, while the drum is rotated and the products formed are unloaded onto a discharge belt 11 that transports the molded products 10, here patties, from the forming device according to the invention. For filling the cavities with a mass, the mass distribution device 14 according to the invention is used. The device comprises a base member 2, here a base plate that partially covers the outer perimeter of the drum. The base member may be made of metal or plastic. The base member includes, here in its center, an insertion area 26 through which the mass is forced into the recesses 15. According to the invention, as can especially be seen in Fig. 1c, the base member 2 includes in its insertion area 26 a plurality of holes, which are in this case arranged in a hole pattern. The insertion area preferably comprises a plurality of hole arrangements, each of which is aligned with the recess. Since one surface of the base member is flat and one is circular, the openings differ The base member includes, here in its center, an insertion area 26 through which the mass is forced into the recesses 15. According to the invention, as can especially be seen in Fig. 1c, the base member 2 includes in its insertion area 26 a plurality of holes, which are in this case arranged in a hole pattern. The insertion area preferably comprises a plurality of hole arrangements, each of which is aligned with the recess. Since one surface of the base member is flat and one is circular, the openings differ The base member includes, here in its center, an insertion area 26 through which the mass is forced into the recesses 15. According to the invention, as can especially be seen in Fig. 1c, the base member 2 includes in its insertion area 26 a plurality of holes, which are in this case arranged in a hole pattern. The insertion area preferably comprises a plurality of hole arrangements, each of which is aligned with the recess. Since one surface of the base member is flat and one is circular, the openings differ The insertion area preferably comprises a plurality of hole arrangements, each of which is aligned with the recess. Since one surface of the base member is flat and one is circular, the openings differ The insertion area preferably comprises a plurality of hole arrangements, each of which is aligned with the recess. Since one surface of the base member is flat and one is circular, the openings differ

- 6 length. In the middle the holes are shorter than at the edge of the system. The holes are in this case cylindrical and arranged at equal distances and have all the same diameter, which is uniform throughout its entire length. Since the insertion area 26 is in this case flat and the side of the base member facing the drum is round, the openings differ in part in length. In the immediate vicinity of the base member 2, in the insertion area, the forming device according to the invention comprises a cutting member 6, here a cutting plate. The cutting member also includes a hole pattern. The cutting member is provided as sliding, as illustrated by the double arrow in Fig. 1c. During this shifting movement, a cut occurs at the border between the cutting member 6 and the top of the base member 2 to cut, for example, fibers in bulk. The movement of the cutting member 2 is applied by motor means 23, which push the cutting plate 6 back and forth, preferably once during and / or after filling a row of pits. The cutting member 6 can be used not only for cutting the mass, but also as a valve that increases / decreases the flow resistance of the forming device by covering at least partially the openings 12 in the base member 2 by means of the cutting member 6. The forming device according to the invention preferably comprises a housing 4 which is connected to a mass feeding means, e.g. a pump or a screw shaft, which introduces the mass into the filling chamber 20 defined by the housing 4 and / or the base member 2.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a forming device according to the invention. In principle, reference can be made to the disclosure of Fig. 1c. In this case, however, the diameter of the openings 12 differs in that the holes of increasing length comprise a rising diameter to ensure that the resistance of flow of all openings 12 will be substantially the same. In the middle, the diameters of the holes 12 are smaller than at the periphery. The diameter is uniform in this case over the entire length of the holes.

[0038] Fig. 3 shows still another embodiment of the forming device. Again, reference can be made to the disclosure of FIGS. 1c and 2. However, in this case, the insertion area 26 of the base 2 and thus the cutting member 6 are bent, so that all openings 12 are preferably of the same length and same diameter, which in this case is uniform throughout the entire length of the openings.

[0039] Figs. 4a and b show the details of the filling chamber 20. The filling chamber 20 here comprises two inserts 22 with a contact area 21 at their bottom. The contact area contacts the cutting member 6 and holds the cutting member down, in particular, presses the cutting member against the base member to avoid mass leakage between the cutting member 6 and the base member 2.

[0040] Figures 5 - 8 show different embodiments of apertures 12 in the base member and / or apertures 24 in the cutting member 6. As can be seen in Figs. 5a-8a, all apertures are arranged in a system per recess. The openings 24 in the cutting member are arranged in the same arrangement as the openings 12 in the base member, even if they may vary in size and / or cross-sectional shape. Holes in one arrangement are provided at equal distances. Fig. 5 shows an embodiment in which the openings in the base member are tapered from top to bottom. Fig. 6 shows an embodiment

- 7 with cylindrical holes 12 in the base member. Fig. 7 shows an embodiment with rectangular or square holes 12 in the base member. Fig. 8 shows an embodiment with holes widening from top to bottom. Figs. 5b-8b show the cutting member 6 and the base member 2 during the cutting operation. The sharp edges of the openings 24 in the cutting member cooperate during cutting with the adjacent edges of the openings 12 in the base member in a scissor manner. As can also be seen from Figs. 5b-8b, the openings 12 are completely covered by the cutting member after cutting, such that they act as a valve which in this case stops the mass flow entirely. Figs. 5c-8c show the cutting member 6 in its starting position. In this case, the openings 24 in the cutting member are aligned with the openings 12 in the base member,

List of numbers:

[0041]

The apparatus shaping the food product, the forming device

The base member, the base member

Clamping means for clamping member for clamping member, clamping plate for cutting member, cutting plate for gasket, gasket around the insertion area, spring element, O-ring, clamping element, spring element, O-ring, drum, drum mold, molded product, means of transport, tape hole in the base plate, the direction of movement of the cutting member, the mass distribution device, recess, cutting edge of the hole in the base member adjacent to the cutting plate, cutting edge of the hole in the base member adjacent the drum, cutting edge at the cutting member, cutting plate side facing the filling chamber, filling chamber

<td>21</td><td>contact area</td>

<td>22</td><td>insert</td>

<td>23</td><td>displacement means for the cutting plate</td>

<td>24</td><td>hole in the cutting member</td>

<td>25</td><td>insertion opening</td>

<td>26</td><td>insertion area of ​​the base member</td>

<td>27</td><td>hole pattern</td>

She prepared and verified

Anna Stenzel

Patent Attorney